The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Has Been Voted The 8th-Best Zoo In The U.S.
By Katie Lawrence|Published November 11, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
USA Today recently came out with their 2020 list of the best zoos in the nation, and Tucson’s very own Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum ranked 8th! It’s easy to understand why, as this 98-acre destination features hundreds of animals, over a thousands plants, and a bevy of other reasons to bring the whole family for a visit.
Spanning just shy of 100 acres, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is not only a zoo, but an aquarium, botanical garden, natural history museum, publisher, and art gallery, as well.
From majestic big cats to insects, there's a little bit of everything. The best part is that, due to the naturalistic settings, it doesn't feel like you're in a zoo at all.
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Though it seems paradoxical, water does exist in the desert—in fact, without monsoon season, life would be impossible in the region.
An 1,100-square-foot aquarium pays tribute to the sustenance water provides, even in the driest of areas. A touch tank allows guests to get up-close-and-personal with stingrays. Are you brave enough?
Show themes include misunderstood reptiles and birds of prey that fly so close, you'll feel their feathers on your skin. Various docent stations are located throughout the park, exhibiting animal skulls and fossils, geology of the region, and other fascinating topics.
In addition to all the animals, 12 different gardens are available for viewing year-round.
Hop on the Desert Loop Trail, a rugged, half-mile hike where you'll encounter javelinas, coyotes, and lizards. Agave plants and legume trees flourish, and you'll learn all there is to know about them both.
A scenic overlook lets you enjoy sweeping panoramic vistas of the vastness all around.
Lofty mountain peaks tower in the distance, and it's so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. Just close your eyes and let a peace like no other wash over you.
We only scratched the surface of what this incredible place has to offer. Visit the museum’s website or Facebook page to learn more and/or purchase tickets. General admission is $23.95 and applies to ages 13-64. Tickets cost $11.95 for children ages 3-12, $21.95 for seniors 65 and up, and $19.95 for both military and Arizona/Sonora residents. Hours are 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. October-February, and 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. March-September.
Have you ever been to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum? If so, what’s your favorite exhibit? Let us know, and check out our previous article for another epic, yet criminally underrated zoo in the Grand Canyon State.
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