Arizona is the 48th state in USA, having achieved statehood on February 14th, 1912. The state of Arizona is known for the desert climate, meaning hot summers and mild winters. Northern Arizona has mountains, and forests, as well as deep canyons and ski resorts. Apart from the Grand Canyon, there are numerous national forests and parks, many of them with monuments to see.

One quarter of the state is Indian reservation land, housing the 27 tribes of Native Americans. The largest tribe is the Navajo Nation, with a citizenship of over 300,000 people.

The population of Arizona boomed after the introduction of refrigeration soon after WWII, and it is now the sixth largest state in area.

Many people believe that the name comes from a Basque word meaning ‘place of oaks’, while the Papago Tribe translates it as ‘place of the little spring’. Whichever translation you adopt, the state will amaze you with some of the sights and places of interest to explore.

96. Yuma Prison

This is Arizona’s first prison, and you can walk all the way through the iron cells and solitary confinement cells.
The first prisoners arrived in 1876, and over the years the prison has housed over 3,000 prisoners.
Notable guests were Pearl Hart and her brother. They committed the last stagecoach robbery in the state, robbing the Globe coach.
There were very strict rules in the prison – no fighting, gambling, or weapons were allowed. Failing to take a bath was also against the rules.
Punishment for breaking the rules was; having to wear a ball and chain, while serious offenders would be sent to the ‘dark cell’.
See what prison life in the desert was really like!
While older children may be okay with this visit, it may not be suitable for younger children.
Allow a half day to see the prison.

97. Luke Airforce Base

The base is found 15 miles west of the city of Phoenix. It is a major training base for pilots, with the most popular plane used being the F-16 Falcon.
Once a year the base opens for the public with a weekend of air displays. Public is then allowed to walk around the base and look at the planes.
Prepare for crowds, and also expect to have any handbags searched on entry. It can be a long day, but there are places where you can buy refreshments and food between displays. Overall, it is well worth going to. You can check online for the exact weekend of the show.

98. Humphreys Peak

This very odd shaped peak is the highest point in the state. The top is normally snow topped as it sits at 12,633 feet above sea level.
It is very popular with climbers and hikers, while in the winter months it is a major ski destination. There are ski lifts at the base.
Care must be taken as the trail is prone to avalanches, and can get very windy in the spring. Summer is the season which is most popular with skiers.
Be sure to check that there is snow, if that is why you are visiting the mountain.

99. Richard F. Caris Mirror Laborator

You will find this manufacturing laboratory under the east side of the Stadium in Tucson. The company constructs giant mirrors which are used for telescopes throughout the world.
One of the telescopes which they have supplied the mirrors is the Magellan Telescope at the Smithsonian Observatory.
There are guided tours of the plant and you must be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment
While this will only take a half day, try to spend the rest of the day in the city of Tucson. You will find plenty of interesting shopping malls and food places.

100. I-19 Interstate

The I-19 is the only metric interstate in the USA!
This is not an actual spot to see, rather a whole highway! Every sign you see along the route which is metric is the only concession the country made to metric conversion. Back in 1975 Congress passed the act to change, thinking it would be better. I-19 was the only interstate to comply.
If you drive the interstate, you must remember that speeds and distances are worked out in kilometers and meters, and adjust accordingly.
There are areas along the interstate where you can stop for petrol or diesel, as well as get food and drinks.

Summary

Arizona is a state full of both outdoor and indoor things to see and do. There are interesting places to visit in almost every town. The climate in the lower part can be brutally hot in the summer months, while the higher places provide perfect conditions for winter activities. With the most amazing rock formations in the world, Arizona truly is a cornucopia of sights, sounds and smells. There is something in the state that will appeal to everyone.