Perfect for: Laid-back strollers seeking wide-open spaces; you-pick farm fans
Past & Present
The Queen Creek Wash anchors downtown and offers mesquite-lined recreational trails. But once upon a time, the waters of Picket Post Creek flowed through the wash and served as the lifeblood of this agricultural community below the San Tan Mountains, first settled by Native Americans. Present-day Queen Creek – including the emerging 850-acre downtown core, which was conceived in 2017 as a Town Center – still reflects its agricultural heritage and small-town feel.
Mark Your Calendar
Every September in Founders’ Park, downtown Queen Creek celebrates Founders’ Day with agri-fun events. And don’t miss the Pumpkin and Chili Party at Schnepf Farms in October..
One Day in Queen Creek
First: Breakfast at Schmear Bagelry & Café. Pair Peixoto coffee with a from-scratch, hand-rolled bagel. schmear.com
Next: Hike or bike Queen Creek Wash Trail. The 4.7-mile paved path launches from downtown and wends past wide-open farmland. queencreek.org
Then: Outdoor fun at Mansel Carter Oasis Park. Located along the Queen Creek Wash Trail, this 50-acre park offers so many amenities, including a 5-acre lake, you’ll want to set aside a few hours to explore. queencreek.org
Finally: Pints at Old Ellsworth Brewing Company. The tap list of locally brewed beer leans IPA-heavy, but the nutty brown ale serves up smooth flavor. oldellsworthbrewing.com
Get Your Bearings
The QC’s embryonic downtown North: Downtown extends south on Victoria Lane to Queen Creek Wash, between Ellsworth and 209th Way.
Future Queen Creek
A sure sign of modern growth, Trader Joe’s recently broke ground just north of the downtown core. And keep an eye out for Queen Creek’s first hotel – a 100-room Hampton Inn – to open at the end of 2020.
2020 Population: 65,000
2050 Population: 120,900 (est.)
source: MAG
