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Colorado River State Historic Park: A Journey Through Time

Discover Yuma's pivotal role in the Southwest's history at the Colorado River State Historic Park, where the past flows into the present.

4.5

Explore the rich history of the Colorado River and its impact on the Southwest at this Yuma park. Once the Yuma Quartermaster Depot, the park features original buildings, exhibits on steamboats and early irrigation, and stories of the pioneers who shaped the region.

A brief summary to Colorado River State Historic Park

  • 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

Local tips

  • Check the park's website for updated pricing and special events, which may affect admission costs.
  • Download the Colorado River State Historic Park walking tour map for a self-guided exploration of the park's highlights.
  • Visit the Colorado River Research Library by appointment to delve deeper into the history of the area.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park for a comprehensive look at Yuma's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Yuma Historic Downtown area, the park is a pleasant walk. Head south on Main Street, then turn right onto 2nd Avenue. Walk two blocks to the park entrance. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Yuma County Area Transit (YCAT) provides bus service throughout Yuma. Check the YCAT website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Several routes stop near the park. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Yuma. A ride from Yuma International Airport to the park, is approximately 10-15 minutes and typically costs between $12-$20.

Unlock the Best of Colorado River State Historic Park

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Discover more about Colorado River State Historic Park

The Colorado River State Historic Park, situated on the grounds of the former U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot (QMD), offers a captivating glimpse into Arizona's past. Established in 1864, the Yuma Quartermaster Depot was a vital supply hub for military posts across the Southwest for nearly two decades. The park's location along the Colorado River shaped the history of Arizona and the American West. Visitors can explore five original buildings dating back to the Depot's earliest days, among the oldest and best-preserved structures 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. See artifacts from the Army Escort Wagon, a section of the original plank road, and a steamboat room displaying the history of steamboats along the Colorado River. The park also features exhibits on the Yuma Siphon, a massive tunnel under the Colorado River that first delivered irrigation water to the Yuma Valley in 1912. The park's location on the Colorado River makes it a significant historical site. The river served as a crucial transportation route for supplies and played a vital role in the development of agriculture in the region. The park also acknowledges the land's original inhabitants, the Quechan and Cocopah people.

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