Highlands Center for Natural History is renowned for its educational activities centered around exploring the natural resources in the area that comprises the Prescott National Forest. With its campus sprawling across 80 acres (32.37 hectares) near the tranquil waters of Lynx Lake, the center allows visitors to learn more about the region through immersive programs. Surrounded by various trails, visitors and especially kids can enjoy learning about various plants and trees. There is also a botanical discovery garden on site that makes for a pleasurable visit with its lush native habitats, interactive learning circles and a beautiful children's play area.
Surrounded by a shore that is strewn with rough, granite boulders and rocks on all sides, the calm, blue waters of Watson Lake lie in stark contrast to the rugged landscape that surrounds it. The smooth-surfaced, tranquil lake is ideal for kayaking, boating and canoeing, while its bountiful stock of crappie, largemouth bass and bluegill ensure that fishing enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them happy. There are ample opportunities to enjoy other outdoor activities like horseback riding, bird watching, hiking, rock climbing and picnicking as well. If you enjoy photography, be sure to bring your camera along for you will surely want to capture this vision of natural beauty.
At the center of the charming downtown area of Prescott is the remarkable Courthouse Plaza. The area's defining feature is its array of historic structures and enduring landmarks that encompass it, exemplifying the city's history and heritage. The plaza is also surrounded by chic boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and colorful art galleries. In the summer months, outdoor concerts and other cultural festivals are held here. Breezy, historic, and vibrant, this delightful plaza is an ideal destination for a fun day out exploring all that makes Prescott the city it is today.
This beautiful little lake is located just a short drive away from downtown Prescott. While kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts will enjoy gliding along the lake's smooth-as-silk surface, photographers will delight in capturing its alluring beauty on film. When undisturbed, the lake's surface appears almost mirror-like, reflecting the azure sky above and the lush green landscape that surrounds it. By the lake, you will also find hiking trails, a playground for kids and delightful picnic spots. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, crappie, catfish, sunfish, bluegill and largemouth bass, and is a delight for anglers of every caliber. With so much on offer, a trip to Goldwater Lake promises to be a fun-filled experience for the entire family. The lake's exact opening hours vary throughout the year but are usually open during daylight hours.
Lynx lake lies nestled amidst the rolling peaks of the Bradshaw Mountains, like a deep-blue jewel that silently shimmers beneath the warm sunshine on a bed of soft green velvet. Its elevated location has blessed the lake and its surroundings with a blissfully cool climate that offers those weary of the desert's summer heat a much-welcomed retreat. Visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, and kayaking across the mirror-like surface of the lake, relax by the shore and take in the splendid natural bounty that surrounds them, or hike along the many trails that run along the lake's shore. Lynx lake is especially popular amongst anglers who have the opportunity to net themselves catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout. With its natural bounty and majestic beauty, Lynx Lake draws to its shore thousands of visitors each year.
Boasting an extensive repository of historical and cultural memorabilia, the Sharlot Hall Museum is a significant complex that contains as many as 11 buildings adorned with informative exhibits. A tour through these would enable you to peruse various themed displays related to the region's history and culture. Each historic building weaves a fascinating tale that facilitates a deeper understanding of the area's heritage and traditions. From antiques to artifacts, there is much to see and explore here. Educational events and other festivities are a regular feature at the museum.
Nestled in the Prescott National Forest, Groom Creek Schoolhouse is a historic school made from native stone. It is now used as a group picnic site and features two rooms and many foldable tables and chairs. The nearby Schoolhouse Picnic Site has ten picnic tables, an amphitheater and restrooms. You can also access the Groom Creek Nature Trail winding through the pine forest from here. This cabin is also available for weddings and reunions.
Highlands Center for Natural History is renowned for its educational activities centered around exploring the natural resources in the area that comprises the Prescott National Forest. With its campus sprawling across 80 acres (32.37 hectares) near the tranquil waters of Lynx Lake, the center allows visitors to learn more about the region through immersive programs. Surrounded by various trails, visitors and especially kids can enjoy learning about various plants and trees. There is also a botanical discovery garden on site that makes for a pleasurable visit with its lush native habitats, interactive learning circles and a beautiful children's play area.
Thumb Butte is an iconic natural landmark located within the Prescott National Forest. A splendid hiking destination, Thumb Butte features several trailheads along with a sprawling picnic and recreational area. Featuring a lush green landscape of ponderosa pine, scrub oak, pinyon pine and cactus along with rare shrubs and seasonal flowers, it is a tranquil, untouched oasis blessed with nature's pristine beauty. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, rock climbing, and horseback riding.
Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery features works from locals in the greater Verde Valley and Yavapai County. Inside the artists create pieces that range from photography and jewelry to home furnishings and paintings. Everything is one-of-a-kind and oftentimes the item is one of those things that can only be found in Arizona.