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The Most Charming Towns and Small Cities in Arizona by Travel Mag
We share the top ten towns and small cities in Arizona, along with what makes each place so endearing. Be they former mining towns, artsy enclaves or forest and desert hideaways, each little locale on this list merits reverence. Use this guide for a road trip that will surely leave you charmed.
Frommer's names Bisbee as one of the Best Places to Go in 2018!
"We chose Bisbee because it's one of the most interesting small towns in the American West. It has a rich mining history that epitomizes the Old West, and in some ways it can feel like time stopped there, yet that comes with a creative community that's vibrant and modern. Its location in the Mule Mountains means its temperatures are usually comfortable year-round, and the ecosystems in the surrounding canyons are surprisingly diverse. We think Bisbee is unique enough to deserve recognition from a worldwide audience."
--Pauline Frommer, President of FrommerMedia
--Pauline Frommer, President of FrommerMedia
Bisbee voted Best Historic Small Town in America by USA Today Readers!
While chasing Apaches in 1877, scout Jack Dunn discovered rich copper ore in the Mule Mountains of Arizona and Bisbee was born. This mining boomtown produced more than $6.1 billion worth of mineral wealth in less than 100 years of mining operations. Today, Bisbee’s appeal lies in its Victorian architecture, pretty scenery and laid-back vibe, and the Smithsonian-affiliated Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum does an excellent job of recounting the town’s colorful history.
Bisbee, AZ Sunset Magazine's BEST Small Town 2016!
We searched the West for towns, cities, and neighborhoods that are easy to love. All our winners boast a strong sense of community—the gift of making you feel like you belong. Bisbee made the list!
High Desert Market featured on nationally broadcast NPR radio show – the Splendid Table
September 2015 - It’s Serious Eats’ science superstar J. Kenji Lopez-Alt with his new book, The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science. Mary Karr, author of The Art of Memoir, talks about the role of smell and taste in memory. Musician Sammy Hagar, author of Are We Having Any Fun Yet?, compares cooking to writing a song. James Nienhuis, a professor at the University of Wisconsin, explains what paintings show about the history of vegetable domestication. Jane and Michael Stern report on the High Desert Market Café in Bisbee, Arizona.
Cowboy Wine Trails in Arizona
Margaret Swaine
Sep 28, 2015
Arizona with its swath of Sonora desert, iconic saguaro cactus and searing summer heat seems more like a place for cowboy tales rather than wine trails. However with almost 100 wineries, some which make remarkable wines, a trip to the vineyards is a rewarding experience with plenty of Wild West flavour to boot.
...
Sep 28, 2015
Arizona with its swath of Sonora desert, iconic saguaro cactus and searing summer heat seems more like a place for cowboy tales rather than wine trails. However with almost 100 wineries, some which make remarkable wines, a trip to the vineyards is a rewarding experience with plenty of Wild West flavour to boot.
...
Coolest Small Towns in the USA
Bisbee, Arizona
Pop. 6,050
(April, 2005) –Once a rowdy copper mining town, Bisbee--in the Mule Mountain range, 90 miles southeast of Tucson--still attracts a fair share of misfits and folks on the fringe. "Bisbee is for people who don't like the ordinary," says longtime resident Cynthia Conroy, a dog trainer.
One prime example is Reed Booth, a.k.a. the Killer Bee Guy. Booth removes swarms of killer bees from wherever he finds them, collects their honey, and sells it at his downtown store, Killer Bee Honey (15 Main St., 520/432-2938, eight-ounce jar $6). Then there's Greg--no last name--who has trained his pets to stand in a pyramid: bird atop cat atop dog. (Sometimes, there's a mouse, too.) Greg can regularly be seen parading his menagerie around.
Stylish amenities are slowly joining Bisbee's oddities. On the first Monday night of each month, the Prickly Pear Cafe has a themed meal and movie night. To accompany the 1998 film Run Lola Run, they served bratwurst and sauerkraut (105 Main St., 520/432-7337, movie night dinner $8). Behind the café is the Old Bisbee Wine Merchant; both are co-owned by partners Ryan White and O'Neil McGean. "We came for a visit and fell in love with Bisbee," says White. And at the Shady Dell, nine restored 1950s trailers, a yacht, and an old bus constitute the town's hippest motel (1 Douglas Rd., 520/432-3567, theshadydell.com, from $45).
Since Bisbee sits in a narrow gap in the mountains, staircases often double as streets. To fully understand what makes the place so special, Conroy suggests standing at the top of the stairs and just . . . listening. "Normal sounds take on a musical tone," she says.
Pop. 6,050
(April, 2005) –Once a rowdy copper mining town, Bisbee--in the Mule Mountain range, 90 miles southeast of Tucson--still attracts a fair share of misfits and folks on the fringe. "Bisbee is for people who don't like the ordinary," says longtime resident Cynthia Conroy, a dog trainer.
One prime example is Reed Booth, a.k.a. the Killer Bee Guy. Booth removes swarms of killer bees from wherever he finds them, collects their honey, and sells it at his downtown store, Killer Bee Honey (15 Main St., 520/432-2938, eight-ounce jar $6). Then there's Greg--no last name--who has trained his pets to stand in a pyramid: bird atop cat atop dog. (Sometimes, there's a mouse, too.) Greg can regularly be seen parading his menagerie around.
Stylish amenities are slowly joining Bisbee's oddities. On the first Monday night of each month, the Prickly Pear Cafe has a themed meal and movie night. To accompany the 1998 film Run Lola Run, they served bratwurst and sauerkraut (105 Main St., 520/432-7337, movie night dinner $8). Behind the café is the Old Bisbee Wine Merchant; both are co-owned by partners Ryan White and O'Neil McGean. "We came for a visit and fell in love with Bisbee," says White. And at the Shady Dell, nine restored 1950s trailers, a yacht, and an old bus constitute the town's hippest motel (1 Douglas Rd., 520/432-3567, theshadydell.com, from $45).
Since Bisbee sits in a narrow gap in the mountains, staircases often double as streets. To fully understand what makes the place so special, Conroy suggests standing at the top of the stairs and just . . . listening. "Normal sounds take on a musical tone," she says.
Vegetarian Times : July-Aug 2005 The Twenty Greenest Spots in the Country
Praising Arizona - The Road from Tempe to Tombstone Reveals the many sides of Desert Charm
By Haley Shapely
Nov/Dec 2015
Nov/Dec 2015
AAA Arizona Highroads | The New Old West
By: Charles Vascellero
(May/June 2006) - The essence of an enjoyable road trip is often in the serendipitous discovery of places that inspire return visits to distant locales. Just past Bisbee's famed Lavender Pit mine, beside State Route 80, in the city's historic Lowell neighborhood...
(May/June 2006) - The essence of an enjoyable road trip is often in the serendipitous discovery of places that inspire return visits to distant locales. Just past Bisbee's famed Lavender Pit mine, beside State Route 80, in the city's historic Lowell neighborhood...
Sunset: Queen of the Desert By Lawrence W. Cheek
National Trust Names Bisbee, Arizona, One of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Washington, D.C. (March 2, 2005) – There’s an old saying in Arizona, “Bisbee is 100 miles – and 100 years – from Tucson.” Founded in 1877 by a cavalryman engaged in the bitter campaign by the U.S. military to contain Apaches on reservations, Bisbee (population 6,400) is an authentic Western mining town nestled in the spectacular mile-high Mule Mountains. This community is the first in Arizona to be named to America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Once known as the “Queen of the Copper Camps” for its abundance of gold, copper, silver, lead and zinc, Bisbee in the early 1900s was the largest and most cultured city in the Southwest. Despite the town’s sophistication, the rough-and-ready air of a typical mining camp was on display in Bisbee’s famed red-light district, Brewery Gulch, which boasted nearly 50 saloons in its heyday. When mining ended in the 1970s, Bisbee reinvented itself as an artists’ colony with a well-preserved architectural heritage that draws history-seeking travelers. No visit to Bisbee would be complete without a visit to the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. On the Queen Mine Tour, tourists don mining attire, climb aboard a train and explore the depths where many a fortune was made. Visitors should plan on walking through the city’s narrow, twisting streets to view Bisbee’s fine collection of turn-of-the-century Victorian structures – many of which have been transformed into charming small bed-and-breakfast establishments that offer both comfort and a hearty dose of Old West history.
For these reasons, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country's largest private, nonprofit preservation organization, today named Bisbee to its 2005 list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States. It was selected from nearly 80 destinations in 44 states that were nominated by individuals, preservation organizations and local communities.
