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Yuma is rich with indigenous history from the arrival of the Spanish missionaries, to pioneer history, to a look at one of America's great rivers, the Colorado River, Yuma museums and two state historic parks tell Yuma’s story.
Colorado River State Historic Park
- This beautiful 10-acre park includes five buildings dating back to the Depot's earliest days - among the oldest and best-preserved buildings in the state of Arizona. 201 North 4th Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area
- 180 West 1st Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
- Voted as USA Today’s “Best Haunted Destination in the U.S.,” the Yuma Territorial Prison is a must-see for both ghost hunters and history buffs. 220 Prison Hill Road, Yuma, AZ 85364
St. Thomas Indian Mission
- The present-day church was built in 1922 on the site of the mission founded by Father Garcés in 1780. 350 Picacho Road, Winterhaven, CA 92283
Fort Yuma Historic Marker & Quechan Museum
- Located in historic Fort Yuma, this museum traces the history of the Quechan through archaeological items and photographs. Located on Quechan Drive, Winterhaven, CA 92283
Cocopah Museum
- With attractive grounds and architecture, this museum tells the story of the tribe through their eyes, with original photographs, clothing, and every-day items before the influence of Spanish or United States citizens impeded much on their way of life. 14533 South Veterans Drive, Somerton, AZ 85350
Arizona Historical Society Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens
- Museum in the 19th-century house & gardens of a successful local business figure. 240 South Madison Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364
Cloud Museum
- View the personal collection of Mr. Johnny Cloud, a long time resident of Bard, CA who began collecting in 1989. The collection of artifacts from the past is vast, overwhelming, well organized and incredibly impressive. Located at 1398 York Road, Bard, CA 92283
Museum of History in Granite
- The Museum of History in Granite is a museum in the town of Felicity, California. The museum exhibits monuments made from Missouri Red Granite. Each is 100 feet long. Located at Center of the World Drive, Felicity, CA 92283
Castle Dome Mine Museum
- An authentic look back in time with the preservation and restoration of Castle Dome City. Sitting on a patented mine since 1871, Castle Dome is the longest worked mining district in Arizona. Walking through this ghost town that has over 50 weather-beaten buildings, will make you feel as if you are a part of history. Located at Castle Dome Mine Road, Yuma, AZ 85365
Children's Museum of Yuma County
- We want children all across Yuma to play, explore, and imagine. We care about creating exhibits and programs that emphasize hands-on engagement and learning through experience, employing play as a tool to spark the inherent creativity, curiosity, and imagination of children. Located at 200 South Main Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 https://www.yumachildrensmuseum.com/
Colorado River
Just a handful of Arizona towns can boast a location on one of the most mighty rivers in the United States, the Colorado River. It provides year-round recreation and enjoyment, from wild to mild. From high-speed boating and jet-skiing to calmer sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, to finding your piece of beach for wading during a family picnic, the River provides every opportunity to enjoy its green shore, wildlife, and cool waters. Warm and sunny winters make a great time for boating or paddling, while in the spring and summer, you can make a splash with the wetter options like tubing and waterskiing.
On the edge of downtown, pleasantly calm waters roll along the East and West Wetlands parks, providing tranquil places to stroll or job, gather with friends, or let the kids run off some energy to play in the shallows. Ease of access for tubing, canoeing and kayaking can be found at Gateway Park's beach, Centennital Beach or Playa Linda.
To go a little deeper for fishing or power sports, head north of Yuma to Martinez Lake, Senators Wash, Squaw Lake for public access boat launches or places to put in for canoeing or kayaking. Check out Venture Rec & Rentals for your waterport equipment needs https://yuma.usmc-mccs.org/recreation-fitness/recreation/outdoor-recreation/recreational-equipment-checkout-rentals
If staying overnight along the Lake is what your seeking then check out Venture Lodging at Martinez Lake for accomodations https://yuma.usmc-mccs.org/recreation-fitness/recreation/outdoor-recreation/campgrounds-rv
Kayaking, Canoeing, and Tubing
This is a great way to get up close to wildlife and to take it all in at a slow-flow speed. Whether at the break of dawn or the crest of sunset, any time of day floating along makes for a great bonding experience with friends or family in the great outdoors.
