Colorado River State Historic Park

A Step Back in Time

Perched on the grounds of what was once the Yuma Quartermaster Depot (established 1864), Colorado River State Historic Park lets you wander through a genuine piece of Southwest history. This wasn't just any military outpost - it was a crucial supply hub that kept other military posts across the Southwest functioning. As you explore, you'll discover Yuma's evolution alongside the Colorado River, from Native American settlements to river crossings, steamboat days, and eventually the transformative arrival of the railroad.

West section of the park

Photo: Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Historic Buildings Worth Exploring

The park preserves five original buildings from its quartermaster days, each telling its own chapter of this fascinating story. Step into the storehouse and you'll discover yourself surrounded by exhibits detailing the Colorado River's history, the era of steamboats chugging along its waters, and the mule wagon trains that connected this frontier.

The former office of the depot quartermaster houses a recreation that transports you back to the depot's heyday, along with displays about early weather tracking and telegraph communications. The commanding officers quarters is preserved as a house museum with period-accurate furnishings from the 1870s. The audio passages add context to the pioneer experience in ways static displays don't.

Preserved historic buildings nestled among green lawns

Photo: Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Outdoor Spaces to Discover

Take your time wandering the outdoor exhibits, where you can find shade ramadas, an impressive steam boiler, and a stone-built reservoir that speaks to early engineering challenges. If you're looking to take a break, picnic tables are scattered around the grounds, some thoughtfully placed under shade coverings for those hot Arizona days.

Don't miss the Southern Pacific Railroad Passenger Coach Car-S.P. X7 - impressive enough to have earned its own separate listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The well-maintained grounds provide a nice space to stroll and reflect on the area's history.

Entrance sign welcomes visitors to Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park

Photo: Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Learning Through History

You can learn about how Yuma and the broader Southwest developed over time. The exhibits tell the compelling story of the Colorado River's transformation from a wild, unpredictable force to what it is today - the most dammed and, unfortunately, endangered river in the United States.

The displays cover everything from water rights and irrigation to flood control and power production - all crucial elements in understanding the modern Colorado River. If you're interested in more historical context, the tour guides can share details and stories that aren't covered in the written exhibits.

Covered wagon display represents the site's quartermaster supply history

Photo: Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0)

What to Know Before You Visit

The park's visitor center does double duty as the Yuma Information Center, where you can pick up literature about other local attractions. There's also a gift shop selling souvenirs, books, and local crafts. Admission runs $10, which includes optional guided tours with staff who really know their history.

You'll discover clean restrooms in the visitor center, and if you work up an appetite, there's an Italian restaurant on-site serving authentic dishes and a selection of wines. For those wanting to extend their visit, the park connects to a walking trail that follows the Colorado River for several miles - a nice way to complement your historical exploration with some natural scenery.

Community Gatherings

The park occasionally hosts special events that bring the community together, including concerts and an annual chalk art contest that showcases local talent. The spacious grounds and historical backdrop make the park a venue for outdoor gatherings and weddings.