Last checked against each organizer's or business's own website. Details change, so please confirm before you go.
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Local history from the ancient Hohokam to miners and ranchers, an archaeology wing, desert-life exhibits and outdoor exhibits including the Golden Reef Stamp Mill, the town's first church and an original tubercular cabin. Open October through May: Wed, Thu, Sat and Sun 1–4:30 p.m. and Fri 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; closed holidays. The Arizona Gold Mining Experience runs on select Saturdays (tickets in advance).
Cave Creek · 6401 E Cave Creek Rd · (480) 575-4360
A big rock, crystal and fossil gallery with gemstone jewelry and large stone pieces out front. Open 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Cave Creek · 6528 E Cave Creek Rd · (480) 525-2049
Besides maps and local tips, the visitor center shows local art, much of it from the Sonoran Arts League's Art in Public Places program, and has a Little Free Library. Open Oct. 1–May 31, Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
North Scottsdale, near Cave Creek · 34250 N 60th St, Bldg B, Scottsdale · (480) 488-1090
A community arts and education center with an art gallery, classes, workshops and community events like its fall Prickly Pear Festival and winter artisan market.
Best for: classes and community events. See its own calendar for current dates.
Approximate road miles from the Cave Creek town center.
To
Driving distance
Lake Pleasant
about 24 mi
Bartlett Lake
about 24 mi
Downtown Phoenix
about 32 mi
Wickenburg
about 53 mi
Sedona
about 102 mi
Lake Roosevelt
about 108 mi
Flagstaff
about 130 mi
Tucson
about 141 mi
We calculated these with OpenStreetMap road routing on November 2, 2026. They line up within a few miles with the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber's 2026–27 community guide, and the Arizona Commerce Authority lists Phoenix as about 32 miles away.
How we picked
We listed places a visitor can actually walk into, with hours or a phone number confirmed on each one's own website. The Holland Center is just over the line in North Scottsdale but serves the Cave Creek and Carefree community. Nobody paid to appear.
Questions
Is the Cave Creek Museum open year-round?
No. It's open October through May: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 1–4:30 p.m., and Friday 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. It's closed holidays.
Is there a public golf course in Cave Creek?
Yes. Rancho Mañana Golf Club in Cave Creek takes public tee times, and Tonto Bar & Grill is on site.
How far is Cave Creek from Phoenix, Sedona and Tucson?
By road, about 32 miles to downtown Phoenix, about 102 miles to Sedona and about 141 miles to Tucson. See the full table on this page.
Where can I see local art for free?
The Cave Creek Visitor Center has a mini gallery of local art, and the Sonoran Arts League's Hidden in the Hills studio tour (late November) is free.
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