Benson is a bustling town on the interstate that was once a stopping point for the Butterfield Overland Stage. When the railroad came to town Benson thrived. The old wild west town is now a haven for rv’ers escaping the winter cold up north and basking in the sunshine of Arizona. It is also home to Kartchner Caverns which we visited after stopping at the library and having lunch in Benson.
The caverns were only opened in 1999, having been discovered in 1974 after two spelunkers from Tucson discovered them on the Kartchner’s property. We rode the tram to the hillside entrance and enjoyed a 90 minute tour through the big room. Cameras were not allowed.
The day ended with a steak dinner at the Elk’s Lodge back in Sierra Vista!
