ATTRACTIONS

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the largest and oldest botanical garden in the state of Arizona. It is one of the oldest botanical institutions west of the Mississippi. Founded in 1924 as a desert plant research facility and “living museum”, the Arboretum is located in the Sonoran Desert on 392 acres (158.6 ha) along Queen Creek and beneath the towering volcanic remnant, Picketpost Mountain.

You must add to your bucket list a stroll along Superior's quaint Main Street. This is truly a mountain town and you will feel it as you are nestled in the surrounding landscape. Enjoy walking along and taking your time browsing through the boutique art galleries, antique stores, and specialty shops. Pick up something delicious to eat at one of the many delicious dining establishments. Unwind and enjoy historic downtown Superior.

Picketpost Mountain Trail is approx 4 miles, out and back, known for beautiful wildflower blooms and an out-of-place mailbox found at the top. This trail is rated as difficult and hiking equipment is highly encouraged. You won't get a better view of the Apache Leap ridge. How 'bout the superstitions! With Superstition Mountain to the West and Weavers Needle, Iron Mountain, and the the surrounding Four Peaks; Picketpost Mountain has some of the best views in the region.

The Bob Jones Museum run by the Superior Historical Society is the former house of Bob Jones, AZ’s 6th governor, filled with local memorabilia that highlight life in an Arizona copper mining town.

With an infamous roof crafted from 1800 beer cans, this museum with a footprint of a mere 134 square feet exceeds capacity beyond two people at a time. Housing the world’s largest Apache Tear, the museum’s collection of oddities ranges from presidential campaign materials, random collectables, pop-culture memorabilia, and outdated technology. Definitely worth the selfie as you journey through Superior!

The Highway 60 Caboose Park and Superior History Trail, featuring the Ore Cart Trail exhibit, play areas, a dog park, mining equipment displays and the Red Caboose Visitor Center is a must-see in Superior. Superior Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is located in the Red Caboose along with open air interpretive displays of Superior's mining past. Among the open air displays are some of the equipment once used by in the Magma Mine including a 19th-century steam powered elevator and the replica of a mine shaft entrance.

Celia Ann "Mattie" Blaylock (January 1850 – July 3, 1888) was a prostitute who became the romantic companion and (second wife after Urilla Sutherland) common-law wife of Old West lawman and gambler Wyatt Earp for about three years. Knowledge of her place in Wyatt's life was concealed by Josephine Earp, his later common-law wife, who worked ceaselessly to protect her and Wyatt's reputation in their later years.

In 1876 the Silver King mine was discovered in the mountains north of present day Superior. As the mine was developed and its production grew, a burgeoning mill town developed along Queen Creek at one of the few locations with a reliable water supply. By the mid-1880s the newly named town of Pinal boasted over 800 residents and one of the largest stamp mills in the state. Pinal’s early ambition was evident in the new community’s newspapers, banks, restaurants, breweries, saloons and a variety of stores. However, silver prices soon plummeted; after the decline of Pinal some residents moved upstream to a newly emerging copper mining community that would become Superior. You can access the historical remains by taking the Legends of Superior Trail.

The Superior Skate Park is a great location if you want to take your kids to ride their skateboards or even bikes. It is located right next to the town pool so if you get hot you can go for a swim in the summertime. It is also right next to a ramada with tables so you and the family can sit down and enjoy some lunch as well.

Get LOST in Superior on the Legends of Superior Trail! The LOST Trail is a 11.65 mile long hiking, biking and equestrian recreational trail that travels through Superior and the beautiful Sonoran Desert. The trail creates a connection from the stunning Arizona National Scenic Trail, through Superior to the rugged Queen Creek Canyon. Along the way it passes through the riparian forest of Arnett Canyon and the remains of the abandoned town of Pinal, and all while under the gaze of the majestic Picketpost Mountain to the south and Apache Leap to the east.

For the off-road enthusiast, the Montana Mountain Loop offers 35 miles through mountains, along narrow trails, with multiple river crossings and an amazing pine tree forest at the top. With a series of switchbacks on the way down the last few miles of the loop offer an exhilarating driving experience for those traveling the trail.

Queen Creek Canyon is an outdoor recreation area located four miles east of Superior. The landscape is absolutely gorgeous with towering spires of rock and endless fields of boulders. The Queen Creek area also includes the Oak Flat campground, Apache Leap, and Devils Canyon all located mostly in the Tonto National Forest. The Queen Creek area is a rock climber’s dream, with close to 1,000 routes and 2,000 boulders waiting to be explored.

Come experience the thrill and the awe of soaring above the earth with only currents of air to keep you aloft. It's an experience you'll never forget. Soar on currents of air near Picket Post Mountain and Apache Leap in a modern sailplane from Superior's Municipal Airport! A glider ride makes the perfect gift for that special occasion - anniversary, birthday, graduation or "just because!" Of course, watching is always free!