This is a beautiful view! Who would have thought a faut line could make such scenery. The distance you can see from here is amazing, wish it was a clearer day when I went. I would recommend adding time to stop by the abandoned gold mine on lost horse trail on the way also If you can.

Driving to Keys View from the Hidden Valley picnic area was wonderful! The Joshua trees seemed very dense along this scenic road, making for a beautiful journey. Keys View is a truly beautiful elevation, offering great views of the mountains, the tectonic plate fault line, and the riverbed. Be prepared for it to be very windy up there! You could quickly visit all the main points in about 15 minutes of walking/viewing time, plus the drive time. This is a must-visit place inside Joshua Tree National Park.

Be sure to catch a sunrise view, its spectacular at Keys view!! Their is a toilet up there, cell service at the top of the loop lookout point. Great view of the Salton Sea, San Jacinto and beyond. Parking can be full on the weekends, do not recommend if your pulling a trailer.

I definitely recommend visiting this spot before sunset. Don’t forget to bring a windbreaker or jacket - it can get windy and chilly even during summer evenings. The spot has its own designated parking area, so no need to worry about finding a place to park. The views are absolutely beautiful, as you can see in the photos! We visited in June. 2025 and arrived at Joshua Tree after 5 PM. Surprisingly, we didn’t have to pay an entry fee - there was no one at the checkpoint selling tickets. I’m not sure why, but just a quick tip in case you’re visiting around the same time!

The only thing better than Key's View is to hike the use trail to the north for the big epic overlook higher up. Follow the arrows. Incredible views of the Palm Springs desert and Coachella Valley across to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains.

A beautiful place to visit. I was impressed by the beauty of the place. I will definitely come back.

Absolutely beautiful at sunset. You will not have cell service, so if you feel like you need a map, have it downloaded, but the route within the park was best well marked. I visited in the off season in July, so it wasn’t overly crowded, but I’m sure parking is at a premium in the busy season.

Nice easy trail. Around 1.3 miles loop with only 100 feet elevation gain. You get to the dam around half a mile in, going clockwise. The dam would make for a good sunset spot, but I didn't stay that long. Easy to find parking when I got there around 4:40pm on a Saturday in February. Lots of people at the dam, so didn't wait around to get a good solo shot.

Beautiful hike at sunset! Ending up clocking just over a mile so it’s a short one but still highly recommended. It’s nearby some other good trails in Joshua Tree as well.

Great place to visit, lots of rocks, trees and nature. I always love coming to this place gives me peace and tranquility. I would highly recommend you visit this place.

Very impressive rock formations and a fun trail. It’s short tho only like 1 mile but worth it. It’s one of the prettiest spots unfortunately no water when I went but still impressive and beautiful with the exposed areas. A bit crowded since it’s one of the most popular hikes.

This is easy hike that goes in a loop. There isn't always water behind this damn but when we visited in May there was some water. It made the visit a little more picturesque.

Love the hiking trail around this beauty. Small but nice views. Must take Pictures here if u have kids take them very fun hike.

Sadly, there will be very little water at the dam, but the hike is wonderful. Lots of Joshua trees, boulders to climb and rock cliffs to admire. Be sure to go to the end to see the Native American pictographs. For a few minutes you'll be transported in time. After the initial light climb, the trail is gentle and good for all ages.

Joshua tree and all it has to offer is amazing. In this week's visit, we were planning for the new moon and astro photography. We parked in the lot and walked in to set up the tripod for some long exposure shots. Clear skies, perfect weather in July, summer breeze, and only one other photographer so no light noise! I couldn't have asked for a better set up!

This was our group's FAVORITE stop in all of Joshua Tree! We had an entire sunset photoshoot, met some Europeans flying a drone, built a rock tower, and loved walking around the cacti. Watch your feet so that you don't step on any of them! Come here during golden hour, you won't regret it! There is a nice 1/4 mile walking trail around the garden, with many chances to walk off the trail and approach cacti. Nice parking lot with no water for the public.

It was cool to visit there. There were bees that super bothered us, but other than that, it was cool to see the cacti and panoramic view. Even in 7 AM, the sun was unforgivingly hot.

Absolutely stunning spot! The Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree offers incredible nature and breathtaking views. The layout is perfect, you can easily capture beautiful photos without other tourists constantly in the frame. It wasn’t crowded at all during my visit (a Sunday afternoon in mid-May), which made it even more enjoyable. Definitely a must-see if you’re anywhere near Joshua Tree!

Beautiful garden especially at sunset. Be careful with the small cacti on the ground.

One of the most magical places on this planet. You see nature's magnificent work at its best. Hundreds and thousands of cholla cactus standing proudly in the windy air of Joshua Tree National Park. The best time to visit is during sunset or sunrise when the entire place is cast with the golden light of the desert sun. Now, be careful to keep a safe distance from these 'teddy bear' cacti and don't try to wander off the trail.

My favorite place in Joshua Tree NP. A beautiful garden where you can really spend some time. It's a bit tricky to find the walking paths in between the cacti, as the paths are not very clear/visible. After some time you just get that it's up to you to decide where you want to walk and how far inside of the garden do you want to get. No toilet around.

To start off this review, I would like to say my family and I were very excited to experience the blue water resort. We normally air BNB, but we wanted to check out this spot due to the boat slips and the water slide inside. (Water slide is totally closed down and broken, but they are still advertising it online as it's still open). Once we got to our rooms (3 marina rooms) Rms 1038,1039,1040 we discovered the disgusting conditions below. Our shower hadn't been cleaned in at least a month or more. The shower had mold and orange soap scum all throughout the grout. My whole family had to shower with our water shoes on like we were in the river. The bathroom door was rusting completely thru the backside. (Photo below) There was hair leftover in the shower from a previous stay before we got there. ( Proof the rooms weren't cleaned ) (Photos below) There was also dead gnats all over the bathroom ceiling (photos below) The door knob also fell off my bathroom door on the first day as well. The ironing board had dust about 1/2" thick. (Photo below) Besides the room conditions, the service was even worse. The hostess"Olivia" at the blue water grill was extremely rude to our entire group on multiple occasions. We ate pizza at the deli and everyone that ate it puked later that night. After speaking with management, I was told they would be in touch with me to discuss my concerns about our stay. They took my name and number and never reached out to me. If you want to stay somewhere and feel like a burden to the staff. This is the place! If I didn't have family coming from out of state to stay here with me ( reason for 3 rooms ) and two boat slips, I would've asked for my money back and stayed elsewhere. But there is a no refund policy. This place was absolute trash. And the staff was even worse. Please stay away from this dump.

I planned a trip with about 15 people for my 40th birthday here and one of our main reasons for coming here was the river access and the pool/slide in which i communicated when booking. When we arrived the slides were “deteriorating” and out of service plus the lazy river. The river access was blocked due the races but they only had them for one day. We ended up spending most our time at roadrunner and pirates den or in this casino. Roadrunner and pirates den know how make sure their customers are happy unlike this place. My parents got the Junior suite and their air conditioner kept going out. Had to move rooms a couple times and their security literally has nothing else better to do but to watch you in their little security room, run down and harass you all the time you do something that they don’t like. I ran into a lot of people at Pirates Den that were staying there and they all had many many complaints not only are they harassing but they’re also very rude. No one in that place showed any sign of respect or good customer service skills. The rooms are decent and clean, but there’s a lot of things broken inside of this casino. The owner needs to spend more money on hiring respectable people and on the amenities that they state they offer. I will never return to this hotel again! oh and one more thing watch how much of the ice that you have in your drinks at this place we all had major stomach aches on the first night and it had to have been because of the ice because that’s the only thing that we all have that day and the rest of the weekend that we’re the same..I told Bethany I would give her a shout out as she was the only nice and courteous person here! Bethany is an amazing bar tender!

Usually this place is awesome, however this mid week trip was the worst. The water slide was drained and closed down for repairs I assumed. We made reservations online and paid the same price on a Tuesday as we have paid on Friday and Saturday! We booked through the property website. There was no Internet in the rooms but only on the casino floor, and very limited in the restaurant. The front desk has to be notified by the push of a button and then still waiting without pushing it twice. Mind you it's Tuesday night with a max of maybe 15 people in the whole casino. No bartenders or servers anywhere. The floor supervisor eventually came to tend bar with zero experience but a helpful attempt. In the recent past this place was hoppin, lively and enjoyable. Hopefully it gets back to fun again because it's a great location for lodging with easy boat & watercraft access.

Thank you to the wonderful Manager and all of the excellent Support Staff!!! You helped a homeless disabled PTSD combat vet by providing a much needed hot meal for free when I had no money!!! There are literally NO SUPPORT SERVICES FOR VETERANS IN THIS ENTIRE TOWN!!! But the kind folks at Bluewater showed me favor, kindness, and compassion. Thank you so very much!!! 🙏🏾❤️

Would never stay there or recommend to anyone!!!! I wish I could give 0 stars!!! Place was dirty as hell!!! Had to wear our flip flops in the shower it was so filthy!! Hair on the walls!! Bugs everywhere!! Bathroom door handle kept falling off!! Rms #1038-1040, had 3 rms for all our family 9/20/25-9/225/25....Pizza at deli made us all throw up that night!! We planned my birthday trip there and it was the worst experience ever!!! The manager of this place never got back in touch with my husband after he made formal complaints to her. She said she was going to be in touch with us and never made contact back about our experience... DON'T STAY THERE!!!!

