WELCOME TO BENSON, ARIZONA

Benson, located within the San Pedro Valley in  Southern Arizona, serves as the western gateway to the scenic and historic attractions of Cochise County and is the "Home of Kartchner Caverns State Park". Our 3,585-foot elevation creates a moderate climate, with summer highs around 96 degrees and winter days about 62 degrees. Located in the historical San Pedro Valley, we offer proximity to both Tucson (45 miles northwest) and Sierra Vista (30 miles south).  Benson offers a broad range of  community facilities as listed below.   Click on the following links for additional information about Benson and Cochise County from the Arizona Department of Commerce Web Site: Benson Community Profile and the Cochise County Profile.

Lions Park that is equipped with four tennis courts, two basketball courts, a baseball and softball field, soccer fields, playground, large Ramada, new skate park and picnic areas.

Apache Park located on west 6th Street is a large grassy area perfect for any picnic or outing.

For more park information please contact the Parks Department at 586-9645 or City Hall at 586-2245 to make a reservation of either facility.

Benson Public School’s offers open gym with volleyball, weight lifting, and basketball in the summer time as well.  The school’s large football field and track is also available for usage. Contact Benson School’s, 586-2213 to inquire about more information. 

The old 9-hole Coyote Hills golf course has been completely rebuilt as an 18-hole executive course.  It has a triple green and a 5-tiered waterfall and has two "Full Swing" golf simulators and a miniature golf course.  The course has been renamed "The Turquoise Hills Family Golf Center" and check out its beautiful greens today! 

A brand new 18-hole, 7400 yard, championship course, called "The San Pedro Golf Course" opened in Benson located on the banks of the San Pedro River.  The golf course stretches out to 7313 yards from the tips and there are five sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all skill levels. The golf course also features the Ironwood Grill and a Pro Golf Shop.

Benson Bowling Alley, located just off Exit 303 on 1190 W 4th St, is home to both leisure and league bowlers. Call 586-2887 for more information.

Benson Public Library, is 4,800 square feet offering a wide range of media and resources for all types of needs. Check out the library’s website at http://cochise.lib.az.us for more details. Or call Peggy Scott, Head Librarian, 586-9535

Benson Senior Nutritional Center is located at 705 W. Union Street and Coordinated by Catholic Community Services.  The Senior citizens center is open from Monday –Friday until 9-5 for persons age 60 and over provides educational seminars, socialization programs and recreational activities for members. Call 586-9775 for more information.

The local Arts and History Museum is located at 180 S. San Pedro Street, containing displays of settlers and early cultures. The museum's gift shop stocks the work of local artists and craftspeople, including ceramic pieces and paintings. It is open Thursday through Saturday or call ahead at 586-3070.

Benson's Municipal Airport was named "2000 Airport of the Year" by the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division! The airport was in the planning stages since 1989 and finally came to life in December 1999. The airport is physically located 2 miles north of the SR90 / I-10 interchange, but the access road is located one mile north of I-10. Take exit 304 (Ocotillo Road) from I-10 and go north to Aviation Drive. Southwestern Aviation (520-508-4359) now has rental cars starting at $25.00 per day.  www.swernaviation.com

Benson Unified School District is located on 350 S. Patagonia with students for high school, middle school and primary school levels. Benson Public Schools is a learning community that will effectively use our resources to provide a quality system of curriculum, instruction and assessment that ensures avenues of success for all students.

Vision Unlimited Academy is located near Pomerene on 1275 E. Barney Lane. Visions Unlimited Academy, an Arizona Charter School, is a learning family instilling the desire for all individuals to reach their fullest potential. Grounded in integrity, excellence, and unlimited vision, the school community offers exceptional learning opportunities led by master teachers.

New West Charter Schools is located in J-Six area on 3225 West Navajo Trail. The mission of the New West Charter School is to ensure that all students learn the skills, knowledge, behaviors and attitudes necessary for productive living in a changing, democratic society. The learning environment will be safe and productive. The New West Charter School has a commitment to excellence for all students. 

Cochise College has a Benson Center on the State Route 90 just off I-10 at exit 302, with special emphasis on computer aided learning.  Cochise College was established in 1961 as the second community college in Arizona. The Benson Center is committed to serving citizens throughout the county for all educational needs. 

The neighboring communities of St. David and Pomerene also offer K-12 education, respectively.

 Medical: The community is serviced by the Benson Hospital, which is a 22-bed facility with a 24-hour emergency service.  Benson employs both has resident doctors and dentists with additional physicians/specialists visiting the hospital at various times during the month. Benson also services a nursing home, Quiburi Mission Samaritan Center, found on 850 S US Hwy 80 and regional psychiatric health care facilities.

 Financial: There are two banks and two credit unions in Benson.

City of Benson businesses are eligible for assistance in financing fixed assets through the Finance and Administration Division of the Arizona Department of Commerce. Information on availability of private activity bonds within the county may be obtained from the same source or the

Industrial Development Authority of Benson
PO Drawer 2255
Benson, AZ 85602 
(520) 586-2842