10 Must-Visit Small Towns In Arizona
Arizona's wild history sounds like a movie script! After being annexed from Mexico in the Mexican-American War, the state became a section of what was popularly referred to as the American Wild West. In a land where the law of the jungle reigned supreme, renegades and outlaws roamed free, Native Americans raided settlements, and prospectors looked to strike it rich by all means. Today, Arizona has grown from its wild days to be an exciting tourist destination.
Most small towns in the Grand Canyon State are a rich tapestry of the state's mining history, riddled with tales about cowboys and Native American culture. Furthermore, the unmatched desert landscape views have an alluring effect on visitors from around the country. Add this to the sprawling national and state parks, diverse natural landscapes, and unique culture, and you have all the ingredients for an enticing getaway in these small towns in Arizona.
Williams
Famous for being the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon," Williams houses the Southern Terminus of the Grand Canyon Railway, a popular mode for tourists planning to experience the state's crowning jewel. But there is a lot more to excite visitors to this small community of about 3,500. At Bearizona Wildlife Park, you will enjoy a scenic drive through the lush Ponderosa Pine Forest, with a rare opportunity to spot exotic species like bears, bison, and wolves in their unique natural habitat.
The town is a playground for outdoor adventurers, with numerous hiking trails placing you in the heart of the backcountry. Hikers can test their mettle along the 7.9-mile Bill Williams Mountain Trail, which traverses stands of fir and aspen to the peak. Williams also sits along the landmark Route 66, a popular stop for travelers, hosting restaurants, bars, and motels. However, one of the must-see spots is Pete's Route 66 Gas Station Museum, an old filling station currently serving as a museum with interesting vintage cars.
Tombstone
There is a lot of fascinating Wild West history to explore in this tiny southeast Arizona town. Historians will be amazed by the treasure trove of landmarks in the city, starting with the O.K. Corral. This former 19th-century livery was the site of an infamous gunfight between law enforcement officers and outlaws. On select days, you can watch a reenactment of the altercation at the Corral outdoor theater. If you want a broader perspective of the town's past, Rose Tree Museum offers a deeper dive into Tombstone's history and the story of its pioneers and growth through the years.
The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is another historically significant site to check out. This well-preserved Victorian structure was the original Cochise County Courthouse but was turned into a museum preserving the heritage of America's Wild West's most notorious mining town. But there is more to Tombstone than its gunfighting legacy. The city also hosts the world's largest rose bush, Shady Lady.
Carefree
Do not be fooled by the town's whimsical name. Carefree houses an eclectic mix of tourist delights for all types of travelers. Arguably, the most interesting among them is America's largest sundial. The massive sculpture rises to 11 meters and is encircled by stones and cacti, presenting an exciting photo op. This iconic sundial is housed inside the Carefree Botanical Gardens, a beautiful 4-acre desert oasis downtown where you can enjoy some fresh air and admire green succulents on a self-guided tour.
Carefree also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with multiple galleries lining the downtown streets. One of the best places to admire gorgeous art is M & E Stoyanov Fine Art Gallery, which focuses on acrylic and oil paintings. Alternatively, you can stop by Gallery Michele, which displays modern contemporary fine art.
Camp Verde
This tiny Yavapai County village hosts about 12,500 residents and impresses with a friendly, small-town vibe. It is considered a gateway to the Verde Valley wine country, which hosts sprawling vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms. However, Camp Verde is best known for hosting the Montezuma Castle National Monument. This beautiful old-world castle built into a limestone cliff dates back to 1100 AD and preserves Native American heritage.
Meanwhile, the Out of Africa Wildlife Park is a 104-acre sanctuary and an excellent venue for a fun family day out. It welcomes all ages for thrilling animal encounters with exotic species like giraffes, tigers, and hyenas. If you are curious about Camp Verde's past, you will get a vivid picture of it at the Verde Valley Archeology Center and Museum by examining various artifacts about indigenous tribes who settled in the area. Before you leave, remember to visit Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery for a feel of the local wine scene.
Wickenburg
A trip to Wickenburg seems like a journey back in time with infinite history to uncover. This historic depot attracted pioneer prospectors in droves when gold was discovered on the Colorado River, including the German Henry Wickenburg. He established one of the most successful mines in the state, which you can tour at the Vulture City Ghost Town. Although a shell of its former self, it houses restored structures and numerous artifacts that offer a snapshot of the then-bustling mining center. At the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, you can experience rich Western heritage by browsing historic exhibits, fine art, and engaging stories about the town.
