Museum of the natural and cultural history of the greater Payson area, frequently referred to as the “Rim Country”.
The Rim Country Museum was established through the efforts of the Northern Gila County Historical Society, Inc. which operates the Museum primarily through volunteer effort. Its mission and purpose is to discover and preserve for public benefit, the natural and cultural history of the greater Payson area, frequently referred to as the “Rim Country”.
The Rim Country Museum is quaintly set in the award winning Green Valley Park in Payson, Arizona. The Museum is comprised of several historical buildings and objects of local significance. A nearby lake and full foliage trees offer our visitors a refreshing coolness in the summer and a crystalline landscape in winter.
When you walk into the Museum you are stepping into time past. The entrance was the Forest Ranger’s residence originally built in 1907. It is now our Museum Store with a wide selection of gifts and an excellent selection of books on local and general Arizona history. It is from here you will begin your visit.
Novelist and screenplay writer, Zane Grey, became a part of Arizona legend and history. Many of his books were written here against the phenomenal beauty and ruggedness of the Mogollon Rim. Through his writing he brought to many the passion, excitement and quietude of this extraordinary area.
We have an excellent presentation on Zane Grey including many of his personal items such as chaps, saddle, guns, books and posters.
A replica of Zane Grey’s Cabin, which burned down in the “Dude Fire” in 1990, stands adjacent to the Rim Country Museum.