Ready for an Arizona adventure? Spice it up by checking out all of the fun things to do in Jerome, AZ. One of the coolest travel destinations in the Grand Canyon State, this hillside town is packed with copper mining heritage, quirky attractions, unusual shopping, and lots of spooky surprises.
Get an interactive view of mining history at the Gold King Mine & Ghost Town and Audrey Headframe Park. Jerome’s mining industry led to many gruesome deaths, which you can eerily explore further on the Jerome Ghost Tours. If you’re not into history, shop at the wonderful Jerome Artists Cooperative and Raku Gallery, then stop at one of the area’s unique wineries for a drink with a view.
Need more inspiration for your Arizona vacation? Start planning out what to see & do with this complete guide to the best places to visit in Jerome, AZ!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out all our other attractions guides and our Arizona Travel Guide for more tips & ideas on where to go, when to visit & what to do on your vacation!
Must-see places to visit in Jerome, AZ
Jerome State Historic Park
History buffs will have a fantastic time exploring Jerome State Historic Park. Nestled in the stunning Arizona mountains, the park paints a realistic picture of Arizona’s mining heritage. Marvel at panoramic views of the Verde Valley while you dive into this fascinating story.
Jerome State Historic Park is home to the historic Douglas Mansion. The historic home was built by the mining mogul James Douglas using adobe bricks made on-site.
Today, the Douglas Mansion is a museum full of exhibits detailing the lives of the Douglas family and the history of Jerome. Check out 3D models of Jerome with its underground mines and some of the minerals found in the area.
Gold King Mine & Ghost Town
Step back in time at the Gold King Mine & Ghost Town. In 1890, this was a booming mining area before being abandoned. The town is now a thriving tourist attraction full of hundreds of old buildings and vehicles.
Gold King Mine & Ghost Town is a popular photography spot thanks to its distinct buildings in stunning natural surroundings. Step into a time capsule of blacksmith shops, sawmills, and miners’ cabins. Make sure to gaze into the 1270-foot mineshaft. If you love cars, you’ll also find over 180 cars, trucks, and motorcycles here, including shell trucks and Harleys.
The site is also a great spot for some gold panning with the entire family. Search for nuggets and gemstones with a panner that has over 40 years of experience. Animal lovers will have a great time at the petting zoo, complete with donkeys and baby goats.
Audrey Headframe Park
See the beautiful Arizona landscape from a different angle at Audrey Headframe Park. The 1,900-foot shaft, built by James Douglas in 1918, is taller than the Empire State Building. It’s next to Jerome State Historic Park, so visiting both in one day is easy.
If you dare, stand on the glass platform and gaze hundreds of feet below into the Little Daisy Mine. This once churned out almost four million tonnes of ore.
Prefer to have your feet on the ground? There are some interesting artifacts around Audrey Headframe Park at ground level, too. Learn about different cable cars and explore the hydroelectric power plant.
Arizona Copper Art Museum
Now you’ve seen where the copper came from, take a look at what humans did with it at the Arizona Copper Art Museum. With over 5,000 pieces of artwork dating back to 3500 B.C. to check out, you can delve into the illustrious history of this beautiful metal.
Start by looking at how copper was used for warfare in the Military Art Collection, then browse the intricate pieces in the Religious Art Room. The Arizona Copper Art Museum will also show you how some of your favorite tipples are made. The Distillery and Winery has a fascinating selection of copper stills and tools that were used in the vineyards.
Jerome Artists Cooperative
Support local artists at the Jerome Artists Cooperative. This quirky art gallery has around 35 artists on display at a time. From paintings to woodwork, you’ll find plenty to inspire you and maybe even a new piece of artwork for your home.
Jerome Artists Cooperative is based inside the historic Jerome Grand Hotel. This 1917 hotel is packed with vintage charm, with interesting features such as a telephone in every room and a shoeshine parlor.
Browse one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing, and gifts during your visit to the art gallery. Everyone working in the Jerome Artists Cooperative is an artist, so you’ll get a unique perspective on every piece.
If you manage to catch an artist’s show, you can make an evening of it. There’s live music, wine, and nibbles, and you have to opportunity to hear about the work directly from the artist.
The Original Jerome Winery
Budding sommeliers should make a trip to The Original Jerome Winery. The wine produced here is handcrafted and grown in Arizona. Their beautiful vineyard is nestled in the rolling Jerome hills.
The cozy setting shows off rustic décor and friendly service. The knowledgeable staff at The Original Jerome Winery will help you select your perfect tipple. Sip on a crisp rose or a fruity red while you enjoy the endless views from the tasting room.
The wines here are a pure taste of Arizona, each crafted to create a perfect balance of flavor. If you find your new favorite glass in the tasting room, you can purchase a bottle (or two!) to take home.
Jerome Ghost Tours
See Jerome’s haunted side on the Jerome Ghost Tours. You’ll get an in-depth perspective on the town’s history and tick off some of Jerome’s top attractions. It’s all corroborated by the Jerome Historical Society, so you know you’re getting an accurate and informative picture.
Jerome, Arizona, is one of the spookiest cities in the United States, thanks to its gruesome mining history. Needless to say, Jerome Ghost Tours will surely give you a fright! Take a look around the Auditorium and Boiler Room, believed to be haunted by the former maintenance man.
Or stroll through Jerome Cemetery, home to restless souls who lost their lives in the mines. There have even been reports of voices and footsteps roaming the overgrown land!
Raku Gallery
At Raku Gallery, you can view artwork from over 200 artists from across the Southwest. Opened in 1988, it’s now one of Jerome’s top galleries. The zen translation of Raku is contentment, pleasure, and happiness, which you’ll undoubtedly feel after an afternoon of browsing this creative and airy space.
