Fort Lowell Park is a 59-acre park, located near Glenn and Craycroft Road, in North-Central Tucson.
People from all over Tucson meet up at Fort Lowell Park because of its mature trees, plentiful green grass, and convenient central location.
The park is home to a swimming pool ($), a pond, a history museum, 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?
Fort Lowell Park is in North-Central Tucson. The address is 2900 N. Craycroft Rd.
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/softball team
- To swim at the public pool (open seasonally)
- To slide and swing on the playgrounds
- To start a sand volleyball game
- 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.
Admission to the pool is $1 for kids, $2 for adults. Punch passes, summer passes, and annual passes are also available.
Admission to the Fort Lowell Museum is free, but donations are welcome.
What is the parking situation at Fort Lowell Park?
Parking is free and plentiful. No covered parking.
What should I bring with me when I visit the park?
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. That said, Ft. Lowell Park can definitely be enjoyed in the summer months – especially because there is a swimming pool.
SWIMMING POOL
What are the features of the Fort Lowell Pool?
The Fort Lowell Pool has a diving bay with 1- and 3-meter diving boards, lap lanes in the 25-yard area, and a separate wading pool. Pool depth in the 50-meter pool ranges from 3.5-12 feet.
Does Fort Lowell Pool have swim lessons or a swim team?
Yes – both (plus a synchronized swimming team in the summer)! Check the Tucson Parks & Rec website for more information.
Is Fort Lowell Pool open year round?
The Ft. Lowell Pool is an extended season pool. Check the Tucson Parks & Rec website to confirm opening and closing dates for each year, but the pool is typically open from May to October.
MUSEUM
The Fort Lowell Museum is part of the Arizona Historical Society’s Family of Museums. As a nonprofit and state agency, their mission is to “connect people through the power of Arizona’s history.”
The 1600-sq-ft Fort Lowell Museum offers unique exhibits and hands-on activities for adults, families, and children…and is pet-friendly too! Located in a 1880s reproduction of adobe officers quarters, visitors can explore Army life during the Apache wars and try their hand at crafts such as soap making and candle making.
What are the museum’s hours?
The Fort Lowell Museum is open Thursday-Saturday, 10:00am-4:00pm.
Are there special programs or classes at the museum?
Yes. The Fort Lowell Museum routinely offers calvary crafts, soap making, and candle making for an additional fee.
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.
POND
Is feeding the ducks permitted?
No. Please do not feed any animals at the park or in the pond.
PECAN TREES
Are the pecan trees harvested?
The pecans are harvested by a volunteer group.
PICNIC AREA
How many tables are there at Fort Lowell Park?
There are twelve regular picnic tables and one extra-long picnic table.
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.
What restaurants do you recommend in the area?
There are lots of restaurants in the vicinity. Try:
- The Quesadillas, 2418 N. Craycroft Rd (less than a mile away) – authentic Mexican, quesadillas, tacos, tostadas
- La Placita Cafe, 2950 N. Swan Rd (1.2 miles away) – authentic Mexican, lunch & dinner
- Vero Amore, 2920 N. Swan Rd (1.3 miles away) – Neapolitan pizza, pasta
- Indian Twist, 4660 E. Camp Lowell Rd (1.6 miles away) – authentic Indian, lunch & dinner
- Costco, 6255 E. Grant Rd (1.7 miles away) – pizza, wraps, frozen yogurt
- Zinburger, 6390 E. Grant Rd (1.9 miles away) – burgers, fries, milkshakes, kids menu
- Prep & Pastry, 6450 E. Grant Rd (1.9 miles away) – locally sourced ingredients, breakfast & lunch, pastries
- Sauce Pizza & Wine, 6450 E. Grant Rd (1.9 miles away) – pizza, paninis, wine
How close is the nearest grocery store?
Pick up picnic supplies before heading to the park! Costco, Fry’s, and Trader Joe’s are less than two miles away.
How close is the nearest pizza delivery place?
Go to Costco – 6255 E. Grant Road. Large pizzas for 10 bucks!
SPORTS FIELDS
How many sports fields are there?
Fort Lowell Park has:
- 1 baseball field
- 3 softball fields
- 4 little league fields
- 8 lighted tennis courts
- 1 lighted racquetball court
- 1 turf volleyball court
- 1 swimming pool
Does the sand volleyball court have a net?
No. Interested players will need to bring and set up their own net.
RESTROOMS
Are restrooms available?
Yes.
EVENTS
Can I rent a ramada for a birthday party or other event?
Yes. There are seven ramadas at Fort Lowell Park. The fee is $15-$55, depending on whether you are reserving for daytime, afternoon, full day, or holiday. Find out more about how to reserve a ramada.
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 |
Check out our other Park Profiles!