Things to Do Around Prescott

Prescott Museums

Learn about Prescott history at the many art and history experiences in Prescott. Explore the lives of the early settlers at a Prescott museum or see the work of today's Prescott artists at a Prescott Arizona art gallery. Immerse yourself in Prescott's modern history that spans the last century—see artifacts from the pioneer days to the Prescott fine arts that shape present day Prescott—and you'll be rapt to learn all about Prescott history and Prescott art as countless visitors have been before.

• No trip to Prescott would be complete without a visit to the Smoki Museum. The acclaimed Smoki Museum houses irreplaceable collections of prehistoric and contemporary pottery, prehistoric jewelry and stone artifacts. The Smoki Museum exhibits also include an outstanding collection of Southwest basketry and kachinas. Among the Museum's many valued collections are artist Kate Cory's numerous photographs, paintings and documents.
• Don't miss the Sharlott Hall Museum.  Sharlot Hall Museum is the largest museum in the central territory of Arizona, and is dedicated to providing educational adventures in human and natural history. Founded by historian and poet Sharlot M. Hall in 1928, the Museum today explores the rich diversity of regional heritage through festivals, living history events, outdoor theater performances, changing exhibits, publications and research services.
• Be sure to visit Phippen Art Museum, world-renowned for its colletion of and dedication to American Western Art. The museum's mission is to preserve and exhibit museum quality Western art and educate the public about the unique heritage, history, legends and influence of art of the American West. Phippen Art museum is also host to the ever-popular annual Phippen Museum Western Art Show & Sale each May.
• Arcosanti, an experimental town in the desert of Arizona, was built to embody Paolo Soleri's concept of arcology - the fusion of architecture with ecology. Arcosanti is located about 33 miles east off Prescott just off Highway 69 and Interstate 17 (in Cordes Junction).
• If you have kids (or you're a kid at heart) check out the spot... a Child's Museum, an emerging museum for children dedicated to being a child's place of discovery. the spot provides interactive play experiences to stimulate curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving for children of all ages. It encourages children to become lifelong learners who are inquisitive and knowledgeable about the world and are inspired to become stewards of a peaceful and sustainable planet. Check out ever-changing exhibits and experiences focused on the principles of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) as well as the fine arts and Prescott's unique history and culture. the spot is centrally located inside Prescott Gateway Mall, next to Dillard's. The museum is open Fridays 11am - 3pm.