For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, Hassayampa River Preserve provides a gorgeous green setting. Spanning over 700 acres, it hosts a rich ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna, which you can explore along scenic trails. Later, you can enjoy a laidback horse ride into the backcountry with the Arizona Horse Company.
Bisbee
One of the best towns in Arizona for American historians, Bisbee offers a unique look into the history of the Wild West. Home to about 5,000 residents, it harbors a treasure trove of iconic landmarks that will intrigue history buffs. The Queen Mine Tour is among the top tourist draws in Bisbee, where guests embark on an underground adventure to learn about the mining legacy and disasters that occurred at the historic mine. For an even deeper dive into the town's mining heritage, Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum presents a broader view with interactive exhibits, family-friendly trips, and engaging narrations.
Not too far from the iconic Queen Mine, you will encounter one of the best views in the town. The Lavender Pit, a defunct open copper mine, wows visitors with its rare turquoise remains. Lastly, one of the best travel experiences is taking the Old Bisbee Ghost Tour, which features enthralling haunted narrations and stops at eerie locations in Bisbee, Arizona.
Jerome
Jerome sits at a 1544-meter elevation on Cleopatra Hill, overlooking the picturesque Verde Valley. Besides panoramic views of the beautiful natural landscapes surrounding this little town, Jerome delights tourists with engrossing copper mining history. You can start exploring this heritage at the Jerome State Historic Park, which hosts the 1916-built Douglas Mansion. Inside the house, you can browse the mining museum or pop into the haunted hamburger restaurant for some "killer" hamburgers. You can find more history to explore at the Audrey Headframe Park, which is the oldest and largest mine frame in Arizona.
In a town designated a National Historic Landmark, there are plenty of landmarks to check out like Jerome Grand Hotel and Jerome City Hall. But if you have an affinity for ghost stories and spooky experiences, Jerome does not disappoint. A good example is the Gold King Mine & Ghost Town, where you can examine a vast collection of old cars and rundown buildings on a self-guided tour.
Prescott
Prescott has a little bit of something for everyone, blending scenic natural landscapes, unique Wild West history, and fun outdoor adventures to guarantee a remarkable vacation. Sharlot Hall Museum allows guests to explore pioneer history by browsing documents, artifacts, and other memorabilia in a magnificent museum complex. Elsewhere, a stroll through the vibrant Whiskey Row downtown exposes you to Gold Rush-era structures that have been restored to accommodate a range of businesses. You will enjoy a buzzing atmosphere with bars, taverns, and live music venues, including one of the nation's oldest bars, The Palace.
If you gravitate more towards nature-based pursuits, you will enjoy a trip to Heritage Park Sanctuary and the opportunity to interact with native and exotic species like black bears, Bengal tigers, and snow leopards. Alternatively, you can head to Watson Lake, which boasts a tranquil atmosphere while hosting various bird species.
Sedona
Sedona is the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts, hosting multiple state parks and countless hiking trails. The little town stands out for its red rock formations, which gives it unique natural beauty that you will experience in its sprawling open spaces. For hiking enthusiasts, you have endless options to savor the outdoors, including the sprawling Red Rock State Park and Slide Rock State Park, where you take a break from the scorching heat with a cool dip in Oak Creek.
Alternatively, try to follow the Broken Arrow Trail or Boynton Canyon Trails to experience the sheer beauty of Sedona's backcountry. But when you are weak from all the physical adventures, you can opt for an easygoing tour of Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village to check out artsy crafts and even hunt for a cute souvenir.
Globe
Globe's history dates back to the 1870s when it was established as a mining town. The seat of Gila County was infamous for its cowboys and Apache raids, a Wild West heritage you can learn more about at the Gila County Historical Museum by examining a broad collection of antique exhibits. Also, the Besh-Ba-Gowah Museum is one of the town's highlights and a must-visit for tourists in Globe. This remarkable historic landmark features the remains of a prehistoric Salado pueblo with numerous artifacts and relics, including pottery, woven crafts, and stone works. Surrounding the museum is Besh-Ba-Gowah Park, an excellent venue for a lazy stroll while enjoying the charismatic desert scenery. But if you really want to explore the outdoors, it does not get better than the Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area. Covering over 32,000 acres of raw wilderness, you will encounter diverse landscapes on an exquisite hiking experience.
Final Thoughts
Intriguing American Wild West history, a rich mining heritage, and stunning outdoor scenery are synonymous with the small towns in Arizona. From history buffs to outdoor explorers, these pint-sized locations prove to be an exciting getaway stop for travelers with no shortage of things to see and do.
