Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza image

Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza

Tourist attraction Park Memorial park Plaza

Gathering place featuring monuments & memorials to historic figures, groups & events such as wars. People often mention memorial, memorials, park, Arizona, great, history, Capitol, Beautiful, beautiful, Great,


Address

1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Website

www.wesleybolinplaza.com

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Monday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Tuesday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Wednesday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday: 6 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday: 6 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: memorial (29) memorials (23) park (23) Arizona (19) great (15) history (12) Capitol (11) Beautiful (10) beautiful (10) Great (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mrs. M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Plaza to visit...our first time and we still had more area to cover.. will next time when the weather is cooler.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Timothy M. 1 year ago on Google
    Pretty cool place. I served in Desert Storm, and our monument is... Sorry... Pretty bad. All of the other monuments are very respectful. This one is very different. Look, I understand that you can't compare the death count to other wars, but the plaque is ridiculous. Our mural is just a bit too far out there for me. The rest of the monuments are definitely worth visiting.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Barry L. 6 months ago on Google • 171 reviews
    This is NOT a tourist attraction. This is a memorial site. A place to honor fallen service military members. A solom place to remember all those who have died for service of state and country. The Arizona memorial for those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Now inside the capital building is a very interesting display of hundreds of artifacts from the USS Arizona. That is worth seeing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 msbusyblonde 3 months ago on Google • 393 reviews New
    Located on the west side of Downtown Phoenix, the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza serves as the Legislative Governmental Mall in front of the Arizona State Capitol building. Established in 1978, it is home to many memorials representing wars, veterans, events, and people with a connection to Arizona. I really enjoyed learning the history of each one. Famed events that everyone is familiar with, but also Arizona figures that may not be as well known. Each memorial was built and dedicated by a different organization, and each one is unique and beautiful. One of my favorites was the 9/11 memorial that was in the shape of a sundial, and as the sun pours through the cut-out words, it projects them below as a timeline of events. I was intrigued to learn and read everything about AZ judge/senator/governor/supreme court Justice Ernest "Mac" Mcfarland. The firefighter memorial was sobering to see the names of those killed on duty (including the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots) listed by year, sadly, with plenty of space to add on. The largest memorial is dedicated to the USS Arizona ship. The memorial itself is a cool shape representing the size of the ship and a replica of the anchor. These are just a few! I was captivated walking through the park. You could spend hours here if you read every plaque. I highly recommend visiting and then exploring the Capitol museum next door.

  • 5/5 uwe k. 2 months ago on Google • 367 reviews New
    Nice place to visit right next to the State Capitol in Phoenix, showing different monuments of fallen soldiers in the many wars the US was involved.

  • 5/5 Jeff S. 2 months ago on Google • 29 reviews New
    One of the best memorials I've been to. Looking at pictures arent enough! They honor all types of Arizona people, those at 9-11, firemen, peace keepers, K9 Dogs, service people, great Governors who biggest item writen in stine was they cared more about the people, the future of Arizona more then making a name or making a huge show of things. They honored the first settlers, code talkers, women, our constitution, miners and so much more. All of it wasn't over done, but wow it spoke volumes.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justice N. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a great Memorial site that abundant in Historical times of great men and women whom have served this country proudly! As a Career Veteran it I can only say that it displays All acts of Bravery. Definitely worth the visit. - Justice
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michal O. 4 years ago on Google
    Great little park in downtown Phoenix for quite reflection, having lunch or a picnic or just taking a walk around to see all of the many memorials that commemorate big military events and others that have impacted our state and/or country.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Viktor W. 2 years ago on Google
    Just a simple reminder, " Freedom is not Free".
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erlinda S. 4 years ago on Google
    My daughter and I recently went to this park for the Walk to End Alzheimers. It was very peaceful and calm. Plenty of parking space and room to hold such a big event. It would be a nice place for a Wedding or Party photo shoot.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mitch S. 4 years ago on Google
    Went for the annual 7A rally, and it was a great turnout. Thousands of armed but peaceful citizens rallying for their 2nd amendment constitutional rights. There was zero trash or littering to be seen. There was a heavy police presence, but no arrests were reported, as well as zero violence. There was a half dozen food trucks, so plenty of variety to choose from. Tents and tables were set up pushing their political agendas, as well as various political candidates running for office that were volleying for support. Very well organized and executed event.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cindy P. 4 months ago on Google • 143 reviews
    Wesley Bolin Plaza is the most comprehensive memorial park we've been to across the United States. The monuments are truly works of art that honor those that have served our great country in every capacity. The Arizona Memorial is an honor to see and stand beneath. We've never seen memorials for many of the other events in history so being able to read about those events was enlightening. The park is very well maintained and beautiful. It's a peaceful place to visit for the day, delve into history and honor those that have served. If you're a history buff, plan to stay awhile, there are numerous memorials spread throughout the park.

