12 Best Things to Do in Casa Grande, Arizona

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The Domes of Casa Grande are a collection of buildings in various shapes which were built in 1983 by InnerConn Technology Incorporated as a place to manufacture circuit boards for computers. Though visitors aren’t allowed to explore the abandoned facility up close, they can see it from a far and learn all about its unique history - including horror stories of it being a place of satanic worship. The retro-futuristic ruins have become an icon of Casa Grande and are filled with some very cool murals and works of graffiti that will give you a sense of the area’s street art.

Thornton Road, Casa Grande, AZ

© Pinal County Fairgrounds and Event Center

The 120-acre Pinal County Fairgrounds and Event Center is an integral part of the Casa Grande community. It houses the Pinal County Fair, which is a proud tradition for the residents there for the last sixty years. The center is a wonderful place for you to meet the members of the diverse community and celebrate the county’s agricultural heritage through several events, workshops, and educational activities. In addition to the annual Pinal County Fair, other events you can attend include the Arizona Classic Jackpot & Farm Show, Lantern Fest, and the Agri-County Bluegrass Festival which is filled with food, shopping, arts & crafts, and much more.

512 S 11 Mile Corner Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85194, Phone: 520-723-7881

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Caywood Farms is a family-operated farming business that is going on its fourth generation of the Caywood family. Visiting the farm will allow you to get up close to their cotton and forage crops production, letting you better understand their process. Their cotton farm tours are educational and fun and include an informative presentation, a hayride, cotton picking demonstration, and letting you pick your own cotton to keep. Every year the farm hosts their annual farm festival which is a fun and memorable event for the entire family as it has hayrides, corn trails, face paintings, barbecue, and pumpkin carving.

841 Arizona 287, Casa Grande, AZ 85194, Phone: 520-560-1119

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Francisco Grande is one of the most legendary golf courses in the state of Arizona. It can be found halfway between Tucson and Phoenix, right in the heart of Casa Grande. They house a historic traditional 7,400-yard golf course that has three lakes and over 1,500 mature trees. There’s so much more to do than play golf; you can try the superb food at the Legends Restaurant or Duke’s Lounge, which was named after one of their most frequent guests, John Wayne himself. Their massage services are renowned and give you a chance to rejuvenate your mind and body with the Francisco Grande signature massage, an herbal body wrap, Grande mud masks, or hot stone therapy.

12684 W Gila Bend Hwy, Casa Grande, AZ 85193, Phone: 520-836-6444

© Western Trading Post

The Western Trading Post is a family owned and operated business that has roots which go back to 1877. The store can be found in Casa Grande’s historic district and is known for their southwestern, old west, cowboy, and Native American Indian collectibles and antiques. The retail store is a wonderful place to pick up local gifts and souvenirs for yourself or your friends and family back home. If you’re there at the right time, you can attend their once-a-month live auction - if you’re not in the area, you can still participate in the auction online. Some of the items that you’ll come across include Concho belts and buckles, handbags, squash blossom necklaces, bracelets, rings, Native American baskets, and textiles.

403 N Florence St, Casa Grande, AZ 85122, Phone: 520-426-7702

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A beautiful design by Greg Nash, the Mission Royale Golf Club offers golfers of all skill levels a truly memorable time on their greens. Set right in the middle of the desert, the lush golf course is surrounded by tranquil views, cacti, and majestic hills. The 18-hole course’s signature hole is #8, which is a short 310-yard par 4 with water in the front. When you’re not on the green, head over to the clubhouse to have a delicious meal at Hogan’s Restaurant or shop for quality apparel and accessories at the Mission Royale Pro Shop. Other amenities include driving range putting/ chipping area, rental clubs, cart, practice balls, and private lessons from PGA golf professionals.