What an absolute horrible experience. First off, the grill. One day it's cash only, one day it's a 20-minute wait because they don't want to fill up all the tables because they are short staffed, the next day it's a 40-minute wait because the grill itself is broken. Then you move on to the casino, no complaints about the payback whatsoever. I'm a big player, and apparently that flagged the system to lock up all of my comps and all of my rewards points so I couldn't use them. Upon check out, I asked as a courtesy since I couldn't use any of my comps or My Rewards that they comp my room instead and they told me they couldn't comp my room because I didn't have any room specials. Well that wasn't the point. The point should have been they had issues and they should have made an effort which would have gone a long way in my head for the possibility of me returning to play again or even staying in a room. But now since they have no clue what they're doing I am never returning again. What a horrible experience and very poor customer service.

Blue Water Resort and Casino Fire alarm went off all through the last nights stay. I would give my room stay a zero but only had one star as lowest rating! Stayed three nights on Labor Day Weekend 2025. Paid over $200 a night for king premium room which fire alarm went off all through the last nights stay. Called front deck at 2am after getting zero sleep from fire alarm going off and lightning up entire room randomly. Front desk could only send security to our room to solve the problem? Security arrived, stated that the problem is a low battery and left as fire alarm continued to randomly go off? After light shined through the side end of blackout curtains, spouse and I got out of the badly stained sheets and lumpy, hard pillows bed to put our vessel from rented slip onto our trailer to drive four hours home ending our vacation. While checking out of Blue Water Resort and Casino front deck, attendant insured us when manager is available later that day, we would receive a phone call regarding our complaint about fire alarm going off in our room and Blue Water Resort and Casino couldn’t solve the problem. No phone call or email or any communication on the matter and it’s been a week ago as I’m writing this review? Blue Water Resort and Casino has the correct email address and cell number because they sent and called confirmation the day of our check-in to notify about Water Slide being closed due to renovation.

We got free ticket to the museum through our local library. The museum isn’t that big, but it was fun! They have a downstairs area that is a replica of a western town in the 1800s.

I discovered this when looking over the culture passes at my local library and I am so happy we chose this. We are fortunate to be less than an hour from here and that makes a great day trip. The museum staff was so friendly and knowledgeable. They take such pride in their museum and such joy in sharing it with others. I'm excited to see them expand and look forward to visiting in the future.

The gift shop is nearby and a great place to pick up gift items. Staff is very friendly. Highly recommend a stop here. (Sigler is their new name)

This museum is awesome. They have beautiful photos and awesome videos. But th best part is down stair their set up is amazing! We enjoyed it very much. 😊

The top portion is just an art gallery...but just wait until you go downstairs into an interactive section of the museum with recreation of buildings, a holograms in a recreation of a general store, a recreation of one of the smallest bars in America, and a saddle you can sit on. Be warned, you are able to fall out of the saddle if you don't balance yourself correctly. Overall a great Western museum that excels most in historical recreations. Staff was also nice and helpful!

An absolutely pleasant experience. I've been to Wickenburg, Arizona many times. This was the first time I went to the museum. Most of all the volunteers were kind and helpful. They had a wonderful Cowgirl exhibit and art show, but don't forget to check out their downstairs blast from the past.

BEST place to see western art pieces! I definitely did not expect any of what I saw in the museum. The museum is pretty large with different exhibits. The sculptures are genius and so are the paintings! The downstairs was also incredibly interesting. The different displays they had give you some insight on the town of Wickenburg and its beginnings and was so insightful.

White Tanks park is only seven dollars to get in and they have some good trails for the family to enjoy. My wife and I took or two boys there and they have kid friendly and wheel chair accessible trails. Overall a great park. Will be returning soon.

Attended a group campout here. (We reserved a group site. ) Hadn't been out here since they paved the roads. Guessing that was 40 years ago since my last visit. Park is clean and well maintained. Bathroom and showers were clean which was great because I visited during the government shutdown and wasn't sure if the funding issues were affecting state and county parks. Lots of places to picnic and camp. Camping is 22.00 a night (dry camping. No hookups). Now that the weather is cooler, I'll definitively be back.

Beautiful scenery. And if you go the day after it rains, you can hike the waterfall trail and see a little arizona waterfall. Great place, plethora of public restrooms, well-kept and maintained roads, nice staff, and definitely a place to visit to hike, camp, and bike.

Beautiful 😍 natural resources, public for everyone to enjoy! Good facilities, well maintained and with family activity areas like playgrounds 😁👍🌵

I love coming to the White Tanks when I'm in town visiting family. I'm an archaeologist and an avid birdwatcher. This park is great for both of those interests. The petroglyphs are beautiful and well preserved. The wildlife pond is great for birdwatching. It's only a 0.2 mile walk there and back. The trail is well maintained and very flat. There is one bench about halfway down the trail, and a few benches once you reach the pond. I saw six new species of birds today, which aren't found in my local area!

The White Tanks have always been a family favorite to hike, have a picnic, and clear your head etc. The trails are varied and can go from easy to very rustic. It doesn't matter whether you go on a sunny day or cloudy day, it's always worth it to get out into nature. Always bring more water than you think you'll need, as it's better to be prepared. Dog friendly, you see many along the trails, with people of all ages. The restrooms are always clean, and the picnic areas ready to be enjoyed as well. Grab a map if you have been here from the entry where you pay, and explore our beautiful state. Wildlife abounds, so be mindful and respectful as you might encounter critters and snakes. No need to be afraid, just be cautious of your surroundings. Stunning views, will not disappoint!

Right now is the best time of year to go hiking! I went on the waterfall trail today. It is so well maintained and the views are amazing!!

Lovely zoo with aquarium, restaurants and animal encounters. It also has a few rides and tours. We went today, 9/8/2025, and it absolutely as dead as could be. The heat was oppressive (but we knew it would be) and most of the attractions were for the summer. We pretty much had the place to ourselves and we really enjoyed our visit. We will be back in the Fall and in the Winter. We watched the Sea Lion show and we're lucky enough to see every big cat in action. The tram ride was wonderful and provided a great little break from walking. Our guide was great! The knowledgeable staff was friendly and available. The only thing that keeps this review from being a 5 is the lack of seating throughout the park and the aquarium. But, truly an absolutely awesome experience!

We had a nice morning here at the zoo. It's larger than we thought...you can walk for quite a while. We went to the sea lion show and it was a hoot. Penguin feeding was ok...not great. The aquarium part of the tour is good. There are 2 or 3 buildings with aquariums I believe. The hands on stingray tank is cool. They actually love to be touched. We learned they call this type of stingray "Puppies of the Sea" lol. There are some food places on site. We had some brisket at the BBQ place which was just ok. We purchased tickets on Groupon...I think we saved $6 per ticket.

We have been wanting to visit this park since we've moved to Arizona 3 years ago. Since it's located in the West Valley that's a big plus for us because we live in the West Valley and most of the fun attractions for kids are in the East Valley I require a long drive. I had a lot of observations about this venue which I will summarize with pros and cons PROS ~Lots to explore- Over 200 acres! ~Unique venue- zoo, aquarium, amusement park rides all in one ~ No crowds- This was our 1st visit. We went on a Sunday w/ beautiful weather. One person in our group said she had never experienced crowds in any of her many visits through the years ~ Sea Lion Show was very well done and included in admission ~ Lots of shade- which ia so nive on warmer days ~ Large variety of animals ~ Free Parking ~ Several restaurants CONS ~ Admission Price is on the high side ~ No family memberships ~ Walking pathways are dirt, so wear good walking shoes ~ No outside food allowed A Family membership plan for locals would be a great incentive to visit. Memberships that include rides would also be great. I would like to acknowledge EMPLOYEE TROY. He talked to us near the Kangaroo area, and told us all about the baby kangaroos. He was very professional, knowledgeable & friendly. Food was very good at the restaurant that we ate at called SLICE. Overall this was a 3.5 to 4.0 experience for me, but I am rounding up to 4.0, because there were a lot of positive things about our visit. Ultimately for local families I think that the high price is an obstacle. We are an extended family with four grandchildren and we are always looking for Great Value memberships locally that we can bring our grandkids to and enjoy throughout the year. It would be such a benefit to so many to create a family type of membership that would allow us to return on a regular basis at an affordable price. The ability to bring food in would also be great because a lot of families do like to pack food to save money. There are a lot of areas where picnic tables could be added. ~ Thank you for a memorable day!

If you are in or near Phoenix AZ I highly recommend stopping here. Although a lot of the enclosures were empty, there was still plenty to see. A lot of the animals were interactive. I like how they have an outdoor section on the right, then an aquarium section on the left. That way you can go back and forth to cool down. I’ve also been to zoos with snack stands but this one has actual restaurants. I believe only the pizza place was open. Which was good but not great for the price and size. I do wish they put more effort into the enclosures for the animals to cool down. Some just had a puddle of water and no shade. I was on the verge of a heat stroke so I can only imagine how hot some of these animals are in the summer. Overall it was a cool experience. You can feed giraffes, go up in the air over a bunch of enclosures, food and gift shops.

We had a really great time here today. Went on a Thursday in November and the weather was great, had a minimal crowd and virtually all the animals were out to see. We started on the right side of the park, walked back to have lunch at Dillons Bbq, which was delicious, and really enjoyed the huge fish tank in the restaurant. We then ventured around the aquarium park and finished up in Adventure Land where we took the tram tour, which I highly recommend. Spent about 5 hours in total at the zoo.

What a great zoo and aquarium. It seems to be slow but it was amazing to see the animals so up close. Monkeys are on little islands, peacocks are rooming freely. They have giraffe you can feed and various animal encounters too.