  • 5/5 Jenner M. 2 months ago on Google • 136 reviews New
    Attended REALTOR®️ Day at the Capitol and we started the day in this park. Fantastic venue. Beautiful statues!

  • 5/5 Brandi S. 3 months ago on Google • 63 reviews New
    The Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza is a wonderfully detailed memorial to all the men and women who have served in our military, worked as firefighters and police. This memorial is located across from the Arizona Capitol Museum in Phoenix. There are a few stairs. One could easily take over an hour reading each inscription at each memorial. A real treasure for those who love war/military museums and memorials. It's FREE!

  • 5/5 Daniel L. 2 years ago on Google
    The whole park is filled with memorials. Very cool place to walk Around and take it all in

  • 5/5 Phil W. 1 year ago on Google
    Honors our heroes from various careers. Beautiful. Well designed and a great place to reflect and be thankful on a pride and national level. Great place to find your peace and honor amazing people and groups.

  • 5/5 Brenda M. 1 year ago on Google
    Love that they've created this to honor the men and women who serve

  • 5/5 Angelsword74 1 year ago on Google
    It was a very pleasant experience. It was nice to see how many Arizonians have been honored who have fought and died serving our country throughout American history.

  • 5/5 Robert B. 1 year ago on Google
    So cool like a free museum I was really amazed

  • 5/5 Danni Walker East Coast S. 1 year ago on Google
    An incredible place to visit & learn a little history about our capital here in Phoenix. The park with it's statues & different stone monuments was peaceful & beautiful. The steam pipe was tremendous. On the return trip, I want to read more about the history behind the memorial.

  • 3/5 Mckinnley A. 1 year ago on Google
    It's nice to look at and drive around as a "center piece" in the area but downtown Phoenix has a large unhoused population, and they frequent the park. Just be vigilant when walking around. I wouldn't leave my vehicle overnight in the parking lot either.

  • 5/5 Pradeep K. 2 years ago on Google
    Good place to spend some time and learn about sacrifices given by Military/ Peace officer

  • 5/5 Gee Q. 2 years ago on Google
    What a beautiful memorial! This memorial has always been really nice, but they have made it so much nicer. The whole place has a lot of wonderful memorial plaques, statues, and art. It is a memorial to military, law enforcement, firefighters and others as well. It is also right across the street from the beautiful Capitol Building... where you can get food and take a tour... (pre-covid, unknown if you can still get food at the cafeteria now). Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 JitkaKac 2 years ago on Google
    Impressive, lots of memorials and information! It's also very quiet. Pretty cool place.

  • 5/5 Robin A (. 2 years ago on Google
    I love walking thru this memorial..its just sad that they allowed themselves to be bullied into removing the confederate memorial..whether ya like it or not..thats part of history..remember!!! What u dont recognize will on l y repeat itself..

  • 5/5 Lancey C. 2 years ago on Google
    What a wonderful Veteran's Memorial Park plaza in front of the AZ Capitol building in downtown Phoenix. If you have time while visiting go see this tribute!

  • 5/5 andrew d. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place

  • 5/5 Lonnie L. 9 months ago on Google
    Great place to visit and read about those who have fought and died for us Americans to be able to wake up everyday and have the opportunity live peacefully. Was busy on memorial day. RIP and bless the families whose loved ones died for America to prosper.

  • 5/5 Deborah B. 2 months ago on Google • 9 reviews New
    We went with our church, for Lutheran Day at the Legislature. We had a great time. Great speakers talked about Advocacy for those in need. Beautiful place. We were able to speak to some of our Leaders. Adrian Fontes, our Secretary of state and Senator Ken Bennett among other Representatives were there to speak to us. Inspirational.

  • 5/5 Lou D. 4 months ago on Google
    What an amazing place to remember all of those veterans from Arizona who have served our military to preserve our freedom. Every branch of the military, the USS Arizona and Missouri and so many others. All remembered for serving our awesome country. Everyone should check this place out and remember.

  • 4/5 braden g. 4 months ago on Google
    Good place to have a Running event. There is plenty of parking nearby.

