Cosanti
This complex of cast-concrete structures served as a prototype and learning project for architect Paolo Soleri's much grander Arcosanti project, currently under construction north of Phoenix (see "En Route to Northern Arizona," later in this chapter). It's here at Cosanti that Soleri's famous bells are cast, and most weekday mornings you can see the foundry in action. Visit between 9:30 and 12:30 for the best chance of seeing bronze bells being poured.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
If you or your kids happen to like trains, you won't want to miss this park. On the grounds are restored cars and engines, two old railway depots, model railroad layouts operated by a local club, and, best of all, a 5/12-scale model railroad that takes visitors around the park. There's also a 1929 carousel and a general store.

Mesa Southwest Museum
This is one of the best museums in the valley, and its wide variety of exhibits appeals to people with a range of interests. For the kids, there are animated dinosaurs on an indoor "cliff" with a roaring waterfall, plus plenty of dinosaur skeletons. Also of interest are an exhibit on movies that have been filmed in the state, a display on Arizona mammoth kill sites, some old jail cells, and a walk-through mine mock-up with exhibits on the Lost Dutchman Mine. There's also a mock-up of a pre-Columbian temple and an artificial cave filled with beautiful mineral specimens.

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The hotel designed by business travelers, Courtyard surrounds you with all the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. Relax and get ready for the day ahead in one of our guest rooms featuring in-room coffee, large work desk with ergonomic chair, two dataport telephones and a complimentary weekday newspaper. Start your day with a reasonably priced health breakfast buffet. When you need to unwind at the end of the day, take advantage of our exercise room, heated outdoor ...