Tumacácori National Historical Park, Historical Park in Tumacacori, Arizona
Historical Park

Tumacácori National Historical Park

Tumacacori · Arizona

Overview

About Tumacácori National Historical Park.

Tumacácori sits at a cultural crossroads in the Santa Cruz River valley. Here O’odham, Yaqui, and Apache people met and mingled with European Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries, settlers, and soldiers, sometimes in conflict and sometimes in cooperation. Follow the timeworn paths and discover stories that connect us to enduring relationships, vibrant cultures, and traditions of long ago.

Arts and CultureCraft DemonstrationsCultural DemonstrationsLive MusicAstronomyCompass and GPSGeocachingFoodDiningGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHiking

Weather

Located above the heat of the low desert, Tumacácori National Historical Park is in the mesquite highlands, close to 3,300 feet in elevation, where temperatures are five to ten degrees cooler than Tucson or Phoenix. Visiting the park in this moderate climate is pleasurable during any season of the year but remember to prepare accordingly. Bring layered clothing and drink plenty of water.

Key Facts

TypeHistorical Park
DesignationNational Historical Park

Official Website

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person$10.00

The park entrance fee is $10.00 per adult (age 16 or older) and is good for 7 days. The entrance pass is valid for seven days.

Entrance - Education/Academic Groups$0.00

Accredited school groups coming for educational purposes are exempt from the normal entrance fees.

Gallery

Photos of Tumacácori National Historical Park.

5 images

Things to do

Discover Tumacácori National Historical Park.

side-by-side comparison of historic and modern scallop-motif doorway

Admire Art and Architecture

20-60 Minutes

The visitor center and museum building was designed to be an interpretive experience that embodied the historic style of the mission churches in the area. In 1935, a group of National Park Service employees mounted an expedition to collect architectural information about churches in northern Sonora. Architectural features such as the carved wooden doors, arched portales, and corbels are details brought from this expedition to Mexico. Find them all!

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pancho the vermilion flycatcher with black hat, bowing, with silouette of church and junior ranger

Become a Tumacácori Junior Ranger

30-60 Minutes

The complex narrative of Tumacácori doesn't have to be dry or confusing. You just need the right feathered guide! Pancho the Vermilion Flycatcher will guide young Junior Rangers through the park. Older children explore the park following a visual treasure hunt.

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apache crown dancers with large head pieces dance with audience watching and church in background

Catch a Special Event

30-120 Minutes

Live events like the annual La Fiesta de Tumacácori, bring history into the present. Demonstrations, performances, and activities can be found for all ages and abilities throughout the year.

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aerial photo of mission grounds with sunrise over mountains in the distance

Explore the Mission Grounds

10-60 Minutes

The biggest draw to Tumacácori will likely be the grand, 3-story adobe church at its center. But a mission was much more than just a church. Explore the rest of the grounds, including the cemetery, orchard, and O'odham ki to get a fuller picture of what mission life entailed.

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bee on purple flower in front of yellow wall

Go Natural in a Historical Park

Nature in a historical park? Yes! The park's many habitats, both natural and cultivated, make its small area proportionally diverse.

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A hiker walks on a trail next to a narrow river, cottonwood trees in the distance

Hike the Anza Trail from Tumacácori to Tubac, AZ

2-6 Hours

Hike through shady cottonwood galleries and mesquite bosques along this six-mile stretch of the Anza Trail between Tumacácori National Historic Park and Tubac Presidio State Historic Park.

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forested trail with hikers in foreground

Hike the Santa Cruz River

30 Minutes

The Santa Cruz River forms a ribbon of life in the Pimería Alta. Whether walking to its edge or along its length, visitors will encounter the fundamental building blocks of nature and human civilization.

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young woman flipping a flour tortilla on an open comal

Indulge Your Senses

A visit to Tumacácori may include a truly sensory experience with one of our historic craft demonstrators. These artisans demonstrate traditional crafts on the grounds of Mission San José de Tumacácori. Demonstrations may include tortilla making, paper flower making, O'odham basket weaving, leather working, or iron working.

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ranger pointing to front of church, visitors listening

Join a Guided Tour

1-4 Hours

Guided tours of various types may be offered throughout the year. In park whose story is complex and nuanced, sometimes a knowledgeable guide can be a valuable asset. Join us!

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