Prescott, Arizona, has several stunning historic homes and gardens open for public tours. These tours offer a glimpse into the city's rich past, with many homes dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. If you're a history buff or appreciate beautiful architecture, a historic home tour in Prescott is a must-do activity. Prescott travel guide And the best way to get around the city and visit multiple homes in one day is with Arizona Shuttle. Prescott shuttle service Prescott travel guide Here's a guide to some of Prescott's best historic home tours.
The Sharlot Hall Museum
The Sharlot Hall Museum is one of Prescott's most famous historic home tours. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the central Arizona highlands, and it does so by showcasing several landmark buildings, including the Sharlot Hall House, which was built in 1864 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum also has an extensive collection of Native American artifacts and artwork. Prescott transportation options
The Basha's Mansion
The Basha's Mansion is another must-see historic home in Prescott. This mansion was built in 1929 and is an excellent example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The villa was once the home of the Basha family, who owned a chain of grocery stores in Arizona. Today, the mansion is open for public tours, and visitors can see the beautifully preserved interior, complete with original furnishings and artwork.
The Smoki Museum
The Smoki Museum is another excellent historic home tour in Prescott. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the original people of the southwest. It showcases several landmark buildings, including the Smoki Lodge, built in 1935 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lodge is a beautiful example of Pueblo Revival architecture filled with Native American artwork and artifacts.
The Palace Saloon and Restaurant
The Palace Saloon and Restaurant is a historic bar and restaurant in downtown Prescott. The building dates back to 1877 and has been used as a saloon and restaurant for over 140 years. Today, visitors can tour the historic bar and learn about its colorful past, including visits from famous cowboys and outlaws like Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp.
Arizona Pioneer Home
The Arizona Pioneer Home is a historic residence for retired miners and their wives built in 1911. Visitors can see the beautifully preserved interior, including the original furniture and decorations. The home also has a museum that showcases the history of the pioneer miners who built the state of Arizona. The house is now a state park and is open for public tours.
A historic home tour in Prescott is a great way to step back in time and experience the city's rich history and culture. And with Arizona Shuttle, you can easily visit multiple historic homes and gardens in one day. So why book a tour today and explore the beautiful historic houses and gardens of Prescott, Arizona?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to see all these historic homes in one day?
Using Arizona Shuttle can help you visit multiple sites efficiently.
When was the Sharlot Hall House built and why is it significant?
The Sharlot Hall House was built in 1864 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcasing central Arizona's history.
What kind of architecture does the Basha's Mansion feature?
The Basha's Mansion features Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and was built in 1929.
Can I learn about Native American culture at any of these sites?
Yes, the Smoki Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of southwest Native Americans.
Prescott’s Historic Downtown & Whiskey Row
The heart of historic Prescott is the compact downtown district that surrounds the Yavapai County Courthouse at the corner of Montezuma Street and Gurley Street (U.S. Route 69). This six‑block area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is where the city’s past comes alive. A stroll north on Montezuma brings you to the famed Whiskey Row—the row of saloons that once served cattle ranchers, territorial legislators, and even lawmen like Doc Holliday. The July 14, 1900 fire that gutted Whiskey Row forced a rapid rebuild, and many of the buildings you see today were constructed within a few years of that disaster, giving the street its distinctive late‑Victorian facade.
A short walk east on Gurley leads to Heritage Square, a landscaped plaza that hosts community events and provides a quiet spot to view the surrounding historic structures. The square is framed by the 1903 Prescott City Hall and the 1905 Prescott Public Library, both excellent examples of early 20th‑century civic architecture. Visitors can pick up a self‑guided walking‑tour brochure at the Prescott Chamber of Commerce (located at 117 W. Gurley St.) or download a map from the city’s website.
From Territorial Capital to Modern City: A Timeline of Prescott’s Milestones
Understanding why Prescott matters in Arizona’s history starts with a quick chronology:
- 1863 – Arizona Territory is created.
- 1864 – Prescott is founded; it becomes the first territorial capital and the Yavapai County seat.
- 1867 – The capital moves to Tucson.
- 1877 – Prescott regains the capital status and keeps it until 1889.
- 1886 – The Arizona Central Railway arrives, linking Prescott to regional rail networks.
- 1888 – The town’s first organized rodeo is held, later recognized as the World’s Oldest Rodeo.
- 1889 – The capital permanently relocates to Phoenix.
- 1900 – The Great Fire destroys Whiskey Row; rapid rebuilding follows.
- 1912 – Arizona achieves statehood; Prescott’s role shifts toward a regional cultural hub.
These dates shape the city’s built environment. Buildings constructed before 1867 often reflect Territorial‑era adobe or simple wood frame design, while those erected after the railroad’s arrival show more Victorian and early commercial‑style details.
