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Tempe, Arizona

Following the establishment of Fort McDowell on the eastern edge of central Arizona’s Salt River Valley in 1865, enterprising farmers moved into the area. They dug out the irrigation canals left by the prehistoric Hohokam people and built new ones to carry Salt River water to their fields. Valley farms soon supplied food to Arizona’s military posts and mining towns.

The first settlers to move to the Tempe area, south of the Salt River and east of Phoenix, were Hispanic families from southern Arizona. They helped construct the first two irrigation canals, the Kirkland-McKinney Ditch and the San Francisco Canal, and started small farms to the east and west of a large butte (Tempe Butte). In 1872, some of these Mexican settlers founded a town called San Pablo east of Tempe Butte.

Tempe is well known nationally as the home of the Fiesta Bowl and the Arizona Cardinals. It is the seventh largest city in Arizona, with a strong modern economy based on commerce, tourism, and electronics manufacturing.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

ASU Planetarium

Evening shows are offered Tuesday and Thursday nights from Sept.-Nov. and Feb.-April. Shows begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and last approximately 30 to 50 minutes. Weather permitting; viewing though ASU telescopes follows each show. Reservations are required for all evening shows.

Tempe, AZ Planetariums

Museum of Anthropology (ASU)

Physical anthropology, archeology, and sociocultural anthropology exhibits, reflecting student and faculty research interests.

Tempe, AZ Museums


Rio Salado Golf Club

Regulation nine-hole course, driving range, fully equipped pro shop, golf instruction, golf leagues and restaurant.

Tempe, AZ Golf Courses

Petersen House Museum

Restored Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1892 by one of Tempe'

Tempe, AZ Museums

Things to do near Tempe, AZ

Tonto Hills

The area is home to a giant Kachina; motorists can see it on their way to Bartlett and Horseshoe lakes and Seven Springs camp...

Thunderbirds Golf Club -9-Hole Par 3 Short Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Whirlwind At Gila River Resort -Devil'S Claw

Course Access: ResortHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Park of the Canals

The 30-acre park and Brinton Desert Botanical Garden include visual evidence of ancient Hohokam Indian canal systems dating b...