One of the best things about the town of Benson is its weather. It is known for having some of the best weather in the country. Benson was founded back in the year 1880, at the heyday of the mining industry in Arizona. Visitors have the opportunity to take in the culture of the Old West and explore the area’s railroad heritage.
The Benson Museum of Local History
The Benson Museum of Local History is situated inside of a store building from the 1920’s. Visitors can take a step back into the past and explore several unique displays that celebrate the history of the local area.
Guests can take a look at maps of how the town looked in the past, learn about the mining and cattle industry, and imagine how various household goods, mining tools, and old dental tools were used.
The history museum is operated by a staff of friendly and knowledgeable volunteers who are more than happy to answer any questions visitors may have about the exhibits.
180 S San Pedro St, Benson, AZ 85602, Phone: 520-586-3070, Map
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Kartchner Caverns State Park boasts the longest stalactite formation in the world and introduces guests to a mysterious cave world. Visitors can explore a living cave’s bowels and marvel at the site of the tallest natural column formation in Arizona.
The Kartchner Caverns are a massive limestone cave discovered in the year 1974, home to several interesting, such as remarkable formations and minerals.
Visitors can join a guided tour of the cave for a memorable experience in the underground world of caves, offering them a chance to learn more about the delicate ecosystem of the caverns and its formations.
2980 S. Hwy 90, Benson, AZ 85602, Phone: 520-586-4100, Map
Check into the Double R Ranch
The Double R Ranch offers a diverse program of horseback riding for visitors in Benson. At the heart of the ranch are its well-trained gentle horses that help provide amazing trail riding experiences. Double R Ranch allows guests to experience a true Western lifestyle, the kind that most people only see in movies.
Visitors of levels of riding experience are welcome at the ranch to experience the mountainous terrain of rugged Arizona that surrounds Double R.
Beginners travel along gentle trails, while more experienced riders explore the mountains. Trail rides start with visitors being properly matched with one of the horses.
440 W. Cimmaron Ln, Benson, AZ 85602, Phone: 520-212-6943, Map
Gammons Gulch
Gammons Gulch in situated just a bit north from the town of Benson, located within Cochise County’s High Desert.
The movie set and museum prides itself on providing all guests with one-on-one attention during their visit, welcoming small groups and parties as well. Not only can visitors tour Gammons Gulch, but the site also allows independent movies and students to use the movie set for filming.
The Mining Camp and Old Western Town is a combination of 1880’s and 1930’s. Visitors can also see an assortment of old cars and antiques. Self-guided and personalized tours of the Old West Movie Set are available.
331 W Rockspring Ln, Benson, AZ 85602, Phone: 520-212-2831, Map
The Thing
The Thing is a roadside attraction located near Benson. Visitors traveling through the state can see signs that hype up the attraction between Tucson and El Paso, Texas. Many people stop at this site along the sparse desert stretch of highway to see just what exactly The Thing is.
The sight is thought to have been created by Homer Tate for the purpose of sideshows, and is said to be a mummified child and mother. Thomas Binkley Prince bought the Thing during the middle of the twentieth century. He then quickly turned it into an attraction for tourists.
2631 N Johnson Rd, Benson, AZ 85602, Phone: 520-586-2581, Map
Butterfield RV Resort Observatory
The Butterfield RV Resort Observatory includes a 16-inch Meade LX-200 GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope among other features.
The facility is of university quality and is housed within an electrically operated dome measuring fifteen feet in diameter.
Visitors wanting to watch one of the observatory’s free star shows can sign up at the facility’s front office. The nightly show can accommodate up to eighteen people.
Resident astronomers entertain guests with an interesting and fun experience, sharing some knowledge with a bit of humor, ending with a memorable viewing experience. With a 3,600-foot elevation, Benson has some of the best weather in the country.
251 S. Ocotillo Ave, Benson, AZ 85602, Phone: 800-863-8160
Forever Home Donkey Rescue
The Forever Home Donkey Rescue in Benson, Arizona is a sanctuary that is privately owned, situated just east of the city of Tucson. The donkeys, horses, and mules that call the grounds home live at the Donkey Rescue love to be scratched and brushed, so the facility loves for visitors to come and play with the residents. Younger children are welcome to come look at the animals and pet them, but older kids may be able to help with grooming the residents as well. The Forever Home Donkey Rescue also welcomes groups of either adults or children to come visit.
360 E. Rocksprings Rd, Benson, AZ 85602, Phone: 520-212-5300, Map
The Oasis Sanctuary
The Oasis Sanctuary sits on a little more than seventy acres of land, offering a sanctuary for a wide variety of birds with its open-air environment in Benson, Arizona. This building is 1,300 square feet in size and provides the resident birds with special needs with plenty of intensive care and human interaction, with visitors and volunteers welcome. The outdoor aviaries at The Oasis Sanctuary are connected to each other through enclosed walkways, allowing the birds to explore and move freely between them. Among the residents of the sanctuary are macaws, cockatoos, parrots, and several other exotic birds.
5411 N Teran Rd, Benson, AZ 85602, 520-212-4737, Map
Endeavor Art Gallery
The Endeavor Art Gallery is continuously bringing new art exhibit to the public, always providing guests with new and interesting pieces to see during their visit. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from ten in the morning until four in the afternoon, and on Saturday from ten in the morning until two in the afternoon. There is also a gallery gift shop that offers an assortment of gifts. The gallery is run by the San Pedro River Arts Council, formerly known as the Benson Arts Commission. Their mission is to help artists grow and develop their art.
198 E 4th St, Benson, AZ 85602, Phone: 520-586-4630, Map
San Pedro Golf Course
An eighteen-hole championship course, San Pedro Golf Course was constructed in 2003 as a public golf course in Benson. Owned and run by the city, this golf course offers a good golf experience at an affordable price for people of all skill levels.
From the championship tees, the course stretches out 7,187 yards and offers five sets of tees for accommodating all experience levels. In addition to its golfing opportunities, San Pedro Golf Course is also home to Benson City Grille, where guests can enjoy great panoramic views of the golf course and the Dragoon Mountains during the meal.
926 Madison St, Benson, AZ 85602, 520-586-7888, Map
