The Town of Cottonwood began as a campground and stop-over for travelers to Oak Creek, Beaver Creek and Camp Verde. It was one of three main crossings over the Verde River. Cottonwood became a supplier of fresh produce to the copper miners in Jerome in the early years of the 20th century. Today, it is the commercial hub of the Verde Valley and is home to a number of antique shops, fine restaurants, art galleries and festivals throughout the year.

Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce
928.634.7593

Historic Old Town

Shops, galleries and restaurants line Main Street and provide the backdrop for this quaint and colorful historic district. The unique Cottonwood Jail stands guard at the top of Main Street. Allow two hours. http://www.oldtown.org/

Cottonwood’s River Walk - ‘Jail Trail’

For a self-guided Riparian Gallery Forest Tour, pick up a brochure at the Jail Trail trailhead located behind the Old Town Jail. The trail is part of the Verde River Greenway, a unit of Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Early birders may get a glimpse at the many birds that live and migrate through the area, as well as more common animals such as deer, raccoon, coyote, beaver and javelina. Allow one hour.

Pine Shadows Golf Course

This par-3 executive course, located at the base of Mingus Mountain, offers 9 holes that strategically meander through the surrounding high-desert terrain. 928.634.1093. Tee time reservations recommended.

Blazin’ M Ranch Chuckwagon & Western Stage Show

The Blazin’ M Ranch offers an authentic western evening. Stroll through the Old West town complete with shopping, Old-Tyme photos and cowboy activities, then enjoy hearty trail vittles and listen to authentic foot stompin’ cowboy music, comedy and tales of days gone by. The food is great and the entertainment is outstanding. 928.634.0334, 800.937.8643. Ranch opens at 5pm and dinner is served at 6:30pm. Reservations recommended. Allow three hours.

Clemenceau Heritage Museum

Rooms and display cases filled with artifacts focus on Verde Valley history. The Railroad Room depicts miles of railroad during the early mining and smelting days. Volunteers and donations keep the museum operating. Two major fund-raisers during the year include the annual Zeke Taylor Barbecue in November and the Crafts American Style Show in February. 928.634.2868. Wed.: 9am-noon. Fri.-Sun.: 11am-3pm. Closed major holidays. Located at 1 N. Willard. Donations appreciated. Allow one hour. http://www.clemenceaumuseum.org/

Temperatures and Precipitation

The Verde Valley’s climate is ideal for year-round visitation. Due to its low elevation of 3,300’, visitors tend to enjoy moderate climate year-round.

The following Verde Valley communities offer the visitor a variety of attractions, all within an approximate 25-mile radius.

Clarkdale

Home to the Verde Canyon Railroad, Clarkdale was laid out in 1914 near the site of the existing smelter, which was built in 1910. It processed ore from nearby Jerome until 1952. Clarkdale was a company town, built with modern amenities. The mining and smelter sites, along with the Clarkdale Memorial Clubhouse, are listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Clarkdale hosts a number of community events, including an art festival and Independence Day celebration. Clarkdale Chamber of Commerce, 928.634.9438, www.clarkdalechamber.com

Clarkdale Memorial Clubhouse

Listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Clarkdale hosts a number of community events, including an art festival and Independence Day celebration. Clarkdale Chamber of Commerce, 928.634.9438, www.clarkdalechamber.com

The Verde Canyon Railroad

The Verde Canyon Railroad is considered Arizona’s longest-running nature show. The remote wilderness of the Verde Canyon is renowned for its towering, red rock pinnacles, clean, green waters, Indian ruins, tunnels, trestles and clear, azure skies. This picturesque setting is further enhanced by the variety of indigenous flora and fauna, the many migrating waterfowl, and bald eagles that winter in this riparian respite each year. Though it is possible to hike the canyon, riding the rails of the Verde Canyon Railroad is the most comfortable and entertaining way to experience it. 928.639.0010, 800.293.7245. Most trains depart daily at 1pm. Reservations required. Allow four hours.

Tuzigoot National Monument

Approximately 800 years ago, this Sinagua pueblo was home to the Native American population once inhabiting this area. The site is comprised of 42 acres, including hiking trails (one wheelchair accessible) and a complete museum. Visitors are escorted through the various rooms of the pueblo to view this ancient civilization. Images, etched in stone, help tell the tale of daily life. 928.634.5564. Open daily at 9am. Fee area. Allow half day. http://www.nps.gov/tuzi/

Cornville

Don’t expect to find rows of cornfields in the small town of Cornville. For a unique small town experience and the opportunity to enjoy Oak Creek without crowds, a trip to Cornville has it all. Check out Eliphante, a three-acre outdoor art experience. For fine dining, the Manzanita Inn is known throughout the Verde Valley as one of the most popular dining experiences. 928.634.8851.

Verde Santa Fe Golf Club

Golf enthusiasts of all levels can enjoy this par 71 layout at just over 3,300’ elevation. Verde Santa Fe offers a memorable round of golf overlooking the beautiful landscape of the Verde Valley framed by Mingus Mountain. This is an 18-hole course playable at all levels. 928.634.5454. Tee time reservations recommended.

Jerome

Nicknamed “The City in the Sky,” Jerome was at one time the most talked about mining camp in America and is listed on the National Historic Register. Its population went from 15,000 in its heyday to a “ghost town” of under 50 people, to its role today, as a center for the arts with unique shops, galleries, dining and lodging.

The Jerome Mine Museum

On Main Street, the museum brings to life the challenges and triumphs achieved during the booming mining era. This scenic view of the entire Verde Valley offers wonderful photographic opportunities. Jerome Chamber of Commerce, 928.624.2900, www.azjerome.com.

Jerome State Historic Park

The Douglas Mansion at Jerome State Historic Park has been an eye-catching landmark in Jerome since 1916, and is now a museum devoted to the mining history of Jerome and the Douglas family. It features photographs, artifacts, minerals, a period room and a “3-D” model of the town including the underground mines. 928.634.5381.

Gold King Mine

The Gold King Mine displays early machinery of the mining era in Jerome and will round out this step back in time. 928.634.0053. Open daily 9am-5pm.

Camp Verde

Camp Verde offers a blend of ancient cultures, military influence and ranching heritage. It is a small town that began with farms and cattle ranches. Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce, 928.567.9294, campverde.org. Fort Verde State Historic Park General Crook’s U.S. Army scouts and soldiers were primarily based at Fort Verde. They were charged with preventing Apache and Yavapai Indian uprisings in the late 1800s. Some of the original buildings remain. Its officers’ quarters are open to visitors and a museum is located in the old headquarters building. 928.567.3275. Fee area. Montezuma Castle National Monument and Montezuma Well This ancient cliff dwelling dates back to 1150. The Castle stands in a cliff recess 100 feet above the valley. Montezuma Well, also part of the monument, is a natural limestone sinkhole, and was an important source of water for the Sinagua Indians. The Castle stands as one of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. 928.567.3322. $2 for adults, children are free. Summer hours May-Sept.: 8am-7pm; Winter hours Sept.-May: 8am-5pm. Located at 2800 Montezuma Castle Road off Interstate 17 at exit 289. Out of Africa Wildlife Park Right in the heart of Arizona, walk or ride Safari vehicles through the Serengeti or Wildlife Preserve to get up close and personal with large predators such as lions, tigers, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra as they prowl their natural environment. Photo opportunities abound! 928.567.2840

Art Galleries and Exhibits

• Java Dog
• Manheim Gallery
• Pinon Bistro
• Orion Bakery

Newspapers

• Cottonwood Journal Extra
• Verde Valley Newsapers