This Is Arizona's Quirkiest Little Town

While many former mining towns in the American West faded into obscurity after their resources ran dry, Bisbee, Arizona, reinvented itself as a nostalgic, historical destination with a quirky twist. Visitors today can wander through 19th-century libraries, enjoy breakfast in classic American-style diners, or stay in hip, retro-furnished RV park motels. The town also leans into its eccentric side with unusual festivals, such as the annual Return of the Turkey Vultures, which celebrates its unlikely feathered friends. If you are looking to explore Arizona’s quirkiest corners this year, Bisbee should be one of the first destinations on your itinerary.

Bisbee’s History

After copper was discovered in the late 19th century, Bisbee rapidly grew into one of Arizona’s most prosperous mining towns. By 1902, its charter had been approved, officially designating it a city. In fact, at its peak, Bisbee was the largest city between Houston and Los Angeles! By 1974, its mines had produced 8 billion pounds of copper, 102 million ounces of silver, and 2.8 million ounces of gold. In 1975, however, mining operations officially ceased due to a depletion of resources.

This closure triggered a collapse in the local real estate market, attracting retirees and homebuyers seeking affordable properties. Fortunately, these new residents helped renovate the town, preserving its historic character. Today, Bisbee attracts visitors eager to explore its mining legacy and vintage atmosphere.

Old Bisbee Neighborhood

One of the most iconic neighborhoods in Bisbee, the Old Bisbee Neighborhood, wonderfully preserves the town’s mining heritage. In fact, with its cobblestone pathways and narrow streets, many travelers relate it to having a European feel. Broken up into Main Street, Brewery Avenue, Naco Road, and Tombstone Canyon Road, there are several notable landmarks throughout this district. The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum is a highlight, affiliated with the Smithsonian. Here, visitors can tour exhibits that dive into the western copper mining town’s industrial history.

The Copper Queen Library is another historical gem, dating back to 1882 and running as the state’s oldest continuously operating library. For a memorable meal, consider grabbing lunch or dinner at Bisbee’s Table, a rustic-style restaurant along Main Street that is known for its hand-tossed pizzas, pastas, meatloaf, and seafood.

Copper Queen Mine Tour

Also in the Old Bisbee Neighborhood, travelers will find the Copper Queen Mine, a historic mine dating back to the late 19th century. During the tour, visitors will get to put on their hard hat, head lamp, safety vest, and venture about 1,500 feet into the old mine. To explore the mine, travelers will board an original train used in the mine, the trip lasting about half a mile and including two notable stops. At one stop, travelers can get off the train and wander 300 feet through a dirt road tunnel, imagining what work was once like for the miners who once traversed the same paths. The second stop will feature a 36-step incline. Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides will share history and stories from the mine’s heyday!

Lowell Neighborhood

After exploring the Old Bisbee Neighborhood and Copper Queen Mine, the Lowell Neighborhood should be the next stop on your itinerary. This mid-century style neighborhood, adorned with vintage cars and architecture, is often used as a backdrop for visual productions and films. Travelers can fuel up for the day at the Bisbee Breakfast Club, a beloved community diner established in the historic Rexall pharmacy building. The Evergreen Cemetery is in this neighborhood as well, the resting place of many of the town’s prominent pioneers. Lowell also sits along the southern edge of the renowned Lavender Pit Mine, a former 300-acre open-pit copper mine that was in operation from 1950 until 1974. Today, it serves as a scenic overlook where visitors can park and appreciate the view. At the end of the day, consider lodging at The Shady Dell in Lowell, a charming furnished RV park where visitors can rent vintage RV trailers that date back as far as 1947.

Eccentric Events & Celebrations

Throughout the year, Bisbee hosts a variety of unique festivals. During the second week of March, the town welcomes the migration of turkey vultures back to town with the annual “Return of the Turkey Vultures” celebration. Potential activities each year include a community market with lots of vulture swag, a drum circle, a parade, and vulture meet-and-greets. Bisbee is also a great town for celebrating the Fourth of July. For over a century, the town has celebrated the country’s independence with activities like parades, contests, patriotic events, picnics, dances, and fireworks. On the Saturday after Labor Day, meanwhile, the town hosts the annual Bisbee Blues Festival. This event, which benefits the Easterseals Blake Foundation, takes place in Warren Ballpark and features an impressive eight-hour lineup of Blues Musicians.

Final Thoughts

Bisbee stands as a testament to how a town can reinvent itself and thrive long after its industrial heyday. Districts like Lowell have been so carefully preserved that they are now used as filming locations. Instead of letting the Copper Queen Mine fade into obscurity, the town chose to honor its legacy by offering guided tours. Thanks to these preservation efforts, Bisbee has become one of Arizona’s most distinctive and memorable vacation destinations.