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Colorado River State Historic Park: A Journey Through Time

Discover Yuma's past at the Colorado River State Historic Park, where the Wild West comes to life. Explore exhibits, history, and the mighty Colorado River.

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Explore the rich history of the Colorado River and its impact on the Southwest at this Yuma park. Once the U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot, the park features original buildings, exhibits on steamboats and early pioneers, and stories of the Colorado River's vital role in shaping the region.

A brief summary to Colorado River State Historic Park

Local tips

  • Check the park's website for updated pricing and special events, as admission fees may vary.
  • Download the Colorado River State Historic Park walking tour map for a self-guided exploration.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park and receive a discount on entry.
  • Note that the park is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Colorado River State Historic Park is located at 201 N 4th Ave in Yuma. From most points in downtown Yuma, the park is easily accessible by foot. From Main Street, walk north towards the Colorado River. Turn left onto 4th Avenue; the park entrance will be on your left. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes from the heart of downtown. Free parking is available at the park.

  • Public Transport

    Yuma County Area Transit (YCAT) provides bus service throughout Yuma. Several routes serve the downtown area, from which you can walk to the park. Check the YCAT website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride fare is typically around $1-$2. From the Downtown Yuma Transit Center, the park is a short walk north on 4th Avenue.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Yuma. A taxi or ride-share from Yuma International Airport (YUM) to the park will take approximately 10 minutes and cost around $15-$20. From other locations in Yuma, the cost will vary depending on distance. Simply provide the driver with the park's address: 201 N 4th Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364.

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Discover more about Colorado River State Historic Park

The Colorado River State Historic Park, located in Yuma, Arizona, offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's vibrant past. Situated on a portion of the grounds of the former U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot (QMD), established in 1864, the park interprets and preserves a significant site in the history of Arizona and the American West. For nearly 20 years, the Yuma Quartermaster Depot served as a lifeline for military posts throughout the Southwest. Warehouses held a six-month supply of essential goods like clothing, food, and ammunition for forts in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. The site bustled with activity, housing as many as 900 mules and their teamsters. Visitors can explore five original buildings dating back to the Depot's earliest days, making them among the oldest and best-preserved buildings in Arizona. Exhibits within these buildings showcase the military history of the site and the construction of major irrigation projects in the Yuma area during the early 1900s. Learn about the steamboats that once navigated the Colorado River, delivering vital supplies to the burgeoning frontier, and the pioneers who worked hard to develop the West. The park also features a Colorado River research library. The park's significance stretches back even further. In 1540, Hernando de Alarcón sailed past the site, becoming the first to navigate a Spanish ship up the Colorado River. The Anza expedition crossed the river nearby in 1775 with the help of local Quechan guides. The area also saw the surge of American westward expansion as immigrants crossed by ferry on their way to the California gold fields in 1849.

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