11 Mission Pkwy, Casa Grande, AZ 85194, Phone: 520-876-5335

© Creative Cafe

Creative Cafe creates delicious food that is made using only the freshest ingredients, ensuring that quality is infused in everything that is served. You are sure to have a great culinary experience combined with quality customer service. Drop in for one of their lunch combos to create the perfect pair of sandwich, soup, or salad; the Mango Chutney Tuna Salad is a crowd favorite. Other popular items from their menu include the coconut shrimp with spicy orange marmalade dipping sauce, the smoked gouda turkey burger, chicken pesto wrap, and their Thai flatbread pizza with grilled chicken or portobello mushrooms.

1420 N. Trekell Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85122, Phone: 520-421-0442

© McMashers Sports Bar and Grill

McMashers Sports Bar and Grill opened in 1989 as the first authentic sports bar in the Casa Grande area. It is also one of the first OTB sites and allows their patrons to wager on thoroughbred horse racing including major events such as the Breeders Cup and the Kentucky Derby. It’s a great place to get together with friends, watch the latest sporting events, and dine on quality food including their staple of steaks, burgers, fresh salads, and chicken and fish dishes. The warm and friendly establishment will be a great place to have a delicious meal and socialize with the people of Casa Grande.

1355 E Florence Blvd, Casa Grande, AZ 85122, Phone: 520-426-1472

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Etched into the landscape of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is the rich and awe-inspiring history of one of North America’s largest prehistoric structures. Built by the ancestral Sonoran Desert people, the Casa Grande Ruins features an irrigation farming system of mind-blowing proportions as well as wide-spread trade connections. It was a hub of commerce until 1450 AD, when its people left it behind without any written history. Today, visitors can drop by to learn and experience what archaeologists have uncovered about the Casa Grande Ruins, and experience what life would have been like for the Sonoran Desert people. Casa Grande Ruins offers a Junior Ranger Program as well as other educational outdoor opportunities.

1100 W. Ruins Drive, Coolidge, Arizona 85128, Phone: 520-723-3172

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A simple sign can say a lot about a city. At Casa Grande’s Neon Sign Park, visitors can feast their eyes on beautifully restored neon signs from the city’s past, while soaking up the stories and history that come with each one. Most of the signs in the park were collected from Highway 48 over the years. The displays paint a picture of Casa Grande’s mid-century history and feature iconic signage like the Route 66 Dairy Queen sign as well as signs from the Arizona Edison, Sacaton Hotel, and Valley National Bank. Managed by the Casa Grande Historic Preservation Commission in partnership with Casa Grande Main Street, the Neon Sign Park is rightfully situated in the heart of the Downtown Arts and Culture District.

408 N Sacaton Street, Casa Grande, Arizona, Phone: 520-836-8744

© The Museum of Casa Grande

Travel back in time to the early days of Arizona’s Casa Grande region at The Museum of Cada Grande. Managed by the Casa Grande Valley Historical Society, the museum, which was established in 1964, is filled with mementos of Casa Grande's past. Visitors can explore collections upon collections of historical photos, artifacts, and documents, that offer valuable information and stories about the city’s enduring and treasured history. Stop by the photographic collection to see photos from the city's earlier years or drop by the oral history collection to hear the actual voices of lifetime residents describing what Casa Grande was like in their youth. Other exhibits are home to over 50,000 artifacts of historic, contemporary, archaeological, and prehistoric value. As a recognized leader in historical preservation, this museum is a must-visit in Casa Grande.

110 W. Florence Boulevard, Casa Grande, Arizona 85122, Phone: 520-836-2223

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Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone who just wants to push the limits of your bravery, the Phoenix Skydive Center is at your service. This skydive center is undoubtedly one of the best in the region as it has been in operation for over 20 years. In all of its years, the Phoenix Skydive Center has had no incidents or accidents, boasting trained and certified instructors all of whom have over 10,000 jumps under each of their belts. Take the plunge and free-fall through the skies with your USPA certified instructor at 125 miles per hour, before sailing leisurely towards your landing point in five to seven minutes. Make sure to book your jump ahead to avoid disappointment and keep in mind that the Phoenix Skydive Center has a 225-pound weight limit.

Municipal Airport, 3225 Noth Lear Avenue, Casa Grande, Arizona 85122, Phone: 520-840-9095