A Guide to Old Tucson

We're here to help you plan your trip to Old Tucson! We've broken down the four different seasons of fun at this historic attraction in Pima County.

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

Scenes from the 1993 film Tombstone were filmed at Old Tucson, in addition to over 400 other productions. This still, from left to right, features Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, and Kurt Russell.

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

Take a Tour Anytime of Year

No matter when you visit Southern Arizona, you can take a tour of Old Tucson!

During a Historical Tour, you will learn more about Old Tucson’s famous movie set and rich history. Each of the 60-minute semi-private tours is guided by an Old Tucson historian, giving guests the opportunity to see and experience Old Tucson’s famous sets and attractions. Tours are now available 7 days a week with several tours offered daily. Tickets are available online for advance purchase and may also be purchased at The Last Outpost gift shop. Tip: The Last Outpost is a great place to pick up Arizona themed souvenirs!

Historical Tours are subject to availability and may sell out quickly. We highly recommend purchasing your ticket online in advance.

PicturedFilming on location at Old Tucson

CreditOld Tucson

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!

This is another event where you should get your tickets in advance here to save $5!

Create Holiday Memories at Old Tucson

Heading to Marana in the winter? Be sure to add Yuletide to your list of fun.

The holiday spectacular combines the magic of Old Tucson with stunning décor, period costumes, live shows, and interactive experiences. YULETIDE highlights the unique Wild West history of Old Tucson and creates a one-of-a-kind event that is sure to become an annual tradition for the entire community.

Yuletide typically kicks off right after Thanksgiving and lasts through Christmas Eve. Click here to link directly to the Old Tucson website to purchase tickets. Tip: you'll save $5 buying online!

You can book a tour of Old Tucson anytime here.

7 Western Cowboy Movie Experiences in Southern Arizona

Cowboys, Outlaws, Bandits, Horses, Gold, and Glory – all staples of the Western movie genre! Just as iconic are saguaro cacti, desert landscapes, and mountain backdrops – this is because for over 100 years, Tucson and Southern Arizona have been the place to be for Western movie filming, and those things gradually made their way into our collective image of “the Wild West”. Over the years, hundreds of feature films used iconic locations in the region, and well-known actors such as John Wayne, Cary Grant, Gene Autry, and many others stayed and played here in their free time, including at several locations in Marana. The region still remains a well-sought-after location for the Western genre, and there are several places that you can experience the area’s rich film history yourself!

Learn More

CreditGuy Rhodes