“To visit Bisbee is to step back in time,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Travelers from all over the world come to Bisbee to savor its unique charm – an uncommon blend of history, creativity, friendliness, style, romance and adventure, all wrapped in the rugged splendor of the Old West.”
This is the sixth time the National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced a list of Dozen Distinctive Destinations. To date, there are 72 Dozen Distinctive Destinations located in 36 states throughout the country. To see a complete list, visit www.nationaltrust.org. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town’s character and sense of place. Whether by enacting a local preservation law to protect historic buildings against demolition, rewriting zoning codes to prevent commercial sprawl, removing regulatory barriers to downtown housing, making downtown areas more walkable, enacting design standards, or taking some other major step that demonstrates a strong commitment to their town, residents have worked hard to preserve the historic and scenic assets of their communities, with rewards that transcend town limits.
The cities and towns on the 2005 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations are:
Annapolis, Maryland (pop. 35,800): Home to the Naval Academy, Annapolis cherishes and celebrates its rich, proud history with a well-preserved cache of 18th century architecture and a charming harbor that invites both sailors and landlubbers to fall in love with this colonial capital.
Bath, Maine (pop. 10,000): Nestled along the sparkling Kennebec River, Bath is an old seafaring town, deemed one of the best small cities in America. A New England oil painting come to life, this compact, walkable community is known for its treasure trove of maritime history, historic buildings and rugged, scenic beaches.
Bisbee, Arizona (pop. 6,400): Once dubbed “Queen of the Copper Camps,” Bisbee was literally born overnight when precious metals were discovered in 1877 in this picturesque spot high in the Mule Mountains. Today, this thriving, eclectic community has been reborn as an arts center that pays homage to its mining heritage and Wild West roots.
Columbus, Indiana (pop. 39,000): Located in the center of a triangle formed by Cincinnati, Louisville and Indianapolis, Columbus has earned its reputation as a world-class center of contemporary architecture. Columbus entices visitors with its striking modern architecture and collection of public art, distinct wineries, shops, festivals and array of outdoor activities.
Dubuque, Iowa (pop. 58,000): Perched high on a limestone bluff above the mighty Mississippi, Dubuque is a charming and vibrant city known for its cache of Victorian mansions, breath-taking vistas and three centuries of river history.
Helena, Montana (pop. 26,500): Known for its pristine rivers, majestic mountains and wide-open spaces, Helena is a city of extraordinary beauty and history. The city’s proud past can be witnessed today in its spectacular 19th-century mansions, historic gold mining-era businesses and restored pioneer dwellings.
Jonesborough, Tennessee (pop. 4,200): In the heart of the spectacular Southern Appalachian mountains, Jonesborough is a small town with a big story. Jonesborough celebrates its rich history and culture with a beautifully preserved downtown and a number of highly respected celebrations including the annual National Storytelling Festival.
Key West, Florida (pop. 25,500): A tiny speck of land on the southernmost tip of Florida, Key West has a well-earned reputation as a tropical paradise with breathtaking sunsets, crystal clear waters and sultry nightlife. But architecture lovers gravitate to the island’s palm-lined streets and proudly preserved Spanish-Colonial mansions and tin-roofed conch houses.
Natchitoches, Louisiana (pop. 18,500): Established in 1714, this vibrant community is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Natchitoches boasts a 33-block historic district, picture-book architecture and a variety of shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, tours and festivals that visitors are sure to enjoy.
New Braunfels, Texas (pop. 36,500): Founded in 1845 by German immigrants, New Braunfels offers genuine Lone Star hospitality, small-town spirit and a unique heritage that is celebrated year-round. New Braunfels boasts a variety of distinct activities that include Wurstfest, a “10-day salute to sausage” and Schlitterbahn, the top-rated water park in the nation.
Oak Park, Illinois (pop. 52,500): A diverse and dynamic town just nine miles outside Chicago, Oak Park is home to wide, leafy streets, quaint Victorian cottages and the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings and houses. Oak Park’s delightful setting – complete with world-class restaurants, boutiques and art galleries –provides the perfect escape.
Salem, Massachusetts (pop. 40,400): Most famously known for the witchcraft trials of 1692, Salem is also one of New England’s most colorful, coastal cities. Dubbed “America’s Bewitching Seaport,” Salem boasts a rich maritime heritage, an impressive display of historic architecture and nearly four centuries of history.
To obtain high resolution images of this year’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, please contact the National Trust Office of Communications, 202-588-6141.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable. Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the Trust provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America’s diverse historic places and revitalize communities. Its Washington, DC headquarters staff, six regional offices and 26 historic sites work with the Trust’s members and thousands of local community groups in all 50 states. For more information, visit the National Trust’s web site at www.nationaltrust.org.
For these reasons, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country's largest private, nonprofit preservation organization, today named Bisbee to its 2005 list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States. It was selected from nearly 80 destinations in 44 states that were nominated by individuals, preservation organizations and local communities.
“To visit Bisbee is to step back in time,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Travelers from all over the world come to Bisbee to savor its unique charm – an uncommon blend of history, creativity, friendliness, style, romance and adventure, all wrapped in the rugged splendor of the Old West.”
This is the sixth time the National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced a list of Dozen Distinctive Destinations. To date, there are 72 Dozen Distinctive Destinations located in 36 states throughout the country. To see a complete list, visit www.nationaltrust.org. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town’s character and sense of place. Whether by enacting a local preservation law to protect historic buildings against demolition, rewriting zoning codes to prevent commercial sprawl, removing regulatory barriers to downtown housing, making downtown areas more walkable, enacting design standards, or taking some other major step that demonstrates a strong commitment to their town, residents have worked hard to preserve the historic and scenic assets of their communities, with rewards that transcend town limits.
The cities and towns on the 2005 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations are:
Annapolis, Maryland (pop. 35,800): Home to the Naval Academy, Annapolis cherishes and celebrates its rich, proud history with a well-preserved cache of 18th century architecture and a charming harbor that invites both sailors and landlubbers to fall in love with this colonial capital.
Bath, Maine (pop. 10,000): Nestled along the sparkling Kennebec River, Bath is an old seafaring town, deemed one of the best small cities in America. A New England oil painting come to life, this compact, walkable community is known for its treasure trove of maritime history, historic buildings and rugged, scenic beaches.
Bisbee, Arizona (pop. 6,400): Once dubbed “Queen of the Copper Camps,” Bisbee was literally born overnight when precious metals were discovered in 1877 in this picturesque spot high in the Mule Mountains. Today, this thriving, eclectic community has been reborn as an arts center that pays homage to its mining heritage and Wild West roots.
Columbus, Indiana (pop. 39,000): Located in the center of a triangle formed by Cincinnati, Louisville and Indianapolis, Columbus has earned its reputation as a world-class center of contemporary architecture. Columbus entices visitors with its striking modern architecture and collection of public art, distinct wineries, shops, festivals and array of outdoor activities.
Dubuque, Iowa (pop. 58,000): Perched high on a limestone bluff above the mighty Mississippi, Dubuque is a charming and vibrant city known for its cache of Victorian mansions, breath-taking vistas and three centuries of river history.
Helena, Montana (pop. 26,500): Known for its pristine rivers, majestic mountains and wide-open spaces, Helena is a city of extraordinary beauty and history. The city’s proud past can be witnessed today in its spectacular 19th-century mansions, historic gold mining-era businesses and restored pioneer dwellings.
Jonesborough, Tennessee (pop. 4,200): In the heart of the spectacular Southern Appalachian mountains, Jonesborough is a small town with a big story. Jonesborough celebrates its rich history and culture with a beautifully preserved downtown and a number of highly respected celebrations including the annual National Storytelling Festival.
Key West, Florida (pop. 25,500): A tiny speck of land on the southernmost tip of Florida, Key West has a well-earned reputation as a tropical paradise with breathtaking sunsets, crystal clear waters and sultry nightlife. But architecture lovers gravitate to the island’s palm-lined streets and proudly preserved Spanish-Colonial mansions and tin-roofed conch houses.
Natchitoches, Louisiana (pop. 18,500): Established in 1714, this vibrant community is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Natchitoches boasts a 33-block historic district, picture-book architecture and a variety of shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, tours and festivals that visitors are sure to enjoy.
