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Mesa Grande Cultural Park: Echoes of the Hohokam Civilization

Discover the ancient Hohokam civilization at Mesa Grande Cultural Park, featuring preserved ruins and artifacts in Mesa, Arizona.

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Explore the Mesa Grande Cultural Park in Mesa, Arizona, an 82-acre archaeological site preserving the remnants of the Hohokam civilization. Wander through the ancient village, marvel at the 27-foot-high platform mound, and discover the Hohokam ballcourt, gaining insights into their advanced irrigation systems and unique architectural techniques.

A brief summary to Mesa Grande Cultural Park

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler hours of the day for a more comfortable experience, especially during warmer months.
  • Check the park's schedule for special events or guided tours to enhance your visit.
  • Bring water and snacks, as amenities may be limited within the park.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Mesa Arts Center (1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ), walk to the nearest bus stop at Main St & Center St. Board the Valley Metro bus route 61 heading north. Stay on the bus for about 10 minutes and get off at the stop at N Date St & E 1st Ave. From there, walk north on N Date St for about 5 minutes to reach Mesa Grande Cultural Park at 1000 N Date St. Bus fare is approximately $2.

  • Walking

    If you are near downtown Mesa, start at the Mesa Convention Center (263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ). Head north on Center St until you reach E 1st Ave, then turn right (east) and walk until you reach N Date St. Turn left (north) onto N Date St and continue walking for about 15 minutes until you arrive at Mesa Grande Cultural Park located at 1000 N Date St. There is no cost for walking.

  • Rideshare

    For a convenient option, use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. Enter '1000 N Date, Mesa, AZ 85201' as your destination. Depending on your starting location within Maricopa County, expect to pay between $15 to $30 for a ride from central Mesa. Check the app for exact fare estimates before you book your ride.

  • Car

    If driving, get on the US-60 E highway. From the US-60 E, take exit 177 for Mesa Dr. toward Mesa. Turn left onto N Mesa Dr and continue until you reach E Main St. Turn right onto E Main St and continue for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left onto N Date St, and Mesa Grande Cultural Park will be on your right at 1000 N Date, Mesa, AZ 85201. Free parking is available on-site.

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Discover more about Mesa Grande Cultural Park

Mesa Grande Cultural Park, located in Mesa, Arizona, offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of the Hohokam people, who thrived in the Sonoran Desert from approximately 1 to 1450 AD. This 82-acre archaeological site preserves the structures built by the Hohokam, including a massive platform mound and a ballcourt. The centerpiece of the park is the Great Platform Mound, an enormous earthen structure rising 27 feet high. Constructed over generations from layers of soil, clay, and caliche, the mound's purpose remains a topic of archaeological speculation, with theories suggesting it served as a ceremonial and community gathering place. Visitors can also explore a Hohokam ballcourt, an ancient playing field used for social and religious activities. The Hohokam ballgame, similar to Mesoamerican versions, held significant cultural importance. The park's museum houses Hohokam artifacts, providing a tangible connection to the past. Mesa Grande Cultural Park is not only a historical site but also a place of reverence for the Hohokam people and their descendants. The park is open seasonally, from October to May, and operated by the Arizona Museum of Natural History.

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