Jul 11 2008
Arizona MissionsTumacácori National Historical Park, Near Tubac - Mission San José de Tumacácori was established in January 1691 by Jesuit Father Eusebio Francisco Kino. Located on 310 acres at the town of Tumacácori, Arizona, it is open to the public from the Tumacácori National Historical Park visitor center.
Location- Take exit 29 off of Interstate 19, fifty miles south of Tucson, Arizona and eighteen miles north of the international border with Mexico at Nogales, Arizona/Sonora.
Admission - $3.00 per person age 16 or older. It is well worth it.
What to See
There is an excellent Visitors Center and Museum as well as a self-guided tour of the Mission grounds. Be sure and see the introductory movie when you are at the Visitors Center. And, of course, bring your camera!
More Information - Mission Website
San Xavier del Bac Near Tucson- Often called "The White Dove of the Desert," San Xavier de Bac is on the Tohono O'odham Reservation, San Xavier District.
Location: 1950 W. San Xavier Road, San Xavier District off Interstate 19 South. Map and Directions
Admission- Parking is Fee. Donations are appreciated. Often there will be vendors selling food and craft items.
What You Will See- This is a beautiful resored Mission church. San Xavier Mission is acclaimed by many to be the finest example of mission architecture in the United States. The white church has domes, towers and spires. It is amazingly graceful and beautiful. Don't forget your camera! (Sometimes there is work being done, so if you are determined to get a "perfect" photo, you might call ahead and inquire about scaffolding, etc.)
More Information: San Xavier del Bac Website.
