Desert Caballeros Western Museum

Permanent Installations

The following permanent installations are on exhibit throughout the museum.

Hays “Spirit of the Cowboy” Collection

From "Hays 'Spirit of the Cowboy' Collection"

Take a step back to the days when “cowboying” was a way of life. See the saddle leather worn shiny with use, the patina of well loved silver spurs, and the rawhide lariats used to tame the wild mavericks of the range. Featuring bits and bridles, saddles and spurs, hats and chaps, guns and gun leather, plus reatas, ropes, and more, “Hays ‘Spirit of the Cowboy’ Collection” is one of the largest and finest exhibits of authentic cowboy memorabilia ever opened to public view. Dating from the 1870s to the 1950s, the gear is on loan to Desert Caballeros Western Museum from the private collection of Abe and Lalla Hays.

Native American Arts and Artifacts

"Navajo Medicine Man" by Gerald Cassidy, Collections of Desert Caballeros Western Museum

Superb examples of pottery, baskets, rugs and many other tools and artifacts make up this survey of the Southwest’s Native cultures from pre-historic times to the present.

Gems and Minerals

Gold, silver, copper, and turquoise were vital to the mining history of the west. See examples of these along with our dazzling collection of gems and minerals, plus our black light exhibit.

Early Arizona Street Scene and Period Rooms

Complete with a saloon, watch shop, livery stable, post office, church, and general store, the street scene recreates commercial life in Arizona circa 1915. Turn the corner to visit a turn-of-the-century Victorian home, including a parlor, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, and laundry. Period clothing completes the exhibit.

History Dioramas

The discovery of gold, a disastrous flood in the desert, the coming of the railroad and development of a dude ranch paradise. See the historic events that shaped modern day Wickenburg, all rendered in exquisite miniature detail.