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Pioneer Museum: A Window to Northern Arizona's Past

Discover Flagstaff's pioneer heritage at this engaging museum, featuring exhibits on ranching, logging, transportation, and early life in Northern Arizona.

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The Pioneer Museum, operated by the Arizona Historical Society in Flagstaff, offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in Northern Arizona. Housed in the historic 1908 Coconino County Hospital for the Indigent, the museum features exhibits on ranching, logging, transportation, and pioneer life, with both indoor and outdoor displays.

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Local tips

  • Check the Arizona Historical Society website for updated information on hours, admission fees, and special events before visiting.
  • Explore both the indoor and outdoor exhibits to get a comprehensive view of pioneer life in Northern Arizona.
  • Take a photo with the 1929 Baldwin Locomotive No. 12, a symbol of Northern Arizona's logging industry.
  • Consider visiting during one of the museum's special events, such as the Wool & Fiber Festival, for a more immersive experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Pioneer Museum is accessible via Flagstaff's Mountain Line bus system. Take Route 5 (Orange Line) and get off at Stop Number 11, which is directly in front of the museum. A one-way fare costs $1.25 for adults or $0.60 for seniors. A day pass is available for $2.50 for adults or $1.25 for seniors. Consider using the Transit app for mobile ticketing.

  • Walking

    If you are in the vicinity of Northern Arizona University (NAU), the Pioneer Museum is approximately a 30-40 minute walk. Head north on N. Fort Valley Rd. The museum will be on your left. There are sidewalks along the route.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Flagstaff. A ride from downtown Flagstaff to the Pioneer Museum typically costs between $15 and $20, depending on the service and time of day. Apex Taxi, Gypsy Cab and Hurry Cab are also available.

  • Driving

    The Pioneer Museum is located at 2340 N Fort Valley Rd, just off Highway 180. From downtown Flagstaff, go north on Humphreys Street for 0.6 miles to Fort Valley Road. Turn left onto Fort Valley Road and continue 1.3 miles to the Pioneer Museum. A small parking lot is directly west of the museum, with additional parking areas to the east and north. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Pioneer Museum--Arizona Historical Society

Step back in time at the Pioneer Museum, a captivating tribute to the pioneers of Northern Arizona. Located in Flagstaff, this museum is housed in the historic Coconino County Hospital for the Indigent, constructed in 1908 from volcanic rock called pumiceous dacite. The museum's exhibits showcase various aspects of pioneer life, including ranching, logging, and transportation. Explore the grounds to discover a 1929 Baldwin Locomotive No. 12, a 1913 Model T, and historic farm equipment. Inside, you'll find displays of pioneer-era medical equipment, historical costumes, and implements used for daily life. One can also experience stories of individuals who dared to drive change in Flagstaff and examine a 1950s Iron Lung ventilator used to treat polio patients. Visitors can explore the 1908 Doney Cabin, relocated to the museum from east of Flagstaff, and learn about Ben Doney, the local character who built it. A highlight for train enthusiasts is the Santa Fe RR caboose dating from the 1940s, which visitors can enter to view an exhibit on the train personnel who would have lived there. The museum also features Route 66 memorabilia, reflecting the area's rich history. The Pioneer Museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it's a place where the stories of Flagstaff's early days come to life. It offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

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