10 Best Non-Tourist Sites to See in Phoenix, Arizona

A man who had tuberculosis and was looking for a drier climate to help mitigate his condition built the Mystery Castle in the early 20th century. After his death, his daughter moved into the home and still lives there today. The castle has a unique architecture with a great story behind it. This is a great place for photographs.

Location: 800 East Mineral Road, Phoenix, AZ 85042
Hours: Oct. thru June Thu-Sun 11 am-4 pm.
Cost: Adult $5 and children Free.

Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum

This museum is actually a 1800's era town located on 90 acres 30 minutes north of downtown Phoenix. You'll be able to visit a blacksmith shop, sheriff's office and jail; a complete ranch complex and all the people there are dressed in authentic period style clothing. A trip here will take you back in time.

Location: 3901 West Pioneer Road, Phoenix, AZ 85086.
Hours: Winter 9 am-5 pm Wed-Sun; Summer 9 am-3 pm Wed-Sun.
Cost: Adults $7, Students 6-18 $5, and children Free.
Website: www.pioneeraz.org

The Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum

This museum has been in existence since 1884. It has one of the world's largest collections of minerals, rocks, fossils and mining materials. This museum schedules special events and contains a gift shop with specially priced minerals for purchase.

Location: 1502 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
Hours: 8 am-5 pm Mon-Fri and 11 am-4 pm Sat.
Cost: Adults $2 and children 17 and under Free.
Website: http://mines.az.gov/General/museum.html

The Heard Museum

The Heard Museum has collections of Native American culture and art. It has 10 exhibition galleries, free-guided tours, an outdoor sculpture garden, a café, and trading post style shops. This museum was founded in 1929 and contains great history of the area.

Location: 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Hours: 9:30 am-5 pm Mon-Sun.
Cost: Adults $12, Students $5, children 6-12 $3 and children under 6 Free.
Website: http://heard.org/visit/index.html

Desert Botanical Gardens

The Desert Botanical Gardens sport a collection of more than 20,000 specimens to include the largest cacti collection with more than 1300 examples. March thru May is when the blooming is the best so plan your trip during these months. Don't forget your hat and sunscreen as the desert sun can be very hot.

Location: 1201 N Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008.
Hours: 8 am-8 pm October thru May daily and 7 am-8 pm June thru September daily.
Cost: Adults $15, Students 13-18 $7.50, children 3-12 $5 and children under 3 Free.
Website: http://www.dbg.org/index.php

The Arizona Science Center

The Arizona Science Center features a futuristic architecture and attempts to turn learning into fun for the whole family. It has a laser light show that can be seen in the Planetarium and a 5 story IMAX theater showing various educational and exciting films.

Location: 600 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Hours: 10 am-5 pm Mon-Sun Closed Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Cost: Adult $12, Child 3-17 $10 Planetarium and IMAX extra.
Website: http://www.azscience.org/index.php

Pueblo Grande Museum

The Pueblo Grande Museum offers an opportunity to learn about the ancient Hohokam Indian culture. This museum contains three galleries, a theater and an interpretive trail. The outside display makes it very real as to what these Indians had to do to survive in the desert, from home building to farming.

Location: 4619 E Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034.
Hours: 9 am-4:45 pm Mon-Sat 1 pm-4:45 pm Sun.
Cost: Adult $6, Children 6-17 $3, Children 5 and under Free.
Website: http://www.pueblogrande.org/

Arizona Capital Museum

The Arizona Capital Museum has more than 20 exhibits that tell Arizona history from territorial days to present. This museum contains an exciting store to buy souvenirs and you can park free at Wesley Bolin Plaza.

Location: 1700 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
Hours: 9 am-4 pm Mon-Fri.
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.lib.az.us/museum/

Historic Heritage Square

The Historic Heritage Square is conveniently located near the Arizona Science Center. Located within the Heritage Square are many homes listed in the National Register of Historic Places. There are two restaurants and two of the historic homes offer free tours. This is a pleasant place to stop and grab a nice lunch.

Location: 600 East Monroe Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Hours: Varies
Cost: Free
Website: http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/heritage.html

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting is the largest museum of its kind. It contains restored antique fire trucks and equipment from civil war era to present day. It is also located near the Desert Botanical Garden.

Location: 6101 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008.
Hours: 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat Noon-4 pm Sun.
Cost: Adult $6, Students 6-17 $4, Children 3-5 $1.50 and children under 3 Free.
Website: http://www.hallofflame.org/index.html

These are 10 of some of the great sites to be seen here in Phoenix Arizona. I encourage you to check these out whether you are a visitor or a resident. Enjoy.