Long before Phoenix had a skyline, the Hohokam people built a thriving village here — and you can still walk through it today at Pueblo Grande, a National Historic Landmark right in the city!
This city of Phoenix museum and archaeological park preserves a 1,500-year-old Hohokam village, complete with a massive platform mound, an ancient ballcourt, replica adobe houses, and one of the old irrigation canals that made desert farming possible. Shaded interpretive trails wind through the ruins, with signs and hands-on exhibits that bring the ancient desert culture to life for visitors of all ages.
It’s ideal for families, school-age kids, and history lovers — the kind of place where children run ahead excitedly to the next stop on the trail. Practical tip: wear a hat and sunscreen, carry water, and allow about two hours to explore the trail and indoor exhibits. Very affordable admission, free parking.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / karol m
