Besh-Ba-Gowah Museum

Imagine a place where time seems to have stood still several centuries ago. Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum is a remarkable testament to the lives of the Salado people who inhabited these lands more than 700 years ago. Located in the city of Globe, USA, this complex is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Arizona.

The centerpiece of the park is a partially reconstructed ancient pueblo consisting of nearly 200 rooms. It rises majestically on a hill, offering a scenic view of Pinal Creek. The name "Besh-Ba-Gowah" was given by the Apache and translates as "place of metal," highlighting the region's historical connection to the mining industry.

Today, the site serves as both a museum and a public park. Here, you can see not only the remains of stone dwellings but also a rich collection of prehistoric ceramics, woven goods, and tools. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is rightfully considered a must-visit for anyone interested in Native American culture.

To plan your visit to Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum, it's worth saving the main contact details in advance. The museum is managed by city authorities and is open to anyone wishing to touch the region's ancient history.

Your introduction to Besh-Ba-Gowah begins in the museum building, which houses many artifacts found during excavations. Here, you can see magnificent painted pottery, stone tools, and rare examples of weaving. Be sure to watch the introductory video: it helps to better understand the structure of ancient Salado society and the context of the pueblo's construction.

After the museum, head out for a walk through the archaeological park itself. You can walk along paths among the restored multi-story structures, peek inside the rooms, and imagine what daily life was like hundreds of years ago. Information signs throughout the area provide details about the construction techniques of the time and how the residents utilized the surrounding landscape.

Special attention should be paid to the ethno-botanical garden. It features desert plants that the ancient inhabitants used for food, medicine, and tools. If your visit falls during the spring or summer, you can enjoy the beauty of blooming cacti and shrubs, which adds a special charm to this historical site.

The easiest way to reach this historical site is by car. The archaeological park is located just 1.6 km (about 1 mile) southwest of downtown Globe. The route leads to 1324 S Jesse Hayes Rd. Please note that the final stretch of the road is quite narrow and goes uphill, so exercise caution while driving.

If you are driving from Phoenix, the journey takes about 1.5 hours (approximately 145 km) via US-60 E. From the Apache Junction area, the trip is about 95 km. Free parking is provided for visitors on the complex grounds.

Public transportation in this area is limited, so for a comfortable trip, it is recommended to use a taxi from the city center or rent a car. GPS coordinates: 33.3819818, -110.7728814.

Besh-Ba-Gowah was once a thriving settlement of the Salado culture, which dominated the region between 1150 and 1450 AD. The pueblo itself reached its peak about a thousand years ago. During that time, the Tonto Basin was densely populated—historians believe up to 10,000 people may have lived here simultaneously.

A special role in preserving this site was played by Irene Vickrey in the 1930s. During the Great Depression, an era when it was extremely difficult for women to hold official positions, she led large-scale excavations as part of government relief programs for the unemployed. It was Irene who gave the site its current name, which translates from the Apache language as "place of metal"—the term the Apache used for the nearby mining camps.

Over years of research under Vickrey's leadership, about 200 rooms and over 350 burials were excavated. In 1940, she opened the first museum on the site. Unfortunately, the researcher passed away at the age of just 35 and was buried near the place to which she dedicated her career. In 1984, the archaeological park was officially listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

To explore the entire grounds of the Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park at a leisurely pace, most travelers need about 1.5–2 hours. This is enough time to first look through the museum section and then walk among the open-air ruins.

A visit typically begins with a 15-minute introductory video and an examination of artifacts (about 30-40 minutes), followed by about an hour to explore the pueblo itself and stroll through the ethno-botanical garden. If you are a photography or botany enthusiast, it's worth setting aside a bit more time for your walk.

The museum and park are generally open to visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. However, seasonal changes in the schedule should be considered: from July to September, the attraction is often closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

As operating hours may change on holidays or depending on the season, it is recommended to check the current information on the official website of the City of Globe before your trip to ensure your visit goes smoothly.

A visit to the ancient pueblo can be perfectly combined with exploring other attractions in the city of Globe. This will allow you to better experience the Arizona atmosphere—from the times of the ancient Indians to the era of pioneers and miners.