Arizona is a state brimming with unique quirks and hidden oddities that often surprise newcomers and even long-time residents. Here are eight odd and strange things about life in Arizona that you might not hear about until you’re living there:
1. Donkeys Can’t Sleep in Bathtubs (It’s Illegal!)
Arizona has some of the most bizarre laws in the country, including a statute that makes it illegal for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub. The law reportedly originated after a donkey was swept away by a flood while sleeping in a tub—an event so strange, it became a legal precedent.
2. The Mysterious “Thing” on Interstate 10
Along Interstate 10 near Dragoon, Arizona, you’ll encounter mile after mile of signs advertising “The Thing?” This roadside attraction is a collection of bizarre artifacts and curiosities, culminating in a mysterious “big reveal” that has puzzled and entertained travelers for decades.
3. Phoenix’s Famous UFO Sighting
In 1997, hundreds of Phoenix residents—including the governor—reported seeing strange lights and a large, stationary “otherworldly” aircraft in the sky for over an hour. This event, known as the Phoenix Lights, remains one of the most famous UFO sightings in American history.
4. The World’s First McDonald’s Drive-Thru
The very first McDonald’s drive-thru was installed in Sierra Vista, Arizona, in 1975. It was created to serve soldiers from Fort Huachuca who weren’t allowed to leave their vehicles while in uniform, revolutionizing fast food service forever.
5. London Bridge in the Desert
Believe it or not, the original London Bridge was dismantled and rebuilt in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Purchased in 1968, the bridge now stands as a quirky centerpiece in the middle of the desert, complete with English-style shops and a canal.
6. Saguaro Cactus: Slow Growers and Protected Species
Saguaro cacti, the iconic symbol of the Arizona desert, can take up to a century to grow a new arm and can live for 200 years. They’re so valued that it’s illegal to cut them down without a special permit, and doing so can land you in jail for up to a year.
7. Hawks That Hunt Like Wolves
Harris’s hawks, typically found in more tropical regions, have adapted to life in Arizona by hunting cooperatively—in packs, much like wolves. This unique behavior is rarely seen elsewhere and is a testament to Arizona’s diverse wildlife.
8. “The Valley” and the Snowbird Effect
Locals in the Phoenix area refer to their home as “The Valley,” a term that becomes part of everyday conversation. Additionally, Arizona is a magnet for “snowbirds”—seasonal residents who flock to the state for its mild winters. Locals develop a love-hate relationship with these visitors, who bring both business and traffic.
Sources:
1. https://passingthru.com/things-you-need-to-know-about-arizona/
2. https://allhitskzmk.com/odd-things-found-arizona/
3. https://prescottdentistry.com/7-weird-fun-facts-about-arizona/
