Park Profile: Fort Lowell Park

Fort Lowell Park is a primarily flat, grassy park totaling 59 acres, located near Glenn and Craycroft Road.

In addition to the original buildings of the fort and an on-site history museum, the park is home to a swimming pool, a pond, a one-mile walking path, a pecan grove, sports fields, tennis courts, ramadas, two playgrounds, and a sand volleyball court.

General Information

Where is Fort Lowell Park located?

2900 N. Craycroft Rd in North-Central Tucson.

When is the park open?

The park is open daily, 6:00am – 10:30pm.

Why would I visit Fort Lowell Park?

To play a round of tennis
To enjoy a picnic with family and friends
To participate in or cheer on a soccer/baseball team
To swim at the public pool
To slide and swing on the playgrounds
To visit the museum
To look for turtles, fish, and other wildlife

What is the history of Fort Lowell Park?

Fort Lowell was a supply base for the United States Army “Apache Campaigns” between 1873 and 1891. Following abandonment of the fort in 1891, settlers moved in and used some fort buildings as residences, or stripped the buildings of useful materials. By the 1930s, much of the fort had fallen into disrepair or had been sold off. After World War II, this area became known as “El Fuerte”.

How much does it cost to visit the park?

Admission to the park is free.

What is the parking situation at Fort Lowell Park?

Free. Plentiful. Pull-in style parking.

What should I bring with me when I visit the park?

Water and snacks. A bit of cash if you want to visit the museum.

What is the best season for visiting the park?

October thru April are ideal because the temperatures tend to be more moderate than in the summer months.

PLAYGROUNDS

How many playgrounds are there at Fort Lowell Park?

Two. The playgrounds feature slides and swings with minimal shade.

What is the ground surface beneath the playgrounds?

Combination of dirt and rubber.

Are the playgrounds shaded?

No.

Is there an area for tots & babies?

Some of the slides are on the smaller side – ideal for toddlers & preschoolers. Infant swings are also available.

PICNIC AREA

How many tables are there at Fort Lowell Park?

There are several ramadas on-site as well as several unshaded concrete tables.

Are trash cans available and easily accessible?

Yes.

Are there BBQ grills?

Yes.

Is power available at all of the ramadas?

Yes.

Is there an on-site restaurant or cafe?

No.

All this playing is making us hungry. What restaurants do you recommend in the area?

Our top picks within a 2-mile radius are:

Costco, 6255 E. Grant Rd (0.9 miles away) – pizza, wraps, frozen yogurt
Zinburger, 6390 E. Grant Rd (1.2 miles away) – burgers, fries, milkshakes
Chipotle Mexican Grill, 4774 E. Grant Rd (1.3 miles away) – burritos, tacos
Nimbus American Bistro & Brewery, 6464 E. Tanque Verde Rd (1.5 miles away) – sandwiches, soup, burgers, pizza, dough for kids to play with while you wait
Beyond Bread, 6260 E. Speedway Blvd (1.8 miles away) – sandwiches, soups, salad, bakery
Oregano’s Pizza Bistro, 4900 E. Speedway Blvd (1.9 miles away) – pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches, the original pizza cookie

If you’re in the mood for a cold slushy-style drink, head to eegee’s at 5601 E. Speedway Blvd (1.6 miles away).

How close is the nearest grocery store?

Pick up picnic supplies before heading to the park! Three great options! Costco at 6255 E. Grant Road is 0.9 miles away. Fry’s at 2480 N. Swan Road is 1.2 miles away. Trader Joe’s at 4766 E. Grant Road is 1.3 miles away.

How close is the nearest pizza delivery place?

Go to Costco – 6255 E. Grant Road. Piping hot, delicious, large pizzas for 10 bucks!

SPORTS FIELDS

How many sports fields are there?

Fort Lowell Park has:

baseball fields
soccer fields
tennis courts
a swimming pool

MUSEUM

What are the museum’s hours?

The Fort Lowell Museum is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00am-4:00pm.

What is the cost of admission?

Adults $3
Ages 60+ $2
Ages 12-18 $2
Ages 11 and younger free
AHS Members free
Free admission the first Saturday of the month.

RESTROOMS

Are restrooms available?

Yes, but they’re not particularly pleasant.

Are toilet seat covers available?

No.

Is a family restroom available?

No.

EVENTS

Can I rent a ramada for a birthday party or other event?

Yes. The fee is $15-$55, depending on whether you are reserving for daytime, afternoon, full day, or holiday.

ON-SITE AMENITIES

Museum	YES
Cafe	NO
Public Pool	YES
Splash Pad	NO
Parks & Rec Facility	NO
Sports Fields	YES
Dog Park	NO
Walking/Biking Paths	YES – 1mile path
Lake	YES
Hiking Trails	NO
Art/Sculptures	Minimal
Garden	NO
Trees/Shade	YES
Lighting	YES

Ratings

OVERALL: 4

PLAYGROUND RATING: 3.5

CLEANLINESS OF RESTROOMS: average

NOTES: Fort Lowell Park is a historic and spacious park with ample potential. The grass is green. The views are notable. The trees are mature. The location is prime. What’s missing is pride and innovation. With additional care and attention, this gem of a park could easily be bumped up to 5 stars.