Tucson: University of Arizona History Walking Tour w/ Guide

Discover the University of Arizona and Main Gate Square on a guided walking tour. Learn about the history of the university, stroll past historic buildings, and see the USS Arizona Bell.

Meet your guide and set off on a walking tour of the University of Arizona. See Old Main, the original building on campus, and learn how the university first operated with everything under one roof!

Learn where the rocks originate from that make up the main gate wall at the entrance to the University of Arizona. Stroll past a historic theater and the historic building that once served as the library.

See one of two surviving USS Arizona Bells, from the tragedy at Pearl Harbor, and learn the fascinating tale of how this bell ended up at the University of Arizona. Plus, uncover the significance of the design of the Student Union Memorial Center.

View a mid-century sculpted art piece by Charles Clement and then stroll past the historic Steward Observatory. See Bear Down Gym and learn what famous movie this gymnasium was featured in!

Visit the Jim Click Hall of Champions at the McKale Center to see the many trophies Arizona Athletics has won, including the 1997 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Trophy. Walk past Arizona Stadium and see the statue of John Byrd “Button” Salmon and learn the fascinating tale of how Bear Down became the rallying cry at the University of Arizona.

We discuss the University of Arizona’s renowned Optical Sciences program, and the significance of astronomy and NASA programs at the University of Arizona. Stroll past several historic Residence Halls and learn of the locally distinguished architect that designed these buildings nearly a century ago. Plus, learn the history of several historic educational buildings on campus. All of this and so much more on our University of Arizona Guided History Walking Tour by Strolls and Stories Tours.