by Mila Besich, Mayor, Town Of Superior
A Superior Destination For Fun And Adventure
Nestled between the red escarpment cliffs of Apache Leap and the stately Picket Post mountain is the Town of Superior. Traditionally known for its rich copper mining history, today Superior is experiencing a rapid transformation into an innovative and forward-thinking community that is attracting new people and business enterprises. In addition to Superior’s quality of life and burgeoning economy, our community is becoming an ever more popular destination for outdoor adventure, fun festivals, culinary delights and shopping.
One of the cornerstone attractions in Superior is the world-renowned Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. The park features five miles of unique trails that showcase the plants of the world’s arid deserts. Colonel Boyce Thompson, who is considered a founding father of Superior, designed the Arboretum to study what could grow in the arid Arizona climate. At the Arboretum, you can easily travel the entire world by visiting the desert plants of South America, Australia and other continents from across the globe.
The heart of the Arizona Trail National Scenic Trail is just west of Superior. The newly inaugurated Legends of Superior Trails -Arnett Canyon segment actually connects the Arizona Trail Picket Post Trailhead to the Town of Superior. These trails provide a short hike, to a full day excursion or an overnight adventure. The Legends of Superior Trails Inc. frequently hosts events and their signature Hash Browns, History and Hiking event series will start again in 2020.
If staying close to the ground is not adventurous enough, you might want to try rock climbing in the Queen Creek Canyon. This area has become an international destination for rock climbing and from the pull off points along US 60 east of Superior, you can stop and see people scaling the cliffs.
On the Second Friday of each month, Superior hosts a downtown party with live music by the Second Friday Musicians. Our Main Street stores stay open late and you never know which local chefs will be opening pop-up restaurants at the Superior Senior Center. From June through September, the downtown Superior Food Court will be the home of the Copper Communities Farm to Fantastic Farmers Market. These events run from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on the Second Friday of each month.
Throughout the year there are many festivals such as the Superior Chamber of Commerce’s Prickly Pear Festival in August, which features the best Prickly Pear Margaritas, a pancake breakfast, speakers, entertainment and many vendors. In September, the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church hosts their annual Fiesta’s Patrias and Car Show, one of the largest outdoor low-rider and classic car show in Arizona. New to our event line up this year is the Superior Burro Run, which will be hosted in October. January is the annual Home Tour and Antique Show, which gives a unique look into some of Superior’s most eclectic homes and in March, Superior celebrates its mining heritage at the Apache Leap Mining Festival.
Whatever your idea of fun is, Superior offers adventurous, educational and exciting opportunities for everyone! We look forward to welcoming you to our community sometime very soon.