Great place to see wonderful animals and make memories with family and friends. You don't want to miss the opportunity to feed the giraffes, birds, fish, and goats - what a blast for my 4 year old granddaughter! If you really like going several times a year, be sure to get the membership. The membership pays for itself after 2 visits. There are refill cup options and reasonable food prices. There is also a nice restaurant attached to the zoo.

Lots of great places to eat and walk around. Love the ambience and people watching while eating dinner in the common areas.

Westgate is beautiful. It’s hit or miss if the fountains are working but when they’re on, it’s absolutely beautiful at night. They have some really good bars there. Drinks can be pretty pricey throughout the district, but the atmosphere makes up for it. There’s not a lot of restaurants in there, but the ones that are there are pretty good.

Great restaurants and atmosphere. Parking was plentyfull but can be difficult getting out after events at State Farm Stadium.

Nice place that is foodie galore. A huge handful of the restaurants were Mexican, but they also have Japanese and other flavors there too. There's something for everyone. They have a second floor area too with more fun things to do like a comedy club and places to eat. They have stairs, or accessible elevators or escalators you can take up and down. They also have a steakhouse, theater, and even a gaming arcade. Plenty of parking too. There's also a scenic water fountain.

A large entertainment center includes shopping mall and restaurants. It was hard to to find a parking spot

Wow Wow Wow! West gate Is Such A Great Place To Experience! The People Are All Friendly, The Atmosphere Is Electric and The Food Is Amazing! There’s So Much Entertainment To Enjoy Whether Solo or With Your Family. Have Fun, Be Safe and Be Blessed

Great place to come and chill and relax. Plenty of food places to try out. Our you can just come to watch a movie in imax. Try to avoid it if there is a football game going on (well unless you are going to attend the game of course) because they charge for parking and it's just a big mess for miles in every direction.

The stadiun has a Huge parking lot. Parking close to the building was a mistake, when it was time to leave. It took a long time to get out of the parking lot, and we could not turn the way we wanted to (it was blocked off). The stadium was air conditioned, which felt great. Our seats were close to the end zone, next to the the stairs, so my view was people walking up/down the stairs. Luckily, there was a huge screen to my left, so I watched that. I enjoyed the game (and the Seahawks won) 💚💙

Went here for the Packers vs Cardinals game in October of 2025. Getting into the stadium was quick and easy. Once inside, was a little underwhelming on comparison to other stadiums but still a good stadium. Drinks were good and fans around us were very cool and fun. All around, a great experience (especially since the Packers won haha)

Awesome venue. Ever seat is great. Vendors and service people are friendly. Gate workers super strict. Can bring blankets jackets but took my seat cushion cover because it had a 6 inch zipper. Took the super thin small cover off and the man still said no. Absolutely no way to hide anything in a small thin piece of cloth. Mean while jackets and pants have zippers. Also people let in with extensive costumes which can easily hide objects.

Got hooked up w some tickets. Ended up in Section 105 row 36 great seats. Close to entrance and exit. Parked in black lot short walk to stadium. Purchase parking pass on seat geek in advance. The gentlemen at parking told us Handicap was full but it was not. Parents had to walk further.

We had a great time at the drone show. I do suggest getting there early so you can get a good spot. Getting out of the venue was a bit tough. The exits were choked off so only a few people could get out at a time.

Great place to watch a game. Paid for a primo parking space. Cuz I can't stand waiting an hour to leave, so worth the 60 bucks! Paid for really good first section 35 yard line seats. Very enjoyable. Kind folks. Very respectful and kind to military families and those that stood before us. I liked that too. Will definitely be back. All services and facilities one needs in a stadium, this place has. Clean and newer looking!

Literally INSANE to charge $30 for parking after we spend so much to get into the damn stadium anyways. And the cost of food/drinks INSANE. I truly will never ever understand how this is legal and allowed. But anyways, atleast its always clean when I go, seems to be well taken care off. Cotton candy was stale, but I guess I expect that after paying $22. Thats about it. Its your average stadium, with not so average pricing.

Interesting buildings from the 19th century and small telephone museum, which can be seen in about 1-1.5 hours. There are a variety of buildings like homes, church, dentist office that were either original and moved here or replicas from the late 1880s. Though we couldn't go inside, most had a sign on the exterior giving its history then an open door where you could see the interior contents. Recommend getting a map from the front as there are not maps once inside. We came the day before Thanksgiving and it wasn't busy at all, but did have the modern Christmas decor being put up for the nighttime winter wonderland. It was a bit unusual to see modern lights and frosty displays on 19th century buildings, but am sure it's beautiful in the evening. The workers were very friendly and helpful. Restrooms near the front were clean, and a few cold sodas and waters were sold for $1-2 each.

Some of the buildings looked like they were starting to show signs of neglect, which was a little disappointing. A few houses had open doors or uncovered windows so you could look inside, though they were blocked off to prevent entry. There were still some interesting sights — the miner’s house had old tracks and carts nearby, and the schoolhouse was pretty cool. There was even a wedding happening at the chapel, which added a nice touch. Overall, it was something to do for the price, but I left feeling a bit underwhelmed.

Wow this museum more than blew me away. There was so much to see. In the front room where you check in, there's various antiques. Then, you walk through a small museum of telephones, and the displays are jam packed. From there, you walk outside. If you go to one side, they have a small shaded picnic table and the Spanish mission with murals. On the other side - you'll see most of the old buildings (and the buildings are genuine; the signs show how some of the buildings were moved over too from other sites). You loop around and see various cabins, a miner house, school house, and more. They all have the doors open so you can look in, and there's interpretive signage so you can look more. For animal lovers, they have a rooster pen, a peacock pen, and also goats. I spent about two and a half hours walking around, there was a lot to see! Accessible parking and they do have accessible paved paths, though some exhibits require you to walk up on sloped gravel path.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had such a wonderful time at the Pioneer Living History Museum! It felt like stepping back in time — the buildings, the scenery, and all the little historical details were incredible. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, and you can tell they really care about preserving the history and making it come alive for visitors. It’s a perfect place for families, kids, or anyone who loves learning about the past in a hands-on way. We’ll definitely be coming back!

What an absolutely wonderful place! A fun gander back in history with things to learn and see! Connie Jo greeted us with such cheer and a background on the museum. Very friendly and positive atmosphere! I would definitely visit again! Beautiful area and lots to experience! Thank you!

Oh my goodness! If you love old towns, museums, reenactments, dressing in old western wear, or if you have a class that does field trips in the fall, this is the place for you! We had so much fun. The woman who checked us in was awesome and knowledgeable. The parking lot is massive and gravel. There is an RV park nearby as well as a shooting range if that is something you like to do too. They have festivals in the fall, you can have weddings on site, and it makes for a great morning out and about just a little ways from Phoenix. They have picnic tables on site, and you can bring your water bottles/ lunch bag in with you.

Was looking for something to do on a recent trip to AZ. Stopped in at this site after reading reviews and checking the museum’s website. We arrived to find the entire property was closed. This was a Wednesday when they should have been open. No indication they were closed on the website or Facebook. Poor form not to post an unexpected closure. That is one of the beauties of social media. Wished we could have toured.

Excellent museum! It is a huge place. You wear a headset which plays music as you approach the various exhibits. Exhibits are well labeled and so many interesting details. I loved hearing and seeing people playing the instruments on display via the headset and videos. There is a room where kids and adults can play a variety of instruments. Highly recommend!

Very amazing and educational museum. Would definitely recommend to anyone to go! 2 stories of history and cultures! Plan for it to take a good portion of your day. They have a cafeteria on site that has amazing food as well! Also an interactive instrument room where you can try out some of the different instruments you saw in the exhibits!

This museum is now firmly within my top 5 favorite museums in the world. I was pleasantly surprised at how large the museum is after deciding to visit last-minute. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated and include not only visuals but optional audio for everything you are viewing. With interesting facts about instruments, artists, and music styles from around the world. I only had the chance to see about 1/4 of all they have in my quick 2 hour visit so I’d recommend planing a few hours to come here and experience it all. There is a gallery where you can play a variety of instruments which as a musician was a dream. I’ve always wanted to play a harp and got the chance to do so here! The gift shop had such a fun variety of unique items, I came away with jewelry made from piano strings that I love! And on top of it all, this museum was truly inclusive for folks who need special accessibility accommodations. I recently injured my foot putting me on crutches. The staff kindly offered my choice of a wheelchair or electric scooter at no charge to use while in the museum. I can’t wait for the day I can come back to experience more!!

It is the best museum I ever seen! I am not a fan of music, but I am deeply touched by all kinds of music and instruments from all over the world, hundreds of countries and hundreds cultures. Staff in this museum are super nice, they are ready to answer your questions and provide useful information you need. This museum is not only good for adults, but also great place for kids! If you want your kid to learn instruments, bring kids to this museum and kids will start to fall in love with music. I will definitely come back to this museum again with my kid. Overall, I strongly recommend this museum. It is the No.1 best museum among the hundreds of museums I have seen.

An incredible collection of instruments spanning the globe. Our visit was particularly auspicious as it coincided with the "Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars" exhibit. The violins and bows were exquisite. Plan to spend the day wandering through the various rooms to learn about cultural context and history.

MIM is worth the drive, no matter where you're staying in Phoenix. It's not just for music lovers, but also about history and engineering. We drove up from Tempe with our ASU student - we already plan to go back! The mechanical music room was fascinating and the artists room had so much variety - do not say no to the headphones. The experience of floating in and out of the sounds of the instruments on display really was magic. We finished with watching the short introduction film they offered. After experiencing the museum, it really brought home the universality of music through out all of human history... and it seems all to be represented right there in MIM. Really well organized and displayed: unique instruments, how instruments are made, antidotes from artists, instruments and musical styles from every corner of the world. Love!

