Location: Benson
Top Things to do in Benson
Countries
What to do and see in Benson, Arizona (AZ): The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. 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.
2. Quarles Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
3. 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.
4. Arena Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
The Historic and Famous ARENA BAR in Benson Arizona,The Rodeo bar sits on 13 acres directly across the main road from the new Walmart, in the center of town. Western Bar complete with Rodeo Arena, grandstands, bleachers, outdoor bars, food shack for events and outdoor stage for bands. Very informal watering hole, guaranteed to make you feel at home while you're have an ice cold drink.
Reviewed By 436megganb
Music, events like karaoke and bull riding, a separate smoking area with great ventilation, and clean restrooms. Every time I've visited, the bartenders have been welcoming, kind and attentive. No pretense here, come as you are! Drinks are affordable and you'll have a good time!
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. Benson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
A stroll through any museum is a walk back in time. What separates Benson Area Museum from many others is the rich history it chronicles here in southeastern Arizona. Everyone knows the story of Tombstone, "the town too tough to die." What many don't know is that Benson, Arizona, just a little more than twenty miles north of Tombstone, was the railroad hub for this part of the state.
Reviewed By billandgretchens - Tucson, United States
We had a wonderful visit to this small, but truly well done museum. The museum has a neat little Gift Shop, and numerous artifacts, displays, pictures and documents. Everything has been categorized into about a dozen different exhibit areas. Outside are numerous individual artifacts including the original horse-drawn school “bus”. All of the exhibits depict the life and history of the San Pedro Valley in the St. David/Benson area. There is a communications exhibit containing and extensive collection of all forms of media including recording, print, photographic, and radio equipment; an exhibit of early Hohokam Native American artifacts as well as prehistoric Mastodon tusks and bones, and the rare Glypyodont skeleton found in the area along the San Pedro River; an exhibit on the tragic/inspirational life of local physician Doctor Matt Hesser who opened Benson's first hospital in the 1940's, and who while driving an ambulance to an accident near Davidson Canyon, was involved in an accident himself, breaking his back, but continued to practice paralyzed in a wheelchair, as Benson’s sole doctor along with his mother Lucy, an RN, until his death; an exhibit on Sid Wilson, local rancher and cowboy, former Buffalo Bill wild west show participant, former mayor of Tombsone, and movie stuntman, who lived to 102 years; an exhibit of Cochise County treasurer, Andrew Jackson Ritter's parlor from the 1850's, with period furnishings and décor; an exhibit on Benson's postmaster from 1896-1940, Leonard Redington, and an extensive exhibit of the Apache Powder Train that transported dynamite from the Apache Powder plant. This little museum is well worth the visit. Curator Judy Lee is often on the premises, and is a wealth of information.
7. 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!
