Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Explore Ancient Villages
Explore ancient villages at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, the nation’s first archeological preserve. At Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, a variety of archeological sites are within its boundaries, including remains of a walled village near the Big House and vestiges of other villages nearby. In 1694, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino described his visit to Casa Grande, or “Big House,” as a 4-story structure built by the Hohokam in the mid-1300s. Constructed with layers of caliche mud, the walls of the tower are 4 1/2 feet thick at the base. This mysterious structure, with holes in 3 walls, is believed to have been used for astronomical observation. Casa Grande is the largest structure built by the Hohokam and represents the height of their architecture.
For more than a thousand years, prehistoric farmers inhabited much of present-day southern Arizona. When the first Europeans arrived, all that remained of the ancient cultures were the ruins of villages, irrigation canals and various artifacts.
General Information
Rates & Fees
Entrance Fee: $5.00 per person, Children 15 and under are admitted free. Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Access Pass and Volunteer Pass cards are honored.
Seasons / Hours
Open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving Day and December 25th.
Visitor Center
Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Facilities/Features
Stores/Museum
The Visitor Center maintains an information counter, a museum exhibit area, a book store, a public phone, rest rooms and drinking fountains,Programs & Events
There are regularly scheduled guided tours from January through April. Advance-requested guided tours are provided for school and tour groups during the rest of the year but are dependent on staff availability. There is a Junior Ranger activities booklet (sales item) which can be completed for a Junior Ranger badge. Also available are school pre-visit packets for educators.Special archeological tours are offered during March –Arizona State Archeology Month. On National Parks Day, August 25, entrance fees are waived. During Native American Month in November, special events are held throughout the local area. Special tours and events are occasionally offered through a permit system. Call for further information.
Food/Supplies
There are no food services or supplies in the Monument, but all food and supplies are available in Coolidge.Accessibility
All facilities and the Ruins Trail are fully accessible.For more information, visit www.nps.gov
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