Steele Indian School Park

About

Steele Indian School Park is a 72-acre city park on the grounds of the former Phoenix Indian School, which opened in 1891 and closed in 1990. The park opened in 2001, and three of the school's historic buildings still stand. The grounds are free to explore, including the Circle of Life, a 600-foot circular walkway with 24 columns that tell the school's history. Beside the amphitheater sits a 2.5-acre lake shaped like a bird, with a waterfall built from rubble recycled from the old school. The Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center, in the old elementary school and band building, teaches the school's story. Bring a picnic too, since the park also has wide lawns, a playground and dog parks.