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Pleasant Valley Museum: A Window to Arizona's Past

Discover Arizona's captivating history at the Pleasant Valley Museum in Young, exploring the Wild West and Native American heritage.

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The Pleasant Valley Museum in Young, Arizona, offers a glimpse into the region's history, with exhibits focusing on the Pleasant Valley War, Native American artifacts, and the area's ranching heritage. Housed in the former Young Baptist Church, the museum provides a rich historical experience.

A brief summary to Pleasant Valley Museum

Local tips

  • Check the museum's limited opening hours (Saturdays, April through October) before planning your visit.
  • Explore the outdoor exhibits, including monuments and old farm instruments, which are accessible even when the museum is closed.
  • Visit the nearby cemetery to see the gravesites of individuals involved in the Pleasant Valley War.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Payson, Arizona, take Highway 260 east for approximately 30 miles. Turn right (south) onto Forest Road 512, which becomes Highway 288 after about 25 miles. Continue south on Highway 288 for another 6 miles to reach Young. The museum will be on your right as you enter the town. Parking is free and readily available near the museum. There are no tolls or special access fees.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Young, the Pleasant Valley Museum is easily accessible on foot. From most points in the town center, it is a short walk along Highway 288. The museum is located near the cemetery and is easily identifiable by its historical building. There are no sidewalks in some areas, so exercise caution while walking along the highway.

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Discover more about Pleasant Valley Museum

The Pleasant Valley Museum, located in the heart of Young, Arizona, serves as a repository of the region's vibrant and often tumultuous history. Housed in what was originally the Young Baptist Church, the museum building itself has a story to tell, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. The museum's exhibits offer insights into various aspects of Pleasant Valley's past. Displays of Native American artifacts highlight the area's original inhabitants and their way of life. A significant portion of the museum is dedicated to the Pleasant Valley War, a notorious feud between the Graham and Tewksbury families that shaped the region's identity. Visitors can explore photographs, documents, and artifacts related to this conflict, gaining a deeper understanding of its causes and consequences. In addition to the Pleasant Valley War, the museum showcases the area's ranching heritage, with exhibits on early farm life, tools, and equipment. The museum also features collections of historical ephemera, books, maps, newspapers, and clothing. One unique exhibit is the Bill Doctorman Historic Telephone Collection, which displays telephones from the late 1880s through the 1990s. The Pleasant Valley Historical Society also hosts an annual festival with live music, food, and crafts.

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