Arizona vacations are the perfect time to immerse yourself in some of the unique and always-intriguing historical Arizona attractions. Delight in several historic Tucson, Arizona missions, settled by Father Kino, a renowned Jesuit missionary and explorer, Catholic Jesuits and Franciscan missionaries.

Explore the storied history of Southern Arizona and enjoy modern, richly-appointed accommodations at Wyndham Canoa Ranch Resort, one of the finest Arizona golf resorts in Green Valley, AZ. Relax with a round of Arizona golf at one of the two championship courses located on-site and then refresh with a dip in our sparkling outdoor pool. Venture off our property to find a number of authentic Spanish colonial missions in Arizona nearby.

Mission San Xavier del Bac Located nine miles south of Tucson in the Santa Cruz Valley, Mission San Xavier del Bac rises majestically against a backdrop of rolling hills, desert landscapes and tranquil mountains. With a stately dome, towers, spires and parapets, this structure is a blend of architectural styles, including: late Mexican Renaissance, Moorish and Byzantine. The church as is stands today was constructed from 1783 to 1797 by Franciscan Fathers Juan Bautista Velderrain, Juan Bautista Llorenz and a work force consisting mainly of Tohono O'odham people, the natives of the area.

After more than 200 years, San Xavier Mission is still a fully-functioning parish church in the Diocese of Tucson. Restoration on the exterior and interior are ongoing to repair, clean and preserve this important part of American history.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Hours are: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The museum, open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., features a self-guided tour and a video about the mission.

Tumacácori National Historical Park
Located at exit 29 off of Interstate 19, one of the top Arizona State Parks is home to three Spanish colonial mission ruins, including: Tumacácori, Guevavi and Calabazas. These adobe missions are several examples of the more than twenty established in the Pimería Alta by missionaries.

Mission San Jose de Tumacácori
Established as a mission in 1691 by Father Kino, Mission San Jose de Tumacácori is the oldest mission site in Arizona. Originally a small adobe structure constructed by the Pima villagers and located on the east side of the Santa Cruz River, the church was rebuilt in its current location on the west side of the river after the Pima rebellion of 1751. Although work on the church began in 1800, after a series of setbacks, the church was finally completed in the late 1820s and was an impressive structure with plaster walls pressed with crushed red brick and a painted façade.
The entrance fee is $3.00 per person age 16 or older, and is valid for seven days. Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, when the Park is closed.

Los Santos Ángeles de Guevavi Father Kino first visited the site, a settlement of O'odham Indians, in 1691 and established it as a mission. Then, in 1701, Guevavi became district headquarters with Juan de San Martin as the first resident priest. The ruins which exist today are from a church contracted in 1751 by Father Garrucho, the resident priest from 1745 to 1751. Activities at the mission were interrupted numerous times by the Pima revolt of 1751, Apache raids and diseases. After a series of revivals and abandonments, the mission was abandoned for the last time in 1775 and has remained as such until the ruins became part of this Arizona State Park in 1990.

This site can be visited only as part of a reserved ranger guided tour during the fall and winter months. Click here for more information on reservations.

San Cayetano de Calabazas
In 1756, Father Fancisco Xavier Pauer relocated about 78 Pimas from their village of Toacuquita to the current site of this mission. Construction was partially completed by 1761, and was in use by 1773. Father Pedro Font celebrated Mass here in 1775 during the famous expedition to California led by Juan Bautista de Anza. Prone to attack by the Apaches in the following years, the site was utilized as a farm, ranch house, customs house, post office and an abode. By 1878, the site was abandoned for good and left to disintegrate until 1960, when volunteers led by Father Norman Whalen worked to preserve the walls and laid a cement foundation.

This site can be visited only as part of a reserved ranger guided tour during the fall and winter months. Click here for more information on reservations.

Delve into the fascinating world of Arizona historical sites while enjoying extensively-appointed Arizona summer vacation rentals at our Green Valley resort. Save on your stay with our Arizona golf vacation packages and hotel specials.