The Ancestral Desert People lived in the area for many centuries prior to the construction of the Casa Grande. Sometime around 1450 Casa Grande was abandoned for unknown reasons after the Ancestral Desert People had used it for only a century. The ruins were seen and named in 1694 by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, a missionary who was led to the site by local Akimel O'odham Indians.
The visitor center features a museum and theater with a 22-minute film. Self-guiding tours and picnic facilities are available year-round. Guided tours are available November through March. Allow 1 hour minimum. Monument open daily 9-5, Oct.-Apr.; 9-4, rest of year; closed July 4, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission free. For further information contact the Superintendent, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, 1100 W. Ruins Dr., Coolidge, AZ 85128; phone (520) 723-3172.