Tucson: Tucson Rodeo and Parade: Museum

Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum has history on display

The Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum has an inventory of 150 vehicles, ranging from small buggies to elaborate coaches, carriages, wagons and historical artifacts from pioneer days.

A re-created Main Street representing what early Tucson would have offered in terms of businesses and services is displayed at the museum.

Three buildings house museum artifacts and exhibits. The large metal building was originally the city's first airport hanger, established in 1918 and dedicated on November 20, 1919.

This was the location of the first municipally owned airport in the United States.

Parade Museum Location:

The Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum is located at 4865 S. 6th Avenue (at the southeast corner of S. 6th Ave. and Irvington Road). The museum is on the historic Tucson Rodeo Grounds.

2009 Museum Schedule:

The Rodeo Museum opens January 5, 2009 and closes April 18, 2009.

Hours: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm. Closed Sundays and holidays, except for privately arranged tours.

Rodeo Week 2009 Dates:

Feb. 21-Feb. 25: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 27-28 & March 1: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
March 2: Closed
Re-opens: March 3, 2009

Minimum donation requested of $5.00 per adult. Children under 16 are free.

Call the Tucson Rodeo Parade Comittee at 294-1280 for more information, ticket prices and schedules.

The concept of a museum for public visitation was developed in 1962 by Peter Waggoner, an original charter member of the Parade Committee. The museum continues to develop as funds are found with a goal to have it open year round.

The museum stores vehicles manufactured by Ronstadt, Studebaker, Brewster, Healey and other, and used in films starring Maureen O'Hara, Ava Gardner and John Wayne are among the offerings. Historic vehicles used by Maximilian, Mexico's ill-fated ruler, and Howell Manning of the Tucson Manning family are also on display.

Tours of the Parade Museum are generally one and a half hours. There is a suggested minimum donation of $5 per adult. Children under 16 are free. Groups, schools, clubs and organization can have tours provided. Call 520-294-1280 to arrange a tour.

Scenes inside the Tucson Rodeo Museum and carraige warehouse.

Photo credit: Robert Zucker, Entertainment Magazine.

Tucson Entertainment Magazine