You may spot water birds such as Snowy Egrets, ibis, cormorants, ducks, and geese, and many songbirds amongst the cattails and reeds at the water's edge. Often busy beavers and fat muskrats
Colorado River State Historic Park
- This beautiful 10-acre park is located on a portion of the grounds of the old U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot, established in 1864. The park includes five buildings dating back to the Depot's earliest days, among the oldest and best-preserved buidlings in the state of Arizona. Located at 201 N. 4th Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364 https://azstateparks.com/colorado-river/
City of Yuma Parks & Recreation Department
- Enriching lives through quality programs, experiences, and facilities that preserve the past, provide for the present, plan for the future, and promote the spirit of fun. Located at 1 City Plaza, Yuma, AZ 85364 https://www.yumaaz.gov/visitors/parks-recreation
Yuma Civic Center
- Managed by the City of Yuma this flexible, affordable facility is the perfect place to host a private party (wedding, birthday or personal event) or a small business meeting (seminar, workshop, expo, etc.) the knowledgable and friendly staff will ensure your event is successful. Located at 1440 West Desert Hills Drive, Yuma, AZ 85364 https://www.yumaaz.gov/visitors/yuma-civic-center
Desert Hills Golf Course
- Operated by the City of Yuma Parks & Recreation department. The course is a par 72 championship course that features 6,800 yards of challenging topography and scenic views with an interesting mix of vegetation. Located at 1245 West Desert Hills Drive, Yuma, AZ 85364 https://www.cityofyumagolf.com/
Yuma Golf & Country Club
- The only private golf facility in the Yuma area offering its membership the finest in golf, tennis, swimming and dining. Located at 3150 S. Fortuna Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85365 https://ygcc.org/
Mesa Del Sol Golf Club
- Designed by Arnold Palmer, this public, daily fee golf course features 18 championship holes of golf and offers one of the most picturesque golfing experiences in the region. Located at 12213 Calle Del Cid, Yuma, AZ 85367 https://playmesadelsol.com/
Las Barrancas Golf Club
- This 18 hold golf experience unlike any other will really test your game. With five different sets of tees this course is both fun and challenging! Located at 14476 E. 48th Street, Yuma, AZ 85367 https://www.lasbarrancasgolf.com/
Cocopah Bend RV & Golf Resort
- Located at 6800 S. Strand Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364 https://www.cocopahrv.com/index-mobile.html
Ironwood Golf Course
- Located at 2945 West 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 https://yumaironwood.com/
Yuma Conservation Garden and Education Center
- This is a botanical garden and natural habitat that contains a duck pond and outdoor learning center. Located at 2520 E. 32nd Street, Yuma, AZ 85365 http://www.yumaconservationgarden.org
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
- Over 665,400 acres of pristine Sonoran desert preserved for desert bighorn sheep. Located at 9300 E. 28th Street, Yuma, AZ 85365 https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kofa
Yuma is proud of it's growing art and artists communities. Gallery shows, murals, public art pieces and a flourishing performing arts culture is directing local artists to paint a new picture of how people view Yuma.
Our winter months provide a busy schedule of performances throughout the day and evenings, from the series of classica chosen by the Yuma Orchestra, to Yuma Jazz Company pop-ups at local restaurants and outdoor venues. Our many festivals and annual events bring even more exposure to the music scene by attracting regional or national acts as well.
Yuma Art Center & Historic Yuma Theater
- Home to the Division of Arts and Culture which advances the arts by providing distinct opportunities for community participation and artistic growth. The Yuma Art Center produces theater productions, visual art exhibitions, facilitates performing and visual arts classes, summer mural program, film screening, festival coordination and special events. 254 S. Main Street Yuma, AZ 85364
Yuma Community Theater
- The Theater produces works of theater to promote community interest and support of live theater, and to provide opportunities for members to participate in various phases of theater work. 2874 E. 16th Street Yuma, AZ 85364
For outdoor art around town, check out these murals, either on foot or by car.
Endangered Sonoran Desert Species Mural:
- Located at Arizona Western College 2020 S. Avenue 8E Yuma, AZ 85365 on the east side of the theater building. The mural was painted by artist, Roger Peet and Phoenix-based Airzonan muralist, Lucinda Hinojos La Morena.
Borderlines Mural:
- Located behind The Pint House on South Madison Lane, downtown Yuma. Latina muralist, Lucinda Hinojos La Morena.
Flor del Desierto (Desert Flower) Mural:
- Location: 280 S 4th Avenue Yuma, AZ 85364, south side of the Del Sol Market Building. The mural was painted by artist, Adry del Rocio.