You’ll Want To Visit These 10 Fascinating Places In Arizona Where Time Stands Still

History is ever present here in Arizona and you don’t need to travel far to find it. Our state is home to ancient dwellings, pristine historic houses, an immense number of ghost towns, and even some abandoned buildings fading into the landscape. Let’s take a look at a few that look like time has stood still.

Please note, Riordan Mansion and Rosson House are temporarily closed.

CEBImagery/Flickr

We’re starting this list with one place that you actually shouldn’t visit but is still a fascinating place. Once a thriving greyhound racing park, it closed in 1982 and briefly existed as a swap meet before being completely abandoned. Since then, urban explorers and photographers have sneaked into the building to explore its interiors. In some areas, the racing park looks almost untouched after years of neglect.

You can read more in one of our previous articles.

TaQpets/Flickr

This ghost town sits in southern Arizona, about 11 minutes west of Tombstone, and is one incredible example of the boomtowns turned ghost towns you’ll find in our state. Walk around the town where you’ll find a combination of restored and collapsing buildings, the old cemetery, and enjoy a walk along the banks of the San Pedro River.

You can read more in one of our previous articles.

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This ancient cliff dwelling is located at Navajo National Monument near Kayenta and is considered one of the best preserved examples of the Southwest’s cliff dwellings. It requires one really long hike to access—a whopping 17 miles through canyon, streams, and even quicksand—but the end result is breathtaking.

You can read more in one of our previous articles.

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Located at the base of South Mountain in Phoenix, Mystery Castle has an interesting story that includes a father’s love, sandcastles, and recycled materials. The 18-room home sprawls over 8,000 square feet and is currently open for tours.

You can read more in one of our previous articles.

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Built in 1904, this stunning home is one of Arizona’s prime examples of the Arts and Crafts architectural movement. At the time, it was also pretty high-tech; it had indoor plumbing, heated running water, and electricity. The best part is the home looks almost exactly like it did back in 1904!

You can find details about scheduling a tour by visiting the Arizona State Parks website.

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Ricky Leong/Flickr

It’s a shame most of Arizona’s lovely Victorian homes are no longer standing but this central Phoenix home is one shining example of Queen Anne-style architecture. Built in 1895, the house looks untouched inside. A visit here will give you some incredible insight to Arizona’s territorial history and a peek at what life was like at the turn of the century.

You can find details about tours by visiting the the Heritage Square website.

velo_city/Flickr

Located a short distance from the U.S.-Mexican border and about 75 miles south of Tucson, Ruby is a great example of not only Arizona’s old mining towns but also the care that has gone into beginning restoration of history. While most the building have faded away under the harsh sun, some have been restored to preserve what history exists.

You can read more in one of our previous articles.

nevermindtheend/Flickr

Arizona is home to several stunning examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture but the one that everyone should visit is definitely Taliesin West. Serving as his studio, home, and school of architecture, you’ll find this home to look virtually untouched since it was built in 1937, just as old FLW would’ve wanted.

You can find details about tours by visiting the the Frank Lloyd Wright website.

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This former trading post and tourist attraction sits abandoned and mysterious about 34 miles east of Flagstaff. The abandoned area feels something like an old ghost town and makes for an interesting area to explore.

You can read more in one of our previous articles.

CEBImagery/Flickr

Another stunning example of the ancient dwellings you’ll find here in Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is almost an hour’s drive north from Flagstaff. You’ll several a cluster of ancient Puebloan villages standing against beautiful scenery.

You can find details about tours by visiting the the National Park Service website.

Want to explore more of Arizona’s fascinating history? Try going for a road trip through some of our state’s most fascinating ghost towns. Read more in This Haunting Road Trip Through Arizona Ghost Towns Is One You Won’t Forget.