Why Jerome is Significant
Jerome, Arizona, is one of the most famous ghost towns in the United States, offering visitors a unique blend of rich history, quirky charm, scenic beauty, and a vibrant arts culture.
Perched high on Cleopatra Hill in the Black Hills of central Arizona, Jerome was once a booming mining town and now stands as a fascinating relic of the past, revived as a haven for artists, history buffs, and adventurous travelers. Here’s why Jerome is such an important and interesting ghost town to visit:
A Booming Mining History:
Established in the late 19th century, Jerome was a copper mining town that grew
into a bustling community during its heyday. The United Verde Mine was one of the richest copper-producing mines in the world, attracting thousands of miners and workers. At its peak, Jerome was known as the “Wickedest Town in the West” due to its lawlessness, saloons, gambling halls, and brothels. The town’s population swelled to 15,000, but when the mines closed in the 1950s, Jerome became a ghost town as residents moved away in search of new opportunities.
A Living Ghost Town:
Unlike many ghost towns, Jerome has been preserved and revitalized. Today, it has a population of about 450 people and is a mix of historic ruins, restored buildings, and thriving businesses, creating a unique atmosphere where history meets modern life.
Things to do in Jerome
1. Explore Jerome’s History
Jerome State Historic Park and Douglas Mansion:
Jerome State Historic Park, encompassing the Douglas Mansion, sits on a scenic perch above Jerome, Arizona, offering a window into the town’s copper mining legacy. The park, established in 1965, centers around the mansion built in 1916 by James S. “Rawhide Jimmy” Douglas, owner of the Little Daisy Mine, which extracted over $70 million in copper, gold, and silver before closing in 1938. This sprawling 8,700-square-foot adobe home, constructed with bricks fired on-site, was a marvel of its time, boasting a wine cellar, billiard room, marble showers, steam heat, and a central vacuum system—luxuries befitting a mining magnate. After Douglas’s death in 1949, his family donated the property to the state in 1962, and it opened as a museum in 1965 within Arizona’s state park system.
Today, the mansion houses exhibits of mining tools, geological samples, and historic photographs, while a 3D model and video bring Jerome’s boom-and-bust saga to life. Surrounded by rusted machinery and panoramic Verde Valley views, the park—open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.—blends natural beauty with industrial history, drawing visitors to explore the opulence and ambition of Arizona’s mining elite.
The Mine Museum and Audrey Headframe Park:
The Mine Museum and Audrey Headframe Park in Jerome, Arizona, offer a fascinating dive into the town’s storied mining past, perched high on Cleopatra Hill. The Mine Museum, operated by the Jerome Historical Society at 200 Main Street, has been open since the early 1950s and showcases the evolution of Jerome from a raucous mining boomtown to its present-day charm.
Inside, visitors can explore artifacts like hand-forged miners’ candlesticks,
carbide lamps, and gambling relics from old saloons, alongside displays highlighting the diverse ethnic communities—Chinese, Italian, Irish, and more—that shaped the town. Just a short distance away, the Audrey Headframe Park, open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., delivers a thrilling experience managed by the same society.
Here, the largest wooden headframe still standing in Arizona, built in 1918 for the Little Daisy Mine, towers over a 1,900-foot shaft—deeper than the Empire State Building is tall. A glass platform lets brave souls peer into the abyss, while surrounding exhibits of ore cars, drills, and the Childs-Irving hydroelectric plant (a National Engineering Landmark) detail the ingenuity and grit of Jerome’s miners.
Together, these sites blend history, engineering marvels, and stunning Verde Valley views into an unforgettable glimpse of Arizona’s “Wickedest Town in the West.”
The Sliding Jail:
This small jail slid 200 feet downhill due to shifting soil during the town’s mining days. It’s a quirky and fascinating piece of Jerome’s history. The Sliding Jail in Jerome, Arizona, is a quirky testament to the town’s wild mining past, perched on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill at 5,200 feet above sea level.
Built in 1905 as Jerome’s third jail, this concrete cell block was originally part of a larger wood-and-tin structure designed to hold the rowdiest characters of the “Wickedest Town in America,” a title earned during its copper mining heyday when it boasted a population of 15,000.
In the 1930s, dynamite blasts from nearby mines triggered a slow-motion disaster, causing the jail to tear away from its foundation and slide 225 feet downhill, eventually landing smack in the middle of Hull Avenue. Rather than demolish it, the townsfolk rerouted the road around it, and later, the Arizona Department of Transportation pushed it to its current spot, where it’s now stabilized with retaining walls and surrounded by an iron fence.
