Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
category : Archaeology
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument preserves the remains of an ancient Hohokam farming village as well as the enigmatic Great House. For over a thousand years, prehistoric farmers inhabited much of the present-day state of Arizona. When the first Europeans arrived, all that remained of this ancient culture were the ruins of villages, irrigation canals and various artifacts. Among these ruins is the Casa Grande, or "Big House," one of the largest and most mysterious prehistoric structures ever built in North America. Casa Grande Ruins, the nation's first archeological preserve, protects the Casa Grande and other archeological sites within its boundaries. You are invited to see the Casa Grande and to hear the story of the ancient ones the Akimel O'otham call the Hohokam, "those who are gone."Inside the visitor center are exhibits of village life during Hohokam times. Outside. trails lead through the ruins of what was once the largest compound in the prehistoric village. Check with park staff about guided tours. Signs are posted so that you may tour the park on your own. Additional areas are visible from the observation deck in the picnic area.
There are restrooms, drinking fountains, and picnic tables in the park. Food service, public phones, stores. and fuel are available nearby in Coolidge.
Admission: The entrance fee is $3.00 per person. Children 16 and under are admitted free.
Hours: Open daily except Christmas 8:00-5:00.
Address: Located an hour SE of Phoenix. From Interstate 10, take the Coolidge exits and follow the signs to the park entrance at Arizona Routes 87 and 287.
Phone: 520-723-3172
Our Website:www.nps.gov/cagr/
Come visit us in Coolidge, Arizona