New Braunfels, Texas (pop. 36,500): Founded in 1845 by German immigrants, New Braunfels offers genuine Lone Star hospitality, small-town spirit and a unique heritage that is celebrated year-round. New Braunfels boasts a variety of distinct activities that include Wurstfest, a “10-day salute to sausage” and Schlitterbahn, the top-rated water park in the nation.
Oak Park, Illinois (pop. 52,500): A diverse and dynamic town just nine miles outside Chicago, Oak Park is home to wide, leafy streets, quaint Victorian cottages and the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings and houses. Oak Park’s delightful setting – complete with world-class restaurants, boutiques and art galleries –provides the perfect escape.
Salem, Massachusetts (pop. 40,400): Most famously known for the witchcraft trials of 1692, Salem is also one of New England’s most colorful, coastal cities. Dubbed “America’s Bewitching Seaport,” Salem boasts a rich maritime heritage, an impressive display of historic architecture and nearly four centuries of history.
To obtain high resolution images of this year’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, please contact the National Trust Office of Communications, 202-588-6141.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable. Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the Trust provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America’s diverse historic places and revitalize communities. Its Washington, DC headquarters staff, six regional offices and 26 historic sites work with the Trust’s members and thousands of local community groups in all 50 states. For more information, visit the National Trust’s web site at www.nationaltrust.org.
Arizona Highways: Feb. 2005 Quirky Town of Bisbee Still Has Its Old-time Charm
By Carrie M. Miner
After a short trip through the darkened tunnel at Mule Pass, visitors arrive in Old Bisbee, the historic mining town in southern Arizona. Once known as the Queen of the Copper Camps, Bisbee shines with an allure all her own. Although no longer one of the largest towns between New Orleans and San Francisco, as it was in the early 20th century, this quirky place tenaciously clings to the steep slopes of the Mule Mountains as if to prove that it is here to stay.
At first glance, downtown Bisbee looks as if time stopped at the turn of the 20th century. Main Street, which runs up to Tombstone Canyon, is home to artist studios, galleries and boutiques.
A stroll down the sidewalks reveals a smattering of unique and eclectic shops. You can pick up a hand-woven straw hat at Optimo Custom Hatworks, chat with a potter as she throws a clay bowl at a pottery shop, and sample award-winning honey butters and honey mustards made by Killer Bee Honey. Art collectors will discover fine arts at specialty galleries, including Belleza Fine Art Gallery, 55 Main Gallery and the Tang Gallery. Many other unusual shops hide in the historic buildings - each as distinctive as the town they reside in.
The dining opportunities in Old Bisbee are just as diverse. You can eat a hearty lunch at Cafe Cornucopia, known for homemade sandwiches, soups and desserts, or relax during a leisurely meal at the quaint historic Copper Queen Hotel.
For an exquisite evening, make a reservation at Cafe Roka. The original 1907 brick building was originally part of the Fair Department Store, and later became The Tavern, one of the rowdiest bars in Bisbee. Chef Rod Kass transformed it into a fine dining establishment in 1993. As Cafe Roka, the building's old exposed brick provides a charming backdrop for original artwork, the soft light and polished wood creates an Old World atmosphere, and an 1875 bar recalls Bisbee's glory days.
"It was hard for the old-timers when it [Bisbee] declined," said Sally Holcomb, whose family has lived and worked in the Bisbee area for five generations. "Now there's a new energy. It's more vibrant."
The Mule Mountains aren't as impressive as some of the other ranges in southern Arizona, but their rocky canyons hoarded what became known as one of the richest mineral sites in the world. Jack Dunn, a scout with Company C from Fort Huachuca, first discovered an outcropping of rich ore in 1877 while chasing Apache Indians in the area.
By 1910, more than 20,000 people lived in the crowded canyons around the Bisbee mines. Phelps Dodge purchased most of the other major mines during the Great Depression, and mining continued until 1975. In less than 100 years, the area surrounding Bisbee had yielded about $10 billion in copper (at today's prices), all gleaned from a surface area of about 3 square miles.
Bisbee visitors can walk in the shoes of those old-time hard-rock miners with a tour of the Copper Queen Mine. After donning a helmet and a yellow slicker, they will descend deep within the mountains for a guided train ride through the tunnels. The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, located in the former headquarters of the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Co., provides an in-depth look at Bisbee's mines and the way of life during the copper camp's heyday.
If you are willing to go off the beaten path, you'll discover more riches than just those found on Main Street. Tom Mosier, a native of Bisbee, takes locals and tourists on historical adventures through Bisbee’s streets on his Lavender Jeep Tours. Mosier drives his passengers along Bisbee’s backstreets and regales them with history of the town and its buildings. Among the ruined miners’ shacks and restored Victorian homes, Mosier points to the stairs that cling to the steep hillside.
“There are some houses that you can only get to by stairs,” said Mosier. “And in some places there are stairs that don’t go anywhere at all.”
One observer in 1902 claimed, “It is eminently an upright camp, especially in the topographical sense, the residences rising one above the other like seats in the balcony of the Tabor Grand.” Some things never change.
Location: Approximately 93 miles southeast of Tucson.
Getting There: From Tucson, drive about 45 miles southeast on Interstate 10 to Exit 303 near Benson. Drive about 48 miles southeast on State Route 80 to Bisbee.
Additional Information: The Bisbee Chamber of Commerce, (520) 432-5421; toll-free, (866) 224-7233;www.bisbeearizona.com
Things to Do in Bisbee
Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum: View the colorful history of the Queen of Copper Camps at this museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. No. 5 Copper Queen Plaza; (520) 432-7071;www.bisbeemuseum.org
Cafe Roka: Enjoy a four-course meal at this first-class restaurant at 35 Main St.; (520) 432-5153;www.caferoka.com
Lavender Jeep Tours: Bisbee native Tom Mosier and his wife, Ginger, offer seven different tours, including the historic back roads of Bisbee, the Sky Islands, a sunset mountain tour and mining landscape tour. No. 1 Copper Queen Plaza; (520) 432-5369.
Muheim Heritage House Museum: The restored pioneer house, built by Joseph and Carmelita Muheim beginning in 1898 and completed in 1915, gives visitors an intimate look at the style of living in Bisbee’s heyday. 207 Youngblood Hill; (520) 432-7698.
Queen Mine Tour: Take a trip deep underground and learn about the approximately 2,500 miles of tunnels in the Bisbee mining area. 47 Dart Ave. (just off State 80); (520) 432-2071; toll-free, (866) 432-2071.
Shady Dell, a vintage trailer park: Stay in a restored 1950s aluminum travel trailer complete with period furnishings.1 Old Douglas Rd.; (520) 432-3567; www.theshadydell.com
Shops and Galleries: Bisbee has reinvented itself as a thriving arts community with galleries, specialty boutiques and restaurants settled into the historic buildings running up Tombstone Canyon.
After a short trip through the darkened tunnel at Mule Pass, visitors arrive in Old Bisbee, the historic mining town in southern Arizona. Once known as the Queen of the Copper Camps, Bisbee shines with an allure all her own. Although no longer one of the largest towns between New Orleans and San Francisco, as it was in the early 20th century, this quirky place tenaciously clings to the steep slopes of the Mule Mountains as if to prove that it is here to stay.
At first glance, downtown Bisbee looks as if time stopped at the turn of the 20th century. Main Street, which runs up to Tombstone Canyon, is home to artist studios, galleries and boutiques.
A stroll down the sidewalks reveals a smattering of unique and eclectic shops. You can pick up a hand-woven straw hat at Optimo Custom Hatworks, chat with a potter as she throws a clay bowl at a pottery shop, and sample award-winning honey butters and honey mustards made by Killer Bee Honey. Art collectors will discover fine arts at specialty galleries, including Belleza Fine Art Gallery, 55 Main Gallery and the Tang Gallery. Many other unusual shops hide in the historic buildings - each as distinctive as the town they reside in.
The dining opportunities in Old Bisbee are just as diverse. You can eat a hearty lunch at Cafe Cornucopia, known for homemade sandwiches, soups and desserts, or relax during a leisurely meal at the quaint historic Copper Queen Hotel.
For an exquisite evening, make a reservation at Cafe Roka. The original 1907 brick building was originally part of the Fair Department Store, and later became The Tavern, one of the rowdiest bars in Bisbee. Chef Rod Kass transformed it into a fine dining establishment in 1993. As Cafe Roka, the building's old exposed brick provides a charming backdrop for original artwork, the soft light and polished wood creates an Old World atmosphere, and an 1875 bar recalls Bisbee's glory days.
