Like spending time outdoors? Strawberry, Arizona is a charming mountain hamlet surrounded by the Tonto National Forest Preserve, where you may go for a stroll and embrace one of the massive Ponderosa Pines that have been growing there for hundreds of years.
Visit Tonto Natural Bridge, one of the only natural travertine bridges in the world, about 10 miles south of town for more breathtaking scenery. The attractiveness continues beyond that. At the foot of Arizona’s renowned Mogollon Rim, this picturesque town is home to no fewer than seven lakes. The fishing is second to none.
After the discovery of gold in the hills in 1875, a large number of people began to move there. These pioneers were inspired by the abundance of wild strawberries to give Strawberry its bright moniker. Additionally, in 1885 they built the Strawberry One-Room Schoolhouse. The oldest schoolhouse in Arizona is still in use and welcomes visitors from May to mid-October.
You should plan your trip so that you may take part in the Pine-Strawberry Summer Fest, which is held annually in early June. This neighbourhood is wonderful for exploring because of its small-town appeal, stunning natural features, refreshing mountain air, live music, crafted goods, locally made beer, and delicious food.
Here are a few of the top things to do in Strawberry, Arizona any time of year:
The Strawberry Schoolhouse, a Must-See
In 1884, the world experienced a great change. Strawberry Valley is located in Yavapai County, Arizona Territory. Its residents have petitioned the County School Superintendent to open a school in their area. After hearing the petition, the Strawberry Valley Planning Commission approved the creation of District #33.
Cowboys used a calf rope to count the distance from the Hicks-Duncan cabin at the western end of the valley to the Peach cabin at the eastern end of the valley to settle a dispute over where to construct the local school. Back at the halfway point, they turned around and headed back. At that location, a single-classroom log schoolhouse was erected and has since stood the test of time.
Open on weekends and holidays from May until mid-October, the school may be found on Fossil Creek Road in Strawberry, Arizona. By contacting Pine-Strawberry Archaeological and Historical Society, Inc. at P. O. Box 564, Pine, AZ 85544, you can schedule a group tour for a time that is more convenient for you.
Travel to the Tonto Natural Bridge.
Towards the centre of the state, close to Payson, is where you’ll find Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Many people consider this to be the largest travertine bridge ever discovered. At 183 feet in height, the bridge towers above a tunnel that is 400 feet in length and 150 feet broad at its narrowest point. There are three pathways to explore, as well as a picnic area and a gathering space for larger parties. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park’s Goodfellow Lodge is a one-of-a-kind rustic retreat in the midst of Arizona’s Rim Country’s most breathtaking landscape.
In 1877, a Scottish prospector called David Gowan, who was being pursued by Apaches, found Tonto Natural Bridge. When he emerged from the tunnel three days and two nights later, he claimed the bridge and canyon as his own through squatter’s rights and brought his family from Scotland to live there permanently in 1898.
Take a trip to Fossil Creek.
Accessible from Strawberry, Arizona in Gila County, Fossil Creek is designated as a Wild and Scenic River. One of the most popular places for Arizonans to go swimming for fun is in this river. However, this presents a number of difficulties. A valid parking card and permit are required for entry.
There are only two designated Wild and Scenic rivers in the state of Arizona, and Fossil Creek is one of them. Springs at the bottom of a 1,600-foot-deep canyon spew water at a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, at a rate of 20,000 gallons per minute. Massive amounts of travertine have been deposited over time by these calcium-rich streams. That rock-like substance encases whatever washes up on the streambed, turning it into fossil-like formations.
Fossil Creek is a rare example of a riparian zone in an otherwise parched region. Otters, beavers, leopard frogs, and even black hawks all call Fossil Creek home. Sections of Fossil Creek once again have healthy populations of native fish.
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