Ultimate Guide to Old Tucson

Old Tucson is an active movie studio and western theme park on the far west side of Tucson. Built in 1939, the Old West town has been the setting of more than 400 movies and television shows - including Arizona, Rio Brave, El Dorado, Three Amigos, Bonanza, The Mark of Zorro, and Tombstone.

Little House on the Prairie, starring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert, was also filmed at Old Tucson between 1977-1983.

All on-site shows, rides, and attractions are included in the price of admission. Enjoy a small movie history museum, gun fights, stunt shows, and western vaudeville musicals. Ride the miniature train, antique carousel, and horse-pulled wagons up to High Chaparral. Take a historical tour, guided by an on-site Old Tucson Historian, and enter the Iron Door Gold Mine...if you dare! Old Tucson also offers a small shooting gallery and a petting zoo filled with lovable animals.

Old Tucson also offers seasonal events such as, “A Western Experience,” “Nightfall,” “Yuletide,” "LIVE! Summer Concert Series,” and “Historical Tours.”

GENERAL INFORMATION

Where is Old Tucson located?

Old Tucson is on the far west side of Tucson. The address is: 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson.

What are the hours?

THE LAST OUTPOST​
Open Daily 10:00am to 4:00pm.

LIVE! AT OLD TUCSON – SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Enjoy Live Music in Town Square as the sun sets over Old Tucson (June 23, 2023 – August 26, 2023). The gates open at 5:30pm with the opening act at 6:00pm and the main act at 7:30pm. Restaurants, bars, and select attractions will be open during this event.

HISTORICAL TOURS
Offered Daily at select times between 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Visit Old Tucson's website to view available tour times and to pre-purchase tickets.

NIGHTFALL​
Tickets Available Soon! (September 28, 2023 – October 29, 2023) Hours of operation coming soon.

YULETIDE​
Tickets Available Soon! (November 24, 2023 – December 24, 2023) Hours of operation coming soon.

A WESTERN EXPERIENCE​
Open Thursday-Sunday (January 26, 2023 – May 7, 2023) 10:30am to 5:00pm.

Why would I visit Old Tucson?

• To experience a slice of "old west" history
• To take pictures with fun backdrops...in-studio or with your own camera
• To see a death-defying cowboy stunt show
• To ride the carousel, train, and horse-pulled wagon with your kids (Plus, brand-new antique cars are tentatively planned to open in January 2024!)
• To host your own private event

How much does it cost?

General Admission for “A Western Experience” is $34.00 for adults (ages 12 and up) and $17 for children (ages 5-11). Children 4 and under are free.

General Admission for Summer and Holiday events may vary. Please check back for up-to date details.

All park shows, rides, tours, and attractions are included in the admission price.

*Discounts are available for military personnel and first responders.

Can I purchase an annual membership instead?

Old Tucson does not offer annual memberships at this time. 

Didn't Old Tucson close down?

Yes. Old Tucson closed in 2020 and is now under new management, American Heritage Railways. They believe in preserving history, and making history interesting and exciting to help preserve it.

How much time should I allot for my visit?

Depending on the ages of the people in your party, and the number of shows, rides, and activities you’d like to experience, you will likely need approximately 4 hours to enjoy everything the park has to offer.

What should I wear?

Old Tucson is mostly outdoors so dress accordingly: light, breathable clothing with a hat and sunscreen in the summer; similar clothing for the rest of the year. ;)

What should I bring with me?

• If desired, bring spending money for food, drinks, and souvenirs.
• One sealed plastic water bottle per person – max size 2 liters.
• Clear bags and small clutch purses are permitted.

Are bathrooms available?

Yes.

What are the most and least crowded times of day to visit Old Tucson?

Mid-day is typically the most crowded.

DINING

Is outside food allowed?

Outside food is not permitted.

What dining venues are available on-site?

There are 3 different restaurants and an Ice Cream Shop at Old Tucson.

• Jakes BBQ serves BBQ brisket and pulled pork sandwiches with potato salad and coleslaw as well as wild west nachos.
• Rosa’s Cantina serves beef, chicken, or carnitas tacos with citrus rice and black beans, and beef or vegan tamales with citrus rice and black beans, quesadillas, and nachos.
• The Cowboy Café serves cheeseburgers, western burgers, hot dogs, salads, vegan chili, pizza pretzels, soft dough pretzels, and corn dogs.
• The Creamery serves old fashioned vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream cones, root beer floats, ice cream bars, and popcorn.

What restaurants are located NEAR Old Tucson?

Not many! Your best bet is to eat on-site or head home immediately after your visit. If you want to dine out, you’re looking at a 15-20 minute drive.

PORTRAITS

Is there a western-themed portrait studio (with costumes) on-site?

Yes. There is no sitting fee. Prices for photos vary based on the number of people, photo size, and whether the portrait is black and white or color.

BABIES & KIDS

What ages would be best suited for a visit to Old Tucson?

All ages are welcome. We visited with our three young children (6, 3, and 6 months). All three enjoyed seeing the sights and riding the carousel… though the younger two were frightened by the live action shows.

Should I bring a stroller?

Yes. A stroller or carrier would be a good idea if you have little ones.

Is there a designated area for mothers to feed their babies?

No, but there is outdoor seating throughout the park.

Are changing tables available?

Yes – in the men's and women's restrooms.

Is there a children's menu in any of the restaurants?

There are no children’s meal menu items at this time.

Are highchairs available in the dining area?

Yes.

EVENTS

Can I have my wedding or other event at Old Tucson?

Yes. Old Tucson has a variety of unique settings to choose from - Heritage Plaza, Grand Palace Hotel & Saloon, El Vaquero, The High Chaparral, and Stage 2.

Wedding venue costs vary based on number of guests, set-up needs, etc. Outside caterers are not allowed, but wedding cakes may be brought in.

MISCELLANY

Is Old Tucson active on social media?

Yes! You can follow Old Tucson on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.

What else do I need to know before I go to Old Tucson?

That just about covers it. Have a great time!