Kannally Ranch House and Oracle State Park
Credit: AV State Parks
Oracle State Park - Kannally Ranch House
The Kannally Ranch House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and forms the center of a visit to Oracle State Park. Take a step back in history as you experience the world of early 1900's ranch families. The original 160-acre ranch was purchased by brothers Neil and Lee Kannally in 1903. Over time other family members joined and the ranch grew to almost 50,000 acres.
Kannally Ranch House, rear view
Historical Background
A small adobe cottage was built on the initial 160 acres as the original house, with a second cottage built for additional family members. The present Kannally Ranch House was built in 1929-1932 in the Mediterranean Revival Style with Moorish influences. It falls into the general category of Spanish Colonial Revival which was prevalent in Southern Arizona in the early years of the 20th century.
The ranch was willed to the Defenders of Wildlife following the death of Lucile Kannally in 1976 and was later deeded to the Arizona State Parks Board. Oracle State Park also includes the Center for Environmental Education a 4,000-acre wildlife refuge and environmental learning center for school and adult groups.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the four level hillside Kannally family home and view historic photos, original artwork, unique design features and special artistic surprises from talented family artists throughout the home. An exhibit of impressionist-style paintings by self-taught cowboy artist Lee Kannally is on display thanks to the Oracle Historical Society and Friends of Oracle State Park.
Picnic Areas
Kannally Ranch House patio provides seating and four patio tables for picnic use. Bird feeding stations attract a variety of wildlife including a family of Harris Hawks. Lower level landscaped plazas provide more sketching opportunities.
Restrooms
The park has modern, handicap accessible restrooms at the Group Use Area and Ranch House. There are four composting toilets, each with a sink and running water. There is also one accessible portable toilet available at the Oak-Woodland parking area, with no sink facility.
Oracle State Park is a 4,000 acre wildlife refuge in the northern foothills of the Catalina Mountains. The park offers day-use picnic areas and over 15 miles of trails for use by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. A section of the Arizona Trail crosses through the park. And it is a designated International Dark Sky Park. Oracle State Park also serves as a Center for Environmental Education and provides programming for all ages.
Logistics:
Located 45 miles North of downtown Tucson. North Oracle AZ-77 to West American Ave.
Oracle State Park
3820 Wildlife Drive
Oracle, AZ 85623
(520) 896-2425
Parking available at the Kannally Ranch and Gift Shop
Park Winter Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (gates close at 5 p.m.)
Park Store/Kannally Ranch House Gift Shop: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Park Entrance Fee: Per Vehicle (1-4 adults): $7.00
Note: Arizona State Parks are typically free access on National Holidays
