Steward Observatory Mirror Lab Tours Take a 90-minute tour providing a unique opportunity to learn how innovative engineering and optical technology melds with manufacturing techniques to produce the largest and most advanced giant (8.4 meters/27 feet) telescope mirrors in the world. Visitors will see the technology and revolutionary processes involved in making the next generation of telescopes that will explore deep into outer space and produce cutting-edge scientific research. Tours occur daily; visit www.mirrorlab.tix.com to purchase tour tickets. Admission is $15 for adults, $8 students, 7 – 22. Contact 520.626.8792 for details or www.mirrorlab.as.arizona.edu .

Mineral museum features ‘Best of Best’ The University of Arizona Mineral Museum's "Best of the Best" exhibit features many of the most exquisite minerals from the most admired collections in the state. The exhibit also brings together the stories behind the minerals — the search, the discovery, the history and the awe-inspiring science — that makes these specimens come to life.  The UA Mineral Museum is open daily and is located on the main floor of Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium. The exhibit is open through Dec. 30 with free admission to children under 4, children 4 – 15 are $5, Adults are $7, students with an ID are $4, seniors and military are $6.  For more information, call 520.621.4227.  

Bisbee Muheim Heritage House The Muheim Heritage House Museum , a registered national historic site, was built by Joseph and Carmelita Muheim beginning in 1898 and was completed in 1915. Located at 207 Youngblood Hill, the restored home is an example of late 19th century architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour through the restored interior with its period furnishings. This pioneer home, situated on a hill, offers a panoramic view of Old Bisbee. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. or by appointment. Admission is $4.  For more information, call 520.432.7698.

Locomotive Saturdays offered in Tucson Explore regional transportation history, and see a freight trains passing by, or ring the locomotive bell at the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum every Saturday, year round. Locomotive Saturdays are held at the historic Train Depot, 414 N. Toole Ave., Tucson, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 520.623.2223.

Mission San Xavier del Bac  Acclaimed as the finest example of mission architecture in U.S., southwest of Tucson on the Tohono O'odham Reservation, Mission San Xavier del Bac is still an active parish with a gift shop, arts, crafts shop, museum and café . Free guided tours are now available. The 45-minute tours are led by specially trained, volunteer docents, who explain the Mission's history and its lavishly decorated interior. For a current tour schedule, go to their Website, www.sanxaviermission.org , and click on "Docent Tours Info."