Phoenix, Arizona

===Other attractions and annual events===
[[File:Papagopark1025.JPG|thumb|[[Papago Park]] is home to the [[Desert Botanical Garden]], [[Hole-in-the-Rock (Papago Park)|Hole-in-the-Rock butte]] and [[Phoenix Zoo]]]]
Due to its natural environment and climate, Phoenix has a number of outdoor attractions and recreational activities. The [[Phoenix Zoo]] is the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States. Since opening in 1962, it has developed an international reputation for its efforts on animal conservation, including breeding and reintroducing endangered species into the wild.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://phoenixzoo.org/about/ |title=History of the Zoo |publisher=The Phoenix Zoo |access-date=March 21, 2014}}</ref> Right next to the zoo, the [[Desert Botanical Garden|Phoenix Botanical Gardens]] were opened in 1939, and are acclaimed worldwide for their art and flora exhibits and educational programs, featuring the largest collection of arid plants in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dbg.org/about-the-garden |title=About the Garden |publisher=Desert Botanical Garden |access-date=March 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://phoenix.about.com/od/gardensandzoos/a/dbg.htm |title=Desert Botanical Garden |publisher=About.com |access-date=March 21, 2014 |archive-date=March 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322002005/http://phoenix.about.com/od/gardensandzoos/a/dbg.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/13-must-see-botanical-gardens |title=13 must-see botanical gardens |publisher=Mother Nature Network |access-date=March 21, 2014}}</ref> [[South Mountain Park]], the largest municipal park in the U.S., is also the highest desert mountain preserve in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discoverphoenixarizona.com/south-mountain-park.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911090133/http://www.discoverphoenixarizona.com/south-mountain-park.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 11, 2013 |title=South Mountain Park and Preserve |publisher=Discover Phoenix Arizona |access-date=March 21, 2014 }}</ref>

Other popular sites in the city are [[Ro Ho En|Japanese Friendship Garden]], [[Heritage and Science Park|Historic Heritage Square]], [[Phoenix Mountain Preserve|Phoenix Mountains Park]], [[Pueblo Grande Ruin and Irrigation Sites|Pueblo Grande Museum]], [[Tovrea Castle]], [[Camelback Mountain]], [[Hole-in-the-Rock (Papago Park)|Hole in the Rock]], [[Mystery Castle]], [[St. Mary's Basilica (Phoenix)|St. Mary's Basilica]], [[Taliesin West]], and the [[Wrigley Mansion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.phoenix.gov/pio/points-of-pride |title=Phoenix Points of Pride |publisher=City of Phoenix |access-date=March 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914220635/https://www.phoenix.gov/pio/points-of-pride |archive-date=September 14, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Many annual events in and near Phoenix celebrate the city's heritage and its diversity. They include the [[Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show]], the world's largest horse show; [[Japanese festivals#Outside Japan|Matsuri]], a celebration of Japanese culture; Pueblo Grande Indian Market, an event highlighting Native American arts and crafts; Grand Menorah Lighting, a December event celebrating Hanukah; ZooLights, a December evening event at the Phoenix Zoo that features millions of lights; the [[Arizona State Fair]], begun in 1884; Scottish Gathering & Highland Games, an event celebrating Scottish heritage; [[Estrella War]], a celebration of medieval life; and the [[Tohono O'odham Nation]] Rodeo & Fair, Oldest Indian rodeo in Arizona<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discoverphoenixarizona.com/phoenix-events.html |title=Annual Phoenix Events |publisher=Discover Phoenix |access-date=March 21, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327023430/http://www.discoverphoenixarizona.com/phoenix-events.html |archive-date=March 27, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arizonaguide.com/events-calendar/heritage-cultural |title=Heritage & Cultural |publisher=Arizona Guide |access-date=March 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413135624/http://www.arizonaguide.com/events-calendar/heritage-cultural |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arizonascots.com/# |title=50th Scottish Gathering & Highland Games |publisher=The Caledonian Society of Arizona |access-date=March 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://estrellawar.org/newcomers-portal/ |title=Estrella War XXX: Newcomer's Guide |publisher=EstrellaWar.org |access-date=March 21, 2014 |date=August 8, 2013 |archive-date=February 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210101936/http://estrellawar.org/newcomers-portal/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>