When I was a kid I just loved a good Western movie.

I had an aunt and an uncle who were both deaf and they loved Westerns too because they could figure out most of the plot. They took me with them to the movies quite often so I could tell them about the parts they didn't understand. I got quite a bit of exposure to Western movies so it is understandable that they still appeal to me now.

Scope Photos by Harold Merton

It is not surprising then that when I visited the State of Arizona and found out that in Tucson they have a real Western movie set that was open to the public I would want to go there. Old Tucson Studios was high on my list of things to see when in the Tucson area.

Tucson Studios has been the setting for literally hundreds of movies and TV shows since 1940. Some of which you will no doubt remember by their titles ... Rio Bravo, Bonanza, Death Valley Days, The High Chapparral, Playhouse 90, Rio Lobo, Gunsmoke, The Outlaw Josey Wales, How The West Was Won, Little House on the Prairie, Three Amigos, Tombstone ... the list goes on and on!

Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan made a movie at Old Tucson Studios and a plaque commemorating this is one of the first things you see when you enter the grounds.

Through the lens of the camera Old Tucson Studios has played a prominent role in shaping the world's perception of the Old West. It is fitting then that the people who enjoyed those movies can now visit the place of their creation.

It is not just an abandoned Western set you visit when you go to this attraction. They offers a full array of daily live entertainment and attractions including high-flying stunt shows, blazing gunfights and rip-roaring musicals. You have a hard time making sure your are in the right places at the right time to see the shows.

You will also find guided trail ridges, historical studio tours, delicious
food and unique shopping. There are rides for the entire family and their
famous Reno locomotive is on display.

Voted "Best Western Movie Set by readers and editors of True West
magazine, it was also recently listed among five one-of-a-kind Tucson sites by USA Today.

You have the opportunity to retrace the boot steps of your favorite
Western stars and spend a day in the life of an 1880's Western town.

Honky Tonk Saturday Nights are popular! Guests enjoy Cowboy-Sonora cuisine at El Vaquero and live music and dancing at the Grand Palace Saloon from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The saloon is a masterpiece and you have no doubt seen it and many of the other buildings when you went to a Western movie. John Wayne made many movies on the site and our guide pointed out specific scenes and locations where this cowboy hero acted. Amazingly we remembered
some of the scenes.

Around the corner at the Iron Door Mine Adventure our guide tried his best to scare us as he led us through a darkened funhouse-style building that had a multitude of surprises. Some kids would love this but some would not! There are antique car rides, a shooting gallery and a Grand Carousel. You can even pan for gold near Chinese Alley.

Other exhibits include a blacksmith shop, sheriff's office, Pima County
Bank, Rassmussen Homesteader's Cabin, Park Brewery and the Southern Pacific Depot where Ronald Reagan acted in his 1950's film The Last Outpost.

If you are hungry there are a number of places to eat. Big Jakes Bar-B-Q, Grand Palace Hotel & Saloon and Rosa's Cantina can fix you up with grub. You can also grab an ice cream at the Big Scoop.

You can complement your visit with an unforgettable Western adventure on the back of a gentle and trusty horse. A friendly guide will lead you along the desert trails where the legendary cowboy movie stars one rode. You will certainly enjoy the incredible scenery of Tucson Mountain Park where the attraction is located.

We enjoyed several action shows and shootouts while we were there, along with a musical show in the saloon. These were all included in their
reasonable admission prices.

Never fear there is shopping too! The Last Outpost has Western gifts,
souvenirs, apparel and more and you will find other goods available in the town itself.

Old Tucon Studios is located on the south-west side of Tucson not far from the Desert Museum and they are open from 10 am to 6 pm from February through April and 10 am to 4 pm May to January. Filming does take place on some days which may require them to close to the public. Be sure to call to make sure they are open.

Admission is $14,95 for adults and $9.45 for children 4 to 11. Kids 3 and under are free with parents. Some of their literature carries a discount offer so look for their brochures. Hours and prices are subject to change so check their website or telephone for more information.

A Western movie is a great adventure and you can relive the thrill by
visiting this historic attraction. I loved it!