Gila County Historical Museum
Discover Globe's rich mining past and Native American heritage at this charming, volunteer-run historical museum. A true gem!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Gila County Historical Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Globe's rich mining past and Native American heritage at this charming, volunteer-run historical museum. A true gem!
"One of the best museums I have ever been to. I highly recommend that if you ever visit Globe AZ, you visit this museum."
🤝 Friendly Volunteers
Chat with the knowledgeable and entertaining volunteers; they share great stories and local insights!
💎 Free Apache Tear
Ask for a free Apache Tear (obsidian) found locally – a unique souvenir!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mining History Exhibits
Various rooms
Explore artifacts, tools, and ore samples showcasing Globe's rich mining past. A must-see for history buffs!
Native American Pottery
Dedicated room
Admire intricate prehistoric pottery, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient cultures.
Working Payphone
Main area
Experience a piece of history with a functional payphone! Kids love learning to use the rotary dial.
Period Clothing & Household Items
Various rooms
See authentic attire and everyday objects that bring the lives of early Globe residents to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Miss the Donation Box!
Combine Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Friendly Volunteers
Chat with the knowledgeable and entertaining volunteers; they share great stories and local insights! +1
💎 Free Apache Tear
Ask for a free Apache Tear (obsidian) found locally – a unique souvenir!
Visiting Globe
📞 Test the Payphone!
Don't miss trying out the working payphone; it's a hit with kids and adults alike.
🎟️ Donation Suggested
Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested to support the museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Friendly Volunteers
Chat with the knowledgeable and entertaining volunteers; they share great stories and local insights! +1
💎 Free Apache Tear
Ask for a free Apache Tear (obsidian) found locally – a unique souvenir!
📞 Test the Payphone!
Don't miss trying out the working payphone; it's a hit with kids and adults alike.
🎟️ Donation Suggested
Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested to support the museum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Gila County Historical Museum for its rich collection of local history, particularly its mining exhibits and Native American pottery. The friendly and knowledgeable volunteers are frequently highlighted as a major draw, enhancing the visitor experience with engaging stories. While admission is free, donations are highly encouraged and appreciated to support this community gem.
"If you're driving through Globe. I highly recommend stopping in. First off its free to enter they gladly accept donations but most of all, what a way to see into history. There is so much history packed into this little museum! The volunteers were friendly! The payphone even works and it's free as well! My kids enjoyed that the most learning how to use rotary dial and to actually be able to talk! Lots of good history to explore and learn! I have been twice already!"
Maegan Holland
"Nice escape from the Phoenix heat!
Our visit to Gila County Historical Museum was our final stop of our day in Globe. We were met at the front desk by two local characters who were quite entertaining! This historic building houses many rooms covering the history of this mining town. There were rooms with clothing worn and household items used in the day, assayers' tools, and other historic mining artifacts. Included was a glass display case with samples of the ore and rocks found in the area. Don't miss the Native American prehistoric pottery room! We wandered freely through the many rooms full of displays. When we were there (July 2022) they are holding a raffle for handmade quilts, art, and gift baskets. I highly recommend this interesting museum!
Don't forget to ask for a free Apache Tear (obsidian) found locally!
Admission is a suggested donation of $5.
While you're in Globe, make a day of it! There are good restaurants among the old buildings in the historic district and multiple other historical museums to visit, including old courthouse (now Center for the Arts), the old County Sheriff's Office and Jail which is located behind the Arts center, and Besh-Ba-Gawah Archaeological Park/museum."
Marie Davis (WanderWoman)
"One of the best museums I have ever been to. I highly recommend that if you ever visit Globe AZ, you visit this museum."
Dale Finley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located right off the main road in Globe, Arizona, making it easy to access. Parking is generally available nearby.
Yes, it's part of a cluster of historical sites in Globe, including the Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park, the historic downtown, and the old County Sheriff's Office and Jail.
Many visitors recommend making a day of it, starting with the museum and then exploring the other nearby historical locations and the charming downtown area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is free, but a suggested donation of $5 per person is greatly appreciated to help maintain the museum and its exhibits.
No, advance booking is not required. You can typically walk in during operating hours. Donations are accepted at the front desk.
Operating hours can vary, so it's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead before your visit.
The museum sometimes holds raffles for handmade items or hosts special exhibits. It's worth inquiring about current events when you visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse range of exhibits covering Globe's history, including mining artifacts, Native American pottery, period clothing, household items, and assayers' tools.
Yes, children often enjoy the interactive elements like the working payphone and learning about historical items. The volunteers are also great at engaging younger visitors.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always polite to ask permission from the staff, especially if using flash.
Take your time to wander through the many rooms, engage with the friendly volunteers, and don't hesitate to ask questions about the exhibits and local history.
Don't miss the working payphone and be sure to ask about receiving a free Apache Tear (obsidian) found locally.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Globe's historic downtown area, located near the museum, offers several good restaurants and dining options.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the museum to protect the historical artifacts. There are usually picnic areas or nearby cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
Personal photography is usually permitted, but it's always a good idea to confirm with the staff upon arrival.
The exhibits themselves, especially the Native American pottery and vintage mining equipment, make for interesting photographic subjects. The historic building exterior is also picturesque.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it part of a larger historical exploration day in Globe. Visiting nearby sites like the Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park can offer a different perspective on history that complements the museum's exhibits. Remember to bring a small donation to support the museum's efforts in preserving these historical treasures for future generations.
💰 Budget Travelers
To make the most of your visit without spending extra, focus on engaging with the knowledgeable volunteers who offer a wealth of information for free. Combine your museum visit with exploring Globe's historic downtown on foot and visiting other free or low-cost historical markers in the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Globe's Past
Beyond the mining industry, the museum also dedicates space to the area's rich Native American history, featuring impressive displays of prehistoric pottery that speak to the enduring cultural legacy of the region. The volunteers at the museum are often highlighted as a major asset, providing engaging stories and historical context that bring the exhibits to life. Their passion for local history enhances the visitor experience, making it more than just a passive viewing of artifacts.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the history of Gila County, a visit here is highly recommended. It's a place where you can truly step back in time and gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the people who shaped this unique corner of Arizona.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Beyond the exhibits, there are a few unique touches that add to the charm. The museum features a working payphone, a novelty that delights visitors of all ages, especially children learning about older communication methods.
Plan to spend at least an hour or two exploring the various rooms. Combining your visit with other historical sites in Globe, such as the Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park and the historic downtown, can create a comprehensive and enriching day trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit