besh ba gowah

We drove an hour to see these ruins and it was worth it.Nice museum, movie and easy to walk through ruins area.

From the 10 minute introductory video through the visit to the ruins and the museum, this is a very worthwhile site. We have been to many sites and this one stands out as one of the better ones. It is not huge, but gives you a good view of the life of the people that inhabited it.

This minimally disturbed site with still-unexcavated areas was fascinating; it's not Disneyland, it's an archaeological gem. The community effort to preserve and share this important pueblo culture site is commendable. Adjacent to the Globe Community Center/ Sports Complex, the ruins are protected by the distant park perimeter fence but can be entered from the common parking area via barrier-free flat, sandy pathways. Unlike many ruins, you can walk throughout rather than looking at staged displays from a distance. A previous review notes an empty car park; we appreciated being able to enjoy the site with only a few other end-of-the-day visitors. The museum staffer was professional and friendly, encouraging us to stay on after the official closing hour while she completed some work. Information in the museum was very complete and well designed. Minimal signage in the ruins--- which consist of low walls with a few excavated below-ground rooms and reconstructed enclosures--- highlight the ruins themselves rather than distracting from them. It was a very peaceful, natural setting. Pottery recovered from the site and displayed at Besh Ba Gowah surpasses collections in much larger museums elsewhere. For those interested in Native American culture or archaeology in general, a couple of hours here will be memorable.

Besh-Ba-Gowah is an ancient Salado Indian ruin. It was established around A.D 900 and abandoned in 1400. The departure of the Salado was probably due to lack of water. It cost $5 entry which includes a short film, museum, the site and an ethnobotanical garden with native Arizona desert plants. It takes a few hours to wander around everything.

This is a charming effort that has a sense of community pride to it. The video and inside display area are worth seeing and they convey the significance of the place and support a more meaningful walk through the ruins A low-key worthwhile attraction.

We have attended many times but this year it was held Dec 21st. A good friend is now the manager and has changed the format for the better. They have 1600 candle luminaries on all the walls of the ruins at dark. Great atmosphere and photo opportunities. This year they moved all the entertainment to the parking lot instead of in the ruins proper. It was much better and the Indian dancers put on an excellent each hour from 5 to 9. Fire pits ringed the area for warmth and atmosphere. Great evening, had a band inside and good treats.

We arrived on a hot October day in 2014 to an empty car park with no other visitors in sight. We had planned to spend 3-4hrs exploring the structures and gardens but were finished in under an hour! While the site has a lot of historical merit and the staff very helpful it appeared poorly laid out with minimal information about the structures and exhibits.A trip to the old copper mine is more fun and informative - and free!

Best to visit this site before the sun sets and watch the luminaries being lit. Once it is dark you are pretty much stumbling around in the dark with little light to mark the pathways or exhibits. Very crowded and uneven ground so be forewarned for those who face mobility issues. There is handicapped parking located very close to the ruins. Bonus native American dancing. Visually these luminaries are just stunning. Free admission to a very informative museum and gift shop as well.

I really liked the place. Well maintained, informative, beautiful. The gardens were not maintained properly with plants mislabeled. Some labeled and no plants. I went here first when I was trying to learn the City of Globe. Worth the visit.

Very interesting and has a botanical garden connected. Short film was interesting. Very enjoyable. Watch directional signs to get there.

These ruins are very very interesting and the whole setup is excellent. It was apparent that many people must have put a lot of work into keeping this such a grand set of ruins to look at. I also felt that the person working on the visitor center was great - very nice, helpful and respectful. The gift store itself was well stocked with great choices. We watched the beginning video as well, and it was very well done and helpful to looking at the ruins.

We loved the congenial athmosphere and the loving care with which the Globe community restored this old village. Very informative and gives you a real feel what life here in the 13th century must have looked like.

A partially restored native American village circa 1367. The grounds are well kept. The museum is well done with lots of artifacts. Large selection in the gift shop. The people on duty are very helpful and knowledgeable.

wonderful little museum which highlights/showcases ancient indian culture ...in addtio n to the museau be sure to take a tour of the gardens both upper and lower. for a very relaxing time in this small town

We spent a couple of early morning hours here in Sept. It was right after a major rainfall and the birds were enjoying all the food choices. Many species, easy paths and feeders if the bugs are light. A definite must if you are in the area.