• Home
  • Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

About Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

Tubac Presidio has the distinction of being Arizona's first state park. Tubac played an interesting and exciting role from archaeological times through the Spanish contact and colonization, Mexican occupation, and the westward and territorial expansion periods. The park’s primary purpose is to preserve the ruins of the oldest Spanish Presidio site in Arizona, San Ignacio de Tubac, established in 1752.Tubac Presidio State Historic Park is the home of the first fort in Arizona, the first European settlement in Arizona, the first American mining community in Arizona, and the first printing of a newspaper in Arizona.

Learn more about Tubac Presidio

ABOUT THE PRESIDIO

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park is dedicated to preserving the history of the settlement of the territory that would eventually become Arizona. It's collection includes numerous artifacts from the 1700s as well as a starting point to hike what remains of the Anza trail.

Learn More

EXHIBITS

From ancient Native artifacts to the state's first printing press, Tubac Presidio's vast collection of artifacts tells a stirring portrait of settlement of Arizona.

Learn More

Programs & Events

Jack Talk: The Buffalo Soldiers

Saturday, February 14, 2026 2 p.m.

Join us in welcoming back Jack Lasseter, beloved local storyteller, as he shares the epic tales of the Buffalo soldiers out West, Black troopers in the US Army after the Civil War, and their contribution during the Indian Wars.

READ MORE

Butterfield Overland Mail Across Chiricahua Apache Country

Saturday, February 21, 2026 2 p.m.

Join us as we welcome Spur-Award-winning author, Doug Hocking, a US Army veteran raised on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation. Hocking brings to life pivotal moments like the Butterfield Overland Mail and the rising conflict of 1861, when the Southwest was shaped by war, raids, and resilience.

READ MORE

Early Spanish Navigation in the Sea of Cortez

Saturday, February 28, 2026 10 a.m.

Join us as we welcome public historian, Alex La Pierre, for a fascinating presentation that explores the maritime expeditions that charted the Gulf of California, known to the Spanish as the Sea of Cortez.

READ MORE

Habitat at Home

Saturday, March 7, 2026 10 a.m.

Kari Hackney, Director of Habitat Stewardship for the Tucson Bird Alliance, joins us to share tips and tricks for designing your own wildlife habitat. Learn more about harvesting rainwater, picking the right nestbox, and native gardening.

READ MORE

Saint Patrick's Battalion and the Mexican-American War

Saturday, March 7, 2026 2 p.m.

Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with public historian, Alex La Pierre. La Pierre will explore the dramatic story of the Batallon de San Patrico, a group of Irish immigrants who fought alongside Mexico during the US-Mexican War of 1846-1848.

READ MORE

Jack Talk: The Desert in Springtime

Saturday, March 14, 2026 2 p.m.

Join us in welcoming back Jack Lasseter, beloved local storyteller, as he shares stories of springtime in the desert. From flowers to desert animals, you'll leave with a greater appreciation of the natural world.

READ MORE

Sofia Talvik Concert

Friday, March 20, 2026 2 p.m.

Fresh off major festivals and a Top 20 Folk Radio album, Sofia Talvik makes a stop in Tubac for a heartwarming performance. This Swedish folk artist is known for her storytelling and is often compared to giants like Joni Mitchell.

READ MORE

Blast from the Past: Coronado Cannon Firing

Saturday, April 4, 2026 2 p.m.

Join us for an unforgettable event with internationally renowned archaeologist, Dr. Deni Seymour, and special guests. Highlights include the dramatic firing of a replica 1541 bronze cannon along with an up-close look at the original weapon and its pivotal role in the Coronado Expedition.

READ MORE

(Mother) Road to the Stars: Route 66 and its Space Heritage

Saturday, April 25, 2026 10 a.m.

Lowell Observatory historian, Kevin Schindler's work bridges astronomy, history, and pop culture. You'll discover the Mother Road's surprising space legacy- from asteroid impacts to astronaut training- just in time for Route 66's upcoming centennial.

READ MORE
VIEW ALL PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Park and Facility Hours

Sunday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Thursday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

 

Park Entrance Fee

Adult (14+): $7.00
Youth (7–13): $3.00
Child (0–6): FREE

There is no fee to enter the Visitor Center

Discounts are available for military (retired and active), first responders, and teachers.