"It was hard for the old-timers when it [Bisbee] declined," said Sally Holcomb, whose family has lived and worked in the Bisbee area for five generations. "Now there's a new energy. It's more vibrant."
The Mule Mountains aren't as impressive as some of the other ranges in southern Arizona, but their rocky canyons hoarded what became known as one of the richest mineral sites in the world. Jack Dunn, a scout with Company C from Fort Huachuca, first discovered an outcropping of rich ore in 1877 while chasing Apache Indians in the area.
By 1910, more than 20,000 people lived in the crowded canyons around the Bisbee mines. Phelps Dodge purchased most of the other major mines during the Great Depression, and mining continued until 1975. In less than 100 years, the area surrounding Bisbee had yielded about $10 billion in copper (at today's prices), all gleaned from a surface area of about 3 square miles.
Bisbee visitors can walk in the shoes of those old-time hard-rock miners with a tour of the Copper Queen Mine. After donning a helmet and a yellow slicker, they will descend deep within the mountains for a guided train ride through the tunnels. The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, located in the former headquarters of the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Co., provides an in-depth look at Bisbee's mines and the way of life during the copper camp's heyday.
If you are willing to go off the beaten path, you'll discover more riches than just those found on Main Street. Tom Mosier, a native of Bisbee, takes locals and tourists on historical adventures through Bisbee’s streets on his Lavender Jeep Tours. Mosier drives his passengers along Bisbee’s backstreets and regales them with history of the town and its buildings. Among the ruined miners’ shacks and restored Victorian homes, Mosier points to the stairs that cling to the steep hillside.
“There are some houses that you can only get to by stairs,” said Mosier. “And in some places there are stairs that don’t go anywhere at all.”
One observer in 1902 claimed, “It is eminently an upright camp, especially in the topographical sense, the residences rising one above the other like seats in the balcony of the Tabor Grand.” Some things never change.
Location: Approximately 93 miles southeast of Tucson.
Getting There: From Tucson, drive about 45 miles southeast on Interstate 10 to Exit 303 near Benson. Drive about 48 miles southeast on State Route 80 to Bisbee.
Additional Information: The Bisbee Chamber of Commerce, (520) 432-5421; toll-free, (866) 224-7233;www.bisbeearizona.com
Things to Do in Bisbee
Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum: View the colorful history of the Queen of Copper Camps at this museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. No. 5 Copper Queen Plaza; (520) 432-7071;www.bisbeemuseum.org
Cafe Roka: Enjoy a four-course meal at this first-class restaurant at 35 Main St.; (520) 432-5153;www.caferoka.com
Lavender Jeep Tours: Bisbee native Tom Mosier and his wife, Ginger, offer seven different tours, including the historic back roads of Bisbee, the Sky Islands, a sunset mountain tour and mining landscape tour. No. 1 Copper Queen Plaza; (520) 432-5369.
Muheim Heritage House Museum: The restored pioneer house, built by Joseph and Carmelita Muheim beginning in 1898 and completed in 1915, gives visitors an intimate look at the style of living in Bisbee’s heyday. 207 Youngblood Hill; (520) 432-7698.
Queen Mine Tour: Take a trip deep underground and learn about the approximately 2,500 miles of tunnels in the Bisbee mining area. 47 Dart Ave. (just off State 80); (520) 432-2071; toll-free, (866) 432-2071.
Shady Dell, a vintage trailer park: Stay in a restored 1950s aluminum travel trailer complete with period furnishings.1 Old Douglas Rd.; (520) 432-3567; www.theshadydell.com
Shops and Galleries: Bisbee has reinvented itself as a thriving arts community with galleries, specialty boutiques and restaurants settled into the historic buildings running up Tombstone Canyon.
High Desert Gardens of Old Bisbee
Feb. 15, 2005; for more information, call Fred Miller @ (520) 432-1418
Bisbee, Arizona
Fourth Annual Bisbee Garden Tour
May 7, 2005 10 am-4 pm
The allure and beauty of high desert gardens in historic Old Bisbee will be featured during the fourth annual Bisbee Bloomer Garden Tour, Saturday, May 7.
Ten of Bisbee's finest gardens will be on display during the self guided tour in historic Old Bisbee. All gardens will have docents availabe for information.
Eclectic in style, much like the former Copper mining town itself, the tour gardens reflect home-owner's preferences and experiments rather than landscape architects planned perfection. There is much practical knowledge and advice to be gained through the tour. Because Bisbee is located on the overlap of the Chihuahua and Sonora deserts as well as the mile high elevation, the unique growing conditions are especially challenging.
The gardens reflect a range of landscaping including Xeriscape, natural state, water feature, and sunlight mitigation. Visitors will find fruit trees, lily ponds, roses, roses, roses, low water use plants, high water use plants, native high desert plants, water features, bonsai shrubs, and many different varieties of trees, bushes, vines, perennials and annuals.
Tickets for the tour, which runs from 10 am to 4 pm, are $8 and may be purchased at the Bisbee Visitor Center, 2 Copper Queen Plaza and the High Desert Market in Old Bisbee. Call 520-432-3554 for more information. Or visit www.discoverbisbee.com.
The tour is sponsored by the Bisbee Bloomers civic improvement group and the City of Bisbee.
Bisbee, Arizona
Fourth Annual Bisbee Garden Tour
May 7, 2005 10 am-4 pm
The allure and beauty of high desert gardens in historic Old Bisbee will be featured during the fourth annual Bisbee Bloomer Garden Tour, Saturday, May 7.
Ten of Bisbee's finest gardens will be on display during the self guided tour in historic Old Bisbee. All gardens will have docents availabe for information.
Eclectic in style, much like the former Copper mining town itself, the tour gardens reflect home-owner's preferences and experiments rather than landscape architects planned perfection. There is much practical knowledge and advice to be gained through the tour. Because Bisbee is located on the overlap of the Chihuahua and Sonora deserts as well as the mile high elevation, the unique growing conditions are especially challenging.
The gardens reflect a range of landscaping including Xeriscape, natural state, water feature, and sunlight mitigation. Visitors will find fruit trees, lily ponds, roses, roses, roses, low water use plants, high water use plants, native high desert plants, water features, bonsai shrubs, and many different varieties of trees, bushes, vines, perennials and annuals.
Tickets for the tour, which runs from 10 am to 4 pm, are $8 and may be purchased at the Bisbee Visitor Center, 2 Copper Queen Plaza and the High Desert Market in Old Bisbee. Call 520-432-3554 for more information. Or visit www.discoverbisbee.com.
The tour is sponsored by the Bisbee Bloomers civic improvement group and the City of Bisbee.
Budget Travel : Feb. 2004 Arizona the way it was
By Laurie Kuntz
History runs deep in Southeast Arizona, but you don't have to dig to find it. Get off the main road and you'll bump into ghost towns and missions, abandoned mines and airstream trailers.
History runs deep in Southeast Arizona, but you don't have to dig to find it. Get off the main road and you'll bump into ghost towns and missions, abandoned mines and airstream trailers.
Delta Sky Magazine: July 2003 Unhurried
Busy Bisbee - by Nancy Oakley; Illustration by Francis Livingston
That's the tempo in these 5 American villages.
That's the tempo in these 5 American villages.
Scottsdale Life: June 2003
Small Town, AZ
By Ginger S. Eiden; Photos by John Beckett
A slice of pie and life in Jerome, Wickenburg and Bisbee.
By Ginger S. Eiden; Photos by John Beckett
A slice of pie and life in Jerome, Wickenburg and Bisbee.
Travel + Leisure: October 2002 The Not So Old West
By Catherine O'Neal
Hey, cowboy: beyond the ghost towns and desert roads of Arizona, Catherine O'Neal finds an unexpected oasis of vintage trailers, fusion cuisine, and bohemian style.
Hey, cowboy: beyond the ghost towns and desert roads of Arizona, Catherine O'Neal finds an unexpected oasis of vintage trailers, fusion cuisine, and bohemian style.
Money Magazine: April 2002 Best Places to Vacation
By Andrea Bennet and Amy Wilson with Tara Kalwarski
From Oregon to Maine, we picked 10 perfect places in North America to spend your summer holidays.
From Oregon to Maine, we picked 10 perfect places in North America to spend your summer holidays.
It's Cool to go South in the Summer: Bisbee a Cool Place to Beat the Heat
Bisbee, AZ (June, 2005) – Elevation is everything when it comes to escaping the desert heat. Travelers heading to Bisbee, the nation’s southernmost mile-high city, will discover that they can “rise above it all” when they realize “It’s Cool to Go South in the Summer.”
