Arizona’s “Wickedest Town in the West” is Now an Artsy Haven with Phenomenal Burgers & Beautiful Drives

Welcome to Jerome, AZ

Once known as the “wickedest city in the west” and murder capital (yikes!).

This tiny mountain town has transformed from a copper mining hellscape into an artsy hideaway.

Here’s why you need to visit Jerome, AZ at least once.

The Town That Refused to Die

When the mines shut down in 1953, Jerome nearly became a tumbleweed convention with fewer than 100 residents hanging on.

But these stubborn locals weren’t ready to ghost their hometown (well, not literally anyway). Now it’s packed with art galleries, hipster coffee joints, and restaurants popping up everywhere.

They pivoted to tourism faster than you can say “gift shop,” and by 1967, Jerome became a National Historic Landmark.

That Time They Shipped Out Protesters… In Cattle Cars

In 1917, Jerome made headlines for handling labor protests in the most Wild West way possible.

When Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) members caused trouble, the town’s solution was straight-up bonkers.

Round up about 60 protesters, force them onto cattle cars at gunpoint, and ship them west. The town’s history is full of these crazy stories.

The Jerome State Historic Park

Ever wonder how the 1% lived during mining booms? Check out the Douglas Mansion, a fancy 1916 pad built by mining tycoon James S. Douglas.

Now a museum, it’s packed with mining equipment, old photos, and artifacts that tell Jerome’s story from bustling mine town to near-ghost town to artsy haven.

Get Tipsy at Jerome’s Surprisingly Awesome Wineries

Who knew a former mining town would crush it in the wine department?

Jerome’s growing wine scene features tasting rooms with spectacular views of Verde Valley. Hit up Caduceus Cellars, owned by rock singer Maynard James Keenan, for an upscale experience right on Main Street.

Or try Four Eight Wineworks, a cooperative showcasing Arizona winemakers under one roof. Some wineries even offer vineyard tours where you can learn how grapes survive in Arizona’s desert climate while sipping vino.

Hike the Jerome Hill Climb

As you huff and puff your way along, you’ll spot forgotten mining equipment and structures, like the famous Sliding Jail.

It’s been sliding down the hill because mining made the ground unstable. The panoramic views of Verde Valley are worth every drop of sweat.

The Shopping Is Cool, Too

Jerome’s shops are as quirky as the town itself.

At Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes, you’ll find mesmerizing handcrafted kaleidoscopes that’ll make you feel like a kid again.

Music fans can browse vinyl at Maynard’s record store.

Don’t miss Jerome Olive Oil Traders, where you can sample exotic olive oils and balsamic vinegars that’ll make your taste buds dance.

The Restaurant Names Are as Good as the Food

Hungry? Try the Haunted Hamburger for a side of spooks with your fries.

For fancy eats, hit the Asylum Restaurant in the Jerome Grand Hotel (formerly a hospital – nothing builds an appetite like medical ghosts!).

The Mile High Grill serves classic American fare in a building from 1899, while the Bordello of Jerome offers tapas in – you guessed it – a former brothel.

Nothing enhances flavor like questionable building history!

The Bar Scene is Straight Out of the Old West

Jerome’s drinking establishments are as colorful as its history.

The Spirit Room, tucked beneath the Connor Hotel, features live music in a vintage setting that screams Wild West.

P&J’s Saloon proudly claims to be Arizona’s oldest family-run bar, where you can knock back whiskey like the miners did.

Ghost Tours Will Freak You Out

With its violent past of fires, accidents, and mining disasters, Jerome has earned its reputation as one of Arizona’s most haunted towns.

Ghost tours take you to paranormal hotspots like the Gold Mining Site. Guests report seeing ghostly figures and hearing strange noises at night.

Another spooky stop is the Sliding Jail, which supposedly houses the spirits of former inmates. And you can’t forget Jerome Hotel (once a psychiatric ward).

You Can Sleep in Historic Hotels and B&Bs

For the full Jerome experience, stay in one of the historic hotels where the beds come with complimentary history and possible ghost encounters.

The Connor Hotel (built 1898) offers vintage charm with modern toilets (thankfully).

The Ghost City Inn and Daisy Hotel live up to their names with spectacular views and the occasional spectral visitor.

The Drive There Is Part of the Fun

Half the fun of Jerome is getting there.

The road from Flagstaff or Sedona features scenic curves and switchbacks that’ll make your ears pop. Wind your way up Cleopatra Hill, you’ll catch breathtaking views of the Verde Valley below.