University of Arizona
University of Arizona Pixabay Public Domain
What do Greg Kinnear, Jerry Bruckheimer, Kristen Wiig, and Rob Gronkowski all have in common? They are all notable alumni belonging to the University of Arizona, the next stop on your whirlwind Tucson desert adventure. This public research university was founded in 1885, the first public educational facility of its kind to be founded in an Arizona territory. This school, most noted for its outstanding science and sports programs, typically has about 40,000 students enrolled at one time, a massively popular school featuring Wilbur and Wilma the Wildcat mascots. Football fans will love seeing the cardinal and navy blue sea of fans at Arizona Stadium here, and everyone else will love all the educational and cultural opportunities offered among the remaining 380 acres of campus.
University of Arizona’s campus is a literal hub of community activity for Tucson, the spot hosting several regular concerts, plays, lectures, museum visits, public readings, athletic events, and so much more. Not only is this an extremely busy and fun campus to visit daily, but it also provides several different tour options, for any age and interest range. With younger children be sure to schedule the K-8 School Tours, allowing students the chance to walk around campus, catch a glimpse of university life, see various diversity programs, and get inspired for their own higher education. There are High School Outreach Tours for interested students to connect with current students and admission staff, as well as Ambassador Tours for future students and parents. You can also enjoy basic fall and spring public tours, free with a stop at the U of A Visitor Center. There are specific tours offered with this option, like the Public Art Tour, UA History Tour, Experience UA Tour, and In-Depth UA Tours (planetarium, agriculture program, etc).
Be sure to save plenty of time to explore campus, besides getting to tour and walk around you will also have the opportunity to visit the food court/campus cafe for lunch and the university bookstore for souvenirs/educational materials. Did we mention this campus holds most of the town’s biggest attractions, such as the Campus Arboretum, Center for Creative Photography, Flandrau Science Center, Gallagher Theater, SkyCenter, and even Mineral and Art Museums?