  • 5/5 Wong F. 4 months ago on Google
    For me, the sole reason for the 5 star review is the anchor from the USS Arizona which is at the bottom of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. To be able to touch a piece of history from that "day of infamy" is quite extraordinary. The accompanying memorial with the names of soldiers lost is also sobering. And of course the rest of the plaza is interesting with numerous statues and other items of interest. One could spend 30 minutes here... easy.

  • 5/5 Brian T. 5 months ago on Google
    A great plaza that honors military veterans, law enforcement, and others. Good parking. Some vagrants are in the area but it's surrounded by government buildings and law enforcement is always around. It will take you several hours to see everything. Yesterday was my fourth visit as part of the annual Tour Of Honor Rally, thus explaining the rally flag in the photograph at the Vietnam memorial.

  • 5/5 Char O. 7 months ago on Google
    Love this park. It has amazing memorials for all sorts of people-and service dogs. Everything from the USS Arizona, to firefighters. Well maintained, great landscaping, definitely worth a trip

  • 5/5 Char O. 7 months ago on Google
    Love this place! Amazing memorials from firefighters to military to service dogs. The lawn is maintained amazingly well by the guests of the county, thank you for that. I hate my kittens there too play, and they love it.

  • 3/5 Beth M. 6 months ago on Google
    As a frequent visitor to Phoenix, I was really looking forward to the memorial plaza. It is a very nice tribute but it really needs some upkeep. Several of the plaques were unreadable and also some memorials needed to be painted and needed lights replaced. This memorial is a great tribute. I was really looking forward to seeing it but it could have much better if the maintenance was up to date

  • 5/5 Patrick M. 1 year ago on Google
    Near the State Capitol, this plaza holds quite a few interesting memorials including the anchor for the USS Arizona which was sunk by the Japanese during the battle at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This park sits between two one way streets that lead to an from the state capital from the downtown area of Phoenix. There is free parking in the park. This area does get used throughout the year as a start and end point for various run and walk events throughout the year so might be worth looking into if you are planning to visit on a weekend.

  • 5/5 Sarah H. 10 months ago on Google
    A beautiful park with memorials to the different wars fought by the USA, it’s austere and respectful.

  • 5/5 Don C. 11 months ago on Google
    Great memorial park. Well laid out monuments to Arizonans who've died in service to the state and our country. Very humbling.

  • 5/5 Daniel C. 11 months ago on Google
    A nice memorial right across the street from the state capital. There are many different memorials scattered across the plaza, including ones for Vietnam, the Navajo Code Talkers, and the Armenian Genocide. It’s a good place to reflect and spend some time walking around.

  • 5/5 Terry 1 year ago on Google
    We had a wonderful day visiting All of the memorials. Beautiful grounds and very well planned out.

  • 5/5 m f. 4 years ago on Google
    Awsome park didnt even no it was here

  • 5/5 Josephine K. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a peaceful park near the Capitol building. So many unique memorials to see ... USS Arizona, Firefighters, 9/11 memorials to name a few. Reasonably easy access to parking but beware of all the one way streets! Well worth the visit

  • 5/5 James B. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice memorial so many things to look at and images to see so many memories are fallen soldiers and people who have shared and given their life so that we can have our freedoms that we take for granted today God bless America

  • 5/5 Joseph L. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent with numerous Memorials to see. Very thoughtfully and well done. Is free - tickets not required. Can spend an entire day here. Very educational

  • 5/5 Caitlin O. 3 years ago on Google
    Very cool

  • 3/5 Samuel J D. 3 years ago on Google
    The historic aspect of the park is amazing but the park seems to have been left in disrepair. No fountains were running and some were down right broken. The grass had obviously not been watered in weeks and was littered with trash.

  • 5/5 Kaisia J. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to park, hang out, and listen to the birds!

  • 5/5 phillis G. 3 years ago on Google
    Quick to get in and out, wasn't congested had plenty parking... that's a plus in my book, well at least the day I was there.

  • 4/5 Andrew M. 3 years ago on Google
    Alot of war memorials

  • 4/5 Tyler H. 3 years ago on Google
    A fine expression of Arizona's values, many of them good. But The Confederate soldiers memorial is twice the size of the Martin Luther King jr memorial. That's gotta to change...

  • 5/5 Jim C. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice well taken care of park.Even the homeless guy laying in the weeds was squeaky clean.

  • 1/5 That one Smart Bored G. 3 years ago on Google
    Although this plaza is beautiful, it features a statue donated by The Daughters of Confederacy, which is a terrorist organization that celebrates treasonous acts against the US.

