Address
12901 N. La Montana Dr.,
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
 
Call Today
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Current Hours

Weds – Saturday
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed on Sun – Tues

Come, Experience the Journey

at the

River of Time
Museum & Exploration Center

Settlers in Arizona have depended on precious water from sources like the Verde River for centuries. The importance of water in the desert to us today, and the fascinating history of the Lower Verde Valley region is the focus of our interactive museum and exploration center.

Visit The River of Time

More than Just a Museum

Visit River of Time

Visit

Our interior space has been reimagined with interactive displays, interpretive elements and expanded stories!

EXPLORE!

Children Events at River of Time

Events

Our events & educational programs bring the stories we tell to life. Come, experience all the River of Time has to offer!

EXPERIENCE!

Support River of Time

Join & Give

Interested in supporting our mission, there are many ways to get involved. Become a member, donate, or volunteer!

ENGAGE!

Upcoming Events

Things To Do With the Family in Phoenix

MAKE IT A FUN DAY OUT AT THE RIVER OF TIME IN FOUNTAIN HILLS!

Discover

Discover

Interactive, Engaging, & Unique Exhibits & Artifacts

Imagine

Imagine

A Different Time When People Worked Hard for Water  

Explore

Explore

The Area with a Guided Tour Beyond Our Walls

Experience

Experience

Educational Programs & Community Events for all Ages

Educate

Educate

the family about water conservation and tips you can utilize at home

Discover

Enjoy

the River of Time and then discover all that Fountain Hills has to offer

A “Must-Visit” Educational Attraction in Arizona

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN TODAY?

Located in the heart of beautiful Fountain Hills, Arizona, the River of Time Museum & Exploration Center is a distinctive non-profit organization with a focus on water conservation, that’s also an interactive, educational, family-fun destination.

Explore how important water conservation is to life in the desert and learn how the history of this region and our present-day lives are connected. As you journey through our facility, take a tour, or enjoy an event or program, you will discover how desert dwellers – from the ancient Hohokam, the Yavapai, to early ranchers, and modern-day settlers – have found ways to create an oasis in this area. We hope you’ll leave us thinking about the steps you should take to preserve our most precious, life-giving, resource – our water.

Five stars

What Our Visitors Say! 

No dark and dusty small town museum here! Everything is brand new. The executive director, Cherie Koss led our small group tour. We began with a stunning introductory film about the lower Verde Valley. The film’s breathtaking photography alone is worth the trip. But don’t miss the top-notch interactive displays and interpretive elements.

The fascinating natural wonders, beautiful wildlife and colorful historic characters make for a very entertaining hour.

River of Time is a small but very mighty museum and center attached to the Fountain Hills Library. It chronicles not just the History of the Valley of the Sun, what Native life was before the coming of the Spaniards, Mexicans, and Americans, but how the Cowboys lived – and yes, why Fort McDowell was so important to the development of Arizona territory and the West itself.
 
A lot to see in such a nice place. Friendly staff – and their quaint gift shop is filled with Arizona-related merchandise.

Wonderful and charming museum! The staff are kind and helpful!  A hidden gem of Fountain Hills

I love learning the history of our area here. They are so friendly and creative. 

No dark and dusty small town museum here! Everything is brand new. The executive director, Cherie Koss led our small group tour. We began with a stunning introductory film about the lower Verde Valley. The film’s breathtaking photography alone is worth the trip. But don’t miss the top-notch interactive displays and interpretive elements.

The fascinating natural wonders, beautiful wildlife and colorful historic characters make for a very entertaining hour.

River of Time is a small but very mighty museum and center attached to the Fountain Hills Library. It chronicles not just the History of the Valley of the Sun, what Native life was before the coming of the Spaniards, Mexicans, and Americans, but how the Cowboys lived – and yes, why Fort McDowell was so important to the development of Arizona territory and the West itself.
A lot to see in such a nice place. Friendly staff – and their quaint gift shop is filled with Arizona-related merchandise.

Wonderful and charming museum! The staff are kind and helpful!  A hidden gem of Fountain Hills

I love learning the history of our area here. They are so friendly and creative.

Our Latest News

Field Guide Series – Southwestern Petroglyphs

Field Guide Series – Southwestern Petroglyphs

Gain fundamental, practical knowledge of your surroundings. “Small but Mighty” may be the best way to describe our Easy Field Guides, reviewed by our own Yvonne Prater, Director of Operations. Each book is fully illustrated, and filled with a plethora of interesting...

read more
Volunteer Opportunities for Members

Volunteer Opportunities for Members

Mary Endorf is the Volunteer Coordinator for the L. Alan Cruikshank River of Time Museum & Exploration Center. She is always eager to meet with people interested in volunteering, and she shares information about the many activities of the museum and the volunteer...

read more
Field Guide Series – Common Desert Birds

Field Guide Series – Common Desert Birds

Gain fundamental, practical knowledge of your surroundings   “Small but Mighty” may be the best way to describe our new Easy Field Guides, reviewed by our own Yvonne Prater, Director of Operations. Each book is fully illustrated, and filled with a plethora of...

read more