Explore the Rich Sporting History of Flagstaff, AZ: 5 MustVisit Sites

If youre an avid sports enthusiast looking to delve into the history of sporting events while also experiencing a range of scenic, outdoorsy, laidback, vibrant, eclectic, historic and adventurous activities in Flagstaff, Arizona then youve come to the right place. This city has a rich history when it comes to sports and its local traditions reflect this through various events that happened 50 to 150 years ago.

Here are five mustvisit sites where you can explore and learn about the sporting history of Flagstaff:

1) Lowell Observatory (1400 W Mars Hill Rd): Although not explicitly associated with sports per se but it was here in 1930 that American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto. Today this observatory is open for visits where visitors can attend stargazing sessions or check out exhibits on how astronomers study celestial objects.

2) Museum of Northern Arizona (3101 N Fort Valley Rd): This museum houses over four million artifacts from northern Arizonas diverse communities including items related to several Native American tribes. The museums cultural exhibits showcase the Hopi Kachina dolls as well as Apache baskets alongside their early athletic games such hoop races.

3) Downtown Flagstaff Historic District: Take some time exploring this downtown area which includes numerous buildings listed on National Register Historic Places like The Orpheum Theater (15 W Aspen Ave), Babbitt Brothers Trading Company Building (118 N Leroux St), etc., all with interesting stories about local legends who participated in various athletic competitions around nearby parks.

4) Riordan Mansion State Historic Park (409 W Riordan Road): Built by two prominent brothers who settled there during flag staffs founding days back in the midlate 1800s. As former lumber magnets they were heavily involved with timber sport competitions across North America during Golden Age era , inside the mansion their furniture collection is on display that tell stories of local traditions and customs as well as photos and documents covering early sports events in Flagstaff.

5) Thorpe Park (245 N Thorpe Rd): Named after one of Flagstaffs most famous athletes, Jim Thorpe who won Olympic gold medals in 1912 along with playing professional baseball and football He was also a member of the Sac & Fox Nation. The park offers hiking trails, disc golf courses, playgrounds for children coupled with historical memorials dedicated to him including an amphitheater which frequently hosts outdoor live music concerts or special community athletic events today.

These are just five examples out of many more places around town where you can explore the rich sporting history and culture of Flagstaff. Dont miss your chance to experience it all firsthand!