Today, this relic of the Old West, just below a public parking lot near a basketball court, draws tourists to its crumbling yet resilient form, offering a glimpse into Jerome’s unruly history and the relentless forces of nature that reshaped it.
This hotel, once a hospital for miners, is now famous. If you’re brave, you can explore it or even stay overnight! The Jerome Grand Hotel, perched atop Cleopatra Hill in Jerome, Arizona, at an elevation of 5,240 feet, overlooks the sweeping Verde Valley and stands as a testament to the town’s rich mining history.
Originally constructed in 1926 as the United Verde Hospital by the United Verde Copper Company (later Phelps Dodge Mining Corporation), the 30,000-square-foot, five-story building opened its doors in January 1927. Designed in the Mission Revival style by architects Lescher and Mahoney, it was engineered to be both fireproof—built entirely of poured-in-place concrete with no wood in its framework—and earthquake-resistant, capable of withstanding the blasts of 260,000 pounds of dynamite from nearby mines.
At the time, it was hailed as Arizona’s most modern hospital, boasting advanced features like patient call lights, an Otis self-service elevator (the state’s first, still operational today), X-ray facilities, surgical suites, and separate wards for men, women, and children.
The hospital served the booming copper mining community until its closure in 1950, as mining operations waned and medical services shifted to nearby Cottonwood. After standing vacant for 44 years, it was purchased in 1994 by Larry Altherr, who transformed it into the Jerome Grand Hotel, opening it to guests in 1996.
Today, this National Historic Landmark retains its historic charm, complete with its 1926 Kewanee boiler for steam heat, while offering modern amenities like Wi-Fi and climate-controlled rooms. Renowned for its panoramic views and the award-winning Asylum Restaurant, the hotel also carries a reputation as one of Arizona’s most haunted sites, with reported paranormal activity linked to its hospital days, including the mysterious 1935 death of maintenance man Claude Harvey, found crushed beneath the elevator.
2. Arts, Culture, and Shopping
Thriving Artist Community:
Jerome, Arizona, perched on Cleopatra Hill, has evolved from a rough-and-tumble copper mining town into a vibrant artist community, often dubbed a bohemian haven. Since the 1950s, when the mines closed and the population dwindled, artists began flocking to this historic town, drawn by its cheap rents, stunning Verde Valley views, and quirky charm.
Today, Jerome thrives as an artistic hub with a population of around 450, boasting numerous galleries like the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery at 502 Main St., which showcases the work of over 30 local talents in mediums ranging from vibrant paintings to handcrafted jewelry and pottery. The town’s creative spirit is further amplified by events like the First Saturday Art & Wine Walk, where galleries extend hours, host receptions, and let visitors meet the artists. Jerome’s artistic legacy is deeply woven into its identity, with artists serving on the Town Council, contributing to historical preservation, and turning the “Wickedest Town in the West” into a celebrated destination for art lovers seeking authentic, locally crafted treasures.
3. Scenic Beauty and Outdoor Activities
Stunning Views of Verde Valley:
Jerome sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet, offering breathtaking views of the Verde Valley, Sedona’s red rocks, and the distant mountains. The overlooks throughout town are perfect for photos.
Wine Tasting in the Verde Valley Wine Trail:
The Verde Valley Wine Trail, winding through the scenic towns of Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Jerome, and Sedona in Northern Arizona, offers a rich wine-tasting experience set against the dramatic backdrop of red rock canyons and the Verde River. This trail, part of Arizona’s newest American Viticultural Area (AVA) designated in November 2021, features over 25 tasting rooms and wineries, such as Alcantara Vineyards with its 20,000 vines and 17 varietals, and Page Springs Cellars, known for Rhône-centric wines like Grenache and Syrah, paired with creekside views and tapas.
The region’s high desert climate—hot days, cool nights, and volcanic soils—produces distinctive wines, from robust reds like Cabernet Sauvignon to crisp whites like Vermentino, often celebrated for their minerality and complexity. Visitors can explore historic Old Town Cottonwood, where tasting rooms like Arizona Stronghold and Merkin Vineyards (owned by Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan) line Main Street, offering flights for $12 to $25 alongside local farm-to-table fare such as prickly pear pasta.
