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Casa Grande Ruins National Monument: A Glimpse into the Hohokam World

Discover the legacy of the Hohokam people at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, a testament to their ingenuity in the Arizona desert.

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Explore the remnants of a sophisticated desert farming community built by the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument preserves the 'Great House' and other structures dating back over 700 years, offering insights into the Hohokam culture and their advanced irrigation systems.

A brief summary to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in the morning, especially during summer, to avoid the intense desert heat.
  • Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, as there is limited shade.
  • Explore the museum at the visitor center to learn more about the Hohokam culture.
  • Take a self-guided tour around the Casa Grande to learn about the different structures.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is located off Highway 87/287 in Coolidge, Arizona. From Interstate 10, take the Coolidge exits and follow the signs to the park entrance. The park is approximately a one-hour drive from both Phoenix and Tucson. There is ample parking available near the visitor center. There are no fees to enter the monument.

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Discover more about Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, located in Coolidge, Arizona, protects the remains of a prehistoric farming community and the impressive 'Casa Grande' (Great House) constructed by the Hohokam people. These ancestral Sonoran Desert people inhabited the Gila River Valley from around 400 AD to 1450 AD, developing extensive irrigation systems and trade networks. The monument offers a window into their culture and ingenuity. The Casa Grande, a four-story structure made of caliche (a natural cement-like clay), stands as the centerpiece of the monument. Its purpose remains a mystery, with theories ranging from a gathering place to an astronomical observatory. Openings in the walls align with the sun and moon at different times of the year. Visitors can explore the ruins of other structures within the walled compound, including a ballcourt, and learn about the Hohokam's way of life through exhibits at the visitor center. Archaeological excavations have been ongoing since 1891, revealing more about this fascinating culture. The Hohokam people abandoned the site around 1450 CE, possibly due to drought and other environmental factors. The later occupants of the area, the Pima and Tohono O'odham, are believed to be their descendants. Today, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and resilience of the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People. Visitors can walk the grounds, imagine life in this ancient community, and ponder the mysteries that still surround the Casa Grande.

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