From tours of historic buildings to over 20 recreation facilities in the Prescott National Forest, there's plenty see and to do in Prescott.
Soak up history
With historic buildings throughout the town, simply walking or driving along offers a glimpse of the state's early years.
On Montezuma Street, across the street from Courthouse Plaza, there is Whiskey Row, which once catered to miners and cattlemen with a bit of a wild streak. Though it burned down along with most of the town in 1900, Whiskey Row was rebuilt in 1901, and many of the bars still stand today.
Nowadays, the Row is a mix of shops, eateries and pubs catering to a more tame, touristy crowd. One pub, The Palace, 120 S. Montezuma, has an especially interesting past since it once touted a bordello upstairs.
Also, scenes from the movie Wanda Nevada (1979), starring Peter Fonda and Brooke Shields, were filmed there, as were scenes from the film Junior Bonner (1971), starring Steve McQueen. Visit the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, 117. W. Goodwin St., for more information on historic buildings.
The Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., which includes the mansion of the original territorial governor, is the most impressive of Prescott's three museums. It was named after Sharlot Mabridth Hall, a territorial historian who became the first woman to hold a territorial office, and has "living history" exhibits and special events throughout the year. (928) 445-3122.
The Phippen Art Museum, 4701 Highway 89 North, features the art and history of the American West, including ancient Indian artifacts and bronze sculptures. (928) 778-1385.
And the Smoki Museum focuses on ancient Prescott culture, featuring Native American art and prehistoric and historic exhibits. (928) 445-1230.
Great outdoors
There are more than 20 recreation facilities in the Prescott National Forest, all within minutes from town.
Hikers can choose among 450 miles of trails. Perhaps the most popular is a 1.75-mile loop trail at Thumb Butte, which features a paved footpath that takes you to the top of the mountain. Other hiking trails are available at Granite Dells, Groom Creek and Little Granite Mountain.
Water enthusiasts have a choice of five lakes within town, where they can enjoy everything from fishing to kayaking to camping. Lynx Lake, a man-made lake about 55 acres, is popular among fishermen and campers. Other options include Goldwater Lake, Watson Lake, Willow Lake and Granite Basin Lake.
Campers may want to try the White Spar and Indian Creek campgrounds, just off Highway 89 near Ponderosa Park, and the Upper Wolf Creek campground near the intersection of Senator Highway and Indian Creek road. Campgrounds also are available at Thumb Butte and Granite Mountain.
For a change of pace, take a drive away from the town's lights, perhaps along the scenic Senator Highway, for a spectacular view of the stars.
Other ideas
Heritage Park Zoo, which includes a play area and picnic facilities. 1403 Heritage Park Road, (928) 778-4242.
As in the Phoenix area, Prescott has Indian gaming. Bucky's and Yavapai casinos are within minutes of each other and both are open 24 hours. 1-800-SLOTS-44.
Soak up history
With historic buildings throughout the town, simply walking or driving along offers a glimpse of the state's early years.
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On Montezuma Street, across the street from Courthouse Plaza, there is Whiskey Row, which once catered to miners and cattlemen with a bit of a wild streak. Though it burned down along with most of the town in 1900, Whiskey Row was rebuilt in 1901, and many of the bars still stand today.
Nowadays, the Row is a mix of shops, eateries and pubs catering to a more tame, touristy crowd. One pub, The Palace, 120 S. Montezuma, has an especially interesting past since it once touted a bordello upstairs.
Also, scenes from the movie Wanda Nevada (1979), starring Peter Fonda and Brooke Shields, were filmed there, as were scenes from the film Junior Bonner (1971), starring Steve McQueen. Visit the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, 117. W. Goodwin St., for more information on historic buildings.
The Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., which includes the mansion of the original territorial governor, is the most impressive of Prescott's three museums. It was named after Sharlot Mabridth Hall, a territorial historian who became the first woman to hold a territorial office, and has "living history" exhibits and special events throughout the year. (928) 445-3122.
The Phippen Art Museum, 4701 Highway 89 North, features the art and history of the American West, including ancient Indian artifacts and bronze sculptures. (928) 778-1385.
And the Smoki Museum focuses on ancient Prescott culture, featuring Native American art and prehistoric and historic exhibits. (928) 445-1230.
Great outdoors
There are more than 20 recreation facilities in the Prescott National Forest, all within minutes from town.
Hikers can choose among 450 miles of trails. Perhaps the most popular is a 1.75-mile loop trail at Thumb Butte, which features a paved footpath that takes you to the top of the mountain. Other hiking trails are available at Granite Dells, Groom Creek and Little Granite Mountain.
Water enthusiasts have a choice of five lakes within town, where they can enjoy everything from fishing to kayaking to camping. Lynx Lake, a man-made lake about 55 acres, is popular among fishermen and campers. Other options include Goldwater Lake, Watson Lake, Willow Lake and Granite Basin Lake.
Campers may want to try the White Spar and Indian Creek campgrounds, just off Highway 89 near Ponderosa Park, and the Upper Wolf Creek campground near the intersection of Senator Highway and Indian Creek road. Campgrounds also are available at Thumb Butte and Granite Mountain.
For a change of pace, take a drive away from the town's lights, perhaps along the scenic Senator Highway, for a spectacular view of the stars.
Other ideas
Heritage Park Zoo, which includes a play area and picnic facilities. 1403 Heritage Park Road, (928) 778-4242.
As in the Phoenix area, Prescott has Indian gaming. Bucky's and Yavapai casinos are within minutes of each other and both are open 24 hours. 1-800-SLOTS-44.
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