Whether you are a lover of outdoors, arts or culture, Tucson is an exceptional place to visit, and one of the main attractions in the city is Old Tucson Studios. I was overwhelmed by the number of places worth seeing in the city. The Old Tucson Studios were created in the year 1939 in order to film the famous movie ‘Arizona’, and it was opened to the public in the year 1960. Since then, it has filmed more than 70 western movies including ‘The Outlaw Josey Wales’, ‘Rio Lobo’, ‘The Three Amigos’, ‘Gunfight at the OK Corral’, ‘Rio Bravo’ and ‘Tombstone’. I was told that the famous TV serial ‘High Chaparral’, some episodes of ‘Bonanza’ and ‘Little House on the Prairie’ and numerous TV advertisements have also been shot here. It is a must visit place in the city for every movie buff, as it also demonstrates how movies are made, how are stunts created and what are the techniques involved in film making.
Now-a-days, it has also become a little theme park of sorts. While my family and I visited, they treated us to staged gun fights, performances by stunt men, musical performances and comical performances. The kid also enjoyed train rides, horse rides and stage coach rides.
Around Halloween the town of Old Tucson turns into a haunted ghost town. Its tame enough for the whole family but exciting enough to spook even the adults.
You can see that there is a lot more to do at the Old Tucson Studios, than just sightseeing, it is an enjoyable family friendly event that is a must to be added in your Arizona Vacation.
If you like to visit Old Tucson Studios, you can find it at
Address: 201 South Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85735
Phone no.: 520-883-0100
Opening hours: 10am - 4 pm
Prices: $16.95 for Adults (age more than 12 years) & $10.95 for children (age from 4-11 years)
The studios are open throughout the year; they offer tour facilities and organize Wild West entertainment every day for their visitors. It is also a great place for private functions, corporate meetings and holiday parties.
In 1995, Old Tucson was badly damaged by fire, but now I see that it has been re-built with increased attractions, splendour and beauty. There are 3 restaurants, a sweet shop, an ice-cream parlour and a cantina at Old Tucson Studios. For the handicapped, wheelchairs are also available at a nominal fee. Parking is free of cost, and there are areas especially reserved for recreational vehicles. Strapped pets are also allowed to enter the premises and you may also carry your picnic baskets there. In order to get there, you should exit Speedway Boulevard (West), take Interstate 10 and follow the road signs.