COOL VISTAS— With elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,300 feet, the Mule Mountains help elevate visitors to a higher plane. And, because of its mile-high elevation, Bisbee enjoys cooler summer climes. These mountain peaks top out at about 7,300 feet, and provide Bisbee’s scenic backdrop. Expansive views, challenging hiking, biking, scenic drives, jeep tours and birding are among the recreational opportunities.
COOL MINING EXPERIENCE—And then there’s the flip side of elevation – the underground experience in Bisbee. The Queen Mine Tour allows visitors to experience cool comfort by traveling deep into the earth. During the tour, visitors experience one of the coolest spots in Arizona, even in the hottest months. The temperature registers a cool 47? F year-round. Cars formerly used to transport copper are now “trams” that carry passengers donning yellow slickers and hard hats equipped with spotlights, and trundle down the mine’s tracks. Miners-turned-tour-guides tell fascinating stories of the mine’s historic operations. Above ground, visitors can learn more about mining history and life in early 20th Century life at the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
COOL ARTS SCENE— A walk through historic Old Bisbee is a chance to peruse the city’s artistic riches. Whether frequent art patrons or casual shoppers, visitors can find an eclectic arts scene full of uncommon finds. Streets are lined with art galleries, studios and antique shops that are housed in diverse architecture from Bisbee’s turn-of-the-century mining heydays. Art deco, Classical Revival and Beaux Arts styles grace the unique structures along its streets.
COOL GOLF—Golfers itching to hit the links will find cool fairways in Bisbee, too. Sitting at an elevation of 4,600 feet, Turquoise Valley Golf Course offers a cool respite from urban courses—10-20 degrees cooler than Tucson or Phoenix layouts—and at value prices. “The Rattler,” hole #15, features 747 yards of cool green fairways – quite a challenge for even the latest in titanium technology or the biggest Big Bertha.
For more information on Bisbee’s cool summers, contact the Bisbee Visitors Center at (520) 432-3554, toll-free at 1-866-2 BISBEE (866-224-7233). Visitors can also get information on Bisbee’s events, attractions and accommodations at the website at www.discoverbisbee.com.
Recently named a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust of Historic Preservation--the first city in Arizona to receive the designation, Bisbee is located approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson and offers old-world charm, new-world charisma and is Arizona’s premier destination for arts and culture, western heritage, bird watching and outdoor recreation.
COOL VISTAS— With elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,300 feet, the Mule Mountains help elevate visitors to a higher plane. And, because of its mile-high elevation, Bisbee enjoys cooler summer climes. These mountain peaks top out at about 7,300 feet, and provide Bisbee’s scenic backdrop. Expansive views, challenging hiking, biking, scenic drives, jeep tours and birding are among the recreational opportunities.
COOL MINING EXPERIENCE—And then there’s the flip side of elevation – the underground experience in Bisbee. The Queen Mine Tour allows visitors to experience cool comfort by traveling deep into the earth. During the tour, visitors experience one of the coolest spots in Arizona, even in the hottest months. The temperature registers a cool 47? F year-round. Cars formerly used to transport copper are now “trams” that carry passengers donning yellow slickers and hard hats equipped with spotlights, and trundle down the mine’s tracks. Miners-turned-tour-guides tell fascinating stories of the mine’s historic operations. Above ground, visitors can learn more about mining history and life in early 20th Century life at the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
COOL ARTS SCENE— A walk through historic Old Bisbee is a chance to peruse the city’s artistic riches. Whether frequent art patrons or casual shoppers, visitors can find an eclectic arts scene full of uncommon finds. Streets are lined with art galleries, studios and antique shops that are housed in diverse architecture from Bisbee’s turn-of-the-century mining heydays. Art deco, Classical Revival and Beaux Arts styles grace the unique structures along its streets.
COOL GOLF—Golfers itching to hit the links will find cool fairways in Bisbee, too. Sitting at an elevation of 4,600 feet, Turquoise Valley Golf Course offers a cool respite from urban courses—10-20 degrees cooler than Tucson or Phoenix layouts—and at value prices. “The Rattler,” hole #15, features 747 yards of cool green fairways – quite a challenge for even the latest in titanium technology or the biggest Big Bertha.
For more information on Bisbee’s cool summers, contact the Bisbee Visitors Center at (520) 432-3554, toll-free at 1-866-2 BISBEE (866-224-7233). Visitors can also get information on Bisbee’s events, attractions and accommodations at the website at www.discoverbisbee.com.
Recently named a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust of Historic Preservation--the first city in Arizona to receive the designation, Bisbee is located approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson and offers old-world charm, new-world charisma and is Arizona’s premier destination for arts and culture, western heritage, bird watching and outdoor recreation.
BISBEE: Mining Town Turned Artists' Haven
BISBEE, Ariz. – At the end of the 19th century the Queen Mine churned with activity beneath the town of Bisbee. Today, the mine is dormant, but Bisbee is not. Built along the sides of the Mule Mountains in southeastern Arizona, the thriving mile-high community of Bisbee is richly blended with art, history and western charm.
Miners descended into the depths of the Queen Mine to extract copper ore beginning in the late 1800s. At the turn of the century, the city claimed the largest population of any city between St. Louis and San Francisco. The bustling city saw bawdy days and hosted more than 40 saloons. Today, the mining history is told in the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, the Smithsonian Institution’s only rural affiliate.
Copper production slowed in the mid-1970s, but an infusion of artists kept the town alive. Today, artists’ galleries, historic homes and the antique shopping district combine to give Bisbee its unique character. On Brewery Gulch and Main Street, galleries and cooperatives showcase the work and skills of local and regional residents. Their talents are evident in many different artistic media, from landscape artists and photography to fiber arts and many more.
Shoppers can hunt for artistic treasures or search the shelves of the antique shops. In addition, custom hats can be had from local milliner Grant Sergot at Óptimo Custom Hatworks and wines from regional growers can be sampled at the Copper Door Wine Shop.
For more information on Bisbee attractions and accommodations, contact the Bisbee Visitor Center at (520) 432-3554 or toll-free at (866) 2 BISBEE (224-7233) or visit the website at www.discoverbisbee.com.
Bisbee, located approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson, offers old-world charm, new-world charisma and is Arizona’s premier destination for arts and culture, western heritage, bird watching and outdoor recreation.
Miners descended into the depths of the Queen Mine to extract copper ore beginning in the late 1800s. At the turn of the century, the city claimed the largest population of any city between St. Louis and San Francisco. The bustling city saw bawdy days and hosted more than 40 saloons. Today, the mining history is told in the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, the Smithsonian Institution’s only rural affiliate.
Copper production slowed in the mid-1970s, but an infusion of artists kept the town alive. Today, artists’ galleries, historic homes and the antique shopping district combine to give Bisbee its unique character. On Brewery Gulch and Main Street, galleries and cooperatives showcase the work and skills of local and regional residents. Their talents are evident in many different artistic media, from landscape artists and photography to fiber arts and many more.
Shoppers can hunt for artistic treasures or search the shelves of the antique shops. In addition, custom hats can be had from local milliner Grant Sergot at Óptimo Custom Hatworks and wines from regional growers can be sampled at the Copper Door Wine Shop.
For more information on Bisbee attractions and accommodations, contact the Bisbee Visitor Center at (520) 432-3554 or toll-free at (866) 2 BISBEE (224-7233) or visit the website at www.discoverbisbee.com.
Bisbee, located approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson, offers old-world charm, new-world charisma and is Arizona’s premier destination for arts and culture, western heritage, bird watching and outdoor recreation.
BISBEE: SOUTHEASTERN ARIZONA’S AVIAN HAVEN
BISBEE, Ariz. - With more than 515 documented species and more than 280 nesting species, Arizona boasts more bird habitats than 47 other states. And, amid lush deserts in the southeastern corner of the state, the mile high city of Bisbee is becoming renowned as an avian haven and hub for birdwatchers. Each year they flock to southeastern Arizona for a glimpse of winged creatures that either make their homes in this diverse region or stop during their yearly migration season.
Nearby birding spots include the Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon, the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 10,000 wintering Sandhill cranes, and the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Bisbee’s central location makes it a perfect spot for birdwatchers to base themselves, and provides convenient access to the region’s many birding spots, as well as offering an eclectic city of culture, heritage, art, shopping and unique dining experiences.
