Travelers can delve into the rich narratives of Arizona through newly unveiled experiences.

The Arizona Tourism Office has launched a mobile passport linked to the America250 celebration, which commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

This initiative encourages exploration of various historical and cultural sites across the state, highlighting its unique stories. Using the pass doesn’t require a smartphone app; visitors can simply check in at participating locations to unlock rewards.

As of late August, the pass includes over 60 destinations, with plans to expand to “250 amazing gems.” Arizonans are invited to suggest additional spots. Here are a few noteworthy sites.

Bisbee: Queen of Copper Mining

The Copper Queen Mine, established in 1877, operated for nearly a century, where miners worked in 47-degree conditions to extract valuable metals. They discovered a distinct turquoise known as “Bisbee Blue.”

Nowadays, visitors can don hard hats and headlamps, riding small trains through the mine, where guides share firsthand accounts of the mining life.

Flagstaff: Lowell Observatory

Founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell, this observatory holds historical significance as the site where Pluto was discovered in 1930.

Moreover, it plays a vital role in preserving Flagstaff’s Dark Sky status, following a lighting ordinance from 1958 to reduce light pollution. Recognized as the first International Dark Sky City in 2001 by the International Dark Sky Association, the observatory continues to attract attention.

In 2024, it added the Astronomy Discovery Center, featuring interactive activities, including a multi-story LED theater and planetarium experiences.

TIME’s 2025 list of the world’s greatest places will also include Lowell Observatory.

Tombstone

Tombstone, often referred to as “the town too tough to die,” is a pivotal location in Old West history, famously associated with the O.K. Corral gunfight.

On October 26, 1881, a long-standing conflict among lawmen and outlaws culminated in a violent shootout, leading to the deaths of three outlaws, while several lawmen were injured. Only Wyatt Earp escaped without injury.

Today, visitors can tour the site of this infamous firefight and catch reenactments at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm daily, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Additionally, Tombstone’s historic downtown has been highlighted by World Atlas as one of the best in Arizona, featuring attractions like the Bird Cage Theatre and the Crystal Palace Saloon.

Phoenix: Heard Museum

This acclaimed museum boasts a stunning array of Native American art across its 12 indoor galleries and outdoor sculptures. Notably, it’s home to the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market, one of the largest indigenous art markets globally, as well as the World Hoop Dance Championships.

The Heard Museum provides a unique audio experience that narrates indigenous stories from personal perspectives, celebrating both traditional and contemporary art.

Oracle: Biosphere 2

Biosphere 2 is a distinctive living laboratory showcasing five of Earth’s biomes under massive glass domes, facilitating research on ecological interactions.

Visitors can join guided tours, available on a first-come, first-served basis, to discover various ecosystems, including ocean views, mangrove wetlands, rainforests, savanna grasslands, and fog deserts.

Winslow: Standin’ on the Corner Park

This iconic corner is famously linked to Jackson Browne’s song “Take It Easy,” which was inspired during a stop in Winslow on the way to Sedona.

Interestingly, sources suggest that Browne actually spotted someone in Flagstaff, but still, Winslow draws tourists eager to visit the Standin’ on the Corner Park, located at Second Street and Kinsley Avenue. Here, a life-sized statue of a man playing guitar stands by a classic red flatbed truck.

The park hosts a festival every September, this year set for the 26th-27th, featuring concerts, including performances by Eagles tribute bands.

Clarkdale: Verde Canyon Railway

The Verde Canyon Railway, a historic 38-mile route completed in 1912, connects Clarkdale with nearby towns influenced by the mining industry.

Passengers can enjoy scenic rides through a 734-foot tunnel and across a 175-foot canyon called the Sob Canyon.

Although the mining operations ceased, the Verde Valley Railway continued until highways took over. David Dalbano acquired the railway in 1988, reviving it as the Verde Canyon Railway in 1990.

The trains, dating back to 1926, are mostly mid-century designs and include unique locomotives built in 1953.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Canyon de Chelly, located in northeastern Arizona, has hosted various cultures for generations, with Navajo families still raising livestock and crops there, as shared by the National Park Service.

Much like the Grand Canyon, it offers North and South Rims for self-guided exploration. Visitors can also opt for a guided tour on foot, by vehicle, or on horseback.

Grand Canyon West and Grand Canyon Skywalk

For travelers wishing to see the Grand Canyon, a TripAdvisor-approved tour offers a glimpse from Las Vegas, although it’s not within the Grand Canyon National Park itself. This area, operated by the Hualapai Tribe, includes the well-known Skywalk, a glass bridge offering stunning views.

The Skywalk provides thrilling perspectives looking down into the canyon, though it can feel intimidating for those wary of heights. Due to safety restrictions, cameras and phones are not allowed on the platform.

How to Access the America250 AZ Pass

To obtain the America250 AZ Pass or to suggest additions, visit visitarizona.com/experiences-passes/america-250. Pass details will be sent via text or email.