Things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona (AZ): The Best Museums

March 6, 2022 Jana Sager

Astounding natural wonders, invigorating outdoor recreation and fascinating cultural attractions make Flagstaff the perfect getaway to rejuvenate the body and replenish the mind. Set at the base of the beautiful San Francisco Peaks, and surrounded by lush national forests, the city provides ample opportunity for fresh air fun. Spring, summer and fall bring hikers, campers and mountain bikers, while winter draws skiers and ice skaters. But don't let a focus on the "good old outdoors" fool you. Fostered by the local university, Flagstaff is also chock-full of educational and cultural attractions. Be sure to see the award-winning permanent exhibit "Native Peoples of the Colorado Plateau" at the Museum of Northern Arizona. The Pioneer Museum offers a glimpse of what life was like for the early settlers of the region and includes a 1929 Baldwin locomotive in its collection. The city also has an arboretum and a planetarium. The entire area is a living anthropology and geology lesson, with ancient Native American ruins and stunning scenery at the Wupatki and Walnut Canyon National Monuments, just waiting to be explored.
Restaurants in Flagstaff

14 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-5230 +1 928-774-0465 http://www.westofthemoongallery.com
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

West of the Moon Gallery

2. Fort Tuthill Military Museum

2446 Fort Tuthill Loop Exit 337/ I-17, Flagstaff, AZ 86005-8846 +1 602-569-2333 [email protected] http://www.forttuthill.org
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5.0 based on 88 reviews

Fort Tuthill Military Museum

A Military History Museum in Northern Arizona located within the historic Ft. Tuthill county park. Our exhibits trace the history of the 158th Infantry Regiment from it's organization in 1865 as the 1st Regiment Arizona Volunteers to present day Afghanistan deployment of 1st Battalion 158th Infantry. Features include military artifacts from 1865, site tour of historic Ft. Tuthill, the 158th Infantry Regiment, "Bushmasters " story and Arizona's National Guard.

Reviewed By travelwriter52 - Clinton, United States

It is worth going just to see the buildings of an old base. The museum is contained in two small buildings run by only 4 volunteers. Lots of historical artifacts. Hidden in a county park that also has a adventure course, snow play area (in season), an arena where a rodeo is held. Most of the donations came from an 80 year old man.

3. Arizona Camera Museum

2532 E 7th Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004-3719 +1 267-506-9810 http://www.facebook.com/AZCameraMuseum/
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Arizona Camera Museum

4. Lowell Observatory

1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-4499 +1 928-774-3358 [email protected] http://www.lowell.edu/welcomeback
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4.5 based on 1,931 reviews

Lowell Observatory

We are now in our first phase of reopening! This means you can get limited time, premium access to the Giovale Open Deck Observatory (GODO) These will be private experiences with one group of up to ten cohabitating or co-traveling people. Not only is GODO Premium Access extremely low-risk, it also allows you to experience all the GODO has to offer with virtually no wait times. Stay tuned for more telescopes, in our next phase we will be adding the Clark and Dyer telescopes to the Premium Access experience! Click the link below to learn more about this unique opportunity. We can't wait to see you—welcome back to the home of Pluto! https://lowell.edu/welcomeback

Reviewed By 634lisas - Surprise, United States

We got tickets for $11 on Groupon and it was well worth it even though we were only there in the evening. We arrived just before 8 and saw a presentation on Saturn on the omniglobe. They had 3 telescopes set up for night viewing and we could see Jupiter and all its stripes, Saturn and it's rings and moons and a star cluster that was 222,000 light years away!! We stayed for a constellation tour at 9 which was great - full of interesting info and myths about some of the visible constellations. Next time we will plan to spend the day there as there are talks and presentations running all day long. Perfect for anyone interested in the stars, space or mythology. Highly recommend, even for teens (my daughter is 13) :)

5. Museum of Northern Arizona

3101 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-8348 +1 928-774-5213 [email protected] http://musnaz.org
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4.5 based on 590 reviews

Museum of Northern Arizona

One of the great regional museums of our world, surrounded by tremendous geological, biological, and cultural resources in one of Earth's most spectacular landscapes. With a long and illustrious history, MNA evokes the very spirit of the Colorado Plateau and serves as a gateway to understanding this unique region. Whatever your time frame, this museum will enhance your experience of the richly diverse cultures, landscapes, and ecology of the Plateau. Nine permanent and changing exhibit galleries present Native cultures, tribal lifeways, natural sciences, and fine arts. Ventures and custom tours explore the Four Corners Region of the American Southwest. Award-winning Museum Shop & Bookstore onsite. Self-guided Rio de Flag Nature Trail. Tickets are for a specific entry time starting at 10:00 am, with the last booking at 2:00pm.

Reviewed By 1lacrosse - Yarmouth, United States

We were very impressed by the breadth of this museum. Great staff, carefully designed displays, and excellent presentation of archeology, anthropology, geology, indigenous peoples, ethnography and Native American artwork. Two hours minimum required to do the museum justice. Docents are very helpful to get context for the displays, although individual learning is well facilitated by the descriptions provided. Don’t miss this museum if your travels take you through Flagstaff!

6. Northern Arizona University

S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-0001 +1 928-523-9011 http://www.nau.edu
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4.5 based on 210 reviews

Northern Arizona University

Reviewed By clucumber

We just happened into the university campus and could not believe how big it was! Amazed as a robot scooted along the sidewalk delivering food from a local restaraunt! Saw the original lumberjack that used to be on route 66 and now housed on the campus. Drive carefully as many students present and walkmen or earbuds distracting them from traffic.

17 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-5236 +1 928-773-0958 http://www.flagstaffartistsgallery.com/
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4.5 based on 10 reviews

The Artist's Gallery

The Artists Gallery, started 26 years ago, features a wonderful collection of local artwork. We are a Co op gallery filled with up to 40 artists that all run the gallery together. A wide range of art work is showcased in our gallery including; jewelry, pottery, textiles, glass, oil, acrylic and watercolor artists, fine-art photography, ceramics and much more. A place locals cherrish and tourists consider a must-see stop on their itinerary. Located in the heart of Flagstaff's historic downtown shopping district, we're a half block north of historic Route 66.

8. Pioneer Museum

2340 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-1200 +1 928-774-6272 [email protected] http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/museums/welcome-to-pioneer-museum-flagstaff
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4.0 based on 138 reviews

Pioneer Museum

Originally constructed as the Coconino County Hospital for the Indigent in 1908, AHS Pioneer Museum offers exhibits on the history of Flagstaff and northern Arizona, demonstrations, workshops, educational tours, monthly special events, and annual festivals. The Flag Wool & Fiber Festival is the first weekend after Memorial Day.

9. The HeArt Box

17 N San Francisco St Suite 1B, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-5236 +1 928-600-6290 [email protected] http://www.theheartbox.space
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3.0 based on 2 reviews

The HeArt Box

An Art Gallery and Studio located in the heart of historic downtown, Flagstaff. This warm and intimate gallery, owned and operated by local Flagstaff artist, Jill Sans, focuses on creating conversations and coming together through the sharing of art. In the gallery collectors can view her collection, other local artists and a private collection from around the world. As a curator of unique finds working with collectors to find something special is her specialty. Each month during First Friday the space opens up to visitors to showcase the large Exhibition wall featuring a different artist each month keeping the space fresh. Monthly classes, live events and community supported art projects bring the community together in this unique space.

10. Art Barn

2320 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-1200 +1 928-774-0822

Part of the Coconino Center for the Arts, this 4,000-square-foot gallery features works from local artists.

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