Honestly, most people just blast past Benson on the I-10 while they’re racing toward Tucson or New Mexico. They see the gas stations and the fast-food signs and think, "Yeah, just another desert pit stop."
They’re wrong.
Benson is weirdly cool if you know where to look. It’s a town built on railroads and silver-mining history, but today, the real draw is literally underneath your feet. If you’re looking for things to do in Benson, you’ve basically got two choices: stay on the surface and bake in the sun, or drop sixty feet underground into one of the most pristine cave systems on the planet.
The Underground Marvel (And Why You Need a Reservation)
Let's talk about Kartchner Caverns State Park. This isn't just "another cave." It’s a "live" cave, which is science-speak for saying it’s still growing. Water is still dripping, minerals are still hardening, and the humidity is a constant, sticky 99%.
Back in 1974, two guys—Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts—found this place and kept it a secret for years because they were terrified people would ruin it. They were right to be protective. If you touch a formation, the oil from your skin basically "kills" it, stopping the growth forever.
When you go, you’re probably going to do the Rotunda/Throne Tour. It’s about a half-mile walk and takes maybe 90 minutes. You’ll see "Kubla Khan," which is this massive 58-foot column that looks like something out of a Tolkien novel. If you happen to be visiting between October 15 and April 15, try to snag a spot for the Big Room Tour. They close it half the year because a colony of cave bats uses it as a nursery.
💡 You might also like: Weather in Lexington Park: What Most People Get Wrong
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, book the Helmet & Headlamp Tour. It’s only on Saturdays (except the third Saturday of the month). You explore the cave in the dark, using only the light on your head, just like the guys who discovered it. It’s surreal.
Donkeys, Monks, and Pecan Bread
If caves make you claustrophobic, Benson has some oddly specific animal encounters.
There’s a place called Forever Home Donkey Rescue. It’s exactly what it sounds like. They have over 100 donkeys that they’ve saved from some pretty rough situations. You can go there, feed them, and basically get "donkey therapy." It’s a non-profit, so your visit actually helps keep the lights on and the hay coming.
Then there’s the Holy Trinity Monastery.
It’s about nine miles south of town in St. David. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate it. They have 132 acres of quiet, a bird sanctuary trail along the San Pedro River, and a bookstore.
Wait, let me rephrase that. They have a bookstore that sells fresh-baked bread and local pecans. The monks and nuns run an RV park on-site, too. It’s one of those quiet, hidden gems that makes you feel like you’ve accidentally crossed a border into a much slower century.
📖 Related: Weather in Kirkwood Missouri Explained (Simply)
The Wild West (The Real Version)
Everyone goes to Tombstone for the "Wild West" experience, and yeah, it’s 20 minutes away. But Benson has the Mescal Movie Set. This is where they filmed Tombstone, The Quick and the Dead, and The Outlaw Josey Wales.
Unlike the touristy streets of Tombstone, Mescal feels like a ghost town because it kind of is. It’s an 1880s cinematic town. They do historical film tours where they explain how they made the desert look like a gritty frontier. It’s been saved from demolition a few times, and the volunteers there are insanely passionate about Western film history.
If you want the "local" version of history, check out the Benson Historical Museum. It’s in a 1920s grocery store building. They have a horse-drawn school bus. Think about that for a second—kids used to ride to school in a wagon while it was 105 degrees out. Suddenly, your commute doesn't seem so bad.
Where to Eat Without Regret
Benson isn't a "fine dining" hub, but there are a few spots that locals will fight you over.
- The Horseshoe: This place has been around since 1936. It’s the definition of homestyle. If you want a massive burger or a breakfast that will keep you full until next Tuesday, this is it. It’s got that "old Arizona" vibe that you can’t fake.
- Adolfo’s Taco Shop: It’s small, it’s cheap, and the Super Nachos are legendary. It’s the kind of place you go when you’re dusty from a hike and just need a green chili burrito the size of your forearm.
- Benson City Grille: Located at the San Pedro Golf Course. It’s a bit more "sit-down," and the view of the Dragoon Mountains from the patio is probably the best in the city.
Things to Do in Benson: The 2026 Event Calendar
If you’re planning a trip for early 2026, keep an eye on the Cochise Country Music Festival. It’s hitting the 4EVR Ranch Equestrian Center from March 20-22, 2026. They’ve got Rodney Atkins, Tracy Byrd, and Mark Chesnutt on the bill. It’s a big deal for a small town.
👉 See also: Weather in Fairbanks Alaska: What Most People Get Wrong
Also, the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is a massive deal for birders. There are over 350 species of birds that pass through here. January and February are actually great times for birding because the weather isn't trying to kill you yet.
Making the Most of Your Trip
Benson is a "choose your own adventure" kind of place. You can spend the morning 50 feet underground, the afternoon feeding donkeys, and the evening watching a sunset over the Dragoons with a cold beer.
Don't just treat it as a gas stop.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit:
- Book Kartchner 2-4 weeks in advance. Seriously. The tours sell out, especially the Big Room and the Headlamp tours.
- Bring a jacket for the cave. It sounds stupid because it’s Arizona, but the caverns stay at a constant 72 degrees. If you’re coming in from 100-degree heat, it feels chilly.
- Check the Mescal Movie Set schedule. They aren't open every day. Their tours are usually limited to specific dates and times, so verify on their website before driving out.
- Download offline maps. Once you get off the main highway toward the San Pedro River or the Whetstone Mountains, cell service becomes a suggestion rather than a reality.
- Visit the Benson Visitor Center first. It’s a replica railroad depot and they have a mural map. There are 42 murals around town, and finding them is a great way to kill an hour while waiting for your cave tour time.
Benson is a town of layers. Most of them are hidden, and a few of them are literally buried. Take the exit. Stop the car. Explore.