Scottsdale Rodeo Museum
A free, charming museum in Old Town Scottsdale celebrating Arizona's rodeo heritage with interactive fun and community support.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
More activities & lively atmosphere
Scottsdale Rodeo Museum
Best Time
More activities & lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, charming museum in Old Town Scottsdale celebrating Arizona's rodeo heritage with interactive fun and community support.
"Such a fun place to visit! Perfect if you like rodeos."
🤠 Free Entry, Donations Welcome
Admission is free! Donations are greatly appreciated and support local scholarships. :heart:
📸 Bull Riding Photo Fun
Don't miss the chance to take a fun photo on the bull! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Bull Photo Op
Main exhibit area
Strap on your boots and strike a pose on a rodeo bull for an unforgettable, shareable photo moment.
Historic Rodeo Artifacts
Throughout the museum
Explore vintage costumes, photos, and advertisements that tell the vibrant story of Arizona's rodeo legacy.
Noriega Livery Stable History
The building itself
Discover the building's past as the Noriega Livery Stable, once owned by a local celebrity and inspiration for Scottsdale's welcome sign.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Western Charm
Meet the Local Legend
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤠 Free Entry, Donations Welcome
Admission is free! Donations are greatly appreciated and support local scholarships. :heart:
📸 Bull Riding Photo Fun
Don't miss the chance to take a fun photo on the bull! :camerawithflash:
🗣️ Chat with the Owner
The owner, Dave, is a wealth of knowledge and stories. Ask him anything! :speech_balloon:
📍 Easy Old Town Addition
It's a perfect, quick stop near the Old Mission church. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🤠 Free Entry, Donations Welcome
Admission is free! Donations are greatly appreciated and support local scholarships. :heart:
📸 Bull Riding Photo Fun
Don't miss the chance to take a fun photo on the bull! :camerawithflash:
🗣️ Chat with the Owner
The owner, Dave, is a wealth of knowledge and stories. Ask him anything! :speech_balloon:
📍 Easy Old Town Addition
It's a perfect, quick stop near the Old Mission church. :world_map:
🗓️ Check for Special Events
Look out for events like the Branding Party during Western Week! :party_popper:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Scottsdale Rodeo Museum for its free admission, engaging owner, and fun interactive elements like the bull photo op. It's seen as a valuable, quick stop in Old Town Scottsdale that offers a genuine taste of Arizona's Western heritage and supports local scholarships.
"Such a fun place to visit! Perfect if you like rodeos. They have costumes and a bull riding place where you can pose for pics. The owner was super nice and helpful too! It’s free (donations appreciated) so it’s a great place to stop in and explore!"
sarah boyce
"Make sure to stop in to this small, but important community museum. It’s diagonal from the Old Mission church and an easy addition to Old Town. Dave, who is leads the local rodeo in Scottsdale, also uses funding from donations to give yearly scholarships to area high school students. And, during COVID he designed a rodeo-themed license plate that now also contributes to this scholarship fund.
His life-long involvement in rodeo and the local community has given him unique stories and local history knowledge that you won’t find anywhere else. Did you know the cowboy featured in the Welcome to Historic Scottsdale sign was designed after “Harvey” Noriega, a ranch hand and local celebrity that once owned the museum building? Well, Dave did! Want to hear some fun stories behind rodeo photos and advertisements dating back to the 50’s? Visit this museum. Want to have some fun photos of your kids riding a real rodeo bull? Gotta go to this museum!"
Jessica Howell
"The owners were super friendly and nice. They made their small museum a wonderful place to visit! If you’re in the area it’s definitely worth popping in for a couple minutes!"
Jason Crouch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Scottsdale Rodeo Museum is located in Old Town Scottsdale, easily accessible by car or public transport. It's situated diagonally from the Old Mission church, making it a convenient stop during your exploration of the area. Parking is available nearby in Old Town.
Yes, there are several parking options in Old Town Scottsdale, including garages and street parking, which can be utilized when visiting the museum.
Absolutely! If you're already exploring Old Town Scottsdale, the museum is easily walkable and a great addition to your itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Scottsdale Rodeo Museum is free! While donations are greatly appreciated and support local scholarships, there is no mandatory entry fee.
The museum is open during the week and on weekends. It's recommended to check their social media or contact them directly for the most up-to-date hours, especially during special events or holidays.
No, tickets are not required as admission is free. However, private tours can be booked by emailing dave@pds.rodeo.
Yes, donations are highly encouraged and appreciated. They help fund the museum and provide yearly scholarships to local high school students.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a collection of rodeo artifacts, vintage costumes, photos, and advertisements. There's also a fun bull riding photo opportunity and the chance to learn local history from the passionate owner. 
Yes, the museum is very family-friendly! Kids often enjoy the interactive bull photo op and the engaging stories about rodeo history.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos, especially at the interactive bull exhibit.
A visit can be quite brief, often just a few minutes to a half-hour, depending on how much you engage with the exhibits and the owner's stories.
The museum sometimes hosts special events, such as during Scottsdale's Western Week, including branding parties where you can personalize their new bar.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Scottsdale Rodeo Museum itself does not typically serve food. However, it is located in Old Town Scottsdale, which offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes nearby.
Old Town Scottsdale has numerous dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. You can find everything from Mexican cuisine to American comfort food within walking distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The most popular photo opportunity is posing on the bull. You can also capture the vintage rodeo posters and costumes.
While casual photos are encouraged, it's best to inquire directly with the museum if you plan on conducting a professional photoshoot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a perfect, quick addition to a day exploring Old Town Scottsdale, offering a dose of Western culture without requiring a long attention span. The free admission makes it an easy choice for budget-conscious families looking for an authentic Arizona experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Donations are appreciated and go towards a great cause—local scholarships—so you can contribute if you feel inclined. It's a compact museum, meaning you can get a rich experience in a short amount of time, saving you money on entry fees and time on your itinerary. Plus, its location in Old Town Scottsdale means you can easily combine it with other free activities in the area.
🤠 Rodeo Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to learn about the Parada del Sol, a significant Scottsdale tradition, and its connection to the museum. The interactive bull photo op is also a fun way to connect with the rodeo spirit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Noriega Livery Stable
Dave Alford, the museum's owner, is deeply connected to this history and often shares fascinating anecdotes about the building and its former occupants. His passion for preserving this local landmark and its stories makes the visit particularly engaging. It's more than just a museum; it's a tangible link to the figures who shaped Scottsdale's identity.
Understanding the building's past adds another layer to the experience, highlighting how the museum is not only a repository of rodeo memorabilia but also a guardian of local architectural and cultural history. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Old West in modern Scottsdale.
Community Impact and Scholarships
Owner Dave Alford's dedication extends to creative fundraising efforts. For instance, he designed a rodeo-themed license plate during the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to contribute to the scholarship fund. This innovative approach demonstrates a proactive spirit in ensuring the museum's community impact remains strong and consistent.
Visitors who contribute donations are not just supporting a local attraction; they are directly investing in the future of Scottsdale's youth. This aspect of the museum's mission adds a meaningful dimension to any visit, making it a place that resonates with community values and philanthropic spirit.
Experiencing Scottsdale's Western Week
+1One notable event mentioned is the Branding Party, where attendees have the unique opportunity to leave their mark on the museum's brand-new wooden bar. This interactive experience allows visitors to actively participate in the festivities and create a lasting connection with the museum.
Beyond specific events, the museum's presence during Western Week amplifies the overall festive atmosphere of Old Town Scottsdale. It serves as a focal point for those interested in the rodeo and its historical significance, offering a more intimate and educational counterpoint to the larger parades and events.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit