Location: Benson
Top Things to do in Benson
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The 6 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Benson, Arizona (AZ)
Benson is a city in Cochise County, Arizona, United States, 45 miles (72 km) east-southeast of Tucson. It was founded as a rail terminal for the area, and still serves as such. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 5,105.
Restaurants in Benson
1. Double R Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 341 reviews
How do you summarize Double R Guest Ranch...we offer some of the best and most scenic horseback riding in Arizona. Our well trained horses will carry you over the same trails that famous Apache Indian Chiefs Geronimo and Cochise once rode. Double R Ranch offers exceptional horseback riding in the mountainous rugged Arizona terrain surrounding the ranch. Whether you’re an experienced rider or it’s your first time in the saddle, we’ll make sure you get exactly what you’re looking for! Beginners can enjoy a leisurely ride on the gentle trails surrounding the Ranch–and riders with more experience will have opportunities for different guided rides in the surrounding mountains. Many of our mountain trails will challenge even the most advanced riders. We have trail rides for beginners, intermediate and more advanced riders. If you are someone who seeks the adrenaline rush of a faster paced ride and don't want to ride "nose to tail", we offer fast rides where you will be loping (canter) and galloping, that will be sure to satisfy that urge. As one guest recently put it..."As children we dreamed it, as adults we lived it" at Double R Guest Ranch. Where the West once was and still is.
Reviewed By Exploration283205
Came for a three day stay in our 35 ft RV for our grandaughters birthday/ Christmas gift. She is 15 and had a great time camping and going on rides. The sunset ride was spectacular and the others rides are so much fun, as they have a great endless trail system through beautiful mountain desert terrain. The horses are very well trained and fitted to your riding ability and experience. Owner, Ron, is experienced and knowledgeable on all levels of horsemanship. He is friendly, accommodating and brings his love of horses to everyone. He has great wranglers to help in any way, and a team of dogs that welcome you the minute you arrive, and go out on the rides with everyone. They are quite entertaining. They also have other great overnight accomodations ,with a new beautiful dining room,and a great bonfire pit for evening stargazing.and marshmallow roasting. When you stay here you are truly a part of a western ranch away from the cities noise and stresses.
2. Kartchner Caverns State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,733 reviews
In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their awesome discovery. Since unprotected caves can be seriously damaged by unregulated use, they knew the cave had to be protected. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave themselves. Some members of the Kartchner family lived in Tucson and were very impressed with the development and operation of Catalina State Park by Arizona State Parks. They decided to approach State Parks to see if the agency was interested in acquiring this outstanding resource
Reviewed By 105davidj
We were in Tucson and looking for something out of the ordinary and came across this place. Although discovered 50 years ago, its location was a closely guarded secret until the discoverers and the owners of the land it is on were able to work with the State of Arizona to add it to the state park system. It's really a fascinating tour, led by VERY knowledgable and friendly tour guides. The tour is a little over an hour and is a not-too-strenuous walk. The natural formations, stalactites and stalagmites (I always forget which is which), are absolutely fascinating. The tour concludes with a restful stop at "The Throne Room," complete with calming, peaceful music and ever changing light displays on the rocky outcroppings. Highly recommended.
3. Butterfield RV Resort Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By NECornhusker_D - Potomac Falls, United States
Very clean park. workers daily remove any loose gravel from black top. 2 dog parks are raked and sanitized with pet friendly bleach 3x a week. People bring their dogs to dog park strictly to do their business - although very clean I felt like I was in a litter box. Its not an area to play ball with your pets. Avg sized RV lot and very nice people including staff & full timers. Pool and jacuzzi are being replaced and have been large holes during our visit. On site observatory with a nightly program that is free. Benson has a lot to offer. Many beautiful murals with hidden objects to keep one busy. Small town restaurants and a good location to visit other sites. As others have mentioned the trains are a nuisance. 60+ trains (east & west bound) go through Benson a day. 20% of all US international trade passes through Benson. Yep, had to google stats because the trains are SO loud you can barely talk. Also, learned quickly on our first day that our dog who squatted near the street sign was against the rules and the work camper told me he now had to sanitize the lot. He wasn't on a lot but rules are rules. He told me he can do his business in the middle of the road (which he would never do) and to pick up. We are in the middle of the park so now we run him to the dog park to ensure he doesn't pee elsewhere. As senior citizens this isn't easy to do. Everything about this park is 100% professional, friendly and borders on sterile it is so clean. After 3mo we are finding that we don't notice the trains as much.
4. Benson Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By eshanes - Benson, United States
Being new to the area we decided to drop in and get more information about the area. The young lady working there was friendly and helpful. There were interesting exhibits and plenty of information about the Benson area and things to do in the old train station.
5. Singing Wind Bookshop
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Siyangphova - Tucson, United States
"Hidden gem," "unique," and "one of a kind" have already been used, and rightfully so. If you read for pleasure -- I know, I know, tell me more about the olden times, Grandpa -- and you're within 1,000 miles of southern Arizona, you should pay a visit, no, you must make a pilgrimage, to Win Bundy's bookstore. After you enter the front door and exchange greetings with Chester, a large, friendly, and well-fed Dalmatian mix, ask Herself for the grand tour, which is not only entertaining (wait for her signature line about the "tall" and "short" Californians) but necessary, seeing as how she has jammed thousands of new books into every available space in accordance with a classification system known only to her. I've "paid forward" my original introduction to Singing Wind a decade or so ago by hauling in as many as ten first-timers. I've bought each of them a book, plus one for me every time -- you do not leave a place like this empty-handed -- so that's nearly two dozen sales. Sorry, Amazon. You know I love you, too. Oh, do the lady a favor and pay cash, willya? I can't guarantee she will accept gold, but I wouldn't put it past her. From sad little Benson, which is still waiting for Kartchner Caverns to be its economic salvation (R.I.P., Reb's Cafe), take Ocotillo Road three or four miles north to Singing Wind Rd. Look for the "SW" metal sculpture holding the mailbox on the right, and turn in that direction. If the ranch gate is closed, get out, unlatch and swing it open, drive through, and -- this is good old Arizona courtesy -- close and latch the gate after you. You're welcome in advance! Enjoy your visit. P.S.: TripAdvisor, please add "Multiple Times," "Been a while/Unsure," and "More than 1 year ago" options to "When did you visit?," and/or make that question optional.
6. The Thing
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 214 reviews
What is The Thing? Come and see for yourself. Our new museum is now open and better than ever! Look around the spacious gift shop and purchase a few gifts, a couple of pieces of Indian Handmade or jewelry, pottery, year round fireworks or one of the many other items available at this location. Grab an Ultimate Burger or a cold DQ BLIZZARD at the Dairy Queen located right next door. This location also offers self-serve Shell fuel with 24 hr. pay at the pump service. Are you in the need of Diesel? Get it here!
Reviewed By DDBork - Nixa, United States
A favorite place to stop on our way to Yuma. Beautiful gift shop and our favorite - DQ! We always stop there on our way through for our favorite DQ treat. On our way back home 2 weeks ago, we accidentally threw away a coffee cup holder that our extra key fob had fell into without us knowing it. When we got to Las Cruces, 230 miles away, we realized the key fob was missing. We backtracked and realized it may have fallen into the coffee cup holder and was thrown away at the Thing. We called and they said they were closed but would check first thing in the morning. They called us first thing Sunday morning and they had found it!! They were so nice and were willing to send it to us right away. We received it last week and are ever thankful for the kindness they showed us. Plus saving us nearly $500 for a new key fob! God Bless them and it's nice to know there are good people in this world!
