Jerome AZ: Explore it's Mining History and Artistic Vibes
Jerome, AZ is a place like no other. Clinging to the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill, Jerome is a town with a past as colorful as its present. Once a booming copper mining camp and a hotbed of wild frontier life, Jerome, AZ has transformed into a thriving community of artists, historians, and adventurers. This mountaintop town tells a story of survival, reinvention, and enduring character.
By 1953, the mines closed, copper was no longer king, and Jerome seemed on the edge of becoming a ghost town. The population dropped to just a few dozen.
While many mining towns disappeared with their industries, Jerome refused to die. In the 1960s and ‘70s, artists, musicians, and craftspeople discovered the beauty and creative potential of this weathered town. They renovated crumbling buildings, opened galleries, and built a vibrant community out of the bones of the old mining days. With the help of the Jerome Historical Society, which preserved buildings and historical sites, Jerome staged an unlikely comeback.
Today, Jerome is a designated National Historic Landmark and a living piece of Arizona history. Its past is written in the bricks, timbers, and rusting mining equipment that dot the landscape. But it’s not just about the past—Jerome is alive with energy and artistic expression.
What Not to Miss When You Visit Jerome, AZ
Jerome State Historic Park & Douglas Mansion
Step inside the historic Douglas Mansion, now a museum, to learn about Jerome’s mining era through fascinating exhibits, old photographs, and a 3D model of the town as it once was.
The Sliding Jail
A quirky symbol of Jerome’s unstable ground, this old jail moved over 200 feet from its original location due to decades of earth movement. Jerome Grand Hotel?Once a hospital, this hilltop building is now a hotel with a haunted reputation. Ghost stories and spectacular views make it a must-visit spot.
Art Galleries & Studios
Jerome is filled with locally owned shops and galleries. Whether you’re into fine art, handmade jewelry, or kaleidoscopes, the town is a haven for artists and collectors alike.
Wine Tasting Rooms
Taste Arizona wine at one of the local tasting rooms, many of which offer great views and even better stories. Ghost Tours?Explore Jerome’s spookier side with a guided night tour through its haunted history.
Tips for Visiting
- Wear sturdy shoes. Jerome’s steep streets and uneven sidewalks call for comfortable walking gear.
- Arrive early on weekends. Parking is limited, especially during festivals or tourist season.
- Check hours in advance. Some shops and museums close early in the afternoon.
- Stay a while. Jerome has several charming inns and B&Bs for those who want to take in the sunset and night sky from high above the valley.
How to Get to Jerome, AZ
- From Phoenix/Scottsdale: Take I-17 North to Exit 287 (Cottonwood). Follow AZ-260 to AZ-89A and climb the winding mountain road into Jerome. It’s about a 2 to 2.5-hour drive.
- From Sedona: Take scenic AZ-89A west through Cottonwood. The 40-minute drive offers gorgeous red rock views and a dramatic ascent into Jerome.
- From Flagstaff: Drive south on I-17, exit at 287, and follow the same path as from Phoenix. Expect a 1.5 to 2-hour journey depending on traffic.
Related article: Verde Valley Arizona
Jerome, AZ Hotels and Vacation Rentals
THINGS TO DO IN JEROME & VERDE VALLEY
Zane Grey RV Park (55+ park) - Verde Valley
Pet-Friendly | Laundry | General Store | Community Restrooms | Propane Refilling Station | WiFi
Enjoy Panoramic Views at The Prescott Sunset Sanctuary - Prescott, AZ
The Blazin’ M Ranch - A Western Themed Frontier Town, Dinner, and A Show
Join us at the Blazin’ M Ranch for an evening of western activities, dinner, and an unforgettable show! The Blazin’ M Ranch features an authentic Western Themed Town located in Cottonwood, Arizona. You’ll find fun family activities and the best chicken and ribs in Arizona, along with … More
Join us at the Blazin’ M Ranch for an evening of western activities, dinner, and an unforgettable show! The Blazin’ M Ranch features an authentic Western Themed Town located in Cottonwood, Arizona. You’ll find fun family activities and the best chicken and ribs in Arizona, along with foil-wrapped potato, cowboy beans, our prickly pear coleslaw, flying biscuits and a delicious homemade dessert.
After dinner the Blazin’ M Cowboys entertain ya’ with their award-winning musical talents mixed with cowboy poetry and humor with a 1 hour show from 7:30pm - 8:30pm!
Family-Friendly | Live Entertainment | Western Experience | Activities | All Food
Arizona Private Tours
Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel | Romantic
Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure
Prescott Resort and Conference Center
Meetings & Group Facilities | Family-Friendly | Outdoor Pool | Whirlpool Tub | Fitness Center