If you find yourself in the Arizona heat and in need of a puddle to play in, look no further than Lake Pleasant. This is quite a puddle. With the draw of Phoenix its easy to skip many of the fun locations nearby, but we want to take the roads less traveled and show you some hidden gems on the Lake Pleasant Road Trip. The prime destinations for this trip will be Wickenburg, Glendale and Cave Creek. You’ll pass through a couple nice stops along the way so don’t forget to pull off the road and go somewhere you’ve never been before..
Head out to the old west
If your starting out at Lake Pleasant, start in the morning and head West on highway 74 to keep the sun at your back. You’ll run into I-60 at Morristown and head North East into Wickenburg. Wickenburg’s history dates back to the 1800’s so you’ll find a connection to the old west in no time. Be sure to grab some breakfast at one of the many restaurants before heading checking out some of the great attractions.
- Desert Caballeros Western Museum
- Robson’s Mining World
- Vulture Mine
- Historical Walking Tour
- Jail Tree Pioneer History
- Santa Fe Depot
- Garcia School
- ATSF Engine No. 761
- Hassayampa Building
- Old Town Hall
- Old Post Office
- Western Sculpture
- Massacre Monument
- Hassayampa River Preserve Conservation Areas
- Vulture Peak
- Hot Air Balloon Rides
Into the Old Towne
After walking off your last meal, continue on the roadtrip back south towards Phoenix. Stick with the historical theme as you arrive in Glendale. Discover the treasures of downtown Glendale where more than 80 antique shops, specialty stores, and unique eateries are nestled in the blocks around Historic Old Towne and Catlin Court, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Check out some of the following attractions while your there and don’t forget to grab some lunch along the way:
- Historic Sahuaro Ranch
- Marty Robbins Glendale Exhibit House
- Katydid Insect Museum
- Max’s Sports Bar Museum
- Green Park Gallery Arts
- Xeriscape Botanical Garden
- Cerreta Candy Company
Back East to Cave Creek
As late afternoon approaches, plan to head on over to Cave Creek for a relaxing stroll into the Arizona sunset… and another great meal. The town, which roughly traces the northern fringes of Phoenix and Scottsdale, has a well-preserved pedigree as an Arizona historical landmark. Its reputation began to grow when the lure of gold, and later, copper drew a colorful cast of characters to Cave Creek. These amazing pioneers shaped the wonderful town you’ll find today. Take in some of the unique art or walk through some history as you start thinking about your evening meal and eventual return to Lake Pleasant. Here are some primers to get you thinking:
