Casa Grande, Arizona
Arizona's Golden Corridor
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Hotels/Motels
There are hotels and motels in Casa Grande with something for every taste and price range. For more information and a complete list. (Click here for: Rates, availability and reservations online.)
Location / Description
Casa Grande prides itself on being a modern city with a rural heritage and old- fashioned values. It is located in south central Arizona at the intersection of two of Arizona's major interstate highways - I-8 and I-10 in an area known as Arizona's Golden Corridor. Many think of Casa Grande for the nearby Casa Grande ruins or the outlet shopping on the interstate between Phoenix and Tucson. Both are worth a visit, however, there is a lot more to Casa Grande worth investigating.
Population / Elevation
- Population: 38,455 (2006)
- Elevation: 1,398 feet above sea level
- Area: 53.5 square miles
History
Casa Grande (meaning "Big House" in Spanish) was named for the famous Hohokam Indian Ruins 20 miles to the northeast. Almost halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, the area is gaining importance with the sprawl of both major cities it connects. Casa Grande has grown to be the largest community in western Pinal County. Casa Grande is more than just a trading center for surrounding farms and ranches. It now boasts an outlet mall featuring many upscale fashion stores and a community people are flocking to for a more traditional lifestyle. The city was incorporated in 1915.
Things To Do
January - Heritage and Tourism Days
January - Arizona Old-Time Fiddler's Jam and Country Store Bazaar and Car Show at Pinal County Fairgrounds
January - Casa Grande Century (bike race)
February - O'odham Tash Festival - Pow Wow - and all Indian Rodeo - Native American arts and crafts, ceremonial dances, rodeos, powwows, and parades.
March - Pinal County Fair
March - Arizona State Open Chili Championship
October - Casa Grande Annual Half Marathon and Fun Walk
December - APS Electric Light Parade
Camping & RV Parks
For more information, contact:
The Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce
575 N. Marshall Street, Casa Grande, Az 85222
(520) 836-2125 (800) 916-1515
Resources & Nearby Attractions
Cities & Towns
Phoenix - 45 miles
Tucson - 70 miles
Coolidge - 21 miles
Florence - 34 miles
Gila Bend - 57 miles
Glendale - 58 miles
Mesa - 32 miles
Miami - 82 miles
Tempe - 45 miles
Parks & Monuments
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument - preserves a 4-story adobe building and surrounding plaza and other structures. It was occupied by the Hohokam Indians seven centuries ago. The structure may have served as an observatory or administrative center. It stands near Coolidge, a short drive from the city of Casa Grande. It is one of the most interesting ruins worthy of visiting in Arizona because it has been preserved and because of its proximity to Tucson and Phoenix. Approximately 200,000 people visit the ruin each year.
Recreation & Wilderness Areas
- Salt River Recreation - a great location for riding inner tubes down the Verde and Salt Rivers. This site is very popular (and sometimes crowded) during the hot days of summer, however, it is an event for the entire family and is even more fun than it looks in pictures. Bring sunblock!
Historic & Points of Interest
- Casa Grande Valley Historical Society and Museum
- Historic railroad station and other historic buildings
- Casa Grande Art Museum
- Walking tour of Casa Grande is suggested by the Historical Society of Casa Grande.
Related DesertUSA Pages
- How to Turn Your Smartphone into a Survival Tool
- 26 Tips for Surviving in the Desert
- Death by GPS
- 7 Smartphone Apps to Improve Your Camping Experience
- Maps Parks and More
- Desert Survival Skills
- How to Keep Ice Cold in the Desert
- Desert Rocks, Minerals & Geology Index
- Preparing an Emergency Survival Kit
- Get the Best Hotel and Motel Rates
Share this page on Facebook:
The Desert Environment
The North American Deserts
Desert Geological Terms
