Arizona’s national reputation is, to be honest, not great and has its fair share of haters. I think all Arizonans know the annoyance (and pain) of having to deal with one of them.

In fact, one of the main reasons I began writing for Only In Arizona was to showcase all of the positive things about our state and the things we can take pride in. In writing about our state every day for what’s quickly closing in on one year, I’ve come to appreciate the little and great things that make our state both unique and an incredible place to live.

There are hundreds of reasons why Arizona is an amazing state, and for many of us those are often quite personal. However, here are some interesting bits of information that shows Arizona’s good side:

1. Arizona is home to the World’s Oldest (professional) Rodeo, founded in Prescott in 1888.
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2. Ever hear of that great, world renowned natural wonder, the Grand Canyon? It calls Arizona home.
Moyan Brenn/Flickr
3. According to the International Dark Sky Association, Arizona has the largest number of designated dark sky locations, including Flagstaff and Oracle State Park.
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4. Those dark skies helped put Pluto on the solar system map!
NASA HQ PHOTO/Flickr
It was discovered in 1930 by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh at Flagstaff’s Lowell Observatory.
5. Other astronomical advances were made here, including lunar training and Mars exploration technologies.
Wikimedia Commons
6. The charitable organization that helps terminally ill children, the Make A Wish Foundation, got its start here in Arizona.
Los Angeles Fire Department/Flickr

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7. Our state is so picturesque, its landscape was part of the inspiration behind Arizona Highways magazine.
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8. We have amazing weather no matter what time of year it is.
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Looking for cooler or warmer weather? It’s just a short drive away.
9. Picturesque landscapes PLUS great weather means endless possibilities for outdoor activities.
Mac H/Flickr
10. Arizona has the largest number of speakers of Native American languages in the country.
John Fowler/Flickr
After English and Spanish, Navajo is the third most spoken language in the state.
11. The London Bridge is no longer falling down because it’s now located in our state.
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12. Arizona is the only state that has all four of the country’s deserts sitting within its boundaries.
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These are the Chihuahuan, Great Basin, Mojave, and Sonoran deserts.
13. Arizona has 275 ghost towns, the largest number of any state!
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What are some other reasons that make Arizona difficult to hate?

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