Festivals and High Flying Fun
Southwest Wings, an organization dedicated to promoting nature-based tourism and environmental awareness in southeastern Arizona, holds the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival annually in Bisbee in August. The five-day event features workshops, tours, speakers and other special events for birders and nature lovers. Their 2004 event is set for Wednesday, August 4 through Sunday, August 8.
Birding Companies
The Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory (SABO), a non-profit scientific and educational organization located in Bisbee, leads tours, workshops, seminars and trips throughout fall and winter. Operated by husband-and-wife team Tom Wood and Sheri Williamson, the organization has developed programs that share the fascination of winged creatures. Wood studied birds as a biologist and also managed The Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon Preserve before founding the organization in 1996. Located on Highway 80, just north of the Bisbee tunnel, SABO’s new offices offer feeding areas that attract birds for an “up close and personal” experience. The organization offers half-day and full-day guided walks, tours and personalized guide services.
For more information on Bisbee attractions and accommodations, contact the Bisbee Visitor Center at 520-432-3554 or toll-free at 866-2BISBEE (224-7233).For more information on SABO, call the organization at 520-432-1388 or visit their web site at www.sabo.org.
Bisbee, located approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson, offers old-world charm, new-world charisma and is Arizona’s premier destination for arts and culture, western heritage, bird watching and outdoor recreation.
Nearby birding spots include the Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon, the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 10,000 wintering Sandhill cranes, and the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Bisbee’s central location makes it a perfect spot for birdwatchers to base themselves, and provides convenient access to the region’s many birding spots, as well as offering an eclectic city of culture, heritage, art, shopping and unique dining experiences.
Festivals and High Flying Fun
Southwest Wings, an organization dedicated to promoting nature-based tourism and environmental awareness in southeastern Arizona, holds the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival annually in Bisbee in August. The five-day event features workshops, tours, speakers and other special events for birders and nature lovers. Their 2004 event is set for Wednesday, August 4 through Sunday, August 8.
Birding Companies
The Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory (SABO), a non-profit scientific and educational organization located in Bisbee, leads tours, workshops, seminars and trips throughout fall and winter. Operated by husband-and-wife team Tom Wood and Sheri Williamson, the organization has developed programs that share the fascination of winged creatures. Wood studied birds as a biologist and also managed The Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon Preserve before founding the organization in 1996. Located on Highway 80, just north of the Bisbee tunnel, SABO’s new offices offer feeding areas that attract birds for an “up close and personal” experience. The organization offers half-day and full-day guided walks, tours and personalized guide services.
For more information on Bisbee attractions and accommodations, contact the Bisbee Visitor Center at 520-432-3554 or toll-free at 866-2BISBEE (224-7233).For more information on SABO, call the organization at 520-432-1388 or visit their web site at www.sabo.org.
Bisbee, located approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson, offers old-world charm, new-world charisma and is Arizona’s premier destination for arts and culture, western heritage, bird watching and outdoor recreation.
BISBEE, ARIZONA At A Glance
BISBEE, Ariz.
LOCATION: Bisbee is approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson in Cochise County.
POPULATION: 6,090 residents
ELEVATION: 5,300 feet
RECREATION: Art and antiquing are popular pastimes for Bisbee visitors. History buffs can learn about mining during the Copper Queen Mine Tours given daily. Nearby, birding opportunities abound in the San Pedro Riparian Area and in the Mule Mountains.
CLIMATE: Generally sunny and mild, Bisbee’s mile-high elevation ensures cooler temperatures than those in the nearby cities of Tucson and Phoenix. Average highs in the summer range in the 80s to low-90s, and low temperatures in winter are typically in the mid-30s. Bisbee’s rainfall is generally less than 15 inches a year.
VISITOR SERVICES: With more than 25 hotels, motels, bed & breakfast inns, hostels, RV parks and campgrounds, Bisbee can accommodate visitors in any style.
HISTORY: Founded in 1880, the community began as a mining camp and thrived with the prolific Queen Mine, which produced nearly three million ounces of gold and more than eight billion pounds of copper. The town is named after Judge DeWitt Bisbee, a financial backer of the mine. By the early 1900s, Bisbee was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco with a bustling community of more than 20,000. Production slowed in the mid-1970s, and a colony of artists settled there and transformed it into the current creative destination it is.
INFORMATION: Bisbee Visitor Center: 520-432-3554 or toll-free: 1-866-2BISBEE
LOCATION: Bisbee is approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson in Cochise County.
POPULATION: 6,090 residents
ELEVATION: 5,300 feet
RECREATION: Art and antiquing are popular pastimes for Bisbee visitors. History buffs can learn about mining during the Copper Queen Mine Tours given daily. Nearby, birding opportunities abound in the San Pedro Riparian Area and in the Mule Mountains.
CLIMATE: Generally sunny and mild, Bisbee’s mile-high elevation ensures cooler temperatures than those in the nearby cities of Tucson and Phoenix. Average highs in the summer range in the 80s to low-90s, and low temperatures in winter are typically in the mid-30s. Bisbee’s rainfall is generally less than 15 inches a year.
VISITOR SERVICES: With more than 25 hotels, motels, bed & breakfast inns, hostels, RV parks and campgrounds, Bisbee can accommodate visitors in any style.
HISTORY: Founded in 1880, the community began as a mining camp and thrived with the prolific Queen Mine, which produced nearly three million ounces of gold and more than eight billion pounds of copper. The town is named after Judge DeWitt Bisbee, a financial backer of the mine. By the early 1900s, Bisbee was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco with a bustling community of more than 20,000. Production slowed in the mid-1970s, and a colony of artists settled there and transformed it into the current creative destination it is.
INFORMATION: Bisbee Visitor Center: 520-432-3554 or toll-free: 1-866-2BISBEE
BISBEE’S 19TH CENTURY, COPPER-CULTIVATED CULTURE STILL THRIVES IN HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
BISBEE, Ariz. - At the end of the 19th century, Bisbee and its Queen Mine churned with activity. Though the mine is dormant today, remnants of Bisbee’s underground past live on in the town’s historic attractions and interactive activities. Visitors interested in this former urban outpost can learn from the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, the Smithsonian Institution’s first rural affiliate, experience the Queen Mine Tour and visit a host of other attractions dedicated to preserving and recounting the town’s colorful past.
The thriving mile-high community, built along the sides of the Mule Mountains in southeastern Arizona, was once a rich mining center, and the copper extracted helped make the electrification of America possible.
Mining: 1880-1975 – Nearly a Century of Production
Miners descended into the depths of the Queen Mine to extract copper ore beginning in the late 1800s. Each day they spent hours underground with candles for light and crude tools by today’s standards. Visitors can experience the daily journey into the mine on the Queen Mine Tour. Running five times a day, former miners accompany visitors on this excursion into the past and recount tales of life in the early mining trade.
The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum offers another glimpse into the work of the miners, their families and friends. Interpretive exhibits lead visitors through Bisbee’s past, where life in a thriving territorial community is recounted. A large collection of photographs, as well as mining tools and relics, are displayed in the museum, an associate of the Smithsonian Institution. The venerable Washington concern has deemed Bisbee’s museum a treasure. Bisbee’s museum is the first rural affiliate of the Smithsonian in the country.
After workers emerged from the Queen Mine each evening, they played as hard as they worked. At the turn of the century, Bisbee claimed the largest population of any city between St. Louis and San Francisco, and bustling streets like Brewery Gulch saw bawdy days and nights in a city that boasted more than 40 saloons where gambling and carousing occurred daily.
Architecture
A stroll through Bisbee shows remarkable examples of architectural trends of the 19th and 20th Centuries. With classic styles like Greek, Romanesque and Renaissance Revival, Victorian and Art Deco, Bisbee exudes its own charm. The Copper Queen Hotel is perhaps the most recognized structure with its Mediterranean-style. Built by the Copper Queen consolidated Mining Company (later the Phelps Dodge Corporation), it was originally used as a hotel for the company’s East Coast executives. Architect Henry Hobson Richardson designed the Shattuck Schmid Building, which once held the elite private bar, “400 Club,” on its third floor. Today, the 400 Club Suites offer unique accommodations for visitors. The Pythian Castle, built in Renaissance Revival style, was erected in 1904 by the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal order popular after the Civil War. The tower clock no longer works, but its design is distinct. An example of Art Deco architecture is found in the Cochise County Courthouse. Designed by Tucson architect Roy Place, it was built after the County seat was moved to Bisbee in 1929.
Transportation
The Warren-Bisbee Railway began operating in 1908, near the height of Bisbee’s glory as copper mining capital of the world. It traversed steep streets that run through the town’s Tombstone Canyon, and became what many considered Arizona’s true interurban railway.
