Globe, Arizona, park features mining heritage, fitness trails

Raw copper ore

The old Dominion Historic Mine Park serves two purposes. One is to educate the public about the importance of mining in the Globe, Arizona, area. The other is to provide a series of fitness trails through the old mine site.

From 1880 to 1931, the Old Dominion Mine was a powerhouse in Globe’s copper mining industry, producing more than 765 million pounds of copper.

You’ll find pieces of old mining equipment scattered around the mine site. At the entrance, you’ll see a copper-studded boulder as well as a display of various types of rocks, each identified with a placard on the chain link fence.

Mining equipment on display

The park has trails for all levels of fitness. Non-motorized bicycles are allowed as well as wheelchairs and strollers.  The trails are not paved, just gravel and dirt. They are named for original mine claim owners at this location.

If you’re visiting on a hot summer day, be sure to have water with you. As you walk the trails, be on the lookout for rattlesnakes; I heard one in the bushes when we were there, but did not see it.

The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Operated by the City of Globe, there are restrooms at the entrance; picnic facilities are available.

The park is located on Highway 60 in Globe. Turn on Murray Street by DeMarco’s Pizza and go up the hill.

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Tubac, Arizona, building centers around art

Tubac Art Center

Tubac, Arizona, may have only about 2,000 residents, but it’s got a burgeoning art colony with more than 100 galleries, studios and boutiques. It’s no surprise, therefore, that it has its own art center.

The Tubac Art Center is operated by the Santa Cruz Valley Artists Association, which was founded with 80 members in the 1960s. Today, it has more than 850 members, only about a third who are from Tubac.

The center offers changing exhibits by both local and nationally known artists. It has room for art classes, workshops and other special events. A spring exhibit features work by local high school students.

The center is located in an adobe building at 9 Plaza Road. It is open daily. Admission is free.