Yuma: Rich History, Year-Round Sun And So Many Natural Wonders

Yuma is a place like no other. And whether you grew up here, recently moved to the area or you’re just an occasional visitor, you know that Yuma has its own special traditions and history that make it so unique.

A few things to know:

• Yuma is known as the "Winter Vegetable Capital of the World" due to its warm climate and fertile soil, which allows for year-round farming. Visitors can take a tour of one of the many local farms to see this in action and even pick their own fresh produce.
• Yuma was once a major transportation hub for the steamboats that traveled up and down the Colorado River. The Colorado River State Historic Park, also known as the Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, is a great place to learn more about this history and see the original buildings that were used during that time.
• For aviation enthusiasts, Yuma is home to the Marine Corp Air Station Yuma, which is one of the busiest military air bases in the world. Visitors can watch aircraft take off and land, and even take a tour of the base to learn more about its operations.
• Yuma also has a rich Native American history, with the Cocopah Indian Reservation located just outside of the city. Visitors can learn about the Cocopah people's culture and history at the Cocopah Museum, or take a guided tour of the reservation.
• Outdoor enthusiasts will love Yuma’s many opportunities for hiking, fishing and birdwatching in the nearby Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Imperial Sand Dunes to see the unique desert landscape.
• Yuma was once a major stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail Route, which was one of the first transcontinental mail and stagecoach lines in the United States. Visitors can learn more about this history at the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, which was also a stop on the route.
• Yuma has a thriving arts scene, with several local galleries and museums showcasing the work of artists from the area and beyond. Visitors can check out the Yuma Art Center and the Yuma Civic Center.
• Yuma is home to the Yuma Proving Ground, the largest military installation in the world by area. It is a testing and training facility for the United States military and its allied forces.
• This city has a rich history of Spanish colonial influence, and visitors can see the remains of the Spanish colonial fort, the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Museum, which was built in the 1850s to protect settlers from the Quechan tribe.
• The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area is a National Park Service site that tells the story of the people and events that shaped the history of the region. Visitors can take guided tours, hike the trails, or explore the interactive exhibits.
• A large population of retirees calls Yuma home, and the city attracts new residents and visitors alike due to its sunny and warm climate. Visitors can find a range of activities and amenities catering to retirees such as golf courses, swimming pools, and social clubs.
• Yuma has a thriving nightlife scene, with many bars, nightclubs and live music venues. Visitors can enjoy a night out on the town dancing, listening to live music, or enjoying a drink at one of the many local bars.

What's your favorite thing about Yuma? Let us know below in the comments!

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