On The Cover

Fort Verde State Historic Park will be decorated for the Christmas holiday through Jan. 4, 2013.

Visitors can glance into the past and see how those who once resided at Fort Verde celebrated Christmas on the Frontier. Christmas trees and fireplace mantels will be adorned with unique Victorian decorations, while wreaths and garlands help spread the holiday cheer.

Fort Verde State Historic Park is the best-preserved example of an Indian Wars period fort in Arizona. Spanning from 1865 through 1890 Camp Lincoln, Camp Verde and finally Fort Verde were home to officers, doctors, families, enlisted men and scouts.

Today, visitors can experience three historic house museums, the Commanding Officer's Quarters, Bachelors' Quarters and Doctor's Quarters on Officer's row, all furnished in the 1880s period and holiday grace. These Arizona treasures are currently listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places due to their unique architectural and historic significance.

In the former Administration building, the Park offers visitors interpretive exhibits with period artifacts on military life, Indian Scouts and Indian Wars history.

For more information call (928) 567-3275. Fort Verde State Historic Park is located at 125 E. Holloman Street in Camp Verde, Arizona. Park Entrance Fee is $5 for adults (ages 14 and older), $2 for youths 7 to 13 and children 6 and younger are free.

Arizona State Parks offers a free Annual Pass to disabled veterans living in Arizona for those qualified at 100 percent disability. Active military personnel will enjoy a reduced park entrance fee of 50 percent off.

For information about all 27 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703), visit the website and online camping reservations at AZStateParks.com, Twitter/Facebook AZStateParks.