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Where
to Stay - Hotels
This crossroads town lies beside
Interstate 10 which connects with U.S. 80 and State Route
90. Benson was established as a Butterfield Stage station
in 1858, at a crossing of the San Pedro River. Then, in
1890, the Southern Pacific Railroad laid tracks through
the area and Benson became a railroad center, where
freight was transferred to the old Atlantic & Pacific
Line (now the Santa Fe) to supply the silver and copper
towns of southern Arizona.
Today, it's a quiet town offering services
to travelers who pass through, perhaps staying overnight,
on their way to more romantic destinations such as
Tombstone and Bisbee.
There are, however, several reasons to
explore the immediate area around Benson -- not the least
of which is the Amerind Foundation in Texas
Canyon, just 12 miles east of town. The foundation is an
archeological museum and research center, that preserves
artifacts of the early Indian inhabitants of the region.
William Fulton put down roots here,
purchasing the FF Ranch in the 1920s. His concept of an
Indian museum developed over the next dozen years as he
wrote scholarly articles on his field work in and around
Texas Canyon. From 1937, the museum and its outbuildings
took shape. The canyon itself is worth the short drive
from Benson along I-10 to the Dragoon turnoff (# 318).
The museum is 1 mile east of the junction. It is open
daily from 10 am to 4 pm and an entrance fee is charged
(520-586-3666).
The local arts and history museum is
at 180 South San Pedro Street, containing displays of
settlers and early cultures. The museum's gift shop
stocks the work of local artists and craftspeople,
including ceramic pieces and paintings. It is open
Thursday through Saturday (520-586-3070).
Cochise's Stronghold, the historic
site in the Coronado National Forest, provides a
fascinating day-trip from Benson. This is the rocky
fortress where the great chief and his followers held out
against the U.S. Cavalry and the drive provides some fine
scenery in addition to the historical experience. To get
there, take I-10 east from town, exiting at the Dragoon
exit (Texas Canyon). Drive east for 13 miles until you
get to U.S. 666 and turn south (right), driving for
another 6 miles. Turn west and drive into the national
forest.
Holiday Inn Express
630 S. Village Loop, Benson, AZ 85602
(520) 586-8800 or (toll free) 888-263-2283
This is a new property, opened in June 1998, with 62
rooms, including 2 suites and a view room with jacuzzi.
Room features include queen or king beds, microwaves,
refrigerators, and coffeemakers. Hotel amenities include
an exercise room, heated pool, conversation pit, laundry,
business center, and a complimentary extended breakfast
bar. ($ to $$)
Quail Hollow Inn
P.O. Box 2107, Benson AZ 85602
(520) 586-3646
This Best Western operation offers good accommodations
with reasonable prices. The motel has a heated pool,
whirlpool and laundry. There's a restaurant nearby. Some
rooms have showers and refrigerators ($).
Benson Camping
Chief Four Feathers KOA campground has more
than 80 sites; most with hookups, with a few sites set
aside for tenting. There are many-pull throughs. Cabins
are available, plus a dump station, laundry, store, pool,
recreation room, playground, and propane. It's located
one mile north of I-10, take the Ocotillo Road exit
(#304).
The Red Barn Campground is also north of I-10
on Ocotillo Road. With grassy tent sites and RV spaces,
the park also has a store, laundry, and propane.
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