Tucson Presidio Museum
Walking Tours
Groups of 10 or more are welcome at the Presidio Museum and receive a discounted rate for tours
Tucson Presidio Museum offers the best Tucson Area Walking Tours
We have a variety of tours with experienced and friendly guides.
Information on all our walking tours are listed below in alphabetical order. If you do not see a date that you were looking for below, the tour on that date is sold out.
Pre-registration is required for all tours. Click on the appropriate date below to register.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations received more than 24 hours in advance will receive a refund. Cancellations received less than 24 hours in advance will not receive a refund.
Friendly dogs that are on a leash are allowed on all tours EXCEPT Fort Lowell, Commerce and Change on Congress Street, Presidio District Tours, and any wine tasting tours.
Armory Park
The Armory Park neighborhood is south of Broadway and east of Stone. Buildings started to go up in this area with the arrival of the railroad in 1880. The tour led by Alan Kruse covers a half-mile in two hours and includes the outsides of public buildings on the west side of the neighborhood, no homes. These include the Blenman Inn, the Carnegie Free Library, the Scottish Rite Cathedral, the Safford School, the Willard Hotel, and the Temple of Music and Art. Personalities discussed include Charles Rivers Drake, Charles Blenman, Isabella Greenway, Mattie Dreyfus Heineman, and renowned architects Henry C. Trost and A. G. Rockfellow. This is a good tour for people who want more information and less walking.
***The tour meets across the street from the Blenman Inn at 204 S. Scott. Free on-street parking is available.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Check back this fall for upcoming tour dates.
Barrio Viejo (Old Neighborhood)
Experience the rich history of Tucson on the one-mile Barrio Viejo (old neighborhood) Walking Tour, which goes through the largest collection of Sonoran Row houses in the United States. For over 100 years, Barrio Viejo was the heart of Tucson’s social, economic, and cultural life. On this 90-minute walking tour, your tour guide Mauro Trejo will discuss the history of the neighborhood, its architecture, and the individuals, businesses, and cultures that meet there.
***Add-On – (30 minutes) For an additional $10.00 participants have the option of joining their tour guide for conversation, a margarita (or alternative) and a cheese crisp after the tour at the historic El Minuto Café.
This tour begins at Rosenda Perez Park, 424 S. Main Avenue.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Sunday, May 4, 10-11:30 am
Sunday, May 18, 10-11:30 am
Sunday, June 1, 9-11 am
Sunday, June 15, 9-11 am
Sunday, June 29, 9-11 am
Sunday, July 13, 9-11 am
Sunday, July 27, 9-11 am
Sunday, August 10, 9-11 am
Sunday, August 24, 9-11 am
Sunday, September 7, 9-11 am
Sunday, September 21, 9-11 am
Court Street Cemetery Tour
Archaeologist and historian Homer Thiel leads this walk through the Court Street Cemetery, where about 8,000 people were buried between 1875 and 1909. When it was closed, about half were reinterred but the other half were left in place. The tour will lead you through the cemetery, show where bodies have been found and reveal the history of this forgotten place.
***This tour begins at the southwest corner of Stone and Speedway.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Check back in the late summer for fall dates.
Death After Dark
Join tour guide and historian Mauro Trejo on an after-dark unique and macabre tour that covers some of the most memorable deaths that have taken place in Tucson’s history. From executions to suicides, and gunfights to accidents, this two-mile tour will take you back in time to some of Tucson’s most fascinating tragedies.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Sunday, May 4, 8-10 pm
Sunday, May 18, 8-10 pm
Sunday, June 1, 8-10 pm
Sunday, June 15, 8-10 pm
Sunday, June 29, 8-10 pm
Sunday, July 13, 8-10 pm
Sunday, July 27, 8-10 pm
Sunday, August 10, 8-10 pm
Sunday, August 24, 8-10 pm
Sunday, September 7, 8-10 pm
Sunday, September 21, 8-10 pm
Evergreen Cemetery
After a general overview of Tucson’s cemeteries, Presidio Museum tour guide Alan Kruse will lead attendees through several Evergreen Cemetery gravesites and hear the stories of a number of historical characters including Sam Hughes, Henry Buehman, Larcena Pennington, Harry Arizona Drachman, Sarah Herring Sorin and Thomas Jeffords.
***This tour is about 1/4 mile long and meets one block in from the cemetery entrance at N. Oracle Road and W. Fort Lowell Road. Free parking is available at the meeting spot.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Check back in late summer for fall dates.
Fort Lowell Neighborhood
***Both parts of this tour begin at Fort Lowell Park, 2900 N. Craycroft Rd.
Guide: Ken Scoville
PLEASE NOTE: THIS TOUR IS SPLIT INTO TWO TOURS TO SHORTEN THE TOUR DURATION BUT CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ALL OF THE INFORMATION. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO TAKE PART 1 FIRST.
