There's definitely no shortage of strange places to visit in Arizona, but none quite compare to this quirky small town. Bisbee AZ is home to just over 5,000 people, yet tourists pour in to experience its mining history, European architecture, vintage shops, hotels, and restaurants... oh, and let's not forget about the random staircases everywhere! Keep reading to find out what makes this little gem so unique. It's probably the most unique small town in Arizona, and we love it.
Like a snapshot of a bygone era, Downtown Bisbee used to be known as Lowell, a mining town that eventually dwindled into nothingness after the residential district was demolished to widen a copper pit.
Today, just a few failed businesses like a movie theater and department store remain, completely abandoned save for memories harbored within their walls.
Despite being lined with empty buildings, this historic street still attracts its fair share of tourists.
Lowell Americana Project is dedicated to preserving these important pieces of Bisbee's past and has used their passion to transform the district into a breathing sculpture. Around every corner, you'll see vivid murals and graffiti covering the European-style architecture to create a clash of cultures that is so perfectly bizarre.
Given a second chance at life, this charming gas station is just one example of the countless restored businesses scattered around town.
These incredible works of art provide glimpses into what life was like during the city's heyday.
As is the case with many mining towns, very little flat land exists in Bisbee.
Consequently, stairs were used as major thoroughfares more often than streets, and they've become one of the city's most iconic features. Staircases are so deeply rooted in Bisbee's culture that each year, it holds a fitness challenge called "Bisbee 1,000" in which participants climb 1,000 total steps as quickly as possible. An extreme version requires runners to carry a bag of ice throughout the entire course!
You can descend 1,500 feet below Earth's surface into Queen Mine, where $6.1 million worth of copper was extracted over the course of 100 years.
Sporting a hard hat, headlamp, and bright yellow slicker, visitors will get an inside look into what life was like as a miner. Authenticating the experience, tour guides act as mine workers and walk you through their techniques, dangerous encounters, and victories.
The town is home to some of Arizona's top-rated restaurants, but Bisbee's Table has an old-fashioned charm that sets it apart.
Dark wood-paneled walls and checkered floors create an antiquated atmosphere with nostalgia so thick you could cut a hole in it. Classified as "New American," this eatery puts a bold twist on classic comfort foods for a dining experience like nothing you've ever had. It can be found at 2 Main Street, #2 Copper Queen Plaza, Bisbee, Arizona, 85603.
Dating back to 1895, Inn at Castle Rock is no doubt Bisbee's quirkiest hotel.
It serves as a gateway to Tombstone Canyon and houses Apache Springs Well, which still flows underneath the building to this day.
With 14 uniquely themed rooms, a kitschy common area, and enchanting outdoor garden, your stay here will be nothing short of magical.
Just minutes away from great restaurants, shopping on historic Main Street, and downtown activities, the inn's ideal location allows guests to enjoy all of Bisbee's essential tourist attractions. Find it at 112 Tombstone Canyon, Bisbee, Arizona, 85603.
For those who prefer an even more eclectic lodging opportunity, Shady Dell is a vintage trailer park that looks like it came straight out of the '50s.
Each mobile home is decked out in period decor, adding to the already pervasive retro theme. Percolators replace coffee pots and outdoor grills are available for cooking in place of stoves. The scene is so realistic, you'll be half-expecting to see everything in black and white! Find it at 1 Old Douglas Road, Bisbee, Arizona, 85603.
History, art, and eclectic charm combine here in Bisbee, easily making it the most unique town in Arizona.
Next time you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path weekend trip that won't break the bank and has elements for the entire family to enjoy, look no further than this tiny gem of a town.
Have you ever visited Bisbee AZ? What's your favorite unique small town in Arizona? Share your thoughts in the comments and check out some of our favorite quirky small towns in Arizona while you're at it.
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