I honestly had no idea what to expect when I was looking for stuff to do this past August as we drove Starblazer to college. I saw Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park on Google maps near our hotel, so we decided to check it out. I was so happy we did!

The site is located just a mile south of Globe, Arizona, and is an active archeological site that uncovered the ruins of the ancient Salado people who occupied this area nearly 800 years ago.

You’ll go inside the museum to purchase tickets and grab a map that tells what each structure is.

The tour is self-guided, so you can spend as much time as you like looking around both the museum and the site.

Besh Ba Gowah Museum

We began by checking out the museum first before heading outside to explore the ruins.

Besh Ba Gowah Archeological Site

Once we finished with the museum, we headed outside and started at the start of the trail which is near where the central plaza of the village was once located.

The trail kind of splits off all over the place, but we decided to head straight and loop back around. We quickly found out that they have one of the buildings open so you can walk through it.

We also got to view the Besh Ba Gowah ceremonial room, although I am not sure exactly what it was used for or what ceremonies happened here. I assume religious, but with the beams and pit, it makes you wonder.

The site is larger than I expected and you will want to plan to spend about an hour here if you are passing through. I believe it is well worth the side trip if you are in the area!

Video of the Site

More Information

Fun Fact: Besh Ba Gowah roughly translated means “place of metal”.

Know Before You Go

No food, beverages, gum, or candy is allowed in an exhibition area.

Running within and climbing on the ruins is strictly prohibited.

All plant life within the Ethno-Botanical and Lower Botanical Garden must remain undisturbed. Picking fruits or vegetables is prohibited.

If you like old ruins, check out Fort Lancaster in Texas!