Nestled between Prescott and Flagstaff in Arizona lies Jerome, once known as “the wickedest town in the wild, wild West.” Today, it’s celebrated as the largest ghost town in the U.S. and renowned for its rich copper mining history.
Jerome has survived four significant fires that have shaped its eerie yet charming identity. In the 1920s, it was a bustling town with over 15,000 residents, but the mining industry took a hard hit during the Great Depression, and many residents left.
What remained? Arizona’s coolest ghost town and a community of about 500 people. Jerome shifted from copper to culture, becoming a haven for regional artists—writers, photographers, musicians, painters, and a few hermits—who showcase their creations here. And let’s not forget the ghosts.
What Makes Jerome Unique?
Founded in 1876, Jerome once held the title of Arizona’s fourth-largest city. But after fires, economic downturns, and the closure of the Phelps Dodge Mine in 1953, it was left nearly deserted. Today, Jerome is a tourist-friendly artsy community.
The town’s landscape hasn’t changed much over the past 100 years; the same buildings constructed after the fires of 1894 and 1899 stand restored today. And, did we mention the slope? Perched on Cleopatra Hill, this ghost town’s unique location boasts a steep 30-degree incline—some buildings have even slid down the mountainside!
So, if you’re road-tripping through Arizona, make sure to add Jerome to your list, along with the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Flagstaff. After exploring its streets, popping into the quirky shops, visiting the local museums, and maybe chatting with a ghost or two, spending the night is a must.
How does a night in Jerome’s former hospital sound? Today, it’s The Grand Hotel, offering fantastic views of Jerome, in-room WiFi, and perhaps… a ghostly visitor in the hallway? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Getting to Jerome is easy. It’s situated on Cleopatra Hill between Sedona and Prescott, with almost the entire route a 4-lane highway from Nogales, Arizona, to Cottonwood.
Things to Do in Jerome
Perched on a mountainside, this town is a popular stop for those wanting to dive into the area’s history of mining, winemaking, fine arts, and the ghostly tales of Verde Valley.
Town’s storied past comes with a side of humor—Main Street still has a “brothel,” although its modern-day version serves up nothing more scandalous than burgers.
Over the years, there have been countless reports of ghostly encounters in the town’s historic buildings and neighborhoods. Evening ghost tours lead visitors through local hotels, houses, hospitals, and high schools said to be haunted by former residents.
Artists and artisans revived this town; the old high school, for example, now houses the Jerome Art Center, where over 30 artists rent studio spaces. Throughout the town, you’ll find hidden galleries in historic homes and storefronts, featuring furniture, photography, fine art, jewelry, and more.
But not everything here is spooky—Jerome’s downtown streets and stairways are lined with wine-tasting rooms and bottle shops showcasing Verde Valley’s viticulture. At least half a dozen venues offer curated lists of wines and ciders, available by the glass, tasting flight, or bottle. Local restaurants also often feature at least one local label on their menus.
So, there’s no excuse—make your way to this historic Arizona treasure and connect with the spirits of the past.