A very fun place to visit! I thought a museum about musical instruments may not be very large or interesting, yet MIM changed my mind completely. It not only shows music from different countries, but also demonstrates the deeper cultures behind the music. As the picture shows, “Music is the language of the soul.” I think everyone who love music should visit this place, and you will see a much bigger world!

The best hike in the Phoenix Mountain Preserves area. And probably the busiest. A lot of people do this trail for the exercise. I do it for the beauty. Mother nature. The animals, rocks, cacti, fresh air, the smell of outdoors, and for the exercise. The most popular trail is the one that goes up to the top, which is great. The view from the top is incredible. But the Perimeter trail, which goes around Piestewa Peak is another great trail. A little longer, and very scenic. A really really nice trail. (See the photos) And from the Perimeter trail you can easily take a number of other trail and go to different areas of the Phoenix Mountain Preserves. LOTS of trails. But be careful, it's easy to get lost. Even though you can't really get lost lost. You're in the middle of the city. Any direction you go will take you to civilization.

Currently, some areas are closed off due to construction, but I’m excited to see the improvements they’re making to the park. It’s surrounded by beautiful mountains and offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels. I visited during sunset, so I didn’t get to explore as much as I wanted, but I definitely plan to come back and leave a more detailed review next time!

Beautiful and somewhat strenuous hike up Piestewa Peak. I recommend getting there early for a couple of reasons. 1. Easy to find parking and you beat the crowds. 2. You get to see the sun rise over the Phoenix skyline. It very much reminded me of the Manitou Incline in Colorado but not as steep or as difficult but it does give you a great workout.

I hiked from the Piestewa trailhead walking 302 Circumference / Freedom trail. Sunny and about 69 degrees with wind. The trail is a little rough with quite a bit of elevation changes especially at the beginning. It's a great hike in the city but there are long stretches where it's seems you're in a far off desert hiking remote trails.

Moderate amount of hikers at 6:00 am. Plenty of parking, breath-taking views, clean restrooms and water fountain.

This trail was both very difficult and very rewarding for me. Great views.

Great hike. It can be a little difficult if you're not used to climbing stairs non-stop for an hour. However, if you pace yourself, you'll do just fine. It's 100% worth it, as it is absolutely gorgeous. The sun does beat down on you for the majority of the hike, so make sure you have plenty of sunscreen and water, and try to get out before sunrise. The trail is a little crowded at times, it's still very easy to enjoy the quiet and the views. There will be people trail running, sightseeing and the ones that climb there daily.

Great hike for easy to moderate hike with 360⁰ views. While there is a fair amount of elevation change, the 2 mile trail is very well maintained with steps, benches, and signage. It's a 4 mile out and back or can be through-hiked. The park facility is very good. I'm not a super fast hiker but did the out and back in about 2 hours.

Great 3.2km (2 miles) one-way trail with beautiful views. Gets a bit challenging by the end but easy-moderate to hike

We had an amazing hiking experience here today. Along our way a volunteer, Gary, told us some impressive facts about the plants, trail, and tips to see the best views. He then proceeded to continue the hike as our guide. He made our whole experience better than we could have imagined. Lots of laughs and plenty of sweat was had haha

What a fantastic hike. Absolutely beautiful views. The visitor Center has a place to fill your water bottles as well as clean bathrooms. There is no fee for the parking or for the hike. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water. Like most of the desert There is almost no shade.

Open at 5:45 am Has lot of parking Has restroom Scenic points Shady Can go with family and friends 2 miles one way Moderate and easy Carry liter water

Beautiful views of homes I wish I could afford. Nice pleasant hike but there are some tough parts. Parking lot fills up early but spots start to open up around 9 am.

Fun hike, lots of good views of the surrounding neighborhoods and greater area. The parking is limited, but everything is super well maintained and the trail is well marked. I will say it was harder than I expected. A lot of significant inclines and declines. But a fun hike for sure.

This tour—no kidding—changed my brain. Walking through the property was an expansive journey, and the audio tour was educational and really helped ground me in the space and pull me into the details of Frank Lloyd Wright’s design and philosophies. I can’t recommend this enough for lovers of design, story, and interesting spaces. I left inspired and with an augmented appreciation of the power of organic architecture, playfulness, and of spaces designed to foster community. If any questions come up for you, I highly recommend asking them to the staff present throughout the tour— they provided additional anecdotes and history that very much enriched our experience. My one regret is we didn’t go earlier in the day to be able to take more time soaking up the unique spaces.

It’s really easy to drive past the entrance since the sign blends in with the landscape. So keep an eye out! We took the self guided tour. The property was stunning, and we really enjoyed learning about Wright’s process and the history behind the property. Absolutely beautiful. The gift shop had so many unique items, too! Lots of locally made pieces.

The house in relation to the geography creates an ethereal setting that will leave you dazzled. It's an incredible way to experience Right's genius as you look through a window or a vista and realize that every turn, every view was meant to inspire. The tour goes by too quickly, like a dream you don't want to end. The controlled number of guests is also very important as the interior spaces are smaller than you think.

This was a great introduction to the complex. It was discovery day so the cost was only $5.00 each to go on a self guided tour. All the grounds and buildings were accessible and along the way they had hosts to provide details at various locations as well as answers questions. They also invited some other groups to provide information about their services. They also had some food vendors, activities and music. Free parking was provided and the fee allowed us to stay as long as we wanted. I was surprised that for a Saturday it not crowded and it was easy to view each location and enjoy the grounds.The store has a variety of keepsakes and beautiful creations for sale and the staff are very friendly.

Loved it! So informative and the guided tour was simply wonderful. Hard to imagine how all this was built in this hot landscape so many years ago! Very inspiring! Highly recommend!

Frank Lloyd Wright's genius design skills are at work here. The buildings look like they have always been there, which is the hallmark of his designs. Definitely a must see attraction in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area.

Such a great tour. FLW was so iconic to both Arizona and architecture. We did the hour audio tour which was very informative. This is a must see attraction.

I spent a good while selecting seats that had the best view I was looking for. Their website helps a lot since it warns you if you select a seat with an obstructed view, so be sure to take that seriously! There are a few areas off to the sides (on all levels?) that block your view of half the stage. Just FYI! We enjoyed our evening and all of the staff we encountered were very friendly and helpful. A small bottle of water was $4 but there was also a water fountain handy so I can't complain. A can of beer was $11, but I couldn't find a beer fountain.

Clean well managed place for large events, plenty of views from all seating areas. Great sound system and friendly staff. Bathrooms were very clean. My o my gripe is the parking isn’t amazing here. Parking ramp is a little tight and not super well marked.

Mesa Arts Center hosted a Día de los Muertos annual event in collaboration with the community. It was a great event that had a variety of vendors (food and merchandise), music and dance performances, a community ofrenda, plenty of seatings and it was all laid out through out the art center. We had a great time and loved all the whole experience. Día de los Muertos Festival Oct. 25 - 26, 2025

I recently had my graduation at the Mesa Arts Center and it was absolutely beautiful and amazing. The entire space is stunning from every angle. In my opinion, there are no bad seats in the entire venue. The layout, design, and atmosphere made the event feel so special. The building itself is also impressive and adds an elegant touch to any occasion. I could not have imagined a more perfect place to celebrate such an important milestone.

First trip to this place. Show was a weekday holiday but still not crowded. Parking a breeze and reasonable. Wait time was minimal. Organized, well staffed that were both engaging and very helpful. The auditorium itself a good size for music events. Only holds 1500 people so that controls the crowd. Ample bathrooms on three of the four floors, clean and stocked. Comfortable seats with leg room, good viewing from just about any seat. Acoustically seemed fine. The bar service seemed overwhelmed at times. Better planning on their part needed. Shouldn't have to miss any part of the performancec to get a cold drink. Lines before the show and during intermission were too long. Pricing as you would expect, high.

Wonderful facility for concerts. Plenty to free parking around the area and very helpful staff inside. Comfy, big chairs and room to move around. Great views from any seat in the house. Had to wait a bit until doors to theater opened, but fast entrance through security outside.

This was my first time visiting this venue for the show of Penn & Teller. Comfortable seats and gorgeous, clean venue. Staff running the event friendly and helpful.

I was visiting from Pennsylvania and this was my first time here. We order two pizzas along with spaghetti and meatballs and they were all very good. The organist was very entertaining he took requests and he played all of the songs I requested. It was a great show very entertaining while enjoying our meal. After the show I had a chance to speak to the organist who informed me that he played the famous Wanamaker Oregon which is located in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. The Wanamaker Oregon is one of the largest organs in the world. He was a very adept organist extremely talented and I figured he would probably have known about the Wanamaker. On my next trip to Arizona I will definitely visit again!

Absolutely great place to go have a fun night, especially if you enjoy music and pizzas. I’d recommend the second floor as that way you can look at the incredible variety of musical instruments that are in there. The musician takes requests and transitions from song to song really smoothly. Pizzas are great tasting and very affordable. Self service. You order when you walk in and then seat yourself and wait for your number. It’s a light-sound-puppet-effects show all in one! Look around for the less obvious but interesting details. (One hint- pay attention to the ceiling fans!) Will keep going back there especially when we have friends visiting.

Great place to go with little ones. Lots of tables and space for zoomies and dancing. My daughter’s loud pterodactyl screeches were totally acceptable because the music was so loud. She was able to zoom to her heart’s delight. I didn’t really like the pizza or ice cream and my daughter, who usually LOVES pizza, didn’t like the pizza either. She did approve of the ice cream though. I think it’s definitely worth going for the fantastic organ performance and if you have kiddos who want to dance and screech. A great performance. Mediocre food.

