If you’re planning on taking a trip to Arizona and want to visit something quirky, kind of spooky, and really, really beautiful, you need to stop in Jerome. It’s nestled in its location on Cleopatra Hill, halfway between Prescott and Sedona, and it appears frozen in time—in the best kind of way!
I completely ran into Jerome by chance while I was on the spontaneous road trip I recently took in Arizona with my friends. Someone mentioned “that ghost town with all the artists and spooky hotels.” Of course, we were all really intrigued. It turns out, the town has such an otherworldly atmosphere combined with incredible vistas, loads of history, and incredibly delicious food.
And now let me tell you what to see when you visit this strange little town on the hill.
Getting There: The Road Trip Sets the Tone
Jerome is roughly two hours north of Phoenix and 45 minutes southwest of Sedona. Whether you head in any direction, the ride is completely worth it—particularly if you drive in from Sedona up Highway 89A. I’m telling you, those curvy mountain roads, gorgeous views, and photo opportunities every few minutes make you want to stop for pictures; it’s fantastic.
So when we finally reached that final turn and caught sight of Jerome clinging to the sides of the mountains, it was as if we drove into the set of a movie. In all honesty, the entire town looks as if it was constructed on a bet. The roads bend and wind through the hills, the buildings sort of tilt, and there is just an odd combination of Wild West and bohemian chic that is difficult to describe.
A Brief Overview of Jerome’s History
So Jerome got off the ground in 1876 and was soon the wealthiest copper-mining town in the country. In its heyday in the 1920s, it boasted more than 10,000 residents, and the New York Sun dubbed it “the wickedest town in the West.” It was the kind of place with saloons, brothels, and rough-around-the-edges miners—essentially all the good stuff.
Then, after the mining bubble burst, people just cleared out. In the ’50s, Jerome was really a ghost town. Here’s the interesting thing, though—artists and hippies began moving in back in the ’60s and ’70s, and those now-empty streets became an incredible arts community. It was that culture that stayed, and it is the reason Jerome survives, ghost-town attraction and all.
Top Attractions in Jerome
Jerome State Historic Park
Start your tour here—it’s not only educational, it’s really cool. The park revolves around the Douglas Mansion, constructed back in 1916 for James Douglas, the Little Daisy Mine owner. It is now a museum exploring Jerome’s history of mining.
I had a great time exploring all the exhibits, such as the old photographs, the neat old equipment, and the 3D models of what the town was like back then. And this is really cool—a glass floor area where you can peer down into an actual model mine shaft below! And the mansion’s situated up on the hill above the town, and the views of Verde Valley are incredible.
The Sliding Jail
No joke, no metaphor here. Jerome’s jail really slid down the hill in the 1930s due to blasting during mining. Rather than relocating the jail and building in another location, the town relocated the road instead to accommodate its new location. Only Jerome, right?
It is such a short trip, yet it really does prove just how unstable that hillside is—and still is—when you get up close and personal with that fallen building. We joked about how much gravity is really targeting Jerome. It’s a terrific place for a photo op and such an adorable little section of Jerome.
Haunted Walks and Spooky Spots
If you’re into ghost stories (you really should be with us, trust me), you need to try the ghost tour. We took the “Spirits of Jerome” tour, and I’m fairly certain it was much spookier because it was the good kind. We heard some crazy stories about haunted brothels, unusual deaths, and bizarre things occurring in the Jerome Grand Hotel, the de facto anchor in the area.
And speaking of the hotel…
The Spooky Jerome Grand Hotel
The Jerome Grand Hotel was once a hospital, and now it hosts all sorts of thrill-seekers, along with some lingering ghosts. Even if you’re not staying there, you should absolutely drop into The Asylum Restaurant for a beverage. We had lunch there, and really, the atmosphere was worth it—those squeaky floors, the retro decor, and those breathtaking valley views that seem like they’re looking straight into you when you’re in Jerome.
I didn’t see a ghost (that I know of), but I definitely heard some footsteps on the third floor when no one else was there.
Super creepy? Definitely. Do I regret it? Nope, not one bit.
Shopping and Art Galleries
One of my favorite activities in Jerome was simply walking around. The town is full of offbeat shops, interesting galleries, and those small, tucked-away places that seem to be little adventures in and of themselves.
You should totally visit the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery—it’s filled with local artwork, and they have really unique items such as paintings, pottery, jewelry, and sculptures. I bought this amazing hand-thrown ceramic mug there, and it still remains my favorite coffee mug!
When you’re in the mood, you simply need to visit Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes. It is the largest kaleidoscope store in the world and completely mind blowing. We literally lost all sense of how much time we’d spent gazing through those beautiful hand-made scopes and giggling like children. In addition, you can actually try them out!
Wine Tasting in Jerome
Arizona actually has wine—and it’s really good, too. Jerome has a few tasting rooms that are worth checking out, particularly if you’re going to be there for the entire day.
We visited Maynard James Keenan’s Caduceus Cellars. I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed it. The winery itself has such a cool, relaxed vibe, and the wines? Simply delicious and full of flavor. It is the ideal place just to sit back and absorb Jerome’s artsy-industrial vibe.
One other local place you have to visit is Passion Cellars. It’s really relaxed, and the wines are delicious. You absolutely have to try the Zinfandel—you’ll love it!
Outdoor activities
While you’re in Jerome, if you want to just hang out outdoors and get some fresh air, there are really great trails in the area.
We scoped out some trails on Mingus Mountain, and I swear, there really is something for everyone. If you’re looking to relax, the View Point Trail is ideal for a peaceful walk with some amazing views. But if you want to work up a sweat, the Mingus Loop Trail is longer and really gets you into the woods.
Walking up the town’s sloping streets is a bit of a workout. Honestly, put on some comfortable shoes—you’ll be grateful afterward.
Where to eat in Jerome
The Creepy Burger
Hey, when you’re going up to Jerome, you need to visit The Haunted Hamburger. It is totally legendary, and believe me, those burgers live up to all the hype. I tried the Ghostly Burger—yes, it really is an actual burger—and it was this cheesy, tasty mess.
Hey, if you can, you should definitely hang out on the patio. The vista of the valley down there snacking? So good!
Bobby D’s Bar-B-Q
This place is tucked away in that old-timey building and has some incredible barbecue. I’m serious, they’ve got ribs, brisket, pulled pork—slow-cooked and totally delicious. We relaxed on the patio, drinking sweet tea and getting our groove on to the blues music being played inside. It was like being transported back in time, but in the best kind of way.
What can I do in Jerome?
Should you be crashing overnight, you’ve got some great options. The Jerome Grand Hotel is a total stand-out—it’s historic, has ghost tales, and just so much charm. The rooms are adorable with that old-fashioned feel, and if you’re a ghost hunter, it’s like your heaven.
For something a bit cozier, check out The Connor Hotel. It’s centrally located, with beautiful vintage decor and friendly staff. Plus, it’s right above a lively bar, so the vibe is super fun.
Final Thoughts
You absolutely need to include Jerome in your Arizona vacation! This place is just really bizarre, completely crazy, but really, really cool. It’s that kind of place where all the buildings have stories, every corner has some kind of surprise in store for you, and every person you meet has an opinion about whose ghost story is authentic.
It’s really nice, too, really multicultural, and really cozy. Whether you like history, art, food, wine, ghosts, or just need to see something super different, Jerome has it all. I was going to just drive through, but I was completely captivated. And you know what? I couldn’t wait to return!
If you’re considering going to Arizona, you absolutely need to go to Jerome. Don’t forget your camera and sense of adventure, and perhaps some courage, too—you’re going to have such a blast!