There is never a shortage of activities in the White Mountains, which include the communities of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Snowflake, Taylor, Springerville, Eagar, St. Johns, and Heber-Overgaard.
Home to the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the area offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. There is the quiet, cool beauty of the mountain air, the rich cultures of each community, and even the excitement of hitting the jackpot at the casino.
Take a trip to the White Mountains and experience a real winter. Ski, tube or sled down snow-covered hills and then get warm by a fire at Sunrise Park Resort. In winter, its three mountains offer 65 runs that promise adventure for skiers of any level. There is also a separate snowboarding area, cross country ski trails and a special children’s “ski-wee” area.
The White Mountains are rich in the history and heritage of the ancient Native American and pioneer families that inhabited the region.
The Casa Malpais Ruins overlook the town of Springerville. The 17-acre ruins were occupied in the 13th century, and have been carefully preserved. Rattlesnake Point Ruin and Petroglyph Trail Lymon Lake State Park is located just minutes from St. Johns and Springerville.
In St. Johns, the Apache County Historical Museum preserves the artifacts of the early pioneers that settled in the region. The museum features interpretive displays and original pieces that help to capture the lifestyle of the original families that came to carve a lifestyle here in the 1800s.
Established in 1870 as a military outpost, Fort Apache is a historic park listed on the Registrar of National Historic Places. It served as the staging area for soldiers in pursuit of famous Apache bands led by Geronimo and Cochise.
Show Low Historical Museum legend has it that two of the earliest settlers played cards over ownership of the ranch where the town stands today. Corydon Cooley’s response to his partner Marion Clark’s challenge to “show low and you win,” was to draw the deuce of clubs from the deck, thus winning ownership of the ranch, and, as many believe, giving the town its name.
Pinetop-Lakeside, two communities incorporated as one town in 1984, is known for its extensive tourism and recreational activities and proximity to the world’s largest stand of Ponderosa pine.
In Snowflake/Taylor, the Historic Pioneer Homes Tour is a major attraction in the area. More than 50 of the 102 homes in the Historic District have been carefully restored, many to their original condition, making it one of the finest in the Southwest.
The Stinson Pioneer Museum features tools, quilts and other pioneer items, as well as Native American pottery and relics from local archeological digs. The museum is located in an adobe building built by James Stinson, which became William J. Flake’s residence.
The Taylor Museum features heritage items from the community’s past. Revolving displays highlight early pioneer families. The building it is located in what was originally Jane Hatch’s Camp for the Daughters of the Pioneers.
The Shumway School House is the lone one-room brick school house still standing in Arizona.
Come back in July; we’ll have more “Places to See” then!
