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Benson, AZ Area Guide

A picturesque river view, beautiful desert colored valleys and beautiful weather grace Benson, Arizona. And as an extra added incentive, it’s the home Kartchner Caverns State Park, situated nicely next to Interstate 10. Nicknamed the Gateway to Cochise County, the City of Benson’s culture is steeped in the heritage of the old west and the railroad. The Benson Visitor Center is a beautiful replica railroad depot that features many of the same architectural designs as the original depot that was built more than a century ago. Particularly proud of its designation as the Home of the Caverns, the park is located on 550 acres at the foothills of the Whetstone Mountains, offering picnic areas, facilities for camping, hiking, walking and of course, the spectacular caverns.

Beautiful residential neighborhoods, majestic horizons and friendly neighbors are just a few of the things you can expect when you visit Benson. We’ll welcome you like you’re family and show you around, so come visit and enjoy the trip!

History

Benson was founded when the Southern Pacific Railroad came through Arizona in 1880. The new town was at a bit of a different location that the earlier stage coach town, and became the rail shipping point for the then booming town to the south, Tombstone.

Charles Crocker, president of the railroad, named the town for Judge William S. Benson of California, Judge Benson having spent many years in the mining areas of the West. Establishing a post office in 1880, John Russ served as the first post master and a Wells Fargo Station was founded in 1885.

The economy of Benson grew along with the demand for silver and copper, with the metals being brought to the smelter, converted to bullion and shipped out by the railroad. As more railroads were built, Benson developed into the “Hub City,” and in 1881, it became the terminus for the Sonoran Railroad. With the railroad traffic came the need for retail services and soon a hotel, saloons, livery stables, stores and restaurants sprang up for use by the people who settled in Benson. Artesian wells were drilled, increasing the number of cattle and crops that were able to be raised, paving the way for Benson to transition from a railroad town to a trade center with a prosperous agricultural area.

Lions Park
Equipped with two basketball courts, picnic areas, a baseball and softball field, soccer fields, as well as a playground, large Ramada and a new skate park!

Apache Park
Donated in 1949, the park is located in the Apache Park Historical District.

Union Street Park
Located next to Benson’s Public Pool and Community Center, it includes two small ramadas, grills and plenty of room for the kids, both large and small, to play!

For more information, visit: Parks, Fields & Ramadas

Attractions and Activities

Turquoise Hills Golf & RV
The old 9-hole Coyote Hills golf course has been completely rebuilt as an 18-hole executive course. It has a triple green and a 5-tiered waterfall. The course has been renamed "Turquoise Hills Golf & RV " check out its beautiful greens today! To learn more, visit: http://www.turquoisehills.com/

Kartchner Caverns State Park
Experience a stunning limestone cave in Southeastern Arizona that boasts world-class features. This “live” cave, discovered in 1974, is host to a wide variety of unique minerals and formations. For more information, visit: http://www.pr.state.az.us/parks/KACA/

Benson Arts & History Museum
In 1983, two groups merged and purchased the building that began life as a grocery store in 1922 before becoming a storage facility. The Benson Historical Society and the Arts Group merged to convert the building, the majority of grocery items and some of the furniture now on display were found in the building, offering a unique view of life in the 1920’s. To learn more, visit: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~azspvahs/

San Pedro Golf Course
The very unique “River – Wilderness” terrain sets the course apart from any in southern Arizona. Golfers will remember the San Pedro for a front nine that plays along the San Pedro river and over natural washes, and a back-nine playing through natural canyons with a distinct links feel.

For more information, visit:
http://www.sanpedrogolf.com/course.asp?HID=366&

Benson Community Center
Located at 705 W. Union Street and coordinated by The City of Benson, the Community Center is open to the Community Monday – Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Educational Seminars, Socialization Programs and recreational activities are available. Call 720-6044 for more information.

Cochise Stronghold – Coronado National Forest
Cochise Stronghold is located to the west of Sunsites, Arizona in the Dragoon Mountains at an elevation of 5,000 ft. This beautiful woodland area lies in a protective rampart of granite domes and sheer cliffs which were once the refuge of the great Apache Chief, Cochise, and his people. For more information, visit: http://www.cochisestronghold.com/

Triangle T Guest Ranch
A unique setting in the majestic Texas Canyon, Triangle T Guest Ranch is one of the oldest in Arizona. Set among gigantic boulders piled high in startling formation, it offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the southwest. To learn more, visit: http://www.azretreatcenter.com/index.html

The Amerind Foundation
Located in the Little Dragoon Mountains of southeastern Arizona, specifically in Texas Canyon, the Amerind is home to one of the finest private collections of Native American art and artifacts in the United States. For more information, visit: http://www.amerind.org/

Annual Events

Throughout the year, Benson has annual events reflecting not only its tradition, but the country’s, from the Christmas Parade and Fourth of July Celebration to the Cascabel Christmas Fair and Amerind Festival.

For links to these events and more, visit: Benson Annual Events