PART 1 of the tour features the Fort Lowell area and the history of Arizona, why this was the location for Fort Lowell, as well as the entire Fort complex and efforts for preservation after the closure in 1891. This tour is between one mile and 1.5 miles long.
PART 2 of the tour includes the development of the Mexican farming community known as El Fuerte, the artists from the Netherlands that added their unique skills for preservation, and the landmark San Pedro Chapel. This tour is between 1.5 and 2 miles long.
If you understand the history of the Fort Lowell area, you understand much of the history of Arizona. The Fort Lowell area is more than just the territorial fort and staging area for the final Indian campaign against Geronimo. Most of the cultural layers of Tucson are present here because of the oasis of water and trees at the confluence of the Pantano Wash and the Tanque Verde Creek which became the Rillito (little river). As early as the first century AD, the Hohokam and later historic agriculturalists farmed the area. In the 19th century, water again brought settlers from Mexico and the United States military in 1873. The last years of that century and the first decades of the 20th century brought a new wave of farmers and the formation of a small community called El Fuerte. Artists and dreamers would join in the 1920’s and 1930’s to restore adobe ruins from the fort as the early farmers had done. By the 1950s, the automobile and air conditioning would bring huge population growth and pressures for change. Preservation of the Fort Lowell region began in this same decade which led to the historic district status that continues to help preserve this unique area of the city.
$20/member, $35/non-member for each tour
PART 1 TOURS:
Check back soon for more dates
PART 2 TOURS:
Check back soon for more dates
Mainly Murals
The Mainly Murals Walking Tour, led by tour guide Dorothy Yanez, features many of the murals found in the downtown area, discussing the artist, history of the mural, and many of the artists’ inspirations behind the pieces. Several new murals have been added to the route since Dorothy began giving these tours. The tour begins at the Presidio Museum and includes murals north of Congress Street. It is approximately two miles long.
An afternoon tour with optional WINE TASTING is a new offering for this tour. See below to register for that option.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Saturday, May 3, 9-11 am
Saturday, June 7, 7-9 am
Saturday, July 5, 7-9 am
Saturday, August 2, 7-9 am
Saturday, September 6, 7-9 am
Mainly Murals + Optional Wine Tasting at JoJo’s
The Mainly Murals Walking Tour, led by tour guide Dorothy Yanez, features many of the murals found in the downtown area, discussing the artist, history of the mural, and many of the artists’ inspirations behind the pieces. Several new murals have been added to the route since Dorothy began giving these tours. The tour begins at the Presidio Museum and includes murals north of Congress Street. It is approximately two miles long.
***Add-On — After taking the Mainly Murals afternoon walking tour, enjoy the option of tasting a variety of regional wines in the Monsoon Room at JoJo’s Restaurant. Optional wine tasting costs $30.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Saturday, May 3, 1-4 pm
Mansions of Main Avenue
Take a stroll down Main Avenue with tour guide Alan Kruse to view the homes and hear the stories of the movers and shakers of early Tucson, including:
**Hiram and Petra Stevens, who were a prominent merchant couple but whose domestic life was less than perfect
**Sam Hughes who is called by some the “father of Tucson”
**Annie Cheyney whose newly restored 1905 home is the talk of the town
**Albert Steinfeld of department store fame whose son Harold was a top scorcher
**Frank Hereford, an attorney who represented the defendants in the Wham Robbery
**William Herring who was at one time Wyatt Earp’s lawyer
***This tour covers 1/4 of a mile in two hours and meets in front of Cafe a la C’art, 150 N. Main Avenue. This is a good tour for people who want more information and less walking.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Saturday, May 10, 8-10 am
Modern Streetcar & Walking Tour
Potentially, one of the most significant events to occur in Tucson in many decades is the Modern Streetcar. Attendees on this tour, led by Presidio Museum tour guide Alan Kruse, will ride the streetcar from one end to the other getting on and off at various points to walk and further explore. The tour begins at the Mercado, the most western terminus, with a short history of the modern streetcar before boarding. The first stop will be to see the artwork on the Gutierrez Bridge. The next stop is in the Downtown area to look at some streetcar art and take a walking tour down Congress Street and on to Fourth Avenue. After boarding the streetcar again, the group will stop at the U of A’s Main Gate to learn about the history of the early streetcar (1897-1930). Back on the streetcar, the group will travel through the campus, ending up at the eastern terminus at Helen and Warren Streets. Here, attendees will see the head of Poet, the source of all the poetry generated along the line. The tour officially ends here at about 12:30 pm. It takes approximately 30 minutes to ride back to the Mercado. Additional time should be planned if attendees decide to stop for lunch on the way back. This tour will focus on Tucson today but will also include some historical information.
