Tumbleweed Ranch, operated by Chandler Museum, explores Chandler’s agricultural roots. Beginning in the 1890s, cotton, dairy, sheep, citrus, alfalfa, sugar beets, and other agricultural pursuits shaped our community. In 1999, a portion of Tumbleweed Park was preserved in order to tell the story of the East Valley’s agricultural history.
The 14 acres of Tumbleweed Ranch serve as a location for school field trips, the Ostrich Festival, Chandler High School Future Farmers of America, and the Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-off. Features of the Ranch include the McCroskey House, Edwards House, Red Shed Theater, an early 1900s grocery store, FFA demonstration fields, and antique agricultural equipment.
Southwest corner of Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Programs target third-grade students and are aligned with Arizona academic content standards. Programs offered 10-noon. Learn more about school programs. For reservations, contact the museum at 480-782-2874.
The McCroskey House
This farm bungalow represents one of the many homes built by early farmers in Chandler. The bungalow was a very popular home style, since it was cheap to build, simple in design, and practical. The Edwards family built this home in 1917. Many families built a home similar to the McCroskey House, often ordered through Sears, Montgomery Wards, Aladdin or other companies. At the present time, the McCrosky House is open for tours during special events. If you are interested in a tour, call the Chandler Museum at 480-782-2874
The Edwards House
This bungalow is the "Maples" model from the 1913 Aladdin Company catalog. Will and Grace Robinson built this home a year after Chandler's founding in 1912. Located at 160 N. Washington Street, this home was among the first to be constructed in the neighborhood east of Highway 87 (now Arizona Avenue) and north of Buffalo Street. The George Edwards family, who built the McCroskey House, moved into this home in 1923 after George Edwards died. The oldest daughter, Bertha, taught first grade in Chandler for 46 years, living in the house until her death in 1989. The family sold the house to the City of Chandler in 2002, during a period of redevelopment in the downtown area. The house is current under renovation and is not open to the public.
Photographers are welcome to visit Tumbleweed Ranch during open hours. There is no fee for professional photographer usage, but please be respectful of the space.