What is Old Tucson?
Old Tucson is a well-known film set and Western-themed family theme park located just west of the Tucson Mountains, and just south of Saguaro National Park West and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. It was constructed in 1939 as a film set, and was opened to the public as a theme park in 1960. Over the years, it was used as a location for hundreds of western movies and TV shows, and grew to be one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Arizona.
Rio Bravo, Gunsmoke, and El Dorado are just a few of the movies and shows filmed here!
![A still from the film Tombstone featuring four men (Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, and Kurt Russell) in black hats and suits](https://marana.imgix.net/images/blog-images/f_reel_web_tombstone-val-kilmer-sam-elliott-bill-paxton-kurt-russell_scaled__medium.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=950dc684c94ea93238b45ed3e80b6846 320w, https://marana.imgix.net/images/blog-images/f_reel_web_tombstone-val-kilmer-sam-elliott-bill-paxton-kurt-russell_scaled__medium.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ce55950cf8f3bf1ecad6def30bf31a07 540w, https://marana.imgix.net/images/blog-images/f_reel_web_tombstone-val-kilmer-sam-elliott-bill-paxton-kurt-russell_scaled__medium.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=ea1bb5aa6c9ec1eabd2a1ef9cdb64b42 640w)
January to May: A Western Experience
If you're visiting the Marana area in the first part of the year, Old Tucson should be on your list! It's an easy, scenic drive that will take you back in time! Take the most scenic route to Old Tucson from Phoenix, or points north of Marana, by exiting the I-10 at exit 236 (Marana Road) and following the easy drive through Saguaro National Park. You’ll see two of the wonders of Southern Arizona in one.
During this time of year, Old Tucson goes back to its roots with "Legends of the Wild West" where you'll meet some of the people who braved Southern Arizona during the 1800s.
Legends of The Wild West at Old Tucson brings to life Calamity Jane, Billy the Kid, Wild Bill Hickock, and Jesse James through live entertainment. Enjoy old-fashioned games, and antique attractions like the blacksmith, vintage carousel, miniature locomotive train ride, the Iron Door Mine, and a petting zoo.
Experience the Wild West like never before through engaging shows like our Grand Palace musical “The Ballad of Bonney Will,” and a Stunt Show Demonstration hosted by Buffalo Bill Cody and Annie Oakley.
Tip: Be sure to buy your tickets online to save $5 and time waiting in line.
![People in old western clothing walk along the Main Street at Old Tucson as a horse drawn carriage passes by](https://marana.imgix.net/images/blog-images/oldtucson_main_street__medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=c7a0e52d4d580a57ab961a75004cdc67 320w, https://marana.imgix.net/images/blog-images/oldtucson_main_street__medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=3129adc87f7f953610def2b0ae1e05d8 540w, https://marana.imgix.net/images/blog-images/oldtucson_main_street__medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=41040601a09c59c5b5cf6dd19ce61e80 640w)
NIGHTFALL
In October, don't miss the fun at Old Tucson when the park gets SCARY for Nightfall. You'll find haunted mazes, scare zones and Halloween-themed stunt shows along with family-friendly attractions for the younger kids. We'll update you with more details later in 2024!
![scary clown nightfall](https://marana-az.s3.amazonaws.com/images/blog-images/26a-nightfall.jpg?v=1698339928)
This is another event where you should get your tickets in advance here to save $5!
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201 S. Kinney Road Tucson, AZ 85735 Website