The trail encourages a passport program, where checking in at 10 stops via app or physical stamps enters you into prize drawings, blending the area’s rugged beauty, artistic vibe, and a burgeoning wine culture into a memorable oenophile adventure.
Hiking and Outdoor Fun:
Mingus Mountain, located in the Black Hills mountain range within Prescott National Forest near Jerome, Arizona, rises to 7,818 feet and offers a stunning backdrop for hikers seeking both adventure and breathtaking views. Just southwest of Jerome along State Route 89A, the mountain features a variety of trails catering to different skill levels, with highlights like the View Point Trail (#106) and North Mingus Trail (#105), which can be combined into a 4.3-mile loop offering vistas of the Verde Valley, Sedona’s red rocks, and the San Francisco Peaks.
The Woodchute Trail, stretching 6.7 miles through the Woodchute Wilderness, provides a moderate challenge with elevation changes from 7,800 to 6,000 feet, weaving through pine-oak forests and juniper-agave high desert, and is especially vibrant in fall with golden oaks and crimson maples.
Trails like the Mingus Mountain OHV Trail, a 15.4-mile point-to-point route, cater to off-road enthusiasts but are also open to hikers, offering solitude and rugged terrain with 1,194 feet of elevation gain. With trailheads accessible from Mingus Mountain Campground and Potato Patch Campground, hikers can enjoy additional amenities like picnic areas, though some trails require high-clearance vehicles to reach, and winter closures of roads like FR 104 may apply.
4. Nearby Attractions
Clarkdale (10 minutes away):
Clarkdale, Arizona, nestled in the Verde Valley at 3,545 feet above sea level, is a historic company town founded in 1912 by William A. Clark, owner of the United Verde Copper Company, to house workers for his Jerome-based smelter.
Recognized as Arizona’s first master-planned community, Clarkdale’s charming downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features early 20th-century architecture, including Crafts-style homes and the 1928 Clark Memorial Clubhouse. Just a few miles from Jerome, Clarkdale serves as a gateway to outdoor and cultural adventures. Visitors can ride the Verde Canyon Railroad, a scenic 4-hour, 40-mile round trip along the Verde River, showcasing red rock cliffs, bald eagle habitats, and ancient Sinagua ruins, with fares starting at $99 for adults.
The nearby Tuzigoot National Monument, a 1,000-year-old Sinagua pueblo with 110 rooms, offers self-guided trails and a museum for $10 entry (or free with a National Parks Pass). Wine enthusiasts can explore the Verde Valley Wine Trail, with tasting rooms like Chateau Tumbleweed in Clarkdale pouring local varietals such as Grenache and Viognier, often paired with charcuterie for $15-$20. Outdoor lovers can kayak the Verde River with Verde Adventures for $99 per person or hike the 2.5-mile Jail Trail, a gentle path connecting to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, where fishing, birdwatching, and camping await amidst cottonwood groves.
Places to Eat
Here are two notable restaurants near Jerome, Arizona, each offering a unique dining experience with deep ties to the area’s history and culture:
The Asylum Restaurant, located at 200 Hill Street within the Jerome Grand Hotel, is a fine dining gem renowned for its Southwestern-inspired cuisine and haunting ambiance. Housed in a building that opened in 1927 as the United Verde Hospital, this award-winning restaurant has earned Wine Spectator Magazine’s Award of Excellence for 17 consecutive years, boasting a cellar with over 50 global wine selections to pair with its creative dishes.
The menu features signature items like the prickly pear pork tenderloin and sea
bass with a poblano chile–Chardonnay-lemon butter sauce, alongside favorites such as roasted butternut squash soup, which balances sweetness and spice. The intimate dining room, adorned with golden walls and local artwork, offers a romantic setting with panoramic views of the Verde Valley. Open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Asylum requires dinner reservations by phone but welcomes walk-ins for lunch. Its historic setting and tales of ghostly encounters—like flickering lights tied to the hospital’s past—add an eerie charm to the culinary experience.
The Haunted Hamburger, situated at 410 Clark Street on scenic Highway 89A in 
the heart of Jerome, is a beloved casual eatery that captures the town’s quirky spirit. Established in a building with a storied past, this burger joint is famous for its hearty, handcrafted burgers like the AZ Burger, made with Arizona grass-fed beef, aioli, onions, and melted cheddar on a brioche bun, served with mixed vegetables.
