Ranching, Farming, & Western Heritage

There is evidence of irrigation canals dating back 4,000 years in present-day Marana, near the confluence of the Rillito Creek and the Santa Cruz River in Southern Marana. The Santa Cruz has been the lifeblood of agriculture in the region for millennia, and centuries after these ancient peoples, the Hohokam used irrigation canals to supply their villages in the Santa Cruz’s floodplain. Higher in the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains, they used rudimentary dams, as well as channels, to utilize the water flowing off of the Tortolitas down towards the Santa Cruz.

Modern agriculture began in Marana in the late 1880’s, about 90 years before the Town of Marana was incorporated. Cotton and wheat, both introduced centuries before by the Spanish conquistadors, grew very well in the Sonoran Desert environment, and laid the groundwork for the modern farms and ranches that make up what is now Northwest Marana.

Although Marana is now a modern, developing community, agriculture remains an important industry and a big part of our community’s identity and spirit.

The abundance of wheat, cotton, and other crops in Marana’s fields give the place a down-home feeling in the fall, which can give a small, familiar taste of home to people visiting from the Midwest. Marana really goes all out to celebrate the harvest season and everything that comes with it. For families, we have an expansive pumpkin patch that’s sure to make for a whole day of fun, and several fun outdoor events and festivals!

For those looking for a true scare, Marana is home to the scariest attraction in all of Southern Arizona, Terror in the Corn, with its haunts inside a fully immersive corn maze! Or, you can head to Old Tucson for Nightfall, with mazes, stunt shows, a musical, and four scare zones, all within Southern Arizona’ only haunted town!

Take in Marana’s western heritage just like the cowboys of old did, on horseback! It’s a unique and authentically Southwestern experience! Marana has many ways to experience the desert on horseback, whether you’re a seasoned rider, or just starting out!

The White Stallion Ranch is world-renowned for its blending of the personal touch and hospitality of a luxurious five-star resort, with the true western experience and setting of a traditional dude ranch. The backdrop of the rugged Tucson Mountains, the secluded setting among unspoiled desert and towering saguaros, and authentic cowboy experience keeps visitors from all around the world coming back time and time again!

Dozens of film and TV productions have used the White Stallion Ranch as a location. Its secluded location amongst vast expanses of desert, iconic backdrop against the Tucson Mountains, and old western look and feel has attracted Hollywood producers and directors for decades. “Arizona”, “The Last Outpost”, “Geronimo”, “The Mini-Skirt Mob”, “The Last Round Up”, “Flashpoint”, and “High Chapparal” are only a few of the productions with scenes filmed at the White Stallion Ranch, with a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Gene Autry, Ronald Reagan, Kris Kristofferson, and more.

The cotton and wheat grown in Marana are used to supply breweries, bakeries, and clothiers both in Arizona and around the world. Even though

For example, the Sonoran White Wheat grown at BKW Farms is used by local breweries both in Marana and around the Tucson area, including Button Brew House and Catalina Brewing Company. It also is the main ingredient in Barrio Bread, an artisan baker that is a staple of the Tucson community. But perhaps the most interesting use for Sonoran White Wheat is that it is preferred by several Italian pasta-makers, so it is shipped to Italy to be turned into delicious pasta.