Attractions in Glendale

Cowboys, farmers, ranchers and Native Americans wove the fabric that is the Glendale of today and visitors are afforded a number of ways to catch a glimpse of these pioneers at the many cultural and heritage attractions within the city. Preserving one of the Valley's oldest and most magnificent ranches, Sahuaro Ranch Park Historical Area consists of 13 original buildings and a huge rose garden. Palm trees wave above the red brick facade of the Main House, and peacocks now roam the grounds where chickens and livestock used to graze. Known as the "Showplace of the Valley," Sahuaro Ranch Park Historical Area offers exhibits and guided tours, keeping alive the history of early settlement in the Valley.

Historic Manistee Ranch also beckons visitors to explore the well-preserved ranch house beneath the canopy of swaying palm trees. Tours are also available.

Several one-of-a-kind museums call Glendale home.
Housing a collection of more than 100,000 beads and beaded artifacts, The Bead Museum weaves a fascinating story of the global history of beads, including beads used as talismans or currency and their importance as religious and social symbols.

Max's Sports Bar Museum, named one of the top five sports bars in the country by USA Today, has on display the largest collection of football helmets in the nation.

Another popular attraction is Cerreta Candy Company. The owners delight in giving 30-minute tours Monday through Thursday, during which visitors receive samples. Self-guided tours are available every day but Sunday. Just before Valentine's Day, Cerreta sponsors the annual three-day Chocolate Affaire, where the delectable, sweet stuff is on display in many forms, including Arizona's largest chocolate heart, ranging upward of 300 pounds.

Trace the history of the Glendale Police from 1892 to present day in Glendale's newest museum. Opened in November 2002, Historian and Glendale Police Officer Dan Kallberg will take you back to the days of the Town Marshall and the 50-cent speeding ticket. View historical uniforms and radio equipment along with photos of the first Glendale Police Department motorcycle - a Harley Davidson.

The Bead Museum
At The Bead Museum, home of more than 100,000 beads, beadwork pieces and beaded artifacts, the extensive history of beads unfolds from earliest times to the present. Appealing to men, women and families, anyone will enjoy this fascinating experience as permanent and changing exhibits reveal the bead story. Museum store, gift shop and classes are available. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Thursday 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-4pm. 5754 W. Glenn Ave., Glendale, (623) 931-2737.

Deer Valley Rock Art Center
The Deer Valley Rock Art Center is a museum, nature preserve and archaeological site with the largest concentration of native American rock art in the valley. The handicap-accessible interpretive trail takes visitors to a place where ancient people marked boulders with thousands of symbols. 3711 W. Deer Valley Road, Glendale, (623) 582-8007.

Glendale Gaslight Inn - Piano Wine Bar and Jazz Music
Enjoy an intimate experience in the quaint, retro-chic Glendale Gaslight Inn! Relax in our Piano Wine Bar. Enjoy fine service and entertainment, upscale comfort and amenities. 5747 W. Glendale Ave, Glendale (623) 934-9119, or visit www.GlendaleGaslightInn.com for a complete listing of entertainment schedules and events.

Glendale Arizona Historical Society
Discover Glendale's Best Kept Historic Secrets and enjoy outstanding tours of two National Register sites - the 1897 Manistee Ranch and the 1898 Guest House at Sahuaro Ranch. 2006 season, October to mid-May: Manistee Ranch, 12-4pm first and third Saturdays of each month; Guest House 10am-2pm Thursday andn 1-4pm Sunday. Mainstee Ranch 5127 W. Northern Ave, Sahuaro Ranch Guest House 9802 N. 59th Ave., Information (623) 435-0072.

Glendale Police Museum
From the early days of the territorial sheriff to the present day, visit this museum dedicated to Glendale's Finest. Tours are free every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-4pm. Call for group tours. Information: 6821 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301, (623) 937-8088.

Sahuaro Ranch Park Historical Area
Enjoy the 1885 homestead that is one of the oldest and best-preserved examples of early ranches in the Salt River Valley. All the original restored buildings are open to the public October-May. The lush grounds and gardens are open each day for walking tours dawn to dusk. Sahuaro Ranch invites the visitor to explore adventures in history. 9802 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, (623) 930-4203.

Xeriscape Botanical Garden/Glendale Main Library
Award-winning garden contains over 1,000 trees, shrubs, cactus and more. Listening wands can be checked out inside the library for a self-guided garden tour. Plants are identified by common and botanical names. Many are low-water use and excellent for Arizona gardens. Free landscaping brochures are available inside the library. Check out the water conservation Web site for an online tour of the garden. Open to the public dawn to dusk. 5959 W. Brown, Glendale, (623) 930-3596.