These days, Scottsdale is mostly associated with luxury golf courses, fine dining, and beautiful resorts. However, there are many more things to do in Scottsdale that the average tourist may not be aware of! Here are fun things to do in this gorgeous Arizona city.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
What Is It? This special railroad park is located at the corner of Scottsdale and Indian Bend Road and is home to five Arizona Railroad locomotives.
Why Do It? The park itself is 10,000 square feet and has an extremely interesting and interactive railroad museum with a number of exhibits and artifacts on display.
Good to Know: It’s one of the best places in town to bring a picnic for a Sunday afternoon lunch in the park!
Taliesin West
What Is It? The famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright had many creations over the course of his career, but none are more intimate than his Scottsdale home.
Why Do It? It was established in 1937 and is now a landmark in the city, which is open for a good part of the year.
Good to Know: Visit their website to find information on opening hours and tickets, and be sure to plan a visit to this amazing home the next time that you’re in the area.
Old Town Scottsdale
What Is It? Put an evening aside to walk and enjoy the historic part of Old Town Scottsdale, where decades of art and culture are embedded into its surroundings.
Why Do It? Do a little shopping in some of the stores, take a self-guided walking tour of the area, and just enjoy the scenery of the whole part of town.
Good to Know: There are also plenty of restaurants to grab a bite in, as well as pubs to stop in for a pint!
Rawhide Western Town & Event Center
What Is It? Rawhide is more than just a restaurant, as it’s also a man-made western town with lots of fun and attractions inside as well.
Why Do It? Make plans for dinner, and before you sit down to eat, explore the Rawhide town to do a little shopping, watch a live gunfight, visit the petting zoo, climb a rock wall, take a stagecoach ride and more!
Good to Know: Stay posted by looking at their calendar to see what special events might be happening too!
Glow Putt Mini Golf
What Is It? For a golfing experience like none other, the Glow Putt Mini Golf location in Scottsdale is bound to light up your evening.
Why Do It? The neon, glow-in-the-dark decorations make it a wild and exciting place for both adults and kids to spend an evening. All of the holes have exciting features and even the balls glow brightly, which makes them easy to spot.
Good to Know: Wear something with white to stick out even more under the black lighting!
Butterfly Wonderland
What Is It? Scottsdale’s Butterfly Wonderland is an amazing attraction that welcomes visitors to come and see their tropical rainforest and thousands of butterfly species from around the world.
Why Do It? Living in such a modern world, it’s sometimes hard to interact with Mother Nature in a big city. There are many galleries in the building that house different insect exhibits to make a fun, interactive place to spend a day.
Good to Know: They also have resources available for community gatherings or educational field trips.
Octane Raceway
What Is It? The Octane Raceway is a large go-kart spot that is fun for drivers of all ages and skill levels.
Why Do It? The vehicles are electric race karts and can go from zero to 45 miles per hour in the blink of an eye.
Good to Know: Races happen regularly throughout the day, and it’s also a prime spot for hosting a birthday party. Grab a bite at their Trackside Bar & Grill.
