Tohono Chul Park

7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Tucson, AZ 85704
(520) 742-6455

www.tohonochulpark.org

Tohono Chul Park conserves a 49-acre natural site in the midst of one of the most rapidly developing areas of Tucson.  Its mission it to educate the public about the historic, cultural, and environmental values of our Southwest desert regions, and promote the use of native and arid-adapted plants in water saving landscapes.

Outdoor exhibits include nature trails; demonstration and specialty gardens; botanical collections representing varied desert regions of the Americas, as well as particular species of arid lands plants; a riparian habitat; and, a geologic recreation of the Catalina Mountains.

The Exhibit House, an over 60-year-old restored adobe, contains changing indoor exhibits presenting the art, history, culture, and ethnobotany of the people of the Southwest, both contemporary and traditional.

Location:

Park entrance is on Paseo del Norte, first traffic light on Ina Road west of Oracle Road.

Parking:

Ample parking available on grounds; reserved handicapped areas also.

Hours of operation:

Admissions and Tohono Chul Park Tea Room:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

Museum Shops, Greenhouse, and Exhibit House:
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Admission fees:

$5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children (5-12), children under 5 are free

Membership:

Yes

Handicapped access:

Yes

Lunch facilities:

Tea Room on the premises
Limited picnic areas are also available

Gift shop:

Arts and crafts of Southwestern and Central and South American artisans.  Many items of special interest to children are also available.

Curriculum relevance:

Environmental Education/Science, Art, History, and Sociology (cultural studies)

Contact person:

Jo Falls, Director of Public Programs and Curator of Education, (520) 742-6455 ext. 228
jofalls@tohonochulpark.org

Arranging a Visit:

Reservations are required with 2 weeks advance notice.  $10 booking fee for school tours.  The average tour lasts 1 hour.  Maximum group size is 60.  Chaperones are required with a ratio of 1 to 10 students.

Tour description:

Tours may take visitors through the Park grounds, Demonstration and Ethnobotanical Garden, nature trails, Greenhouse, Exhibit Hall and Gallery.  A self-guided tour booklet provides in-depth information on points around the Park and is coded to a detailed map.  Tours can be tailored to special interests in plant and animal adaptations, biodiversity, desert ecology, peoples of the Southwest, habitats, etc.  Pre-visit teacher's materials are available on request.

Other resources:

A research library with books and magazines pertinent to the desert Southwest and its environmental concerns is open M/W/F from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Outreach programs

One-hour outreach presentations are available for the classroom for a $20 booking fee with 2 weeks advance notice.  Subject areas are - Bats, Birds, Ethnobotany, and Endangered Species.  Pre-visit materials are available.  In addition, the Park may offer summer and school year classes for children and families, teacher workshops on environmental education, and other customized educational opportunities.

page last updated June 30, 2003