Sitting near the base of the Mogollon Rim, Strawberry is one little town in the pines that skimps on neither charm nor classic beauty. For many Arizonans, the town is but a mere blur while rushing between towns on Beeline Highway. But the winding road, wildlife wandering the roadside, and signs teasing homemade pie forces drivers to slow down and enjoy the pine-scented air for just a minute.
Why let that experience end at a minute or two? Let’s take a look at the number of things you can do in the Strawberry vicinity, which is probably more than you could fit into a weekend!
1. Strawberry School House
Want to see a historic one-room school house? The Strawberry School House is one fantastic example that dates to 1885 and is the oldest standing school house in Arizona.
2. Pine-Strawberry Museum
Okay, this spot is actually located in Pine (just a couple miles over) but since the two towns are so close to each other and often referred to within the same breath, we’ll count it. This museum details the history of the area from when Arizona’s Indigenous peoples were the only ones besides wildlife to call the area home to Spanish exploration and frontier history.
3. There’s also plenty of hiking trails to find nearby.
One easy example is the Pine-Strawberry Trail #15, which extends from the outskirts of Strawberry down to Hardscrabble Mesa Road in Pine. There’s also…
4. Fossil Creek
Well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty, one of the ways to get to Fossil Creek is through Strawberry’s Fossil Creek Road. This is a spot you won’t want to miss and you can expect the area to be far less crowded in the fall.
5. Verde Hot Springs
Access to this hot spring requires a longer drive, a short hike, and swimming across the Verde River but soaking in the warm waters is worth the effort.
6. Tonto Natural Bridge
This state park is located 10 miles south of Stawberry but is a destination that cannot be missed! This is home to the largest travertine bridge in the world, plus the walking trails, streams, and seasonal waterfall make this quite the destination.
7. Ranch at Fossil Creek
Please note, Ranch at Fossil Creek has permanently closed.
A Rim Country favorite, the Ranch at Fossil Creek is a working ranch that offers tours, hosts homesteading classes, and sells delectable dairy goods. Get here while you can, though, because the ranch was recently put up for sale.
8. And plenty of spots other spots to grab a bite to eat and drink.
9. Stargazing up on the Rim is the perfect way to wind down from the day.
Strawberry is a small town so you won’t find much light pollution happening here, making it perfect for stargazing. If you’re unsure that you’ll see the Milky Way in its fully beauty, however, it doesn’t hurt to drive a few miles up the Rim to ensure a greater amount of darkness.
11. And once you’re finished with all those adventures, there’s quite a few bed and breakfast inns and cabins to lay your weary head.
One example? The Cabins on Strawberry Hill, which sits right next to Highway 87.
Want to check out some more fantastic little towns around our state? You’ll want to check out our recent article, 8 Small Towns In Arizona That Offer Nothing But Peace And Quiet.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
