Hoopin' It Up at the Heard

Elementary school students throughout the Phoenix area take a field trip to the Heard Museum to learn about Native American arts and culture. I must have been absent that day.




The Heard Museum has been a landmark in Central Phoenix for more than 80 years. It's known worldwide for its extensive collections, changing exhibits and festivals celebrating the Native American people. The annual Hoop Dance Contest is among its most popular. Held every February, it is in its 21st year. Native American men and women from across the U.S. and Canada take part in the world championship competition.






If you are unfamiliar with the hoop dance, it incorporates speed and agility, as the dancers manipulate their bodies through one or more than 50 hoops. The most talented will incorporate creative designs and difficult maneuvers, as their feet keep time with the beat of the drum. It's an impressive and beautiful dance to see. Equally impressive are the colorful costumes the dancers wear. No two are alike.

Yet, the museum also offers something interesting to see. The Heard collects and exhibits centuries-old American Indian art, along with works from more contemporary Native American artists. Two stunning exhibits, only at the Heard for a limited time, were Preston Singletary's contemporary glass works and Jesse Monongye's amazing Navajo jewelry. Another powerful and ongoing exhibit is "Remembering Our Indian School Days: The Boarding School Experience," which examines the system of off-reservation Indian boarding schools and how the Native American children were removed from their homes and stripped of their culture, identity and language.

With more than 130,000 square feet of galleries, class rooms and performance area, you can easily spend an entire day at the Heard Museum. There is so much to do and see. Plan your lunch at its well-recommended Cafe, or if you are lucky -- like me -- you can enjoy Indian Fry Bread in the main courtyard.

Whether you are a tourist, new to the Valley or a long-time resident, you should take a trip to the Heard Museum. It's internationally renowned collection of Native American art and cultural pieces, along with its changing exhibits and full schedule of events will always offer something new to see. I'd better plan a another visit.

The List

I've always used lists. Whether it's a grocery list, mailing list or some other kind of to-do list, these checklists keep me on track. This one shouldn't be any different. Here is my list of 50 things to see and do in Arizona before I turn 50.

PHOENIX AREA
1. Hike Camelback Mountain DONE!
2. Visit the Pueblo Grande Museum in Phoenix DONE!
3. See the holiday lights at Mesa’s Mormon Temple DONE!
4. Take a tour of the Orpheum Theater in Downtown Phoenix DONE!
5. Eat an ice cream treat at the Sugar Bowl in Scottsdale DONE!
6. Visit the Phoenix Art Museum DONE!
7. Visit the Heard Museum in Phoenix DONE!
8. Visit Taliesin West in Scottsdale DONE!
9. Visit the Queen Creek Olive Mill DONE!
10. Hike Pinnacle Peak in North Scottsdale DONE!
11. Visit the Arizona Historical Society Museum in Tempe DONE!

SOUTHERN ARIZONA
12. Visit the Southern Arizona wineries DONE!
13. Visit Bisbee DONE!
14. Hike Sabino Canyon DONE!
15. Visit the Casa Grande Ruins DONE!
16. Visit Tombstone DONE!
17. Stargaze at the Kitt Peak Observatory DONE!
18. Dine at the Long Horn Bar & Grill in Amado DONE!
19. Feed the ostrich at Rooster Cogburn’s Ostrich Ranch DONE!
20. Attend Mass at San Xavier de Bac DONE!
21. See the Hummingbirds at the Ramsey Canyon Preserve DONE!

CENTRAL ARIZONA
22. Visit Crown King DONE!
23. Take a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad DONE!
24. Attend the Prescott 4th of July Rodeo
25. Sleep at a haunted hotel in Jerome DONE!
26. Slide down Slide Rock in Oak Creek Canyon
27. Visit the Verde Valley wineries DONE!
28. Hike the Red Rocks of Sedona DONE!

NORTHERN ARIZONA
29. See the sunset at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
30. Take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams
31. Take a summertime chairlift ride at Arizona Snowbowl DONE!
32. Hike the Grand Canyon
33. Hike to Havasupi Falls
34. Walk on the Grand Canyon Skywalk
35. Cut down my own Christmas tree in Northern Arizona DONE!
36. Hike in Walnut Canyon
37. Visit the Four Corners Monument
38. Stay at La Posada in Winslow
39. Take a jeep tour ride in Canyon de Chelly
40. Hike Antelope Canyon near Page

WESTERN ARIZONA
41. Visit the Vulture Mine in Wickenberg
42. Walk across the London Bridge in Lake Havasu
43. Take a tour of Hoover Dam
44. Explore the Grand Canyon Caverns
45. Dine at the Road Kill Café in Seligman

EASTERN ARIZONA
46. Visit Hannagan Meadow
47. Go fishing at Hawley Lake
48. Take a raft trip down the Salt River
49. Visit Tortilla Flat
50. Travel the Arizona Salsa Trial in Graham County DONE!

While I've organized my list by region, the items are in no particular order. They are simply places I've never been and things I would like to do. But don't be surprised if I take a few detours along the way.

Let the adventure begin.