Riordan Road will be closed May 12 to June 20. Visitors will not be able to approach from the west. Use Knloes Dr. to Riordan Road to reach the main entrance.
The main entrance and parking lot are located at 409 W Riordan Rd., two blocks east of Milton Rd. next to the NAU parking garage.
Lunchtime Lecture: Desert View: An Investigation
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
July 14, 2025 12:15 p.m.
A massive stone tower rises seventy feet from the rim of the Grand Canyon. The Watchtower at Desert View provides visitors with dramatic views but goes beyond being a sight-seeing stop. In the 1930s an architectural designer had a vision to create a monument honoring the Pueblo cultures deeply rooted in the region. Mary Colter traveled through the Four Corners country for six months while researching ancient towers and rock art. She based the Watchtower on a prehistoric tower from Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde. And she commissioned three artists, two of them Hopi, to fill the interior walls with images found on cliff faces and kiva walls throughout the region. Based on his field investigations and talks with knowledgeable Hopi, writer Scott Thybony will compare the Watchtower artwork with the original images that inspired them.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot online at https://azstateparks.com/reserve/Activities/Search.aspx or call 928-779-4395 for additional information and same day availability. The presentation will be free thanks to Riordan Action Network.
MORE EVENTS
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Sundays, June 8 | July 13, 2025
Riordan Mansion Special Tour: Historic Milton Walking Tour
A 90-minute guided walk from Riordan Mansion to explore the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company property and the town site of Milton.
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June 9, 2025
Riordan Mansion Lunchtime Lecture: Arizona National Parks and Monuments with Roger Naylor
Join Riordan Mansion and the legendary Roger Naylor for this presentation on his latest book: Arizona National Parks & Monuments. Roger will share the scenic wonders and cultural treasures of Arizona with gorgeous photographs, history and personal anecdotes
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August 10, 2025
Riordan Mansion Special Tour: Art and Architecture
Riordan Mansion and art have gone hand in hand since the mansion was created in 1904; through artwork that decorates the interior and the structure of the house itself. This specialty tour examines the Riordans’ art collection and the Arts and Crafts Movement which inspired the design for the Riordans’ home.
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Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025
Riordan Mansion Special Tour: Stickley Room by Room
In celebration of Gustav Stickley’s birthday, join us for a tour focused on the Stickley furniture and the Arts and Crafts Style. Reservations required.
