Cochise
Lake - Year round - Just outside the City of Willcox on Rex Allen Jr. Dr., a small lake attracts waterfowl and other birds often featured on the Southern Arizona Audubon Society Bird Hotline and Tucson Rare Bird Alert. Two blinds and a viewing deck with fixed scopes make birding easy even for the beginner. Be sure to register at the kiosk and let us know where you are from and what wildlife you encountered while visiting the lake.
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Willcox
Historic Depot -
The restored 1880 Southern Pacific Depot now
serves as City Hall for Willcox. The depot’s displays give an
understanding of the history of the region, the town, and its people.
While in historic downtown Willcox visit the unique shops. |
| Chiricahua
Regional Museum & Research Center - Native American and
Geronimo exhibits, cavalry and mining artifacts, weaponry, Butterfield
Stage route map, and a rock and mineral collection are the focus of the
museum’s displays. The museum is located at 127 E. Maley in
Willcox. (520) 384-3971 |
Muleshoe
Ranch
Cooperative Management Area - A secluded spot for hiking,
birding, and wildlife viewing lies just 30 miles northwest of Willcox
in the foothills of the Winchester and Galiuro mountains. Casitas
are available for
overnight stays. Call ahead for road conditions and
reservations. (520) 586-7072 |
| Cochise
Stronghold -
Approximately 39 miles southwest of Willcox is the granite fortress
used by the
Chiricahua Apaches under the leadership of Cochise, their famous Chief.
It is believed that the hidden burial site of Cochise is still located
somewhere in the Stronghold. Camping, hiking, and picnicking in this
beautiful area are relaxing and fun. |
Chiricahua
National Monument
and Faraway Ranch - Only 36 miles from Willcox, you’ll enter
an enchanting wonderland of towering and inspiring rock formations
amidst oaks and pines. From the Faraway Ranch to Massai Point,
Chiricahua National Monument provides a delightful scenic drive or
spectacular hikes. (520) 824-3560 |
| Rex Allen Cowboy
Museum and
Cowboy Hall of Fame - The exhibits trace the life of Rex Allen, who gained fame as
a singer, cowboy movie star and narrator for Walt Disney Productions. A
separate exhibit located within the museum is the Cowboy Hall
of Fame. This exhibit honors the pioneers from our surrounding area
that
took part in the development of the cattle industry. Located at 155 N.
Railroad
Avenue in Willcox, (520)
384-4583. |
Historic Fort
Bowie -
Travel
back in time to the days of stagecoaches, Indian raids, and military
outposts.
Situated in Apache Pass, Fort Bowie has seen a steady stream of
occupants
since earliest times. A slow paced 1-1/2 mile walk takes you
through
Fort Bowie, the Butterfield Stage Station, Fort Bowie Cemetery,
Chiricahua
Indian Agency headquarters and more as you explore this area rich in
history.
Located 20 miles SE on 186 & 10 miles south on Apache Pass
Road.
(520)
847-2500. |
| Gila
Box Riparian
National Conservation Area - An hour’s drive north through
Safford
lies a 22,000-acre congressionally designated riparian area.
Avian
diversity, bighorn sheep, and miles of backcountry roads beckon.
The area includes four perennial waterways. A viewing platform
gives birders a treetop-level view of the riparian corridor.
(928) 348-4400 |
Roper Lake State Park -
Fishing, camping (with and without hookups), and excellent birding
opportunities abound eight miles south of Safford. $6 Entry
Fee (928)
428-6760 |
| Amerind
Foundation Museum - Some of the finest privately maintained
archaeological and ethnological collections in the U.S., just 24 miles
west of Willcox on I-10. Entry Fee. (520) 586-3666 |
| Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – Where the desert comes alive! Visit the Desert Museum in Tucson, AZ and thrill to the popular Raptor Free Flight demonstrations, then enjoy an up-close experience with the world-famous hummingbird exhibit! All this in a setting of 1,200 animal species, a world-class mineral collection and other amazing wonders! Purchase your tickets at the WOW registration desk during the WOW festival. (520) 883-2702 |
Friends of Marty Robbins Museum – Travel back through the life of one of the most versatile country singers of all time, Marty Robbins. Though best known for his country singing, he was also voted NASCAR’s Rookie of the southern 500 in 1972. An annual tribute to Marty Robbins is held the first Saturday in March in Willcox. |
| Twin Lakes Golf Course– Year round - This 9-hole course at the Twin Lakes Golf & Country Club facility, 1000 S Rex Allen Jr. Dr, Willcox, features 3,372 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. Call 520-384-2720 for information. |
Willcox Playa – November-March – Though it seldom has a drop of water in it, there often occurs a phenomenon called the La Playa Mirage. A concentration area for wintering and migrating birds, the playa has become especially important as a habitat for thousands of wintering Sandhill Cranes. Is open daily November through March and on weekends the rest of the year. Highway 186 across from Arizona Electric Power Cooperative in Cochise, Arizona. |
| Apache Wildlife Area Is open daily November through March and on weekends the rest of the year. Highway 186 across from Arizona Electric Power Cooperative in Cochise, Arizona.
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Globally Important Bird Area The heart of this IBA is the massive Willcox Playa, a broad alkaline lakebed fringed with semi-desert grassland (primarily saltgrass and sacaton) and mesquite. The playa is seasonally flooded to a shallow depth. Outlying this playa are the satellite lakes/wetlands of Cochise Lakes (or aka Lake Cochise), alkali flats, and Willcox Playa Wildlife Area containing Crane Lake. |