There are places you go for good food and there are places you go for an experience. Organ Stop Pizza gloriously, bewilderingly, hilariously, is both…though not in the way you might expect. Imagine: you walk into what appears to be an unassuming family pizza joint, order a perfectly serviceable pie at the counter, and then step into a dining room that looks like Liberace designed a cathedral for Chuck E. Cheese. The lights dim and suddenly the air comes alive. The walls literally breathe with sound as a massive Wurlitzer pipe organ erupts into being. Pipes shimmer, drums thump, cymbals crash, and a bubble machine (?!) lets loose as the organist (who must be equal parts magician and musician) launches into everything from Phantom of the Opera to the Star Wars theme. You can’t help but grin. It’s absurd. It’s theatrical. It’s absolutely wonderful. The crowd skews… well, let’s just say the average age in the room hovers somewhere between “retired” and “I remember when you had to crank your car to start it.” And yet, the childlike wonder is universal. Toddlers sit open-mouthed beside grandmothers who are tapping their orthopedic shoes in rhythm. Teenagers pretend not to care and then find themselves putting in requests. The pizza? It’s fine. Honestly, it could be made of cardboard and joy, and no one would mind. Because you’re not here for culinary greatness, you’re here for spectacle. You’re here to watch a roomful of people dissolve into laughter and applause under the spell of an instrument that fills every cubic inch of space with sound and nostalgia. Organ Stop Pizza is one of those rare places that shouldn’t work and yet it completely does. It’s pure unapologetic kitsch wrapped in genuine talent and served with a side of pepperoni. A glorious unexpected symphony of pipes, cheese, and delight. Come for the pizza. Stay for the organ. Leave with your faith in weird Americana fully restored.

It’s a unique experience that I recommend you try. Like a piano bar where you leave songs to be played but on a far grander scale with a huge organ and multiple other instruments. The food is good and not over priced. I recommend the PSM but I’m a fan of mushrooms on pizza. The spaghetti is good as well.

They take card now, it's not just cash only. The pizza is fine and the mechanics of the organ are impressive. It's a lot of kid friendly music, I don't think the organist will play any intense sounding songs if requested.

We were absolutely surprised at the skill of the organ player at the enormous Wurlitzer organ and all those organ pipes on different levels of the hall, plus about all the other instruments and the amazing sound. A nice place to come back to for celebration 👻

Really nice, very clean paved walking path around the lake. It is a reclaimed water lake so a little smelly at times. There is a really cool splash pad. A very nice playground. A musical instrument play area. Multiple covered areas to sit at. Such a nice little community surrounding it. Multiple bathrooms and drinking fountains. Parking was pretty easy.

Absolutely beautiful! The fountain is breathtaking to watch, especially when it shoots high into the sky — it’s the perfect centerpiece of the town. The park itself is very clean, peaceful, and well-maintained, with plenty of walking paths, green spaces, and spots to relax by the lake. It’s a great place for families, couples, or even just to enjoy some quiet time outdoors. Whether you come for a picnic, a walk, or just to see the fountain, it never disappoints. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area! 🌿💧✨

Very nice and peaceful park with a nice walking trail and a Frisbee golf course. It's a well maintained park with nice bathrooms and plenty of benches. Come right before the top of an hour and watch the magnificent fountain for 15 minutes. I've visited twice now and I enjoy this park.

I was heading out of town but wanted to see th famous fountain. Found out it only goes off every hour on the hour for 15 mins. When I drove up it had already been going off for 8 mins. It is beautiful. Neat to see. They cut it off and water comes cascading down. I found that they normally only run 2 pumps so it shoots up about 300'. Only on special occasions do they use 3 pumps to get it 500 or so feet. Which I'm sure would be awesome. If you are in the area check it out. Parking was easy off a side street. Looked like the surrounding grounds were home to disk golf. And FYI the grass was sopping wet in certain areas so be mindful of that when waking to the waters edge.

The park was super relaxing and peaceful. It had a wide variety of birds, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I especially loved watching the Red-winged Blackbirds and the vibrant red patches on their wings. The park was clean, and thanks to the fountain, there was a refreshing breeze that felt amazing—especially in the Arizona heat.

Beautiful and excellently maintained park and lake and mile plus trail around it. Although I live 20 minutes away, I'll drive there often for a walk with wife and dog. People (and dogs) are always friendly and courteous. Get there on the hour in the evening so you can watch the fountain for 15 minutes.

Visited Fountain Hills, Arizona around noon in early October. The weather was pleasant, and the place was calm and scenic. Plenty of open spaces and activities for kids — a great spot for a relaxing family outing.

I've been to a few dinner shows, and this was probably one of the best ever! Let's start with the food. I was expecting "cafeteria style" average food. Nope! It was a very delicious pot roast with mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, salad, and a dinner roll. Oh, and did I mention they also had BBQ pork ribs and BBQ chicken? I've never been known to shy away from food and your homeboy had the meat sweats! Oh man, was dinner good!!! They also had THE BEST root beer I've ever had and I consider myself a root beer connoisseur! My wife had the most amazing root beer float. Then, the show was absolutely fantastic. I play in a band so I know how difficult it is to play with that many musicians and all the different genres of music. These musicians were incredible! I was amazed at their technical skills from the steel drum, to the slide guitar, to the brass instruments, to the violin/fiddle players... I could not believe the talent level. I am hooked and am planning on taking family and friends to future shows!

Oh my!! Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would be as good as it was. From the quality of the food, the attentiveness of the wait staff to the awesome show, I was flabbergasted! I couldn’t get over how talented these music professionals were. Mind blown! I would love to come back during the holidays and experience this once again. Definitely recommend!

The food was okay, the show was okay. My hold out is the price and that they ask you to be there quite early compared to when food is served or the show starts. So hopefully you go with people you want to talk to for over an hour while you sit and wait. I think the music/show was a little more geared to the baby boomer generation. As a millennial I didn't mind the music, but I kept going back to the cost versus taking my wife to a steakhouse and a movie. I had to go back to my google timeline to see how long we were there. 4 hours (11:30 - 3:30)

If you are looking for dinner and a family oriented dinner show, please attend. This location is supported by the Barleen family providing an amazing meal with live entertainment. Five stars.

Variety show was amazing, such talented vocal and instrumental! Toward the end they sang version of Amazing Grace. It was so well done and the audience obviously loved it! Should have been the Finale!

Absolutely a wonderful experience! We took family that where in town. They loved it. The food is like home cooking. Roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, roll,salad, cake. Plenty of coffee, teas, lemonades. You can purchase alcohol separately if you'd like a drink. Plenty of choices in alcohol. The entertainment spectacular!

This place is amazing!! Saw their Christmas show tonight and oh wow, do they ever put on one heck of a show. They had the whole place jumping. The staff and performers are so friendly and sweet. The Barleen family and friends are so talented.

This event was well worth the money! We had a great time! The paintings were fun and easy to complete. My husband and I enjoyed wine and a tasty charcuterie board of treats while painting. We are eager to attend the next “Paint and Sip” event. This made a great date night, but there were groups of friends and families attending and painting as well. Everyone left with smiles on their faces.

The Queen Creek Olive Mill put on the most beautiful baby shower for my daughter! From the first conversation to the day of the shower, Erika made the entire process effortless for us. The decor was whimsical just like my daughter wanted and the food was outstanding. Everyone that attended commented on how fantastic this venue was. The Queen Creek Olive Mill went above and beyond my expectations. I highly recommend having your event with them.

Why am I just learning about the Queen Creek Olive Mill?! This place was such a cool experience! I went there just to check out what they had to offer, and I was so pleasantly surprised to see they served food and had a nice little nook aesthetic going on. I had unfortunately already eaten before I arrived, so I didn't get the chance to indulge in their food, but their menu options looked great, and I'm genuinely eager to go back soon just to try them out! The whole atmosphere was fantastic, and to me it felt like a wonderland. Please don't be like me and think that just because it says "Olive Mill," that's all they've got - not at all, they are serving up so much more! Not only do they have just about every type of olive oil, flavored and non-flavored, you could think of, but they even had a section where you could shop for alcohol, and I forgot to mention for my coffee lovers, there's a coffee stand! Beyond the dining area and incredible variety of products, I believe there's more to the property than what meets the eye, you can probably do some exploring around there as well. This place is definitely a unique and delightful destination. If you're looking for something a bit different but with a lovely setting, definitely check out Queen Creek Olive Mill. I'll be back for that food!

Locally very popular, offering a great selection of olive oils and olive products with abundant samples for tasting. An eclectic menu and reasonable prices draw large crowds at dinner time, so arrive early. While the line was long, counter service was quick and our order was ready in about 15 minutes. Everything was delicious, including the panko encrusted fish, pizza, pesto, and pulled pork. It's easy to see why the Olive Mill is a favorite.

Beautiful grounds for a day trip from Phoenix area. The store has many oils, vinegars, tapenades, wines, jams, kitchen supplies, and spa items. They even have a refrigerated meal area to take their foods to go! We took the tour ($8 in 2025). It was a nice introduction to the history of The Olive Mill and the oil making process. After the tour they offer several food and dessert options. This will be perfect when the weather cools and you can take advantage of the outside fireplace seating. Would make a perfect wedding location if they offer that service.

