b'COOLIDGEazstateparks.comthe farmhouse provides some insight into what itThis was the largest Civil War clash to take place tons of resident and migrating birds that call the was like to grow up on a farm during the 1920s.in Arizona. park home, and you might even catch glimpse The home still features the original aluminum lidsof a desert mule deer, javelina, or fox from the that were used to close up holes in the buildingsPicacho Peak is not a volcanic cone but is partcampgrounds or the trails. The parks campground exterior. Open to visitors on Fridays and Saturdaysof a volcanic flow that has been partially eroded.has a total of 85 electric sites for both tent and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 161 W Harding Ave., It has long been known for its spring display ofRV camping. 15520 Picacho Peak Rd., Picacho.520-723-7186 wildflowers. If rains come at the right times inAZStateParks.com/picachothe winter, the spring will bring an explosion MCFARLAND STATE HISTORIC PARK of gold to the bajadas of the mountain that McFarland State Historic Park offers a variety ofappear as a tapestry of color. The wildflowers are historic buildings just fifteen minutes outside ofpredominantly Mexican Gold Poppies.Coolidge via AZ-287 E. Opened in 1979 the park is an effort to preserve the history of the area. ThePicacho Peak State Park offers five hiking trails main attraction of the park is a museum housed in(from easy to difficult) to take in all the beauty of a building that served as the countys courthouseArizonas Sonoran desert. The desert is home to a in 1878 and was later converted into a hospital,wide variety of birds and wildlife specially adapted a public health and welfare center, and the Pinalto live in the harsh desert environment. There are County Historical Society Museum until it became the museum that stands at the heart of McFarland State Historic Park today.In the museum, browse artifacts that catalog thePicacho Peak State Parkearly history of the area and learn about the history of the Wild West in Arizona. Hours for the McFarland State Historic Park are 9-5 PM every day except for Sunday, and the attraction is free, though the museum accepts donations. The Coolidge 24 Ruggles St., Florence. 520-868-5216. AZStateParks.com/mcfarland Historical Museum PICACHO PEAK STATE PARK is home to a wealth The unique shape of the 1,500-foot Picacho Peakof exhibits and has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. One of the first recordings wasrelics that have in the 1700s by the Anza Expedition as it passedbeen donated over through the area. In 1846, the Mormon BattalionPhoto by Kevin Dooleyconstructed a wagon road through Picachothe years.Pass. The forty-niners on their way to California used this road. In the late 1850s, the Butterfield Overland Stage was carrying passengers through this area. Picacho Peaks most noted historic event occurred on April 15, 1862, when Confederate and Union scouting parties met in the Battle of Picacho Pass during the Civil War. ArizonaRealCountry.com May 2022 25'