***This tour begins at the Mercado San Agustin, 100 South Avenida del Convento. The total amount of time actually spent on the streetcar (some sitting, some standing) is one hour. The rest is walking (approximately ¾ mile), sitting, and waiting for the streetcar. The ground the tour covers is uneven with multiple curbs and one flight of stairs. Because of this, no canes or walkers are allowed on the tour. There are restroom facilities at the Mercado San Agustin, but there are no more scheduled stops along the way.
$30/member, $45/non-member
Check back in the fall for future dates.
Murals & More in the 4th Avenue District
Explore the unique blend of art, culture, and history painted through the murals of the historic 4th Avenue District. The tour wanders through alleyways adorned with striking murals that showcase the city’s diverse artistic influences, from traditional southwestern motifs to contemporary urban expressions.
Along the way, learn about the talented local artists who have contributed to Tucson’s burgeoning mural scene, each piece telling a story that resonates with the community as we encounter hidden gems and lesser-known masterpieces that contribute to the unique character of Tucson’s streets.
**This tour begins and ends at Corbett’s at 340 N. 6th Ave.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Sunday, April 27, 11:30 am-1 pm
Sunday, May 25, 7-8:30 am
Sunday, June 29, 7-8:30 am
Sunday, July 27, 7-8:30 am
Sunday, August 24, 7-8:30 am
Sunday, September 28, 7-8:30 am
Murals & More + Margaritas in the 4th Avenue District
Enjoy a Murals & More of the 4th Avenue District Tour (described above) followed by a margarita (included in the price) at Corbett’s afterwards.
$35/member, $50/non-member
Sunday, April 27, 2-4:30 pm
Sunday, May 25, 2-4:30 pm
Pioneer Women of Main Avenue
Led by tour guide Alan Kruse, this walking tour focuses on the pioneer women who contributed so much to Tucson’s history. Attendees will view the outside of their homes and learn about their lives. Some of the women covered include:
**Sarah Sorin – the first female attorney to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court unassisted
**Gladys Franklin – active with historic and artistic endeavors in Tucson, she died in the same room she was born in on Main Avenue at 89.
**Edith Kitt – Ran the Arizona Historical Society for years
**Bettina Steinfeld – wife of Albert Steinfeld, Merchant Prince of the Southwest
**Annie Neal Cheyney – had the Cheyney House built on Main Avenue
**Atanacia Hughes – married to Sam Hughes at age 13 or so, gave birth to 15 children (pictured above)
***This tour covers 1/4 of a mile in two hours and begins at Café a la C’art at 150 N. Main Ave. It follows the same route as the Mansions of Main Avenue Walking Tour and is a good tour for people who want more information and less walking. On-street parking is available.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Sunday, April 27, 9 am-11 am
Presidio District Tour – Why is Tucson the City It is Today?
PLEASE NOTE: THIS TOUR IS SPLIT INTO TWO TOURS TO SHORTEN THE TOUR DURATION BUT CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ALL OF THE INFORMATION.
Part 1 of the tour includes the northern half of the presidio site and the archeology tactics used to discover the presidio and verify it’s location, the history of the Presidio museum, Old Town Artisans adobe complex, and the Tucson Museum of Art Historic Block. This tour begins at the 1928 Pima County Courthouse, 115 N. Church Ave.
Part 2 of the tour includes the Presidio Neighborhood’s pioneer history, architectural evolution and eventual denial of the desert environment, and the history and on-going efforts for preservation from urban renewal to the present. This tour begins at the northwest corner of Main and Alameda near the Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
El Presidio Historic District provides many of the answers as to why Tucson is the city it is today. The geography of this area explains our changing relationship with water and our desert environment as each cultural group from prehistoric to historic settled in this region of the Sonoran Desert. The homes they constructed responded to and later denied the desert environment. The constant pressure for change and real estate speculation in a growing city is also a part of the story as the infancy of historic districts established the desire to preserve the buildings and historic landscape of an area that connects to important past events and people in the community and nation. The historic resources, the decisions and actions of people, and the geography allow us to understand past endeavors that impact our present and likely the future of our community.
$20/member, $35/non-member for each tour
Part 1 Tours
Check back soon for future dates.
