Yuma is located in the Yuma County, in the State of Arizona. As the county seat, Yuma has a growing population, which numbers approximately 93,065 inhabitants. The major Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area includes the entire county and has a population that reaches over 194,320 inhabitants. There are numerous attractions here for tourists to visit throughout the year.
Yuma in Arizona boasts that it is currently the fastest growing city in the country. A great place to raise a family or spend your senior years, Yuma is also a lovely place to visit. Here are five things you must do in Yuma.
1. Get “locked up” at the Yuma Territorial Prison State Park.
This amazing state park is the site of a turn of the century penitentiary where Arizona's most notorious prisoners were housed. The remains of the prison can be seen at this historic park.
2. Attend a service at the St. Thomas Mission.
This church and mission was originally founded in 1780 and connected Western religion to the Quechan Indians. The present mission church is a replica of the original and was built in 1922.
3. Shoot bow and arrows at the Adair Park.
This park, just outside Yuma, offers nine pistol, rifle and archery ranges. Visitors can also fly radio-control airplanes and can spend the night camping at one of their RV sites.
4. Take a jet boat tour of the Colorado River through Yuma River Tours.
These day tours visit historical sites, bird watching sites and places where visitors can take scenic photos of the Colorado River. Other tours involve Stern-wheeler boats, canoes and kayaking.
5. Buy a tribal doll at the Cocopah Indian Museum.
Visit a museum dedicated to the Cocopah Indians. See the elaborate exhibits and purchase Native American beadwork, arts and crafts or Native American music CDs.
The Yuma Jaycees Silver Spur Rodeo is a unique celebration held every year, in February. The event is opened through a parade. The following constructive elements are related to rodeo competitions. Those who have the necessary skills for these practice register in the competitions. Most of the cowboys and cowgirls gather here from across the county for the event.
The Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park is part of the local National Heritage Area, due to its major importance. The Quartermaster Depot was an active and prolific location in the 1870s and has become one of the community landmarks. The park includes a Visitors Center, from which you can gain all the information you were looking for about this place and the numerous things you can do here. The gift shop included sells souvenirs and other related items.
The Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is also part of the local National Heritage Area. The park was developed by the Arizona State Parks around the former prison, which now operates as a museum. The prison opened officially in 1876 and functioned for 33 years. Nowadays, the former prison welcomes tourists looking to learn more about the jailing system of the past and about how these buildings were structured back then.
The River City Grill is a great place for dinning in Yuma. The menus include: appetizers, salads, soups, chicken meals, steaks, seafood and vegetarian dishes. There are special meals prepared everyday for children, that will be presented by the waiter at your request. Therefore, the River City Grill is the perfect place in which you can have dinner or lunch with the family during your vacation in the region. Deserts and drinks to complement the food are also available.