Erika and her team were amazing at me and my husbands marriage ceremony and reception. They made sure everyone ate and offered to serve me and my husband food. They were super nice and respectful. If we could have another marriage there we would do it all over again here. Affordable and you can decorate it however you want! Thankyou guys for making the night so special for us :).

Very quick tour of olive mill area. Nice lunch and olive oil shopping. My spouse said, I enjoyed the visit. Glad they had shipping to the house.

Tourist trap. The staff was friendly. The building didn't feel authentic. I bought the combo tickets - mine tour, mystery shack and train ride. Mine tour was informative, interesting but short. The mystery shack does not allow you to carry babies in and when I bought combo tickets at mining tour booth they failed to tell me that even though I made sure to ask questions about having a baby. Train was was neat ride and the conductor had great stories! I'm a sucker for gift shops but didn't buy anything because it felt too over priced. Bathrooms were clean. Overall worth checking out at least once.

It was a very cute town. They have fun people on the train ride and mine tours with lots of interesting facts. We ate at the Saloon and they had live music. Lots of gift shops! Free to get into Ghost town and wander but $10.00 and up for everything else. We had a great time. Beautiful view of the Superstition Mtn.

After watching this mining town on ghost adventures and tfil overnight Elton it was awesome to check it out in person. The tour guides were awesome in listening to people and their experiences. Actually using an EMF detector and letting us have moments in silence to interact with any entity. *Only issue is there should maybe be a age limit for the night tour because there were a few children that would keep interrupting silence moments or just talking and didn't want to be in the dark which was a little disruptive. The town looks like it would be fun to check out in the day time

This place was so cool. Had a blast with my family. Handmade crafts. Stories and fun shoot outs in the street. Lots to do.

This place is pretty special to me, a place we visit to just relax and enjoy our desert beauty and embrace the Wild West feel. Don’t let the touristy vibes deter you. The shops are fun and the food is simple but tasty at both the quick service and the Mammoth Saloon. I usually go to the snack bar and save room for scooped ice cream and FRESH (you can smell them as you walk up) waffle cones. Make sure to bring some sun screen and ability to take some time to take the train or mine tour. Also, parking lot is dirt and unmarked, just to give a heads up. To my experience, people are usually really cool with lining up and leaving room. Have a great time!

We had a fun day at Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine. We toured the mine to see how gold was mined by hand. We saw a wild west shootout. We rode the train around town. And we walked through a mystery house. We really enjoyed it.

The town is well worth stopping at even tho its a tourist trap. It has some great food, russlers, cowboys and "Ladies". Just alot of fun. $$

Beautiful place to go with your family! The scenery is top notch and the weather is nice and sunny. This is also like a museum considering the fact that there are old parts of the scenery from thousands of years old. The wildlife is vast and there is a couple of birds of prey here. Totally recommend all day! P.S: Keep an eye out on the rams in on the cliff side!

Very pleasant dinner cruise. Staff friendly and helpful. Great scenery, good music. Dinner was better than average (bbq ribs AND chicken - large portions. The 16 mile drive to and from Hwy 60 in the dark was a little hairy. Allow lots of time to go slow.

This cruise had unbelievably gorgeous views with great narration by the captain. We saw the Canyon Lake area including much desert scenery and stupendous mountain views! We even lucked out and saw a bald eagle on her nest and a group of Bighorn sheep! 10 out of 10 stars. A must see!

April 5th 2025 Being an Az native, I’m sad to say I didn’t know this entertainment existed. I learned about the “sunset dinner cruise”from my mom who is actually friends with “Dolly” the original owner. The new owners kept the name and Dolly is still representing the company with enthusiasm. My wife and I did the sunset dinner cruise and boy did it not disappoint! Captain Ron was fun, knowledgeable about the lake and its history, the staff on board were attentive and hustled in our meal distribution. The food was excellent! The sites were amazing and stunning. We saw a lot of big horn sheep on the cliff face and witnessed up close 3 blue herons flying low across the water. For the price this was a fantastic way to spend the evening with my wife.

We had been staying in Apache Junction for the winter and decided to take the Dolly Steamboat cruise on Canyon Lake. The regular cruise is 90 minutes long and takes you around the lake and back. The canyons are impressive and beautiful. I understand you sometimes get to see sheep, but we had no luck on this outing.

I had a great time on this short afternoon cruise. You get to see beautiful views along the way as you listen to the history of the place.

This experience was amazing. The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because my friend and I almost got stranded with no ride back to the city and didn’t receive any help from the staff. They said it happens often that a ride share will drop people off only to leave them with no cell service to arrange for a ride back. We were refused access to WiFi at the ticket booth and had to find a shop that would offer WiFi to customers only. If you journey out it’s a great experience just make sure you have a ride back because you won’t get help finding one!!

Archaeology is an interest of mine, and I make sure to set aside time to visit any place that preserves ancient history, whenever one is nearby. A visit to Phoenix, Arizona meant an opportunity to visit Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This monument preserves the structural dwellings of the Hohokam people who lived and thrived in this desert area. The centerpiece of this attraction is the big house, which is only partially intact, as some of it has eroded over time. There is a roof that was built in more recent times, presumably to help protect the structure. It looks a little odd, and certainly not natural, but I get why the National Park officials did this. There are other, smaller structures surrounding the big house, plus educational information available as you walk around. No one is completely sure what this structure was used for but, given the presence of holes in the sides of the structure that align with the solstices, there is a good chance that astronomy was part of its purpose. The parking lot at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is large, and there is a visitor’s center and bookstore. One thing to keep in mind is that the visitor’s center may not be open when you visit, for example on Sunday’s during part of the year. But the monument itself will still be open for exploring the structures, even if the visitor’s center is locked. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument isn’t very big, and you can be in and out in about an hour or so. It’s certainly a site worth seeing, and a good side trip option for archaeological lovers who happen to be in the Phoenix area.

Drove to Ruins on Monday Oct 6th. Got there 10 AM. Although the park website and NPS app state that the Visitor Center is open, the park is in fact closed. I can understand that the park is closed due to the government shutdown, but please update the information to state that it is. Hopefully this post will be helpful to others who are looking to visit during this time.

I have been visiting this site since I was in school in the 1990s Good location for a day trip from Phoenix and Tucson There is a lot to learn here Visit at different times of year to get an idea of life year round back in those days Check out the gift shop too, many cool items there you won't fi nd other places

Interesting and informative national monument with intriguing artifacts. Excellent film that runs regularly. Nicely appointed gift shop. Well worth the trip!

Beautiful ruins. Easy access to walk up to. Informative signs. Clean public restrooms and no fee. Picnic benches and some shade available if you'd like to sit or eat.

The visitor center isn't open on Sunday which doesn't make sense. Why close on most people's free day? The signs are also confusibg. I walked to the ruins, and realized the way I walked had keep out signs.

What a find! Randomly turned down the access road to this monument to see what it was all about. It was beautiful, historic and well worth the stop. Free to park in the ample lot and walk through the exhibit. The adjacent museum has great artifacts and information along with AC, flush toilets, and a few snacks. Accessible for wheelchairs to the monument, as well.

Extremely fun and totally worth it if you love adrenaline! Everyone hypes you up through your nerves and the vibes were great. I do recommend going with someone but I’m sure going alone is still great. The whole way down is beautiful and absolutely stunning to see. Personally I loved it so much and will most likely go again. I went for a birthday trip and honestly the best birthday present I’ve had.

"At the point of maximum danger, there is minimum fear." What an incredible experience diving with Zane Jackson. His calm and cool personality made it possible for me to be relaxed. He gave just enough instructions to absorb and feel comfortable. The actual jump was incredible .. total exhilaration. Despite my earlier concerns, the free fall was my favorite part. Excited to go again. If I find myself in Arizona, I will be looking for Zane to take another dive with me! Be certain to ask for Nate Rogers to take your pictures and video. He did an incredible job as well. Take a leap of faith .. what are you waiting for?

If you want to skydive you need to go to the professionals at skydive az. They are a team of great people there everything is safety first. I have made two tandem jumps there and it was the time of my life. Zane, Alaska and Todd the photographer are very polite and professional. I also include all the other part of the team are professional also. So quit thinking about it go to skydive Arizona for the time of your life. Thank you skydive Arizona for the time of my life. I will be seeing you again.

It was my first diving experience and it totally awesome. The staffs were nice, friendly and divers are very knowledgeable. Totally recommend. Great vibes 😊

I have never been around so many people that are so professional in my life. This is a top notch company that makes sure that your day is something you will never forget. I plan on coming back every year and doing a tandem jump.

Took our first jump here. The staff was amazing. They took away the stress and anxiety. Before I knew it we were free falling! I highly recommend going at least once, you will not be disappointed!

What a great experience, Zane made me feel so calm and safe. Can't wait to jump again in the near future.

I’ve been visiting Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch since the early 2000s, and it’s always such a fun experience! It’s a little hokey — but in the best way possible. The animals are unique and not ones you’d normally get to see up close, and there’s great signage that makes feeding them easy and safe. I also appreciate how many handwashing stations they have throughout. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is lighthearted, and it’s just a fun stop every time. We always enjoy our visits and will probably keep coming back for years to come!

We’ve been to the ostrich farm a few times now (I have a teenager and a toddler) and both of them always have such a great time. I recently took my parents while they were visiting and they enjoyed it just as much. The best part for us is always feeding the animals, especially the birds and the stingrays! It’s one of those places that’s fun every time you go, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy no matter the age. The staff is friendly, the animals seem well cared for, and it’s just an easy, feel-good outing. Definitely recommend for families or anyone looking for something a little different to do near Tucson!