Architectural Heritage: Styles You’ll See on the Tour
A historic home tour in Prescott is also a lesson in American architectural trends:
- Territorial / Early Adobe – Low‑pitched roofs, thick walls, and exposed timber; examples include the 1864 Governor’s Mansion at Sharlot Hall Museum.
- Victorian Eclectic – Decorative milled wood, bay windows, and asymmetrical facades; many buildings on Whiskey Row display this style.
- Spanish Colonial Revival – Red‑tile roofs, stucco exteriors, and arched doorways; Basha’s Mansion (1929) is the prime specimen.
- Pueblo Revival – Adobe‑like surfaces, flat roofs, and projecting wooden beams; the Smoki Museum’s 1935 lodge exemplifies this.
- Early 20th‑Century Commercial – Brick storefronts, large display windows, and cast‑iron columns; seen along Montezuma Street.
When you walk from site to site, notice how each style reflects the era’s building materials, technology, and cultural influences.
How to Plan a Day‑Long Historic Tour (with Arizona Shuttle)
Because many of Prescott’s historic sites are clustered within a short radius, you can efficiently visit them in a single day using Arizona Shuttle. Here’s a sample itinerary:
- 9:00 am – Sharlot Hall Museum (2 hrs). Start with the 1864 Governor’s Mansion and the on‑site exhibits on territorial government.
- 11:15 am – Walk to the Smoki Museum (5‑minute walk). Explore the Pueblo‑style lodge and its Native‑American collection.
- 12:30 pm – Lunch on Whiskey Row. Several historic saloons now serve modern fare; outdoor patios let you enjoy the street’s ambiance.
- 2:00 pm – Basha’s Mansion (1.5 hrs). Admire Spanish Colonial Revival interiors and the original family memorabilia.
- 3:45 pm – Arizona Pioneer Home (State Park) (1 hr). Tour the 1911 residence and its museum of mining history.
- 5:00 pm – Courthouse Plaza & Heritage Square. End the day with a leisurely walk and view the historic courthouse.
Arizona Shuttle can drop you at each location’s nearest parking area and pick you up when you’re ready to move on, minimizing driving stress and allowing you to focus on the experience.
Comparison Table: Key Historic Sites
| Site | Year Built | Architectural Style | Highlights | Distance from Courthouse (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharlot Hall Museum – Governor’s Mansion | 1864 | Territorial Adobe | Territorial government history, Native‑American artifacts | 0.2 mi |
| Smoki Museum – Smoki Lodge | 1935 | Pueblo Revival | Southwest Native‑American art, cultural programs | 0.3 mi |
| Basha’s Mansion | 1929 | Spanish Colonial Revival | Original furnishings, family grocery history | 0.4 mi |
| Arizona Pioneer Home | 1911 | Early 20th‑Century Residential | Restored interiors, mining museum | 1.1 mi |
| Palace Saloon & Restaurant | 1877 | Victorian Commercial | Historic bar, outlaw lore, live music | 0.2 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “World’s Oldest Rodeo” and where does it take place?
Prescott’s rodeo tradition began in 1888 and is celebrated annually during the Prescott Frontier Days, held at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds on Miller Valley Road (SR 89). The event draws visitors from across the Southwest and is a key part of the city’s cowboy heritage.
Can I visit the historic sites on foot from downtown?
Yes. All of the major attractions listed in the comparison table are within a 0.2‑ to 1.5‑mile radius of the Yavapai County Courthouse. A self‑guided walking tour is feasible, but using Arizona Shuttle can save time if you prefer door‑to‑door service.
Are there any admission fees for the museums?
Most of the museums (Sharlot Hall Museum, Smoki Museum, Arizona Pioneer Home) charge modest admission fees. Specific rates are posted on each site’s official website; always check for senior, student, or group discounts.
Is there a recommended route for driving between sites?
If you choose to drive, follow Montezuma Street (U.S. 69) north to Whiskey Row, then head east on Gurley Street to reach Heritage Square. From there, take SR 89 south to the Arizona Pioneer Home. Parking is available in several public lots near the courthouse and along Montezuma.
What are the operating hours for the historic homes?
Hours vary by season. Generally, Sharlot Hall Museum and Smoki Museum are open 10 am–4 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Basha’s Mansion offers tours by appointment on weekdays. The Palace Saloon operates daily as a restaurant and bar, with historic‑tour information available on request.
Are there nearby dining options that fit the historic theme?
Downtown Prescott offers several historic restaurants, including the Palace Saloon (est. 1877) and The Mansion Restaurant (located in the historic Basha’s Mansion building). These venues combine period décor with modern cuisine.
How can I learn more about Prescott’s preservation efforts?
The Prescott Historic Preservation Office (located in City Hall, 201 N. Gurley St.) provides resources on designated historic properties, preservation grants, and upcoming heritage events. Their website also lists walking‑tour maps and educational programs.
