Local Culture Comes Alive
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
It’s really less a museum than an immersive experience. Sure you’ll learn about the region’s geology, natural history, and wildlife. Then head to the zoo and aquarium to get an
up-close look at real raptors, lions, and creatures from the deep. Finally, wind down the day by visiting the on-site art gallery, and maybe sign up for a class yourself.
Tohono Chul
Travel + Leisure magazine named Tohono Chul one of the best botanical gardens in the world. You’ll wind your way through acres of lush desert flora, connecting with nature while enjoying a spectacular view of the Catalina mountains. And don’t miss the Exhibit Galleries, featuring local works of art inspired by the region’s natural wonders.
Marana Gastronomy Tours
Sate your craving for adventure and cuisine on one delicious day trip. It begins with a guided archaeology tour where you’ll learn about the resourceful farmers who worked this land for millennia. After you’ve worked up an appetite, you’re treated to gourmet fare inspired by those wild desert flavors and washed down with a local microbrew.
A History of Marana
Though Marana wasn’t incorporated until 1977, its roots are ancient. It’s believed Indigenous peoples have inhabited the region for at least 13,000 years. The Spanish settled here in the 17th century, merging with the local population, when farming became the primary way of life.
Almost two centuries later, the U.S. acquired the territory and expansion wasn’t far behind. In fact, railroad workers dubbed the town Maraña, or “thicket,” after the dense brush they cleared to make way for railway lines.
Today Marana is a modern oasis that continues to thrive. But take in the desert petroglyphs, the local cuisine, and native culture, and you’ll see its rich history is still very much alive.
