We will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Keepers of Tucson’s Heritage
Tucson Presidio Museum
Historic walking tours, demonstrations, heritage and exhibits
A re-creation of the Spanish fort built in 1775, the Presidio Museum allows visitors to experience Tucson’s history first hand. On docent-guided tours, you’ll discover how Tucson residents lived before air conditioning and cell phones. Visitors enter through an 1860s Sonoran Row house. See the remains of a 2,000 year old pit house and learn about the lives of early Native Americans in the Early People’s Park.
Upcoming Events & Activities at the Presidio Museum
Frontier Holidays at the Presidio museum
Saturday, December 6, 2025
10 am – 2 pm
Included with admission
Las Posadas will be at 11:30 am
Join us to celebrate the holidays at the Presidio Museum! We’ll be celebrating various holiday traditions, such as Las Posadas (a singing procession of Mary and Joseph trying to find lodging before the birth of Christ), performed by the students of Carrillo K-5 Magnet School. The Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center will be on hand with Hanukkah activities. Visitors can also do some Christmas shopping in our gift shop!
Parking Information: Paid street metered parking is available on all surrounding streets. El Presidio Garage (165 W Alameda) opens at 9 am. There is a paid parking lot at 100 W. Franklin (across from El Charro). The SunLink Streetcar (free rides) stops at Church and Broadway and at Church and Congress.
Click for schedule and map
Mainly Murals Walking Tour
Dec 6, 10 am – 12 pm
$20/member
$35/general
Register Here!
Beginning at the Tucson Presidio Museum, the tour explores a variety of murals and public art on a 1.5-miles walking tourof murals north of Congress Street, led by our experienced walking guide. Learn about the artists, their inspirations, and the stories behind each piece—with new additions added as they’re completed. Pre-registration is required.
Soap Making Workshop
Dec 7, 10 am- 12 pm
$80/member
$90/general
Register for Dec 7 Here!
In this hands-on class, Tracy Conklin, owner of Artemesia Soaps, will guide participants through the art of cold process soapmaking. Participants will learn how to make soap from scratch with all-natural ingredients, explore the fundamentals of the cold process method, and discover the best ways to safely work with sodium hydroxide (lye). At the end of the workshop, everyone will take home one pound of skin nourishing handmade soap, a reusable soap mold, and recipes to continue their soap-making adventures.
Modern Streetcar and Walking Tour
Dec 11th, 9 am – 1 pm
$30/member
$45/general
Register Here!
Potentially one of the most significant events to occur in Tucson in many decades is the development of the modern streetcar, now called the Sun Link. Ride the streetcar from one end to the other, getting off at various points to explore. Highlights include stops at the Gutierrez Bridge artwork, downtown streetcar art installations, a walking tour along Congress Street and 4th Avenue, and the University of Arizona Main Gate. You’ll learn about Tucson’s original streetcar system, which operated from 1897 to 1930.
Spanish Heritage Sourdough Bread Workshop
Dec 11, 10 am – 12 pm
$80/member
$90/general
Register Here!
Learn the process of creating delicious and healthy sourdough bread from scratch from baker Marea Jenness. This hands-on event will teach attendees everything they need to know about using sourdough starter and the heritage White Sonora Wheat that the Spanish brought to this area around 1640. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to master the art of sourdough bread making. Attendees will go home with a jar of sourdough starter and a loaf of sourdough bread to bake in their own kitchen, as well as a recipe for maintaining the sourdough starter.
Turquoise Trail Walk
Dec 13, 10 am- 12:30 pm
$20/member
$35/general
Register Here
Explore Tucson’s rich history on a guided walking tour along the Turquoise Trail, a 2.5-mile loop through Downtown marked by a painted turquoise line. A knowledgeable guide will share stories of Tucson’s early days, historic buildings, and the people who helped shape the city’s legacy. Pre-registration is required.
Turquoise Trail Highlights Walk
Dec 14, 9 am- 11:00 am
$20/member
$35/general
Register Here
This slightly shortened tour covers stops 1–14 on the trail before returning to the museum.
Explore Tucson’s rich history on a guided walking tour along the Turquoise Trail, a 2.5-mile loop through Downtown marked by a painted turquoise line. A knowledgeable guide will share stories of Tucson’s early days, historic buildings, and the people who helped shape the city’s legacy. Pre-registration is required.
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