Part 2 Tours
Friday, April 25, 10 am-12 pm
Public Art & Murals
Recent years have seen an explosion of public art throughout Tucson. The Public Art & Murals Walking Tour, led by tour guide Dorothy Yanez, begins at the Presidio Museum and proceeds into the downtown area, stopping at numerous public art pieces and murals. At each stop you will learn about the artist and the artwork. Several new murals have been added to the tour route since Dorothy began giving these tours about a year ago. The tour is approximately 2 miles and includes stops south of Congress Street. Dorothy will be on a microphone for better hearing.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Saturday, May 24, 9-11 am
Saturday, June 21, 7-9 am
Saturday, July 19, 7-9 am
Saturday, August 16, 7-9 am
Saturday, September 20, 7-9 am
Public Art & Murals + Wine Tasting at Leo Kent Hotel St. Cruz Restaurant & Bar
Recent years have seen an explosion of public art throughout Tucson. The Public Art & Murals Walking Tour, led by tour guide Dorothy Yanez, begins at the Presidio Museum and proceeds into the downtown area, stopping at numerous public art pieces and murals. At each stop you will learn about the artist and the artwork. Several new murals have been added to the tour route since Dorothy began giving these tours about a year ago. The tour is approximately 2 miles and includes stops south of Congress Street. Dorothy will be on a microphone for better hearing.
After the afternoon Public Art & Murals tour, enjoy the option of tasting a variety of local and regional wines and learning about Arizona’s wine growing regions inside the beautiful Leo Kent Hotel St. Cruz Restaurant & Bar. Optional wine tasting costs $35.
Pre-registration required. Click on the date below to register.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Saturday, April 26, 1-4 pm
May 24, 1-4 pm
Santa Cruz River History
This two-mile walking tour is led by Mauro Trejo and focuses on our relationship with the Santa Cruz River, how it supported Tucson’s early residents, and the factors in the 19th and 20th century that affected its demise.
The tour begins at Tucson’s Mission Garden and includes the sites of the former Spanish mission and the O’odham village that was the origin of our modern city. Attendees also visit Tucson’s tallest tree and the Garden of Gethsemane, a holy site of statues made by WWI veteran and artist Felix Lucero in the 1940s.
***This tour begins at Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane, Tucson, AZ, 85745
$25/member, $40/non-member includes entry into Mission Garden
Friday, April 25, 8-10 am
Friday, May 23, 8-10 am
Friday, June 27, 8-10 am
Friday, July 25, 8-10 am
Friday, August 22, 8-10 am
Friday, September 26, 8-10 am
Turquoise Trail
Presidio Museum Tour Guides Mauro Trejo and Dorothy Yanez lead different versions of this walking tour, which covers the Turquoise Trail through the heart of downtown. Learn about Tucson’s fascinating history and see some architectural gems. Pre-registration is required.
PLEASE NOTE: A standard-length tour (led by Mauro) and a slightly- shorter version of the Turquoise Trail (led by Dorothy) are both available. Dorothy also offers an afternoon tour with wine tasting at Maynard’s Market afterwards. Make sure you register for the correct tour below:
STANDARD LENGTH TURQUOISE TRAIL TOUR
$20/member, $35/non-member
Saturday, May 10, 8-10:30 am
Saturday, June 14, 7-9:30 am
Saturday, July 12, 7-9:30 am
Saturday, August 9, 7-9:30 am
Saturday, September 13, 7-9:30 am
SLIGHTLY SHORTER VERSION OF THE TURQUOISE TRAIL TOUR
This 2-mile tour is led by Dorothy Yanez and covers the Turquoise Trail through stop 14 at the south end of Church Avenue, returning to the Presidio Museum by heading north up Church.
All tours on Sundays unless otherwise noted.
Pre-registration is required. Click on the date below to register.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Sunday, May 18, 8-10 am
Shortened Turquoise Trail + Wine Tasting at Unicorn Zebra
This 2-mile Turquoise Trail tour is led by Dorothy Yanez and covers the Turquoise Trail through stop 14 at the south end of Church Avenue. Afterwards, attendees will enjoy a variety of wines at the Unicorn Zebra craft mixology lounge. The wine tasting is included in the price.
$50/member, $65/non-member
Sunday, May 18, 2-5 pm
University of Arizona
After a discussion of the interesting beginnings of the University in 1885, tour guide Alan Kruse will lead attendees to the historic portion of the campus beginning with the Main Gate at University at Park. The history, the personalities, and the architecture will be emphasized in a somewhat chronological order. The architecture of the older buildings varies from Classical Revival to Italian and Spanish Romanesque. The tour will also include newer sites such as the Women’s Plaza of Honor and the Student Union Memorial Center. As we stroll the campus, we will investigate some of the plants – the University is a recognized arboretum – and the public art. The tour will end after a short visit to the front of the Arizona History Museum.
***This tour is 1.25-miles long and meets east of the Main Gate Garage (815 E. 2nd St.). Specific instructions to the meeting location will be sent upon registration.
$20/member, $35/non-member
Check back this fall for upcoming tour dates.