Things to do in Central Arizona, Central Arizona: The Best History Museums

This former home of a mining baron became a state park and a museum in 1965.

Houses a collection of minerals and provides information about Jerome's mining past.

The foremost showcase of Native American art and culture in the U.S., the Heard Museum reveals the cultures of tribes in the region through exhibits, demonstrations and live performances and displays the work of contemporary Native American artists. Artists demonstrate their work during the week and musicians perform on most weekends.

The Douglas Mansion has been an eye-catching landmark in Jerome since 1916, when James S. Douglas built it on the hill just above his Little Daisy Mine. This former home is now a museum devoted to the history of the Jerome area and the Douglas family. The museum features photographs, artifacts and minerals in addition to a video presentation and a 3-D model of the town with its underground mines. There are more displays outside along with a picnic area offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Verde Valley.

Home of the Centennial Museum, celebrating more than 100 years of Arizona history. Exhibits focus on the history and growth of Central Arizona, particularly the metropolitan Phoenix area. Walk through exhibits that take you from territorial days through WWI and WWII, to modern times. Hands on exhibits for kids, gift shop and special programming throughout the year. New exhibits opening regularly.

Celebrating Wells Fargo's role in Arizona's colorful history, the Wells Fargo History Museum is just steps away from the US Airways Center and Chase Field. Exhibits include an authentic 19th century stagecoach, a replica stagecoach you can climb aboard, gold and precious minerals, a replica mine shaft, antique firearms, working telegraph and other artifacts depicting the settlement of the American West. The museum's impressive collection of original artworks includes the world's largest collection of famed illustrator N.C. Wyeth's western themed work. The museum store features a variety of Wells Fargo branded gifts, collectibles and apparel. Tours are available with advance reservations and admission is always free.

This summer escape the heat while embarking on genuine adventure at Desert Caballeros Western Museum! DCWM’s world renowned collection of Western fine art, historic exhibits and engaging education programs highlight the cultural legacy of the American West. Core to the museum collection are prized works of Catlin, Bierstadt, Moran, Remington, Russell, Cowboy Artists of America and Taos Society of Artists. Works by Bill Owen, Maynard Dixon, Alan Houser, Mirna Harrison and more offer an enriching contemporary presentation. With an eye on the horizon, DCWM hosts its nationally revered Cowgirl Up! Art from the Other Half of West featuring hundreds of new works by 58 of the nation's top female artists every spring. Ready for more than world renowned art collections? Meander into awesome life-scale recreations of old 1905 Wickenburg; experience ranch life of the early Central Valley settlers and real Wickenburg dude ranches; discover local gold mining history & Arizona minerals; meet the American Indian tribes of the Southwest by examining their tools and crafts. A dream come true for kids of all ages, our museum offers free GuidePort headsets that tell the vast stories of the true American West! Head ‘Out Wickenburg Way’ to Desert Caballeros Western Museum.