South Mountain State Battlefield | Frederick

The Sedona Heritage Museum is a historical institution located in Sedona, Arizona, dedicated to preserving and presenting the region's past.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in a historic 1930s-era building constructed from red sandstone, typical of early Sedona architecture. The structure features a low profile with a simple, functional design. Its exterior color is a natural reddish-brown, blending with the surrounding landscape. The interior exhibits are organized within the original floor plan, with wooden floors and plaster walls.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 735 Jordan Road in the heart of Uptown Sedona. It is approximately 0.2km South of the main State Route 89A thoroughfare. Parking is available in a small lot directly behind the building, with additional public parking garages located within a 0.5km radius in Uptown. The Sedona Shuttle service provides access to Uptown, with stops near the museum.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was originally constructed in 1939 by the Jordan family, who were early settlers in the Sedona area. It served as their residence and later as a general store. The site's ecological origin is within the Verde Valley, characterized by red sandstone formations sculpted by millions of years of erosion.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exhibits focus on the early pioneers, the development of the film industry in Sedona, and the area's geological history. Visitors can view artifacts from early homesteaders, photographs of film sets, and displays on the formation of the red rocks. The museum also features a small research library for genealogical and historical inquiries.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are present in the immediate vicinity of the entrance. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable in Uptown Sedona. No food vendors are located within the museum itself, but numerous restaurants and cafes are within walking distance in Uptown.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography of the museum's exterior is mid-morning or late afternoon when the red sandstone is illuminated by direct sunlight. The most comfortable months for visiting are typically March through May and September through November, avoiding the summer heat and potential winter chill.

Facts & Legends

A unique historical oddity is the museum's original role as a general store, which served as a central hub for the sparse population of early Sedona, stocking everything from groceries to mining supplies. A local tip for visitors is to look for the original hand-painted signage still visible on some interior walls.

Nearby Landmarks

• Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (0.3km Southwest)
• Chapel of the Holy Cross (2.5km South)
• Sedona Arts Center (0.4km Northwest)
• Airport Mesa Overlook (1.8km West)