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Colorado River State Historic Park: Yuma Quartermaster Depot

Explore Arizona's past at the Colorado River State Historic Park in Yuma, where military history and the mighty Colorado River converge.

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Explore the history of the U.S. Army's Yuma Quartermaster Depot, a vital supply hub for Southwestern forts in the 1800s. Discover exhibits on military history, steamboats, and early irrigation projects in this beautifully preserved park along the Colorado River.

A brief summary to Colorado River State Historic Park

  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the park's website for updated information on events, guided tours, and potential discounts.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park for a deeper dive into Yuma's history.
  • Take advantage of the park's picnic areas to enjoy a relaxing lunch by the Colorado River.
  • Explore the new exhibit in the historic Corral House building, the original home of the Bureau of Reclamation in Yuma.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Yuma, the Colorado River State Historic Park is easily accessible on foot. Head north on Main Street, then turn left onto E 2nd Street. Continue onto N 4th Avenue. The park will be on your right. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. Free parking is also available.

  • Public Transport

    Yuma County Area Transit (YCAT) Route 1 provides service to the park. From the Yuma Greyhound station, take Route 1 (South) and disembark at the stop closest to 4th Avenue. From there, it is a short walk to the Colorado River State Historic Park, located at 201 N 4th Ave. A one-way fare on YCAT is typically $1.25. Check the YCAT schedule for updated times.

  • Ride-sharing

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Yuma. Request a ride to 201 N 4th Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364. The cost from the Yuma International Airport to the park is approximately $15-$20.

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Discover more about Colorado River State Historic Park

Step back in time at the Colorado River State Historic Park, located on the grounds of the former Yuma Quartermaster Depot. Established in 1864, the depot served as a crucial supply base for U.S. Army forts across the Southwest for nearly 20 years. The park's five original buildings, among Arizona's oldest, house fascinating exhibits detailing the region's military history, the steamboat era on the Colorado River, and the early 20th-century irrigation projects that transformed the arid landscape. Explore the Visitor Center to see a model of the depot as it appeared in 1872 and exhibits on the military history of the Yuma Quartermaster Depot. Visit the Storehouse to discover an Army Escort Wagon, a section of the original plank road with a Model T car, a Steamboat Room displaying the history of steamboats along the Colorado River, and a display of antique wagons and farm vehicles. See the exhibits in the Corral House, the original home of the Bureau of Reclamation in Yuma, that focus on the agricultural innovations and Yuma's deep-rooted connection to the Colorado River. Don't miss the outdoor exhibits, including a steamboat paddle axle and a steam boiler. The park also highlights the importance of the Colorado River to the Yuma community, with exhibits detailing water rights, local irrigation, and the river's impact on agriculture. The park is part of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, offering a glimpse into Yuma's rich history.

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