Top 12 Must-See Attractions in Florence, AZ

Situated approximately 60 miles southeast of Phoenix in Pinal County, Florence is one of the historical towns in the region. It reached its peak during the cattle and mining booms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

While cattle remain a significant industry, most mining activities are now managed by large national corporations, and the independent prospectors of yesteryear are a fading recollection.

Florence serves as the county seat of Pinal County and had over 30,000 residents according to the most recent census.

Since 1982, its historic downtown district has been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

Below are 12 attractions and activities to explore in Florence.

1. Pinal County Historical Society Museum

Historical societies, along with their associated museums, provide valuable insights into the history of the town you are visiting. Typically, these venues offer affordable or complimentary admission and feature a variety of intriguing relics, artifacts, documents, and photographs. They are often staffed by passionate locals who take pleasure in sharing their town’s rich history with guests.

Situated on South Main in Florence, the Pinal County Historical Society Museum has been operational since 1959 and comprises exhibits, artifacts, and even magazines dating back to the 1930s. The museum showcases a blacksmith shop, Native American tools and clothing, as well as a noose and parts of a gas chamber previously used in the town’s jail.

2. Country Thunder

For avid country music enthusiasts, the Country Thunder festival may already be well known. This promotional company has been organizing large country music events annually since 1996 in Arizona. Rather than being merely a concert, it is a multifaceted music festival featuring numerous headliners across various stages, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Country Thunder has gained a reputation for showcasing both established stars and emerging talents who frequently achieve great success post-event. In 2018, Country Thunder Arizona earned recognition as the most popular music festival of the year, generally taking place over three days in the initial week of April.

3. Florence Community Library

Public libraries are also excellent locations to discover when exploring a new area. These venues offer air-conditioned spaces, tranquility, and ample seating. While visitors may not be able to check out books, they are welcome to relax indoors, read newspapers, or browse the shelves for titles they have been meaning to read for years.

Community libraries frequently host events such as historical lectures, book signings, and educational classes for both children and adults. The Florence Community Library, located on North Main Street, houses nearly 20,000 volumes and is worth a visit.

4. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, featuring several structures within a stone wall, are remnants from the Native American Hohokam civilization, who have occupied the Valley of the Sun for centuries. Translated to mean ‘big house’ in Spanish, Casa Grande showcases the grandeur of what these ancient structures once represented, despite much of the original architecture being lost.

Archaeological findings reveal that these early inhabitants constructed canals to direct water for agricultural purposes. Situated near Coolidge, just outside of Florence, the site offers an intriguing glimpse into the lives of Native Americans from centuries past.

5. The Windmill Winery

Spanning a location that once served as a brickyard, dairy farm, and plant nursery, The Windmill Winery on West Butte Avenue in Florence is renowned for both its wedding venue and wine offerings. Originally established as a winery, the facility continues to attract visitors for tours and tastings.

The grounds feature restored buildings, including a barn with high vault ceilings and two lakeside houses. This combination of historical architecture and the picturesque desert landscape ensures that any event hosted here is memorable, cementing its status as a prominent venue in the area.

6. Florence Aquatic Center

Located on North Main Street, the Florence Aquatic Center features a range of water-based recreational facilities, including waterfalls, slides, diving boards, and various swimming pools. In addition to offering entertainment, the facility also prioritizes safety, with numerous lifeguards present to ensure the well-being of younger visitors.

The center includes designated areas for warm-ups and relaxation before entering the pools, alongside free weights for those wishing to exercise before enjoying a refreshing swim. Adults can also find designated lap swimming areas that are not accessible to children.

7. Tom Mix Memorial

Although Tom Mix may not be a household name today, he garnered significant fame as a striking young actor in early 20th-century cinema, particularly in silent western films. He shared a friendship with Wyatt Earp, who passed away nearly impoverished in 1929 after unsuccessful attempts to sell his life story. Tom Mix endeavored to assist Earp and even served as a pallbearer at his funeral.

Years later, at the age of 60, Mix tragically lost his life in a car accident on Route 79 near Florence, leading to the establishment of a small memorial honoring this notable figure and the fascinating history surrounding him.

8. Art in the Park

Located a short distance from Florence, Art in the Park Sierra Vista is among the numerous arts and crafts events in rural Arizona, noted for being one of the oldest and finest. The event features nearly 200 vendors and artists presenting paintings, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, and various other creative works.

Attendees can also enjoy gourmet food offerings, many of which incorporate Southwest culinary influences. Held on weekends, the event attracts thousands of visitors, providing an opportunity to engage with local artists and contribute to the regional economy.

9. Boyce Thompson Arboretum

If you were unaware, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is recognized as the largest botanical garden in the United States. In partnership with the University of Arizona and Arizona State Parks, this arboretum was established to conserve the remarkable diversity of plant life native to the Sonoran Desert.

Since its foundation in 1924, the arboretum has played a vital role in educating the public regarding the essential contributions of flora to both local and global ecosystems. Guided tours are offered, or visitors may opt to explore the scenic grounds at their own pace, using informative signage along the trails.

The arboretum is located in Superior, close to Florence, and has an informative website featuring an event calendar, hours of operation, and pricing information.

10. Caywood Farms Arizona Cotton Farm Tours

Cotton farming has played a significant role in Arizona’s economy for decades. The region’s consistent sunlight, sandy soil, and high temperatures create ideal conditions for cotton growth. The Caywood family has been cultivating this vital crop for four generations at their Caywood Farms in Casa Grande.

In addition to traditional farming practices, they now offer tours that provide insights into the agricultural world and how cotton plays a role in everyday life. The experience includes hayrides, opportunities to pick your own cotton, and the chance to win prizes.

11. Dolly Steamboat Cruise

Located near Apache Junction, northeast of Florence, Canyon Lake is often referred to as the Little Grand Canyon, characterized by steep rock cliffs that loom over the deep gorge and lake below. The journey from Florence to the lake takes you through expansive desert vistas dotted with towering saguaros.

The steamboat cruises have been operating since the 1920s, providing narrated tours led by the captain and crew, who share their knowledge of the area’s rich history and geology. Dinner cruises are also available; visitors are advised to bring a jacket, as desert evenings can become quite cool.

12. St. Anthony’s Monastery

Located on North St. Joseph’s Way in Florence, St. Anthony’s Monastery is a uniquely intriguing destination that should not be overlooked. While it may not be unconventional to find a Greek Orthodox monastery, its foundation in a sparsely populated desert area by a group of monks from thousands of miles away is indeed remarkable.

Since its establishment in the mid-1990s, this monastery has attracted many tourists eager to capture photographs. Nonetheless, it remains a site of active worship, so visitors are urged to dress appropriately when visiting. The monastery showcases stunning architecture and mosaics and features a gift shop for those interested in purchasing souvenirs.