My husband and I came here for the first time today and had such a fun experience feeding all the animals! It was $12 each for the cups of food and to get inside the farm area. We got to feed donkeys, deer, ostriches, goats, bunnies, chickens, birds, a tortoise, and ducks. Overall we probably spent an hour here and got to take our time feeding each animal. All the animals were so cute and very gentle taking the food from our hands. We’re definitely coming back with our kids next time.

Had an absolute blast today with my son. We had a lot of laughs at the Goats. So many interesting animals to feed. The tour is a must do. Shanda was the best tour guide. She was funny, charismatic, and very knowledgeable. Cant wait to go back.

On our way to Tucson we saw the ranch from the highway so my friends and I decided to check it out when we were free. It was an enjoyable experience especially getting to see the ostriches and learning more about them. The monster truck ride was very fun, our guide was very knowledgeable and funny. It was nice to feed the different animals and have those pretty birds sit on your head/shoulder while feeding them. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone.

There is no way you can rate this lower than a 5 star experience. The animals are all so sweet. So happy we went. Worth the drive. Also you have to try the Ostrich sliders. They also sell ostrich eggs (which sell out fast). Very cool experience. We went when they opened and had the place to ourselves.

It was amazing! I took my 88 year old mother who had lived in Tuscon for 20 years and never been there. It started with the cashier seeing my mom’s walker and offering her an electric scooter free of charge because ‘it’s a lot of walking.’ She knew it would be so much more enjoyable for her if she was comfortable and able to get around to all the exhibits. From the donkeys to the lorikeets, she had an absolute ball. Her smile says it all. The highlight for her was the stingray touch and feed tank. She had always wanted to see stingrays up close and this facility guarantees a great experience for the guests and the rays. The entire place is spotless and the staff is so friendly and helpful. I can’t wait to go back with the rest of my family.

This monastery is so beautiful and spiritual we felt like we were in Greece. We did not know what to expect but were amazed with the entire self tour. Absolutely breathtaking chapels and grounds. My husband and I met with the priest that married us 36 years ago so it made our visit even more special. We also ate lunch with the monks and residents, so awesome. Come dressed according to the website requirements. Everyone should visit once in their lifetime.

For this place, everyone goes for the road for some reason, but I will share what I did like is a fact that it is so peaceful and quiet there and you certainly do feel some energy if you’ve ever been I would suggest to read up on the elder that formed that place pretty interesting story I strongly recommend you to go religious or not. You never know I am certainly glad I visited and I will be back. Also, please note they have a limited supplies there for the monks so as a nice gesture, I would make two suggestions one is easier to call and ask what they need and bring as you can or visit and ask and come back

A peaceful and deeply spiritual place surrounded by stunning desert gardens and traditional Byzantine architecture. The monastery offers a unique glimpse into Orthodox monastic life, with serene walking paths, chapels, and friendly monks who welcome visitors with warmth. Modest dress is required, and it’s best to visit with a quiet, respectful spirit. A hidden gem in the Arizona desert.

Visiting St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona was an absolutely unforgettable pilgrimage. From the moment I arrived, I felt as though I had been transported to Mount Athos itself — the peaceful atmosphere, the reverent silence, and the deep sense of holiness that fills every corner of the monastery grounds. The monks’ hospitality was heartwarming. Every visitor is welcomed with genuine love and care, and you can truly feel the presence of God in the way they serve and interact with everyone. The services were beautiful and profoundly moving — filled with Byzantine chant, incense, and prayer that touch the soul. The food was simple yet delicious, prepared with care and love. Each meal reflected the monastic way of life — humble, healthy, and nourishing, both physically and spiritually. Walking through the monastery gardens, chapels, and courtyards, surrounded by palm trees, fountains, and the stunning desert landscape, I felt completely at peace. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to reconnect with God and yourself. I left renewed, inspired, and grateful, carrying with me a deep sense of spiritual refreshment. Whether you are Orthodox or simply seeking a place of stillness and beauty, a pilgrimage to St. Anthony’s Monastery is truly a life-changing experience.

We saw this passing by one day and i put it on my “Must visit” list! Today we took family to go check it out and No regrets! They do have a dress code, women long sleeve shirts and long skirts with head dress thing (not sure exactly what they are called. BUT they do offer shirts, skirts and head dresses there to borrow to wear during your visit which was very awesome! So beautiful the churches and the history and facts! I do wish the map was a little more updated and easier to read. There was also allot of construction and loud noises going on which took some of the peacefulness away from visit its self. I do understand they are building but maybe laying off construction during saturday Sunday with most visitors would be nice if we came again! Very sweet people and worth the visit! It is free parking and free entry! :)

The first stop for our journey in AZ and to ask for a blessing. A few of us inquires, catechism and also baptized came as day visitors and not pilgrims. Enjoyed learning how the water was found and the monestary was built. The grounds feel astonishing and at peace. Would have loved to stay as pilgrims for a time.

Blessed place, blessed to be able to get to this Monastery. Full of Greece everywhere and all there are ready to provide you with information and love! Εξαιρετικό μέρος!!!

We visited this place and due to Gov shutdown the visitor Centre was closed and no one was there to guide. There was a machine to buy tickets. Surrounded the visitor center there were some trails and you can go and enjoy the cactuses beauty

Beautiful area with amazing vistas, cactus, and a great scenic drive. It was almost 100 so we did not take advantage of the many hikes available.

We had an amazing time. The employees were very knowledgeable and excited to share, The visitor Center itself has a lot of interesting details and history about the national park. The shopping was unique and have some local Artistry as well as products.

This is a great Visitors Center. There is a wonderful video about the Sonoran Desert that is a must see. The rangers have maps for hiking trails and other events. They have a well stocked gift shop, bathrooms and water fountains. There is a nice walking trail out front that takes you around some lovely old saguaros and other cacti. We took a moderate trail to see the old petroglyphs which was fun and interesting.

Nice place for rest, picnic, info and gifts. No ticket check point on the west side.

We loved it at the visitor center. Loved the park. The saguaro’s. All of it. Nice clean place.

Very interesting. The volunteer attendant was very knowledgeable and gave us some great tips

Tl:dr - This is a great place to stay for a long weekend, I don't recommend anything longer. Overall, the hotel is nice, but it's not luxurious. The bed isn't great and after 3-4 nights, I was tossing and turning. The food is meh at best. Core is great, but you can't eat every meal there. The 3 other restaurants are totally boring and forgettable. I also felt like they nickle and dimed you - $40 for s'mores (that's the total with taxes!) when you already pay a $60 resort fee!?! I did love the location and the hiking right outside the hotel is unbeatable. The gym is decent and they offer group fitness classes daily. (I did a yoga class that was not very good.) The multiple pools are fabulous as well.

Beautiful scenery on the way here. The staff were mostly young kids in their 20s but courteous and professional. Room was spacious with a beautiful mountain view. Bed was comfy for 2 nights I stayed. There was a small mix-up on the welcome card, which was quickly corrected. I learned a lot and had fun looking for scorpions on the night hike — a must-do experience. Turndown service was wonderful as usual. I left feeling peaceful and happy after my stay. Ritz Dove Mountain is great for families, couples and solo visitors. I’m already planning to return and highly recommend this place.

I can’t say enough great things about this property. I’ve stayed at almost every Ritz Carlton property there is and even though this location doesn’t have a Conceirge lounge they more than make up for it in other ways. The food we had was superb, the service was a 10 out of 10, not only from the staff who checked us in, but the spa services, room staff, pool staff and any employee we came across. The resort does an excellent job in bringing a sophisticated warmth to the desert and incorporating the natural surroundings into your overall experience. We did star gazing, saw a tortoise, wild pigs native to the area, learned about different birds native to AZ, listened to live music, and they grow oranges, and lemons on their property. If you are looking to escape the day to day hustle then this is the resort for you. It’s nestled in the AZ mountains with breathtaking views and has a since of peace that can help you relax and recharge. If you haven’t been I highly recommend going.

We came to the resort to spend a day enjoying the Spa. We were very impressed from the beginning with our wonderful treatment by Janelle at the Reception Desk. Our pleasant time continued as we met Jonathan at the Spa, who ensured our entire day was a relaxing and pampered experience. The Spa itself and associated facilities were immaculate. We also recommend our manicurist, Rachel, and our masseuse, Briana (who my Wife said gave the best massage she ever had), to anyone looking for a premium treatment. Can't wait to come back!

We had a wonderful stay. The property is obviously beautiful, but what impressed me the most was the amazing staff! Every last person we interacted with was so professional and friendly. The food, spa services, and pools were also exceptional, and we had fun meeting their giant tortoise and catching a couple of shows on the property. I have one area for improvement. The beds, while perfectly comfortable, are dangerous! 3 members from our party smashed a shin on the corner of the bed frame. It’s a poor design. Either that, or we’re just a clumsy family lol. Seriously, thank you for everything. Our vacation was incredible, from start to finish.

This has to be one of the best resorts we have ever stayed in! The service was impressive, the housekeeping staff were friendly and paid such attention to detail (down to wrapping my phone charger and leaving a note wishing me a great day). The food served at our event was top notch, the golf course was spectacular (technically not a part of the RC but part of our experience) and the javelina were a bonus! We hope to return soon!

Every member of the staff at the hotel was amazing from the front desk to the servers at the Turquesa grill. The food was amazing from the To Go, room service, and the grill. The location is beautiful as well. If I had one hope for improvement it would be the bed. That could have been more comfortable, but the food, service, and atmosphere were impeccable.

10/10 experience every time we go here! The people working and volunteering are sooo kind and knowledgeable and just all around wonderful. The entire experience is the best and easily one of our favorite places! Plenty of areas indoor to look around and cool off. Lots of engaging and fun things for kids! So much to learn and see!

