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Take a Day Trip to Jerome Arizona, a Wild West Ghost Town
Jerome Arizona is the perfect Wild West day trip. Jerome is an old copper mining town that also had a small deposit of gold. The first claim was made in 1876. The town quickly boomed into the “billion-dollar copper camp”. The population grew to 15,000 after the railroad was built and Jerome became the fourth largest city in Arizona. The mines closed in the 1950s and the miners left. While Jerome was never technically deserted, its population decreased to 50.
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Day Trip to Jerome Arizona
Jerome was named a Historic Landmark in 1967 and the remaining residents made the decision to focus on tourism. Today, Jerome’s population is around 500 and the town has become a great step into the Wild West. The town itself sits on a hill with a 30-degree incline overlooking the Verde Valley. The old facades are well maintained, you will also find old mansions, brothels, saloons, historic mines, wineries, art galleries, gorgeous views, and lots of haunted locations.
Jerome Arizona’s Paranormal Tourism
Those who are fans of the paranormal will like Jerome. The Grand Hotel was once a busy hospital serving miners injured during mining accidents. Those accidents were rarely investigated. It is believed the deceased are unhappy about that and hang around waiting for their deaths to be avenged. Guests of the hotel report smelling whiskey and cigars, TVs turn on and off, and 2 figures have been seen in the hallways.
Jerome was once nicknamed the wickedest town in America. There were 37 bars and 13 brothels. It was rowdy with lots of drinking, gambling, and gunfights. The Connor Hotel was in the middle of it all. It’s not surprising the hotel is now known for its hauntings. Guests of the Connor Hotel record paranormal activity they experienced in the hotel’s registry, and stop by for a look and a drink in the saloon.
Things to Do in Jerome Arizona
Visit the Gold King Mine and Ghost Town open-air museum
See the remains of the jail that slid down a hill
Have lunch at the Haunted Hamburger
Learn the history of the town at Jerome State Historic Park and watch the Ghost Town Tour video
Photograph the city from the Cleopatra Hill Lookout
Stand on a glass floor 1700 feet above an old mine shaft at Audrey Headframe Park
Enjoy a mining days historic shuttle tour
Shop for souvenirs on Main Street and read the historic plaques
Grab a treat at OJ’s Cooper County Fudge
See the world’s largest kaleidoscope store
Check out the figurines from the New Testament stories at the Jerome Bible Art Museum
Spend the night in the haunted Mile High Inn
Have a drink in the Spirit Room of the haunted Connor Hotel
Watch a glass blowing demonstration at the Raku Gallery
Take a break to relax and people-watch in Middle Park
Stop by the Bartlett Hotel ruins
Learn about the lives of miners at the Jerome Historical Society and Mine Museum
Enjoy a glass of Verde Valley wine with a view at Bitter Creek Winery
Take a ghost town tour with an electromagnetic field monitor
Browse the 20+ art galleries
Arizona is full of great ghost towns. Tombstone, Oatman, Bisbee, and Goldfield are all fun to visit. Jerome is a great day trip 90 miles from Phoenix or 60 miles from Flagstaff. Both drives are beautiful and easy day trips.
Be sure to check the Jerome Chamber of Commerce website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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