The menu also includes local craft beers from Prescott Brewing Company and wines from Caduceus Cellars, owned by Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan, whose vineyard lies just south of town. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the restaurant offers a laid-back vibe with a pet-friendly patio overlooking the Verde Valley, where diners can soak in stunning views. Legends of ghostly patrons who “never left” add a playful mystique, making it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike, often bustling with those drawn to its historic charm and flavorful comfort food.
RV Park
One notable RV park near Jerome, Arizona, is the Verde Ranch RV Resort,
located in Camp Verde, about 25 miles southeast of Jerome in the heart of the Verde Valley. This luxury campground, designed with relaxation in mind, offers a variety of accommodations, including over 100 full-hookup RV sites with 50-amp service, perfect for big rigs, as well as furnished vacation cottages and glamping options like Conestoga wagons and luxury safari tents.
The resort boasts an array of amenities, such as a heated pool, a splash pad, and two hot tubs for unwinding, alongside a beautifully appointed clubhouse with games, a business center, a fitness center, and a laundry facility. There’s also a convenience store/gift shop, a pet park for furry companions, and organized activities for both adults and children, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Positioned right off Interstate 17, Verde Ranch provides easy access to the Verde River for kayaking, hiking trails, and day trips to nearby attractions like Jerome, Sedona, Prescott, and the Grand Canyon.
High-speed Wi-Fi keeps guests connected, and the resort’s focus on spacious, well-maintained sites—set against the stunning backdrop of Arizona’s high desert—creates a comfortable and scenic base for exploring the region’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks. Rates for RV sites typically start around $55 per night, with weekly and monthly options available, though prices can vary based on season and site type.
Family Story-Time
The sun dipped behind the rugged cliffs of Jerome, Arizona, casting a warm glow over the town’s quirky, historic streets as the Thompson family—Mark, Lisa, and their teenage daughter, Zoe—rolled into town in their RV. They’d parked at the Gold King Mine & Ghost Town, where the dusty lot doubled as a campground, and settled in for a two-day adventure. That first evening, they wandered down Main Street, the air buzzing with the scent of mesquite and the hum of live music from the Spirit Room. Zoe, usually glued to her phone, snapped photos of the Sliding Jail, its concrete bulk teetering on the hillside, and laughed as Mark spun a tale about ghostly prisoners. Dinner at the Haunted Hamburger was a hit—juicy burgers piled high with green chiles, served with a side of ghost stories from their chatty waiter. Lisa, sipping a local IPA, grinned as Zoe declared it “way cooler than Sedona.”
The next morning, they joined a guided tour at the Jerome State Historic Park, marveling at the Douglas Mansion’s grand staircase and learning how the town’s copper mines once fueled fortunes. Zoe sketched the rusted mining tools in her notebook, inspired by the guide’s tales of boom-and-bust. Later, they poked through Nellie Bly’s kaleidoscope shop, where Lisa bought a brass-handled one for Zoe, who twirled it under the shop’s twinkling lights. By afternoon, they hiked a short trail near the mine museum, the Verde Valley sprawling below like a patchwork quilt. As they roasted marshmallows that night under a star-studded sky, Mark strummed his guitar, and Zoe admitted, “This place is weird, but I kinda love it.” Lisa squeezed her hand, knowing these two days in Jerome’s eclectic embrace would linger long after they hit the road.
BOOKS ABOUT JEROME
Jerome (Images of America: Arizona)
The rugged mining community of Jerome has thrived by the hard work and hard play of tough men and women pitted against an equally hard mountain. William Murray solicited funding for the Black Hills mining camp from his uncle, a New York lawyer and financier named Eugene Murray Jerome, who reportedly was not interested.
However, his independent wife was delighted at the prospect and raised $200,000 in development capital for Murray. In 1882, Frederick F. Thomas, Jerome’s first postmaster, named the mining camp “Jerome” in honor of the family. Jerome boomed, ultimately reaching a reported population peak of 15,000 in the 1920s, then dwindling to a ghost town after the mines closed. In 1967, the town was designated a National Historic Landmark, and today it is a flourishing artist community, as well as a motorcycle and travel destination.
Final Thoughts for The Smart RVer
Jerome offers an immersive experience where history, mystery, art, and natural beauty come together. Its ghostly atmosphere, historic landmarks, thriving artist community, and stunning mountain views make it a truly unique destination in Arizona. Visitors can explore abandoned mines, experience paranormal thrills, shop for local art, or enjoy a glass of wine while enjoying the views.
If you’re looking for a place that feels alive and haunted by its past, Jerome is an unforgettable stop.