The cute building is a typical example of Southwestern architecture, with wrought iron balconies and cactuses adorning the front. Inside Raku Gallery, you’ll find everything from blown glass to ceramics. Marvel at intricate fiber art and colorful free-blown glass. You can even purchase beautiful jewelry, gifts, and furniture as souvenirs.
Haunted Hamburger
Keep up the ghostly theme with dinner at Haunted Hamburger. When the owners began to renovate the old building, the workmen’s tools started to go missing. After more mysterious events, many became convinced that the venue was haunted.
Today, Haunted Hamburger is a buzzing restaurant with some of the tastiest burgers in town. Feast on chili cheeseburgers or sample the haunted chicken. Eat alongside twisted décor like bookshelves on the ceiling. Or dine al fresco on the pretty patio and back porch with gorgeous views of the Verde Valley.
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for any eerie happenings!
Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes
Eclectic shoppers will love Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes, one of the most unique stores in Jerome and the world’s largest brick-and-mortar kaleidoscope store. Check out a curious mix of kaleidoscopes from over 90 different artists. The pieces are handmade by wood, metal, and glass experts.
You’re encouraged to touch and play with everything in Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes. Peer into every type of kaleidoscope you could imagine, from small and magical to huge and mind-bending.
Vivid colors and sparkling crystals will be a delight for your senses. If kaleidoscopes aren’t your thing, they also have a lovely range of hand-made marbles, metal art, and dichroic jewelry.
Caduceus Cellars
Caduceus Cellars is owned by Maynard James Keenan, the former member of the metal band Tool. Thanks to his Northern Italian winemaking heritage, he’s now poured his creativity into a new venture. The edgy winery has a fantastic selection of drinks and offers regular tastings.
With plots spread across Northern Arizona, Caduceus Cellars has a great range of wine made with grapes grown in different terrains. Expert staff will give you an in-depth explanation of the production and the sourcing of the grapes with every pour.
Order a flight to taste them all. If you’re not drinking, they also have great espresso drinks and locally-made chocolate.
Asylum Restaurant
Dine in a former hospital at Asylum Restaurant, inside the Jerome Grand Hotel. Rumors say that the building was once an insane asylum, but this has never been confirmed. Despite this, the restaurant still attracts ghost hunters and those drawn to the macabre.
Leaning on the top of Cleopatra Hill, Asylum Restaurant has some of the best views in town. Sit by the arched doorways for sweeping vistas of the valley. Feast on a delicious menu of organic and local southwestern food. The butternut squash soup is one of the most popular options.
Be sure to stay in theme with cocktails like Screaming Bloody Marys and Liquid Valiums.
Spirit Room
Grab a nightcap at the Spirit Room, located inside the 1899 Connor Hotel. This old-west saloon allows you to step back in time with wooden décor and vibrant wall murals.
Spirit Room is a social place and one of the best places to go in Jerome if you want to mix with the locals. As a regular watering hole for bikers, artists, and cowboys, you’ll get to soak up plenty of Arizona culture.
Although Spirit Room has a choice of wines and cocktails, most flock here for the refreshing ice-cold beers. Play a game of pool or pick some tunes for the jukebox. If you’re in Jerome for the weekend, they have excellent live music. Dance along to DJs or discover your new favorite rock band.
Jerome’s Sliding Jail
Jerome’s Sliding Jail is one of the town’s most unusual attractions. Jerome was once named “the wickedest town in America,” creating the need for a Wild Western jail. In 1938, underground blasting caused the jail to start shifting down the hill. It was declared unsafe, and all of the prisoners were evacuated.
Today you can visit Jerome’s Sliding Jail in its stunning mountainside location. For safety, it’s been stabilized with walls and iron.
The abandoned building is a fun stop during a day in Jerome and is a great photography opportunity. If you peer inside, you’ll still be able to see an old metal bed.
Bobby D’s BBQ
Get an authentic taste of the Southwest at Bobby D’s BBQ. The cozy restaurant serves up a tasty selection of BBQ food to fuel up after a day of exploring Jerome. It’s family-owned, and the upbeat staff will always make you feel welcome.
The sporty interior of Bobby D’s BBQ has flat-screen TVs so you can catch the game while you eat. Or sit on the sunny deck and enjoy the Arizona sunshine.
The mouth-watering menu includes sizzling brisket burgers, juicy ribs, and steaming mac and cheese skillets. Wash it down with a seasonal draft beer or a wild west themed cocktail.
Mingus Mountain
If you love the outdoors, spend some time at Mingus Mountain. The mountain stands in the Transition Zone, with the desert in the south and the Colorado Plateau to the north. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Verde Valley, the Sedona red rocks, and Humphrey’s Peak.
You’ll find lots of fun activities to keep you busy on Mingus Mountain. There’s a fantastic selection of hiking, biking, and horse-riding trails to discover. Challenge yourself on the North Mingus Loop Trail, taking you past a lookout point and through beautiful foliage and wildflowers. Or take a drive along the scenic Mingus Mountain OHV Trail with mountain views and narrow mining roads.
Mingus Mountain is also one of the best spots for paragliding in the American West. Only professionals are allowed, but they’re a lot of fun to watch!
The Flatiron
You’re going to need a lot of caffeine to pack in all of the most popular things to do in Jerome, AZ. Why not fuel up at The Flatiron? This quirky coffee shop serves up organic breakfasts and locally roasted coffee. The 120-year-old building has previously been a dentist, a bakery, and a market, so it’s perfect for kickstarting a day of delving into Jerome’s past.
Take a seat inside The Flatiron and soak up the cozy atmosphere or sit on the quaint balcony overlooking the street and watch the world go by. Feast on bagels, quesadillas, and oatmeal alongside the house drip or a creamy mocha.
As well as breakfast and lunch, the cafe also has tasty pastries and excellent cornbread.
