Arizona250 Celebration at the Historic San Rafael Ranch

San Rafael State Natural Area,

Saturday, April 11, 2026   10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join us for a special Arizona250 celebration at San Rafael Ranch Historic District, located within the San Rafael State Natural Area.

This commemorative event invites the public to experience one of Arizona’s most significant historic ranching sites while celebrating Arizona’s rich heritage, landscapes, and communities. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the historic ranch house, learn about the San Rafael Valley’s ranching and conservation legacy, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding short-grass prairie. Connect with Arizona’s past while supporting the preservation of this remarkable place for future generations!

Self guided ranch house tours and educational displays will be offered throughout the day. A dedication of property as an Important Bird Area will be held at 10 a.m.

https://azstateparks.com/san-rafael/events/arizona250-celebration-at-the-historic-san-rafael-ranch

Car Show, Nights of Columbus, March 28, 2026 at Rio Rico Community Center

January and March 2026 General Meeting Speaker:

Renee Tossell, PhD – The 1527 Narvaez Expedition

Opening San Rafael Ranch Guest Exhibit, Friday, January 16, 2026

The ranch was comprised of an orginal Mexican land Grant, San Rafael de la Zanja plus adjoining land making the ranch over 22,000 acres. This exhibit focuses on the ranch owners, family, ranch workers and the registered Herefords raised in this beautiful valley.

Owners include Colin Cameron and partners in the late 1800’s, William C. Greene, better known as Colonel Greene the “Copper Skyrocket: 1903 and 1957 William Greene’s daughter Florence Greene Sharp.

In 1999, a portion of the San Rafael Cattle Company became the San Rafael State Natural Area (SRSNA) which encompasses 3,556 acres of native short grass prairie. The San Rafael Natural Historic District is 25 acres within the SRSNA which focuses on the ranch headquarters.

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