Queen Creek Arizona

Queen Creek is a town in Maricopa and Pinal counties in the state of Arizona. In 2021, Queen Creek’s population is estimated to be 58,424, it is the 17th largest city in Arizona and the 665th largest city in the United States. Queen Creek is currently growing at a rate of 6.89% annually and its population has increased by 121.63% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 26,361 in 2010.

Queen Creek History

Since its incorporation on Sept. 5, 1989, the Town of Queen Creek has fulfilled residents’ dreams for the community. The Town has adopted several award-winning plans designed to guide future growth, planning. The Town of Queen Creek was incorporated on Sept. 5, 1989, and was founded on a deep-rooted history in agriculture. The community’s founding families were drawn to this portion of the Sonoran Desert, known as Rittenhouse, in the early 1900s to farm cotton, corn, and potatoes. The fertile valley below the San Tan Mountains offered a safe haven for the early Indian communities and the homesteaders who farmed and ranched along Queen Creek Wash. Citrus, cotton, pecans, vegetables, and other crops still provide for area families, and the wash is a key element in the Town’s plan for future recreational trails and open space.

Before the scattered farm community was called Queen Creek, it had a different name. The area was known as Rittenhouse because of the railroad spur located near Rittenhouse and Ellsworth roads. People used to flag down the train to get a ride into Phoenix. As the community grew, and the use of the railroad stop diminished, the community changed its name and took on the name Queen Creek. and land use as well as provides amenities. The Town has grown from rich rural roots to what is one of the most innovatively planned family-friendly home towns in Arizona.

Geography

Queen Creek is located primarily in Maricopa County, with eastern portions of the Town in Pinal County; and is located within 10 minutes of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and 45 minutes of Sky Harbor International Airport. The Town’s planning area is bordered on the north by the City of Mesa, to the west by the Town of Gilbert, to the northeast by the City of Apache Junction planning area and to the southeast by the Town of Florence’s planning area. The east is bordered by an unincorporated area of Pinal County, San Tan Valley, and the south is bordered by San Tan Mountain Regional Park, a 10,200- acre park managed by Maricopa County.

In 1990, just after the Town was incorporated, Queen Creek’s population was just over 2,500. The next 10 years experienced a relatively rapid growth rate, with the Town’s population escalating significantly by 2010. The Great Recession tempered growth for several years, but by 2015, Queen Creek was one of the fastest-growing communities in Arizona1. The Town’s population continued to increase at a steady, manageable pace, with an estimated population of 41,980 in 2017.

Popular Attractions in Queen Creek

San Tan Mountain Regional Park

San Tan Mountain Regional Park spans more than 10,000 acres adjacent to the city of Queen Creek, showcasing the beauty of the Sonoran Desert’s peaks and expansive vistas. Several hiking trails are offered throughout the park for opportunities to view wildlife and mountain views, including the easy and scenic Moonlight Trail and the difficult 5.1-mile San Tan Trail, which reaches high elevations in the nearby Goldmine Mountains. All trails are open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. A nature center is located at the park, offering exhibits on the park’s wildlife and tortoise habitats, along with a gift shop and opportunities to meet park rangers.

Queen Creek Olive Mill

Queen Creek Olive Mill is a family-owned olive oil production company that was founded in 1997 following the owners’ move to Arizona from Detroit. More than 7,000 olive trees in 16 varieties are showcased throughout the farm, which has been featured on Food Network, The Cooking Channel, and The Discovery Channel and was the recipient of the Gold Award at the 2017 New York International Olive Oil Competition. 45-minute Olive Oil 101 Tours are offered daily, teaching participants about the health benefits of olive oil cooking and allowing tastings of the company’s oils. Private tours and tastings may also be booked for groups, including catered lunch and tour packages for student and corporate groups.

Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre

Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre is a 38-acre facility that is conveniently located near Phoenix International Airport and offers five arena spaces for English and Western equestrian riding and events. The park is the home park of a number of equestrian and rodeo organizations, including the Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the Arizona Cutting Horse Association, and the Queen Creek Barrel Racing Association. A wide variety of events are hosted at the center annually, including horse shows, gymkhana competitions, bronc and bull riding events, and RV and car shows. A community arena is also offered for general public use seven days a week, with a restroom, picnic table, and manure bin facilities available.