Casa Grande Ruins National Monument — Attraction in Coolidge

Archaeology is an interest of mine, and I make sure to set aside time to visit any place that preserves ancient history, whenever one is nearby. A visit to Phoenix, Arizona meant an opportunity to visit Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

This monument preserves the structural dwellings of the Hohokam people who lived and thrived in this desert area. The centerpiece of this attraction is the big house, which is only partially intact, as some of it has eroded over time. There is a roof that was built in more recent times, presumably to help protect the structure. It looks a little odd, and certainly not natural, but I get why the National Park officials did this.

There are other, smaller structures surrounding the big house, plus educational information available as you walk around. No one is completely sure what this structure was used for but, given the presence of holes in the sides of the structure that align with the solstices, there is a good chance that astronomy was part of its purpose.

The parking lot at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is large, and there is a visitor’s center and bookstore. One thing to keep in mind is that the visitor’s center may not be open when you visit, for example on Sunday’s during part of the year. But the monument itself will still be open for exploring the structures, even if the visitor’s center is locked.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument isn’t very big, and you can be in and out in about an hour or so. It’s certainly a site worth seeing, and a good side trip option for archaeological lovers who happen to be in the...

My partner and I went to check out the Casa Grande Ruins over the weekend and it was amazing. I learned a lot at the Casa Grande Ruins yesterday. On the way there it's mostly cotton fields. I had no idea Arizona was the 2nd largest manufacturer of cotton in US. Very interesting 🤔

We saw the actual ruins from years ago. It reminded me of my visits to Cahokia Mounds when I was back in St. Louis. There was old pottery and artifacts from the people as well.

They referred to the natives as the Hohokam, but they'd rather be referred to as the Native Ancestral People. We gotta respect that. I understand.

The Native Ancestral People used the desert landscape to create their home and lived of the land using the nature available for food, medicine and to make tools.

It was a very nice place to visit and learn about some of the Natives from this area. I look forward to learning more about my new home in Arizona.

This place is wheelchair accessible. This place has a big parking lot for you to park your car or bigger vehicle like a bus. This is a family friendly place to take the family to to learn about the native history in Arizona. Go and enjoy, but most definitely...

My family and I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Casa Grande Ruins, and it was an enlightening experience. While the physical remnants may not be extensive, the wealth of knowledge offered makes it a worthwhile destination for anyone interested in ancient civilizations.

Upon arrival, we opted for the guided tour, and our guide proved to be a font of information. His deep understanding of the Sonoran Desert people and their way of life added depth to our visit. However, it's worth noting that our guide seemed somewhat hesitant to entertain a barrage of questions, which could be a minor drawback for the more inquisitive visitors.

Despite this, we thoroughly enjoyed our exploration of the site and left with a greater appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the area. The Casa Grande Ruins may not boast towering structures or elaborate artifacts, but the insight it offers into the lives of the Sonoran Desert people is truly invaluable.

Overall, our experience at the Casa Grande Ruins was both educational and memorable. It's a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of ancient civilizations and a must-visit for anyone seeking to uncover the mysteries...