20 Fun Facts About Mesa Arizona

Mesa, Arizona, the third-largest city in the state, offers a unique blend of historical richness, cultural diversity, and stunning natural beauty. From its ancient roots as a home to the Hohokam people to its modern status as a thriving urban center, Mesa is full of surprises. Here are 20 fun facts that showcase the fascinating aspects of this dynamic city.

20 Fun Facts About Mesa, Arizona

1. Ancient Canals: Mesa is home to some of the most extensive prehistoric canal systems created by the Hohokam people, parts of which are still used today.
2. Largest Suburban City: Mesa is one of the largest suburban cities in the United States by population.
3. Boeing’s Influence: The Boeing Company operates a major facility in Mesa, where they manufacture the AH-64 Apache helicopter.
4. Mormon History: Mesa was settled by Mormon pioneers in the late 19th century, and it still has a significant Mormon population today.
5. Cactus League: Mesa is a host city for the Cactus League, featuring spring training baseball for teams like the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland Athletics.
6. Arizona Museum of Natural History: This museum houses the only complete dinosaur skeleton found in Arizona.
7. Original McDonald’s: Mesa was the location of the first McDonald’s restaurant in Arizona.
8. Falcon Field: Constructed in 1941, Falcon Field served as a training base for British RAF and US pilots during World War II.
9. Tallest Building: The Mesa Financial Plaza is the tallest building in Mesa, standing at 16 stories.
10. Saguaro Lake: Created by the Stewart Mountain Dam, Saguaro Lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and water sports.
11. Historic Districts: Mesa has several historic districts with homes that date back to the late 19th century.
12. Giant Lemon: Mesa is home to the world’s largest lemon, a quirky local landmark.
13. Alma School: Named after the first school in Mesa, Alma School Road is one of the longest roads in the city.
14. Hot Air Balloon Rides: Mesa offers some of the best hot air balloon rides in Arizona, showcasing breathtaking desert landscapes.
15. Polytechnic Campus: Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus is located in Mesa, focusing on STEM education.
16. Communiversity: Mesa hosts a “Communiversity” at Queen Creek, partnering with multiple colleges to offer a variety of degree programs.
17. Organ Stop Pizza: This restaurant features one of the largest Wurlitzer organs in the world, providing entertainment while you eat.
18. Desert Trails Park: A unique park in Mesa designed specifically for mountain biking with various trails and obstacles.
19. Buckhorn Baths: This historic Mesa motel and bathhouse was famous in the mid-20th century for its natural hot springs and celebrity visitors.
20. Largest Arts Complex: Mesa Arts Center is the largest comprehensive arts campus in Arizona, featuring theaters, galleries, and classrooms.

Conclusion

Mesa, Arizona, is a city that combines the charm of its rich historical background with the vibrancy of its modern urban development. These 20 fun facts only scratch the surface of what makes Mesa a fascinating place to explore and learn about. Whether you are interested in history, sports, nature, or culture, Mesa has something to offer.