Tucson is going to be center stage for the next FMCA Rally! But there is so much more to the area than just the fairgrounds. No matter how you like your activities, inside or outside, Southern Arizona has it all.
Reid Park Zoo
Located 16 miles from the Pima County Fairgrounds, the zoo is home to hundreds of animals of all sizes, elephants to the smallest birds. The layout is a nice walking route for optimal animal viewing, spring is a great time to go. Keep an eye out for the jaguar and poison dart frog! Hours from October to May are 9 am to 4 pm daily.
Pima Air & Space Museum
Need a plane fix? This is the place for you! Over 80 acres of planes ranging from a Wright Flyer to Dreamliner and everything in between. There are three hangars dedicated just to WWII. You can do a walking docent led tour, take a tram tour or walk the grounds yourself. All museum details are a click away: Pima Air & Space Museum
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
Ettore DeGrazia is a Southern Arizona native, born in the tiny mining town of Morenci. He designed and built the gallery in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains, which at the time was a remote part of town, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. He was a very talented artist, working in many different mediums. He loved the Native American Community, much of his work involves them. There are six permanent collections of paintings that trace historical events and native cultures of the Southwest. Rotating exhibitions display some of the 15,000 DeGrazia originals housed at the gallery, including oils, watercolors, sketches, serigraphs, lithographs, sculptures, ceramics and jewelry. His love of the native southwest is evident in all his works. I recommend watching the 30-minute video where he talks about his inspirations and love of his work.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Make it a two-stop day as the garden is close to the gallery. Located on the site of the historic Porter property, Reader’s Digest named Tucson Botanical Gardens as the BEST Secret Garden in America. Among mature trees and expertly cultivated foliage, specialty gardens such as the Cactus & Succulent Garden, Barrio Garden and Herb Garden highlight the diversity of native plants while offering a lush oasis in the heart of Tucson.
Kartchner Caverns
Did you know there is a spectacular cavern just 35 minutes from the Pima County Fairgrounds? Discovered just 50 years ago and kept a secret for 14 more, Kartchner Caverns is a must see in Arizona. You can tour “The Throne Room” or “The Big Room.” You’ll be led by a guide through the pristine cavern that is simply breathtaking. There are no bags, cameras or cell phones allowed; they do have lockers. It’s best to make reservations ahead of time, every time we’ve been tours have been sold out to walk ups. Get more information and make your reservations here: Kartchner Caverns State Park
Whatever fun day trip you choose while you’re in Arizona for the Rally, you’ll have a great time!