Have you ever witnessed the grandeur of a modern operating mine site? If not, you’re in for a treat as Arizona boasts one of the few public mine tours of an operating mine in the country at the ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center & Mine Tours.
If you’re intrigued by the natural treasures and history of Arizona, you’ll be delighted to explore the vast collection of minerals and gems found in the state. Furthermore, you’ll be amazed to discover how crucial copper is to the state of Arizona and our society. Several mining museums throughout the state offer a captivating adventure to explore mining, our natural history past, and the possibilities for the future, making sightseeing a perfect educational and fun experience for all ages.
Arizona Capitol Museum, Downtown Phoenix
Copper Art Museum, Clarkdale
Gold King Mining Museum in Jerome
Jerome Mine Museum, Jerome
Cave Creek Museum, Cave Creek
Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg
River of Time Museum, Fountain Hills
Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum, Apache Junction
Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum in Miami
Greenlee Historical Museum in Clifton
Museum of Casa Grande, Casa Grande
Arizona History Museum, Tucson
Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee
Castle Domes Mines Museum in Yuma
University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Minerals Museum, Tucson
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson
Copper is at the source of our modern society. It’s a primary metal used in the hospitals where we were born, the electricity in our homes, the tools that farm our food, and the transportation that powers our next adventure.
Fun fact: Copper is also naturally found in us and helps make red blood cells and keeps immune systems healthy.
We invite you to take ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center’s free self-guided tour of the center’s indoor and outdoor exhibits, which walks through the copper transformation process. Then join the mine tour for a firsthand look! Afterward, peruse the Company Store for unique and educational gifts.
Located in eastern Arizona about an hour drive northeast of Safford on the scenic Coronado Trail, this site provides a spectacular view of Arizona’s largest mining operation.
Approximately 85 miles east of Phoenix is the ASARCO-owned Ray mine, and a major Arizona copper producer. Mining operations and equipment may be viewed from the road.