6 Towns In Arizona That Transport You To The Past

The southwestern state of Arizona is known for its natural beauty, diverse landscape filled with one-of-a-kind rock formations such as the 277-mile-long Grand Canyon, and rich history deeply rooted in the infamous Wild West days. No matter what region of Arizona, dubbed the "Grand Canyon State," you travel in, you'll find small, charming towns that will make you feel like you've traveled back in time. Their unique mix of historical landmarks, slow-paced way of life, and warm and welcoming ambiance will transport you to the past for the day, weekend, week, or however long you're lucky enough to stay. These six towns perfectly capture Arizona's Old West allure and dynamic past.

Tombstone

Despite its somber name, the storied town of Tombstone is a fun place to visit any time of the year. Dubbed the "Town Too Hard to Die," Tombstone is situated in the heart of the Old Wild West country, about 70 miles from the bustling city of Tucson. During the silver rush of the 1800s, infamous outlaws such as Wyatt Earp, Johnny Ringo, and John H. "Doc" Holliday roamed the town, and you can witness reenactments of the 1881 O.K. Corral gun battle at the Streets of Tombstone Theater. If you want to see replica gallows from that time period, head over to the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. The Tombstone Grand Hotel and Tombstone Miners Cabins are also must-see attractions for Old West history lovers. If you're visiting Tombstone during October, check out the Helldorado Days Festival, which features lively parades, rodeos, and reenactments.

Jerome

A former mountain mining community, Jerome was founded in 1876 and later dubbed the "Wickedest Town in the West" during its heyday. The influx of miners seeking their fortunes, merchants, and other adventurous pioneers gave Jerome its free-spirited flair that can still be felt in town today. Situated high on Cleopatra Hill above the pretty Verde Valley, Jerome is only two hours from Phoenix but feels a world away. Take a trip back to a time when Victorian-era mansions filled the neighborhoods, several of which can still be seen to date. When you get into town, make your first stop at the Jerome State Historic Park, which is the best place to learn all about the area's mining history via photographs and interesting artifacts. Another must-visit attraction is the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum, which features a collection of introspective exhibits. A great way to immerse yourself into Jerome's past is by attending the Historic Home and Building Tour, an event that takes place each May.

Bisbee

Nestled in the magnificent Mule Mountains, Bisbee was founded in the late 1800s when it emerged as a booming copper mining town. Today, the charming town retains its Wild West feel but also offers modern amenities, a vibrant downtown featuring charming terraced streets and unique staircases, and desert-inspired natural beauty. Since the Bisbee was constructed into canyon slopes, you can sign up for a Queen Mine Tour to explore the narrow underground tunnels that copper miners built back in the day. Take a step back in time with a trip to the Lavender Pit, a cavernous open-pit mine that glows due to copper remnants from the mining heyday. Another must-see attraction for history lovers is the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, which provides an introspective look into Bisbee's storied past. If you're visiting in September, spend some time at the Blues in Bisbee music festival.

Green Valley

Tucked into Arizona's historic Santa Cruz River Valley between the stunning Santa Rita Mountains and the Tumacacori Mountains, peaceful Green Valley provides its visitors a quiet respite from everyday life. Green Valley was also once a mining town during the Wild West days, but today is known for its abundant pecan groves. The pretty groves make up much of the town's landscape, and the Green Valley Pecan Company is one of the world's biggest pecan producers and manufacturers. Even if you're not a fan of pecans, you'll feel right at home in Green Valley, especially if you're a history enthusiast. When you're in town, head over to the San Ignacio de la Canoa Ranch, a historic site that shows visitors what life was like for the southwestern pioneers in the 1880s. The Green Valley Historic Society is also on hand to give you a glimpse into what life was like in the area during the mining boom. If you like to hike, spend some time on Madera Canyon's scenic trails, which wind through the Sonoran Desert.

Prescott

At an impressive elevation of 5,200 feet, pretty Prescott beckons visitors with endless natural beauty, from towering ponderosa pine forests to giant granite boulders. In addition to stunning scenery, Prescott is blessed with more than its fair share of historic charms, such as the Prescott Heritage Trail and History Hunt Adventure, which takes you on an immersive tour throughout town. One of the stops is the Sharlot Hall Museum, which offers comprehensive exhibits detailing early pioneer life through various artifacts. Another place every traveler must experience is the Museum of Indigenous People, where you can gain insight into Arizona's Native American culture. If you're traveling with adults, Prescott's Whiskey Row is the place to enjoy a drink or two in one of the town's historic saloons, many of which date back to the early 1900s. Visitors who are in Prescott on the 4th of July will be treated to the World's Oldest Rodeo, an annual cowboy tournament.

Holbrook

Located in Northern Arizona's Painted Desert region, quaint and timeless Holbrook is known as the state's gateway to historic Route 66, as well as the world-famous Petrified Forest National Park. Within the park, travelers can see the remains of petroglyphs made by the Navajo Nation, a hundred-room Pueblow compound, and the beautiful Agate House. While you're in the area, don't miss the Canyon de Chelly, Window Rocks, and the Homolovi Ruins, all of which will transport you back hundreds and even thousands of years. If you're spending the night in Holbrook, consider booking a room at Brad's Desert Inn for an authentic dose of Southwestern charm. You can also take a self-guided tour through downtown Holbrook, stopping to marvel at the Bucket of Blood Saloon and the Blevins House, the site of an infamous sheriff-gangster shoot-out.

Whether you crave the excitement of the Old Wild West, the kitschy charm of Route 66, or the peaceful respite of mountains, deserts, and petrified forests, you'll find it in Arizona. Although the state is a much different place from the days when cowboys and Native Americans roamed the land on horseback, its small towns can still take you back in time through world-class historic sites, museums, special events, and more. If you're traveling through this great Southwestern state, kick up your boots and get ready to have the adventure of a lifetime.