Ultimate Guide to Trail Dust Town

Trail Dust Town is a historical outdoor shopping center and miniature Western theme park on Tanque Verde Road in East Tucson.

Originally built in 1961, the town has 9 shops, 2 restaurants, and a small attraction area (named PollyAnna Park).

The nine shops are as follows:

• Barking Iron Old Time Photo Studio
• Chocolate Depot
• CS Design Studios
• Peak of Perfection
• Sage Inspirations Artisan Jewelry
• Silhouette Photography
• Toys-N-Tiques
• Trail Dust Trading Company
• The Magic Shop

Young children will love Polly Anna Park - a miniature theme park with a carousel, ferris wheel, train, and picnic tables.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Where is Trail Dust Town located?

Trail Dust Town is at 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road in East Tucson.

What are the hours?

The Trail Dust Town courtyard is open to the public from 8:00am to 11:00pm daily.

The miniature train, carousel, ferris wheel, and gold panning are currently open Thursday-Sunday from 5:00pm-9:00pm.

Shops and restaurants each have their own operating hours. The General Store (Toys 'n Tiques) and Chocolate Depot are both open from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Thursday through Sunday. Sage Inspirations is open from 5:00pm to 8:30pm, Thursday-Sunday.

Why would I visit Trail Dust Town?

• To walk around and enjoy the Western decor
• To take some fun cowboy-themed photos
• To ride the carousel, ferris wheel, and/or train
• To get old time photos taken in costume
• To see the Pistoleros Wild West Stunt Show
• To purchase Western souvenirs and trinkets
• To give out-of-town guests a Western experience
• To go to a birthday party, wedding, or business event
• To have dinner at Pinnacle Peak
• To enjoy breakfast or lunch at Millie's Pancake Haus
• To attend a special event

How much does it cost?

Admission is free at Trail Dust Town.

Rides at Polly Anna Park are $3.00 per ride (ages 3 and under are free). Children under 42 inches may have an adult ride with them for free.

Tell me more about the stunt shows at Trail Dust Town.

The Pistoleros Wild West Show has advance ticket sales available through their website. Ticket prices change, depending on the season and the show they are performing.

The Pistoleros have their own ticket office, which is located just outside their main gate.

What is the parking situation?

Visitor parking is available in front of, adjacent to, and behind the town. There are 300+ parking spaces.

What should I wear?

Dress for the weather as you will mostly be outdoors.

What should I bring with me?

You may want to bring water bottles, snacks, and cash (including spare change) for attractions or dining.

Are bathrooms available?

Restrooms are located inside Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse & Saloon.

Which days are most and least crowded at Trail Dust Town?

Pinnacle Peak's busiest evening is Saturday. Tuesdays tend to be the least crowded.

DINING

Is outside food allowed at Trail Dust Town? 

There are some red picnic tables in PollyAnna Park (see photo below). Outside food is discouraged without prior permission/authorization.

Does Trail Dust Town have a restaurant?

Yes - two, in fact.

Pinnacle Peak is "Tucson's original cowboy steakhouse. The menu includes mesquite grilled steaks, ribs, chicken, and fish in a Western environment. Be sure to let the server know if you are celebrating a special occasion as they will be sure to embarrass - ahem, celebrate - the honoree. P.S. If you wear a tie, the waiter/waitress will cut it off. The only rule of the restaurant is NO TIES ALLOWED!

Millie's Pancake Haus is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday-Sunday. 6:30am-2:00pm. Menu includes pancakes, eggs, omelettes, waffles, salad, and sandwiches.

What restaurants are located NEAR Trail Dust Town?

Trail Dust Town is very central so there are quite a few restaurants in the immediate area. Our top picks within a 2-mile radius are:

• Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar, 6390 E. Grant Rd (1.0 miles away) – burgers, shakes, salads, wine, cocktails
• Sauce Pizza & Wine, 6450 E. Grant Rd (1.1 miles away) - hand-stretched pizzas, pasta, salads, paninis, vegetarian + gluten-free options, wine, pizza cookie
• Renee’s, 7065 E. Tanque Verde Rd (1.1 miles away) –  pizza, pasta, vegetarian, gluten-free available, organic ingredients

BABIES & KIDS

What ages would be best suited for a visit to Trail Dust Town?

ALL ages! Toddlers and preschoolers in the 1 to 5 age range will especially love PollyAnna Park. Older kids will appreciate the shooting gallery (50 cents per round), stunt show, and old time photo studio. Fun for the whole family!

Should I bring a stroller?

Sure. The town isn't huge, but you're welcome to bring one in if you like.

Are there changing tables in the restrooms?

Yes.

What about my pets?

Trail Dust Town is super pet-friendly. You can even bring your dog with you for patio dining at Millie's Pancake Haus. Want to get a picture with your favorite pooch? Barking Iron Old Time Photography is happy to accommodate. Don't worry - there is no sitting fee for your pet!

EVENTS

Can I have my child's birthday party at Trail Dust Town?

Yes! Contact Trail Dust Town to inquire about current birthday party packages.

Can I have my wedding or rehearsal dinner at Trail Dust Town?

Of course! There is a lovely romantic gazebo in the center of the town, plus special event space at Savoy Opera House.

MISCELLANY

Is Trail Dust Town active on social media?

Yes! You can follow Trail Dust Town on Facebook and Instagram.

Can I hire a photographer to do a photo shoot at Trail Dust Town?

Yes. You may hire either Silhouette Photography or Barking Iron Old Time Photo Studio for family, couple, senior, or business photo shoots.

Outside photographers are not permitted to use Trail Dust Town without prior written approval from the Corporate Office.  

What else do I need to know before I go to Trail Dust Town?

• Don't forget your camera! So many photo opps!
• Museum of the Horse Soldier used to be on this property, but it closed in 2019.
• If you're budget is limited, stop in at Pinnacle Peak for dessert instead of a full meal.
• Barking Iron Old Time Photo Studio is SO MUCH FUN. Dress up in character costumes and you end up with a sepia-tone photo, lots of laughs, and happy memories. All costumes slip over your clothes for easy sizing and dressing.