Today, Bisbee Trolley Tours trace its route through 21st Century Bisbee, with guides recounting the tales of historic Old Bisbee and the outlying neighborhoods of Warren. Along the way, visitors view the streets where miners spent their day’s fortunes.
For more information on Bisbee attractions and accommodations, contact the Bisbee Visitor Center at 520-432-3554 or toll-free at 866-2BISBEE (224-7233).
Bisbee, located approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson, offers old-world charm, new-world charisma and is Arizona’s premier destination for arts and culture, western heritage, bird watching and outdoor recreation.
The thriving mile-high community, built along the sides of the Mule Mountains in southeastern Arizona, was once a rich mining center, and the copper extracted helped make the electrification of America possible.
Mining: 1880-1975 – Nearly a Century of Production
Miners descended into the depths of the Queen Mine to extract copper ore beginning in the late 1800s. Each day they spent hours underground with candles for light and crude tools by today’s standards. Visitors can experience the daily journey into the mine on the Queen Mine Tour. Running five times a day, former miners accompany visitors on this excursion into the past and recount tales of life in the early mining trade.
The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum offers another glimpse into the work of the miners, their families and friends. Interpretive exhibits lead visitors through Bisbee’s past, where life in a thriving territorial community is recounted. A large collection of photographs, as well as mining tools and relics, are displayed in the museum, an associate of the Smithsonian Institution. The venerable Washington concern has deemed Bisbee’s museum a treasure. Bisbee’s museum is the first rural affiliate of the Smithsonian in the country.
After workers emerged from the Queen Mine each evening, they played as hard as they worked. At the turn of the century, Bisbee claimed the largest population of any city between St. Louis and San Francisco, and bustling streets like Brewery Gulch saw bawdy days and nights in a city that boasted more than 40 saloons where gambling and carousing occurred daily.
Architecture
A stroll through Bisbee shows remarkable examples of architectural trends of the 19th and 20th Centuries. With classic styles like Greek, Romanesque and Renaissance Revival, Victorian and Art Deco, Bisbee exudes its own charm. The Copper Queen Hotel is perhaps the most recognized structure with its Mediterranean-style. Built by the Copper Queen consolidated Mining Company (later the Phelps Dodge Corporation), it was originally used as a hotel for the company’s East Coast executives. Architect Henry Hobson Richardson designed the Shattuck Schmid Building, which once held the elite private bar, “400 Club,” on its third floor. Today, the 400 Club Suites offer unique accommodations for visitors. The Pythian Castle, built in Renaissance Revival style, was erected in 1904 by the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal order popular after the Civil War. The tower clock no longer works, but its design is distinct. An example of Art Deco architecture is found in the Cochise County Courthouse. Designed by Tucson architect Roy Place, it was built after the County seat was moved to Bisbee in 1929.
Transportation
The Warren-Bisbee Railway began operating in 1908, near the height of Bisbee’s glory as copper mining capital of the world. It traversed steep streets that run through the town’s Tombstone Canyon, and became what many considered Arizona’s true interurban railway.
Today, Bisbee Trolley Tours trace its route through 21st Century Bisbee, with guides recounting the tales of historic Old Bisbee and the outlying neighborhoods of Warren. Along the way, visitors view the streets where miners spent their day’s fortunes.
For more information on Bisbee attractions and accommodations, contact the Bisbee Visitor Center at 520-432-3554 or toll-free at 866-2BISBEE (224-7233).
Bisbee, located approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson, offers old-world charm, new-world charisma and is Arizona’s premier destination for arts and culture, western heritage, bird watching and outdoor recreation.
TWENTY INTRIGUING FACTS ABOUT BISBEE
1. Bisbee was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco at the turn-of-the-century.
2. Bisbee has the longest continually operating ball field (with original grand stand) in Arizona.
3. Bisbee has the longest continually operating golf course in AZ and the longest hole in Arizona (747 yards, par 6) - Turquoise Valley Golf Course in Naco.
4. Bisbee has Arizona’s first Smithsonian Institute affiliate -- the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
5. Bisbee has the largest concentration of historic inns and B&B's in the state.
6. Bisbee has the only underground mine tour in Arizona -- the Queen Mine Tour.
7. Del Webb's (developer of Sun City and many other projects) first project was the Phelps Dodge Mercantile Bldg. in Bisbee. It is now referred to as the Copper Queen Plaza.
8. St. Patrick's Church (on National Register of Historic Places) in Bisbee has 27 stained glass windows designed by Emil Frei in the 1910's. Frei is recognized worldwide as a superb designer of Victorian style stained glass.
9. The tunnel into Bisbee (Mule Mountain Tunnel) was the longest in Arizona until construction of the tunnel in Phoenix on I-10 through downtown.
10. Ted DeGrazia (artist) worked at the Lyric Theater in Bisbee and designed the copper men on either side of the inside lobby.
11. The first stock exchange in Arizona was in Bisbee.
12. Bisbee has one of Arizona's top 100 restaurants - Cafe Roka.
13. Bisbee's Historic District is a Registered National Historic District.
14. Bisbee is rated as one of America’s top 100 art towns.
15. Bisbee was rated as one of Modern Maturity’s top 50 best places to live (May-June 2000).
16. Bisbee is rated as one of Money Magazine’s Top Ten Vacation Destinations (April 2002).
17. Bisbee has the oldest (1947) traffic circle in Arizona.
18. The Copper Queen Library is the oldest public library in Arizona.
19. St. Elmo Bar in Brewery Gulch is the oldest continually operating bar in the state of Arizona.
20. George Warren, one of the original owners of the Queen Mine, is on the state seal of Arizona.
2. Bisbee has the longest continually operating ball field (with original grand stand) in Arizona.
3. Bisbee has the longest continually operating golf course in AZ and the longest hole in Arizona (747 yards, par 6) - Turquoise Valley Golf Course in Naco.
4. Bisbee has Arizona’s first Smithsonian Institute affiliate -- the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
5. Bisbee has the largest concentration of historic inns and B&B's in the state.
6. Bisbee has the only underground mine tour in Arizona -- the Queen Mine Tour.
7. Del Webb's (developer of Sun City and many other projects) first project was the Phelps Dodge Mercantile Bldg. in Bisbee. It is now referred to as the Copper Queen Plaza.
8. St. Patrick's Church (on National Register of Historic Places) in Bisbee has 27 stained glass windows designed by Emil Frei in the 1910's. Frei is recognized worldwide as a superb designer of Victorian style stained glass.
9. The tunnel into Bisbee (Mule Mountain Tunnel) was the longest in Arizona until construction of the tunnel in Phoenix on I-10 through downtown.
10. Ted DeGrazia (artist) worked at the Lyric Theater in Bisbee and designed the copper men on either side of the inside lobby.
11. The first stock exchange in Arizona was in Bisbee.
12. Bisbee has one of Arizona's top 100 restaurants - Cafe Roka.
13. Bisbee's Historic District is a Registered National Historic District.
14. Bisbee is rated as one of America’s top 100 art towns.
15. Bisbee was rated as one of Modern Maturity’s top 50 best places to live (May-June 2000).
16. Bisbee is rated as one of Money Magazine’s Top Ten Vacation Destinations (April 2002).
17. Bisbee has the oldest (1947) traffic circle in Arizona.
18. The Copper Queen Library is the oldest public library in Arizona.
19. St. Elmo Bar in Brewery Gulch is the oldest continually operating bar in the state of Arizona.
20. George Warren, one of the original owners of the Queen Mine, is on the state seal of Arizona.
VISITORS EXPERIENCE MINING LIFE AS TOUR DESCENDS INTO DEPTHS OF BISBEE’S COPPER QUEEN MINE
BISBEE, Ariz. – Outfitted in hard hat, miner’s headlamp and a yellow slicker, thousands of Bisbee visitors descend into the Queen Mine Tour each year—heading underground and back in time. Tour guides, retired Phelps Dodge employees, lead the group 1,500 feet into the mine and recount mining days, techniques, dangers and drama. Adding a personal touch, the miner-turned-tour guides help visitors experience what it was like to work underground.
The wealth of riches that the Queen Mine produced help electrify the U.S. by supplying copper throughout the country. One of the most prolific copper mines in the country—producing more than eight billion pounds of copper, nearly three million ounces of gold as well as silver, lead and zinc—mining began in Bisbee in 1877. The mine eventually closed when Phelps Dodge discontinued mining operations in the mid–1970s, but it re-opened as a tourist attraction in 1976, nearly 100 years after it originally opened.
