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Besh-Ba-Gowah Museum, Graham County Travel Guide

4.7 (530)

Explore ancient Salado ruins and artifacts at Besh-Ba-Gowah, a captivating archaeological park and museum in Globe, Arizona. Discover Southwest history.

Explore the partially reconstructed ruins of an ancient Salado pueblo at Besh-Ba-Gowah, just southwest of Globe, Arizona. The adjacent museum showcases artifacts and offers insights into the lives of the people who thrived here between 1225 and 1400 AD.

A brief summary to Besh-Ba-Gowah Museum

  • Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Besh-Ba-Gowah Museum.

  • Visit during the spring or fall for pleasant weather, as summers in Globe can be extremely hot.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the partially reconstructed pueblo ruins.
  • Check the official website for alerts, upcoming events, and potential road construction updates.
  • Explore the ethno-botanical garden to learn about the plants utilized by the Salado people.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    Besh-Ba-Gowah is located a short drive from downtown Globe. From US-60, turn onto Jesse Hayes Road. The museum and park are located at the end of Jesse Hayes Road. Parking is available on site. Be aware that the last stretch of road leading to the site is narrow and uphill. Check for possible road construction or reroutes before visiting.

  • Public Transport

    While there isn't direct public transportation to Besh-Ba-Gowah, you can take a local taxi or ride-sharing service from the Globe city center. The ride is approximately 1 mile. Taxi fares typically range from $7-$12.

  • Walking

    For those staying in accommodations closer to the southern end of Globe, walking to Besh-Ba-Gowah is feasible. From the intersection of US-60 and Jesse Hayes Road, head south on Jesse Hayes Road for approximately 1 mile. The walk is uphill and takes about 20-25 minutes. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring water, especially during warmer months.

Discover more about Besh-Ba-Gowah Museum

Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum offers a captivating journey into the past, showcasing the ruins of a large pueblo village constructed by the Salado people between 1225 and 1400 AD. Located one mile southwest of Globe, Arizona, the site provides a glimpse into the lives of those who inhabited the region centuries ago. The name Besh-Ba-Gowah, given by the Apache, translates to "place of metal".The partially reconstructed pueblo structures and the adjacent museum display a fascinating collection of prehistoric pottery, stone tools, and woven artifacts excavated from the site. Visitors can explore the ancient village on a self-guided tour, experiencing the mysteries of the Salado people. The museum also features a video that interprets the lifestyle of the people who occupied this region.Irene Vickrey, an amateur archaeologist, played a crucial role in excavating and preserving the site in the 1930s. Her work led to the discovery of over 200 rooms and 350 burial sites. The museum was built in 1940 with funding from the Works Projects Administration (WPA), and Vickrey became its first curator. Today, Besh-Ba-Gowah stands as one of the largest and most significant Salado settlements discovered. In addition to the ruins and museum, the park features botanical gardens with plants used by the Salado people.
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