Oracle – Summer is calling and Oracle State Park is open to those who heed the lure of discovery, reveling in learning of the wild plants and animals and the world they inhabit.
From June through September, take the on-going self-guided weekend tours of the historic multi-level Kannally Ranch House. This Mediterranean-Revival style ranch house was built in 1929, as the home of one of the earliest cattle ranching families in the Oracle area, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the self-guided tours, 45-minute Docent or Ranger-Led guided tours are offered only by reservation or on select dates over the summer months. The tours are free with park admission.
Guest speaker Jim O’Connor will lead visitors on a Saturday evening ‘Storytelling Sky Tour’ program, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the patio of the Kannally Ranch House on June 6. Take a look at the night sky from different points of view, as Jim share’s his core astronomical interest is in how various cultures use the night sky. Learn to tell time at night like a cowboy or an Apache for ceremonies. Learn more about the constellations and stars through multicultural tales. Oracle State Park telescopes will be set up to continue star-viewing following the one-hour program. The park gates will remain open past 5 p.m., so take advantage of a sunset trail walk or patio picnic, before the program begins.
Saturday, June 13, the Guided Bird Walk, begins at 6:30 a.m. Please call for a reservation and details as space is limited.
On Sunday, June 21, an Extended Guided House Tour begins at 9 a.m. Learn more about one of the earliest cattle ranching families to Oracle, and the architectural treasure they left behind. The Mediterranean-Revival Style ranch house built in 1929, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tour will continue past the cottages to the corrals.
A reservation-preferred Guided Night Walk and Lunar Viewing with Binoculars will be held on Saturday, June 27, starting at 7:30 p.m. Meet at the Oak-Woodland Area.
Bat night! Saturday,July 25 is bat night! Joel M. Diamond Ph.D.,AZGF Research Ecologist will tell us all about the romantically winged rodents. Full information will be posted after July 1 on the park website.
All these events mentioned above are free with paid admission to the park. For more information, visit online at azstateparks.com/Parks/ORAC. For reservations, call 520-896-2425.