Trail Dust Town is the hub for western-themed entertainment and grub. This little town reopened in 1972 intending to serve the best cowboy steaks in town. Since the reopening, Trail Dust Town has grown into a collection of shops, entertainment, restaurants, and amusement rides. It is the perfect place to take your family for a day full of fun! It is located at 6541 E Tanque Verde Rd Tucson, AZ 85715 United States next to the cross streets E Tanque Verde Rd and Grant.
Shopping:
There is a huge variety of shops at Trail Dust Town. There is a gift shop where you can pick up souvenirs like covered wagons, wooden nickels, boots, and more! The Chocolate Depot is home to handmade chocolates and fudge. You can also stop in the Chocolate Depot for ice cream after dinner. There is a magic shop in the heart of the town along with jewelry, old fashioned dentistry, and a cigar shop. Not only can you pick up kickbacks, but you can also snag a photo at the barking iron old-time photo studio. Whether you need graduation photos or Christmas cards, they got you covered! You can also kick back a relax at the Peak of Perfection day spa and salon.
Entertainment:
Come watch Trail Dust Town's stunt shows featuring the Pinnacle Peak Pistoleros. Shows are Wednesday through Sunday at 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm located on Dragoon Street. The actors perform risky stunts and defy gravity flipping through the air. Their costumes and props bring the old west to life. The live-action duels using state of the art pyrotechnics will have you on the edge of your seat the whole show! There is a $5 admission per person.
Restaurants:
Trail Dust Town's restaurants are a must-visit. They are the perfect setting for family time, birthday parties, or just your average Tuesday night. There is nothing better than a themed restaurant and Pinnacle Peak sets a high bar for the old west. This is the home of the original cowboy steak in Tucson, which is a staple in the community. These steaks are cooked over an open fire of mesquite wood giving its signature smokey flavor. Don't like steak? No problem. Pinnacle Peak offers a diverse menu of chicken, ribs, vegetarian options, and a kid's menu. Next, stop by the Silver Dollar Saloon for cocktails and local beers!
Millie's Pancake House is a 'made from scratch' kitchen that offers the best pancakes in town! Millie's was started on the idea of having a breakfast place that you can escape the real world in. This restaurant makes you feel like you're right at home and could stay for hours. Come get soups, crepes, breakfast platters, and buttermilk hotcakes!
Amusement Rides:
Amusement rides are open Wednesday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Saturday through Sunday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The miniature train runs through the Old West's scenes' featuring Native American artifacts, skeletons, and an abandoned town. The train is suitable for all ages and fun for the whole family. The Carousel and Ferris wheel in PollyAnne Park are great for children! The Carousel has horses all shapes and sizes and only costs one wooden nickel. The Ferris Wheel is structured to resemble covered wagons and is also only one wooden nickel.
Events:
You can now plan your special events at Trail Dust Town. From Weddings to business meetings, they got you covered. The best way to get into contact with event planners is to call (520) 886-5012 or make an appointment Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The planners can help you plan any event you desire and it is the perfect way to add some spice to your party. The Savoy Opera House is the perfect venue for whatever you are planning. Some packages include different levels of host bars with a variety of pricing, food packages that include: appetizers, main courses, and deserts. The site fees and extra packages include silverware and glassware, tables and chairs, and the best part: set up and break down. They make it easy to throw any event and take the stress off of party planning.
Overall, Trail Dust Town is a must-see location full of family fun. Since opening, this place is a Tucson gem and is treasured among the community. Whether you are looking for a leisurely day window shopping or maybe buying some cigars, the shopping center in this town will keep you occupied for hours. Or go see a show with an unbeatable cast and crew that brings the wild west to life! Want Tucson's signature steak? Stop by Pinnacle Peak and feast like a cowboy. You can stop by Millie's Pancake House for breakfast, brunch, and lunch for the best pancakes in town. If that wasn't enough of a reason to visit Trail Dust Town, the amusement rides seal the deal. There is nothing better than learning about Tucson's history while having fun riding the miniature train through the Native American sanctuary and old town sets. Come on down and enjoy endless fun at Trail Dust Town!
My Experience:
After Visiting Trail Dust Town, I have told all of my friends that they need to come to visit! Everyone in Tucson should come at least once to experience Wild West culture and eat delicious food at Pinnacle Peak and Millie's Pancake House. I stumbled among this little town when I was driving around the streets of Tucson and I am confident to say that this location is a hidden gem. It is like you step on a movie set and you are transported into a different world. The architecture features bright colors, covered wagons, and an incredible set for their live-action shows. I saw their 7:00 pm show and I was blown away with the fire effects and guns used. It was just incredible! The crew and cast work hard to put on these shows and their efforts stand out immensely. After the show, I found the amusement park center and it is perfect for children. The miniature train ride took us through a Native American display that had statues in traditional garments standing next to teepees and hunting artifacts. The train also took us through what looks like a set of a horror movie! It was an abandoned town with skulls and run-down buildings. This town is rich in western culture and I recommend that everyone in the Tucson community make a stop here!
Photos Taken by Katie Carlson
Trail Dust Town Website: https://www.traildusttown.com
Location: 6541 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715
References:
Trail Dust Town. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.traildusttown.com/.