St. Johns is a community of 3,300 people in eastern Arizona, 18 miles west of the New Mexico border, 29 miles north of Springerville and 50 miles south of Interstate 40. Its elevation is 5,730 feet. Originally named El Vadito ("little river crossing") by Spanish explorers, St. Johns was a thriving Spanish-American community in 1873 when Solomon Barth acquired land and cattle and settled in St. Johns in 1879. The name El Vadito was changed to San Juan (Spanish for St. John) and to St. Johns when the town was established in 1880. St. Johns incorporated in 1946.

The shortest and most scenic route from Phoenix to Albuquerque is through St. Johns, which is surrounded by tourist and visitor destinations. Within an hour's drive are the Apache, Zuni and Navajo reservations, archeological sites, the Petrified Forest National Park and recreation activities at Lyman Lake State Park including boating, water skiing, fishing and camping. Less than an hour's drive south of St. Johns is the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest which contains primitive areas, rivers, lakes and streams. It is ideal for hiking and is popular for hunting and fishing.

Lyman Lake State Park and Petroglyph Trail - Located ten miles south of St. Johns, this park was the first recreational state park in Arizona. The park is 1,180 acres and encompasses the shoreline of a 1,500 acre reservoir. The lake has no boat size restrictions and is a great place for fishing and all types of water sports. A petroglyph trail of mild difficulty is available for tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and takes approximately one and a half hours. Admission: $1.00 per person. Special tours may be arranged by calling (520) 337-4441. Ancient ruin sites are in the process of development. A small herd of buffalo (American Bison) is maintained by the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce and is located at the entrance to the park. This park beckons all travelers with something of interest for everyone.

Coronado Generating Station - The Coronado Generating Station, a coal fire generating station, is located seven miles northeast of St. Johns, and began production in the 1978 and produces enough electricity to light a large city. The two units produce 800 megawatts of electricity and are in operation 24 hours per day. Tours of the site are available and take approximately one and a half hours. A great opportunity to see how the electricity we all take for granted is produced.

Apache County Historical Society - St. Johns Museum - Located in the heart of St. Johns, the Apache County Historical Society-St. Johns Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and houses ancient and historical exhibits dating back to prehistoric times. Early pioneer settler, ancient native and prehistoric exhibits offer a glimpse into the history of the area. A must for all visitors to the area!

White Mountain Archeological Center/Raven Site - Raven Site, located approximately sixteen miles south of St. Johns, sits overlooking the Little Colorado River. The prehistoric pueblo contains two kivas and more than 200 rooms and was occupied from approximately 1000 to 1400 A.D. Tours of the site are available May through September, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and take approximately one and a half hours. Admission: Adults $3.00; Children 12 and under free. A day program, with lunch included, runs $35 for an adult and $18 for children 9-17 years of age. An on-site field laboratory and visitor center, as well as a gift shop and restaurant make this a unique place to visit.

St. Johns Equestrian Center - One of the finest equestrian centers in the State of Arizona is located in St. Johns. The center is centrally located and provides excellent footing, rolling countryside and a variety of facilities and equipment. Horse shows, dressage, hunter/jumper and camps/clinics are held at the center several times annually during May, June and July. Contact the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce for specific dates. For those individuals interested in equestrian activities, this is a great place to visit.

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