Located at 1000 N Date, Mesa, AZ 85201, the Mesa Grande Cultural Park is one of the most important sites in the region. It is a place of historical importance and a museum that features ruins dating back to the Hohokam civilization. The site is open to the public and is operated by the Arizona Museum of Natural History. The museum offers admission for $2 for members and visitors can enjoy a tour, crafts, and activities. It is also open during the season (October through May).
The Mesa Grande Cultural Park has structures and artifacts that give insight into the lives of the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People. They lived in the Salt River Valley and built an extensive irrigation system. This area was once covered in highly productive farmland. In AD 1100, the Hohokam began to build a temple mound at the Mesa Grande site. This mound is 27 feet high and was made out of calcium carbonate hardpan. There are two other Hohokam ruins in the Phoenix metropolitan area. These include the Mesa Mesa ruins and the Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park.
The Southwest Archaeology Team is present at the site and provides detailed information. The Hohokam used a local plant to produce a rubber ball that was used in ball games. This is why the Mesa Grande ruins are referred to as “the ballcourt.” A replica of the ballcourt is also available for the public.
The Mesa Grande Cultural Park is a beautiful place to visit. It is a community status symbol and a great place to learn about the ancient Hohokam and Pima tribes. The site is not yet developed into a tourist attraction but is open to the public and is well maintained. There are a number of events that are held at the park throughout the year. The Mesa Neighborhood Alliance has identified heritage tourism as the number one economic goal for the community.
On November 14 of 2015, Mesa Grande Cultural Park hosted Hemapik Day. This event featured demonstrations of native American basket making and archaeology tours of the site. There was a program called “Blast from the Past,” where teens were given the opportunity to tell their own stories about the ruins. Younger children were also captivated by the stories told by the teens. The program was created by Farina King, a volunteer who works with Mesa Grande Cultural Park educational programs.
The Mesa Grande Cultural Park is one of the largest and best archaeological sites in the Phoenix metropolitan region. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is operated by the Arizona Museum of Natural history. There is an admission fee of $6 per person and visitors can participate in activities during their visit. There is a reproduction of the ball pit and a large plaza in front of the temple mound. Those visiting should wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera. The path around the platform is not suitable for wheelchairs.
The Mesa Grande ruins were occupied by the Hohokam people from AD 1100 to AD 1400. They also built an extensive irrigation canal system. This system was made out of caliche, a calcium carbonate hardpan that forms in the desert soils.
Driving Directions To Keystone Law Firm From Mesa Grande Cultural Park
Driving Directions From Mesa Grande Cultural Park To Mesa Arts Center