  • 5/5 Tara B. 3 years ago on Google
    Thank you for these memorials

  • 4/5 a&a A. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic fabulous

  • 5/5 John V. 3 years ago on Google
    Celebrate those who have served our country, and community. Don't need a special day for it. We should celebrate their lives every day.

  • 5/5 ifocus 1. 3 years ago on Google
    As a USAF Veteran I really appreciated the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, what a great tribute to our hero’s!

  • 4/5 Bob D. 3 years ago on Google
    Memorials to many of our nations heroes

  • 5/5 Max S. 4 years ago on Google
    This location does honor to our state, country and past present and future service members. The park is beautifully maintained.

  • 5/5 Erin Dort H. 4 years ago on Google
    So cool to see all the memorials placed in this park! Really enjoyed walking through and seeing the different sites.

  • 5/5 JRW S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful memorial! Well thought out and laid out. Thoroughly enjoyed spending some time walking through the grounds.

  • 5/5 Steve P. 4 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful full of rich Arizona history. Our capital building is here. Some great statues and memorials as well. If you get a half day to spend here it's a good idea.

  • 5/5 Shelley 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful! Peaceful! Wonderful experience. Great history lesson.

  • 5/5 Don F. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to demand our freedoms! Wuhan flu has been vastly overhyped. Stop the insanity!

  • 5/5 Charles V. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place for a history lesson al fresco.

  • 5/5 Chris D. 4 years ago on Google
    A lot of different sites. Police Military Firefighter much more. We really enjoyed this put together well great job. Free admission free parking. Across the street from the Arizona State Capitol Museum. We have been there multiple times and will return.

  • 5/5 Martie B. 4 years ago on Google
    Totally enjoyable. Walk through the monuments and read the plaques. Leaves no group out. Great for all ages.

  • 5/5 Lisa F. 4 years ago on Google
    Right by the state Capitol...lots of gorgeous public art.

  • 4/5 Medicated C. 4 years ago on Google
    Ok it's a cool place

  • 5/5 richard t. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice. Lots of good memorials.

  • 5/5 joe c. 4 years ago on Google
    We Salute our soldiers

  • 5/5 Bruce A. 4 years ago on Google
    2A rally was awesome. State property where events are common.

  • 5/5 Debbie E. 4 years ago on Google
    Went to a Gun Rally, great people, speakers, nice grounds, parking was good!

  • 5/5 Brian L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) gr8 (Original) Gr8

  • 4/5 Austin B. 4 years ago on Google
    Parking is horrid

  • 5/5 Nick H. 4 years ago on Google
    Go for the memorials and Riders USA 2A Rally!

  • 5/5 Sara T. 4 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful

  • 5/5 Tanya G. 4 years ago on Google
    Always a great event at WBMP.

  • 5/5 Kabrina M. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful area

  • 5/5 Jaime A. 4 years ago on Google
    COPS Run!!

  • 4/5 Jennifer T. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazingly beautiful

  • 5/5 Molly S. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice

  • 5/5 Erin H. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful experience every time!

  • 5/5 WC S. 4 years ago on Google
    Such a nice place

  • 5/5 Daniel A. 4 years ago on Google
    Found this gem by going to the Arizona State Capital.

  • 5/5 Anita I. 4 years ago on Google
    History

  • 5/5 terald d. 4 years ago on Google
    Very informative place


Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Phoenix Zoo image
1
Phoenix Zoo
Zoo
125 acres of animal exhibits, including a children's area & petting zoo, plus a narrated tram ride.
4.50 (20.3K reviews)
Desert Botanical Garden image
2
Desert Botanical Garden
Botanical garden
Desert garden with 50,000 plants spread over 140 acres, also offering dining, a gift shop & library.
4.80 (17.8K reviews)
South Mountain Park and Preserve image
3
South Mountain Park and Preserve
State park
16,000-acre area with many trails, wildlife & a drivable road to a lookout with sweeping city views.
4.80 (9.7K reviews)
Castles N' Coasters image
4
Castles N' Coasters
Amusement park
Family-friendly destination for mini-golf, go-kart rides, roller coasters & an arcade.
4.30 (8.4K reviews)
Musical Instrument Museum image
5
Musical Instrument Museum
Museum
Expansive display of instruments from roughly 200 countries, including some that guests can try out.
4.90 (7.9K reviews)
Last updated:
()