The 9 Coolest Attractions In Arizona That Not Enough People Visit

Arizona has no shortage of things to do and places to see. As amazing as places like the Grand Canyon and Sedona are, there are plenty of other places that deserve your admiration and could use more visitors. Let’s take a look at some places that are fascinating examples of all that Arizona has to offer. Who knows? You might discover a new place you’ve never heard of.

J.D. Adelmund/Flickr

Dating to the 1920s, Cool Springs Station was once an operating gas station tucked away on a quiet stretch of Route 66 between Oatman and Kingman. It shut its doors in 1964 after the highway was rerouted and was later blown up for the 1991 action film Universal Soldier. In 1997, the gas station was purchased and restored by a real estate agent. Although it briefly closed last year, you’ll find it back up and running.

Details: route66coolspringsaz.com
Location: Google Maps

mlhradio/Flickr

Looking for something truly unique to see in northern Arizona? You’ll be surprised to find a tiny Bedrock City straight from The Flintstones sitting in the small town of Valle, north of Flagstaff. Check out Fred and Betty’s home, hop aboard a dinosaur slide, and get a picture in the foot-powered car. You’ll even find a little diner set up here to snack on a sandwich or burger.

Details: bedrockaz.com
Location: Google Maps

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George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center/Facebook

This cultural center is dedicated to the African American experience in Phoenix over the decades. From 1926 to 1954, it was the Phoenix Union Colored High School and then renamed George Washington Carver High School before ultimately closing following a 1953 hearing that segregation was unconstitutional in Arizona (one year before the Brown v. Board of Education case was decided). Here, you’ll find galleries and exhibits showcasing the former school, life in the area, and Buffalo Soldiers.

Details: gwcmccaz.org
Address: 415 East Grant Street, Phoenix

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Keepers of the Wild/Facebook

Don’t confuse this Route 66 animal sanctuary with a zoo; it is home to 150 abused and abandoned animals that would be unable to survive in the wild and it has a strict no breeding policy. The location is remote, so you’re unlikely to find huge crowds here. Plus, when you visit, the money you spend goes right back to care and rehabilitation for the animals.

Details: keepersofthewild.org
Address: 13441 East Highway 66, Valentine

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Kent Kanouse/Flickr

On your way to the Grand Canyon via the Navajo Nation, you’ll find this little hidden gem that will give you an idea of just how impressive the canyons in Arizona are. The fee is $5 per car and visiting will be a good primer for the Grand Canyon.

Details: Navajo Parks & Recreation
Locations: Google Maps

Mesa Grande Cultural Park/Facebook

Most people in the area know of Casa Grande and Pueblo Grande but did you know a similar cultural find exists in the middle of Mesa? A platform mound for the Hohokam dating back about 900 years ago, this is believed to be a ceremonial center for their community. It is open for visitors during the cooler months (from October to May) and is a nice find that few people know of.

Details: arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org
Address: 1000 North Date, Mesa

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures/Facebook

Get your magnifying glass ready because the items on display at this museum are tiny! Antique and modern dollhouses, room boxes, and other small-scale miniatures are on display at this unique museum. It’s pretty amazing the small and intricate items you’ll find here!

Details: theminitimemachine.org
Address: 4455 East Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson

Malcolm Surgenor/Flickr

Probably the most remote location on this list, Pipe Spring National Monument is located in the Arizona Strip, north of the Grand Canyon. The monument acts as a marker and museum of Indigenous and settler life in the area, particularly for Mormon farmers who used this as a fort and refuge.

Details: National Park Service
Address: 406 North Pipe Spring Road, Fredonia

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Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park/Facebook

If you enjoy learning about military history, this is an underrated spot hiding in Yuma right along the Colorado River. It was a key area for the U.S. Army starting in 1864 since it operated as a supply center and storage spot for military posts scattered around the Southwest. Today, you’ll be able to visit the old buildings to get a sense of what life was like here.

Details: Arizona State Parks
Address: 201 North 4th Avenue, Yuma

How cool were those places? Are there any other little-known places you would add to this list? We’d love to hear your suggestions!

If you want to read about more hidden gems around the state, be sure to read 10 Spectacular Hidden Gems In Arizona That Are Completely Free To Visit.