Fantastic place! There are enough animals, fish, amphibians, etc. on display to qualify as a desert zoo, but there is also plenty of plants, cacti, walking, and general desert information that it makes for a good museum too. Even with the shaded spots and indoor exhibits, my mom got overheated, so she and my dad went back to the coffee shop. They told my wife and I to continue on, so we went through some more exhibits and enjoyed them before heading back. The desert has so much beauty and diversity, and yet most people (including myself in the past) only think of it as sand, dirt, shrubs and cacti. This is a great place to visit!

Our family loves to come here. This is a wonderful place to learn new things and get some exercise. We think it’s best to come here in the cooler parts of the year (November- April). We have come during the warm seasons though and have enjoyed the Pack Rat Playhouse to escape the sun! Highly recommend with family. They have shows daily where the staff teach about a few different critters. The audience can ask questions about each animal. Bring water and snacks!

absolutely incredible!! this place never fails to amaze me as an arizona native! i adore all of the information on the desert around us and all the fun little creatures that i learned more about. if you live near Tucson, you need to check this place out. it’s situated right next to part of the Saguaro National Park, so you get a stunning view of all of the cacti plus the mountains. 10/10 experience

Went to the desert museum and spent over 4 hours there. Amazing, immersive experience! Make sure to bring along a water bottle to stay hydrated in the heat. I recommend getting there as early as possible to beat that heat. From the cactus to the pollinators to the animals, such a cool place. We stopped for lunch at the grill and there was plenty of options to eat and rehydrate. Everyone should check this place out. A must-do in Tucson!

Lovely time 🌞 definitely wear a hat and comfy shoes 👍 they have water fountains throughout so if you bring a water bottle you can fill it :) they have both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The gem and mineral is my favorite for indoor, and Strawberry the bear is my favorite for the outdoor 🐻♥️♥️ but the cave is super cool and all the animals are really cool too, it's honestly like a mini zoo. 🦌🐿🦦🦨🐾🦉🦎🐍🦕🐡🦋🪲🦂🌵

I revisited recently after finding it to be a very striking space 9 years ago. I had mixed feelings about the experience this time around, and appreciate certain variables listed here may not always be present. Pros: It's great to have access to convenience facilities on the edge of this absolutely amazing landscape. The butterfly garden was amazing. We got to see a kestrel at the entrance. The reptile room is very cool. The fossil area is good for a sensory experience and conversation about the history of the area. Not so great: A lot of the enclosures are kind of grimy and clearly showing their age, making it difficult to make out a creature inside, if there are any. The hummingbird aviary was quite the disappointment, as that was my favorite experience last time, with numerous birds in the space. We only saw two birds this visit, whether others were hiding or there's really only two birds in there similar to the other aviary where there was a duck and a handful of mourning doves. There were some loud conversations happening so perhaps they were in hiding. We did visit the new-to-us Packrat Playhouse, as we have two young kids. There's guidelines for participants clearly displayed, the first being no running. The space is not safe for running because it's darker and there's enough things within the space that it's difficult to move freely without contacting another person if you're not watching out. I appreciate that it's a good cool space for kids to chill out, but there were multiple school groups and what was apparently one museum staff member/volunteer present and they seemed fully indifferent to proceedings, which included high speed games of chase/tag, and kids who towered over mine almost running over them. Having a timeframe where the space is open only to kids younger than 7 or cordoning off areas for younger kids (as the toddler zone was visited by everyone), and/or staff actually asking supervising adults to uphold the safety rules, would go far in making this a much more pleasant experience. Otherwise, it's a gorgeous space, but consider visiting a local botanical garden instead, as that's what this generally feels like at this point. You'll get the terrain/environment and maybe some wildlife in a more ideal free roaming capacity, but at a much more affordable price - certainly less than $25/kid (unless you're at the one in Phoenix 😆). The cost is steep for what it is at this time, and what we expected based on past experience.

Nice to finally check this place out. I love plants and learning about them so I figured this place would be awesome for a friend date. We did enjoy seeing the plants. We saw a lot of plants I haven’t seen before. We did notice a lot of things were closed off or we couldn’t really see it. There are guided tour options and self guided tours with WiFi and your cell phone. We chose to have the self guided tour as I didn’t want to pay more than the $30 I paid for each ticket. I paid for two with military discount which still was $27/each. With it being an hour away I got there right after opening time around 9:30am. Perfect time to beat the kids who show up during lunch time for school field trips. So it was nice to enjoy it without it being loud and over crowded since a lot of spaces are tight. It was already a little warm in the biosphere as well. So plan for some toasty humid weather in there.

Loved it. What an amazing setup and how much there is to see and experience. We also did the behind the scenes tour of “ the lung” which I highly recommend. How much technologies went into the creation of this habitat that recreates what we take for granted here in our beautiful planet earth! Everyone should go and see to appreciate what we have !

This is mind blowing experience! And I mean it. If you are interested in science, space exploration, self sustaining ecosystems this is the place for you! If only you have a tiny engineering knowledge and a little sense of biology and ecosystems and interactions within them and between them this place will send your imagination to the moon! One of the most important places to visit in the USA in general. One of a kind research facility hosting enclosed ecosystems, cloned from the ones known from the Mother Earth. My family was absolutely stunned (wife and 12yo son). Fantastic personnel willing to answer every question, great idea with the app guide - yet it freezes pretty often requiring restart. I hesitated for the moment to visit that place, but I’m so glad I decided to go. And I have that great feeling that money spent there will serve a good cause keeping this unique place running. If you ever wondered how the human bases would look like on Mars, the Moon or other less friendly environments - this is the place to see and learn. Whoever were the people who designed it - I admire you. Thank you! What is my wish to make it even better? Take us to the LUNG, show us actually the hydroponic garden, take us to the power generation area. I will come back if this dream comes true!

This is my second visit to the Biosphere 2. My last visit was in the late nineties. There has been an amazing upgrade since then. It's so cool to hear about the interesting experiments happening in this unique space. The history lesson about the need for transparency in science is much appreciated. I loved being able to see the different biological zones and the human habitat from the first experiments in creating a sustainable ecosystem. (harder than it looks) From the innovative "lungs" to the LEO experimental slopes to the beautiful and clever architecture, I was impressed by the creative use of the facility. I did miss hearing the interviews with the original biospherians. I guess those videos are still somewhere on the internet. They talk about how they felt about the original experiment before, during and after. The app was very helpful. You need to download and install the app, and then download an additional 1gb of media before you get to the site. The WiFi is not reliable. But watching the videos on the app was a very good way to get a tour at your own pace.

A lot of good information pertaining to the ECO-System. Videos at each station were very informative. The Tower Tour, $12, will give you a 360⁰ view of the whole facility. Just be ready to climb 77 stairs... 😬 Canes and walkers not advised. A great way to spend the afternoon.

Finally, I got to see a place on my list for many years. I was thrilled to finally walk the grounds. Walking through the doors of the Biosphere2 one enters into a world with different environments developed to explore and create experiments to explore ways to help preserve our world. Learn how scientists lived there for two years while sealed into the building. An app on your phone helps you learn while you walk through the space. Really a unique experience, worth devouring to north of Tucson.

My previous visit, before the COVID-19 pandemic, left a lasting impression. Every corner offered a new discovery. I learned so much about the original Biosphere 2 project, the supporting research from the 1980s, the ongoing scientific work, the mechanics of the lungs and their role in maintaining closed environments, and the ocean zone. I even enjoyed a lovely lunch at the café. Before stepping inside, I knew very little about Biosphere 2. By the time I left, I was hooked—buying books, diving into its history, and bringing it up in every conversation for weeks. It was one of the most memorable and inspiring science experiences I’ve ever had. This time, however, I left feeling disappointed. While I understand the need to scale back live tours during the pandemic, the current visitor experience—especially at $27 per adult and $15 per child—felt underdeveloped. I am considering this based on similarly priced tourist experiences I've had such as the Omaha Zoo, the Brookfield Zoo, or large museums like the Field Museum in Chicago. The lack of signage and storytelling throughout the site made it difficult to understand what we were seeing. The app-based audio/video tour was not practical with young children in tow, and the directional arrows were confusing, which made us feel like we were missing key areas. In particular, I was surprised to find that the Technosphere and Lung areas now require an additional $12 on top of the $27. These spaces are original and essential to understanding how the Biosphere functioned as a closed system and why it was so revolutionary. Seeing the basement and the cement disk floating in the air was very important to my understanding of Biosphere 2. They are core to the story. Meanwhile, areas like the underwater ocean viewing section were closed entirely - I had been very excited to share that area with my children. This made the experience feel fragmented and less immersive than when I toured seven years earlier. Where I would be happy to pay more is for deeper, docent-led tours of the biomes—especially an extended rainforest experience. That area is so rich with life, and having an expert guide walk us through would unlock so much more value. On my previous visit, the live tours were a highlight. The people working there revealed small details I never would have noticed on my own—like the intricate systems in the intensive agriculture zone and the experiments underway in the labs. Overall, I believe the visitor experience would benefit tremendously from renewed focus on storytelling and accessibility—imagining the space from the perspective of a diverse range of learners and guests. Whether someone is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner, a young child, a science enthusiast, or simply curious, they should be able to engage deeply without relying solely on an app. This place has the potential to stir wonder, spark big questions, and display scientific innovation at scale—but it needs the tools to tell that story well. Thank you for preserving and sharing this remarkable place. We hope it continues to inspire the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and doers.