Five tours depart each day, seven days a week, from the Queen Mine Tour Building, located immediately south of Old Bisbee’s business district, off the U.S. 80 interchange. Open. Tours last approximately one hour. Tickets to the Queen Mine Tour are $12 plus tax for adults, $5 plus tax for youth ages 5-15 and free for children age 4 and under. Group rates are also available for groups of 10 or more and require advanced notice of two weeks.
In addition to the Queen Mine Tour, visitors can gain access to the city’s top two attractions, plus enjoy discounts at area merchants through the Bisbee Visitor Passport. Offering the value-oriented program for the second year, the passport encourages visitors to explore the city’s rich heritage and colorful culture and return time and time again.
The Visitor Passport, produced by the City of Bisbee, is available at the Queen Mine Tour, the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum (an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution) and the Bisbee Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. Visitors can purchase the passport for only $17 (including tax), which will serve as their admission tickets to both the Queen Mine Tour and the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum. As an added bonus, it features discounts and special offers from more than 15 participating restaurants, hotels and attractions. Visitors can save up to $150 with discounts included in the passport. The passport includes photos of Bisbee and can be kept as a souvenir. It can be used again and again and is transferable.
The Bisbee Visitor Passport program offers one-stop shopping for access to the Queen Mine Tour and to the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, plus special money-saving offers with the participating merchants. Visitors can save up to $150 with discounts included in the passport.
For information on Bisbee’s passport program, contact the Queen Mine Tour toll-free at (866) 432-2071, the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum at (520) 432-7071 or the Bisbee Visitor Center at (520) 432-3554, toll-free at (866) 2 BISBEE (224-7233).
Visitors can also get information on Bisbee’s events, attractions and accommodations at the Bisbee Visitor Center’s website at www.discoverbisbee.com.
Bisbee, located approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson, offers old-world charm, new-world charisma and is Arizona’s premier destination for arts and culture, western heritage, bird watching and outdoor recreation.
The wealth of riches that the Queen Mine produced help electrify the U.S. by supplying copper throughout the country. One of the most prolific copper mines in the country—producing more than eight billion pounds of copper, nearly three million ounces of gold as well as silver, lead and zinc—mining began in Bisbee in 1877. The mine eventually closed when Phelps Dodge discontinued mining operations in the mid–1970s, but it re-opened as a tourist attraction in 1976, nearly 100 years after it originally opened.
Five tours depart each day, seven days a week, from the Queen Mine Tour Building, located immediately south of Old Bisbee’s business district, off the U.S. 80 interchange. Open. Tours last approximately one hour. Tickets to the Queen Mine Tour are $12 plus tax for adults, $5 plus tax for youth ages 5-15 and free for children age 4 and under. Group rates are also available for groups of 10 or more and require advanced notice of two weeks.
In addition to the Queen Mine Tour, visitors can gain access to the city’s top two attractions, plus enjoy discounts at area merchants through the Bisbee Visitor Passport. Offering the value-oriented program for the second year, the passport encourages visitors to explore the city’s rich heritage and colorful culture and return time and time again.
The Visitor Passport, produced by the City of Bisbee, is available at the Queen Mine Tour, the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum (an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution) and the Bisbee Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. Visitors can purchase the passport for only $17 (including tax), which will serve as their admission tickets to both the Queen Mine Tour and the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum. As an added bonus, it features discounts and special offers from more than 15 participating restaurants, hotels and attractions. Visitors can save up to $150 with discounts included in the passport. The passport includes photos of Bisbee and can be kept as a souvenir. It can be used again and again and is transferable.
The Bisbee Visitor Passport program offers one-stop shopping for access to the Queen Mine Tour and to the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, plus special money-saving offers with the participating merchants. Visitors can save up to $150 with discounts included in the passport.
For information on Bisbee’s passport program, contact the Queen Mine Tour toll-free at (866) 432-2071, the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum at (520) 432-7071 or the Bisbee Visitor Center at (520) 432-3554, toll-free at (866) 2 BISBEE (224-7233).
Visitors can also get information on Bisbee’s events, attractions and accommodations at the Bisbee Visitor Center’s website at www.discoverbisbee.com.
Bisbee, located approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson, offers old-world charm, new-world charisma and is Arizona’s premier destination for arts and culture, western heritage, bird watching and outdoor recreation.
WALKING TOUR GUIDE SHOWCASES BISBEE’S ‘HISTORY ON THE HILLSIDE’
BISBEE, Ariz. - With a new Bisbee Historic Walking Tours brochure, visitors can explore Bisbee’s early 20th-century architecture, fantastic shops and Old World charm. Visitors can delight in wonderfully preserved “history on the hillside” with the brochure as a guide to some of the town’s history and the architectural significance of its structures.
The walking tour brochure describes the architecture at more than 25 points of interest. An urban frontier outpost, Bisbee was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco in the early 1900s. Self-guided and self-paced, the brochure’s tours allow visitors to explore the town, lingering at any location they choose. Tours include Brewery Gulch, Main Street/Tombstone Canyon plus routes for more ambitious walkers.
The tour of Brewery Gulch, a storied street that was once home to more than 40 saloons and bars, lasts approximately one half-hour. It includes St. Elmo’s Bar, which has been operating for more than 100 years, the Pythian Castle, now an apartment building that was originally built by a fraternal order popular in post-Civil War days, and Lyric Plaza, which is now home to a realty company. Tracks from the original Bisbee streetcar system remain near the Lyric Plaza.
The Main Street/Tombstone Canyon Tour lasts approximately one hour. It includes the Copper Queen Plaza (formerly the Phelps Dodge Mercantile Store) that now houses restaurants shops and galleries, the Iron Man Statue, the Bisbee Woman’s Club, which is the oldest continually operated woman’s club in Arizona, and the Muirhead House, now a bed & breakfast inn, which is the largest building constructed of wood in Old Bisbee.
Old Bisbee’s historic commercial district has been designated a National Register Historic District with 240 contributing properties. Some buildings, such as the Copper Queen Hotel and the Miners & Merchants Bank (which now houses an arts and antiques gallery), are more than 100 years old. In addition, the Copper Queen Plaza is one of the earliest commercial buildings in Arizona built by developer Del Webb.
For more information on Bisbee’s events, attractions, restaurants and accommodations, contact the Bisbee Visitor Center at 520-432-3554, toll-free at 866-2BISBEE (224-7233).
Bisbee, located approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson, offers old-world charm, new-world charisma and is Arizona’s premier destination for arts and culture, western heritage, bird watching and outdoor recreation.
The walking tour brochure describes the architecture at more than 25 points of interest. An urban frontier outpost, Bisbee was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco in the early 1900s. Self-guided and self-paced, the brochure’s tours allow visitors to explore the town, lingering at any location they choose. Tours include Brewery Gulch, Main Street/Tombstone Canyon plus routes for more ambitious walkers.
The tour of Brewery Gulch, a storied street that was once home to more than 40 saloons and bars, lasts approximately one half-hour. It includes St. Elmo’s Bar, which has been operating for more than 100 years, the Pythian Castle, now an apartment building that was originally built by a fraternal order popular in post-Civil War days, and Lyric Plaza, which is now home to a realty company. Tracks from the original Bisbee streetcar system remain near the Lyric Plaza.
The Main Street/Tombstone Canyon Tour lasts approximately one hour. It includes the Copper Queen Plaza (formerly the Phelps Dodge Mercantile Store) that now houses restaurants shops and galleries, the Iron Man Statue, the Bisbee Woman’s Club, which is the oldest continually operated woman’s club in Arizona, and the Muirhead House, now a bed & breakfast inn, which is the largest building constructed of wood in Old Bisbee.
Old Bisbee’s historic commercial district has been designated a National Register Historic District with 240 contributing properties. Some buildings, such as the Copper Queen Hotel and the Miners & Merchants Bank (which now houses an arts and antiques gallery), are more than 100 years old. In addition, the Copper Queen Plaza is one of the earliest commercial buildings in Arizona built by developer Del Webb.
For more information on Bisbee’s events, attractions, restaurants and accommodations, contact the Bisbee Visitor Center at 520-432-3554, toll-free at 866-2BISBEE (224-7233).
Bisbee, located approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson, offers old-world charm, new-world charisma and is Arizona’s premier destination for arts and culture, western heritage, bird watching and outdoor recreation.
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