12 Things To Do To Make The Most Of Your Visit In Jerome, Arizona

Jerome is weird in the best way possible. A hillside mining town turned artist hideout turned mildly haunted tourist magnet—it’s the kind of place where every building leans a little, every local has a story, and the views go on for miles. You drive up a winding road, half convinced you’ve made a wrong turn, and then suddenly the town appears, clinging to the mountain like it’s daring gravity to try something. And once you’re there? It’s part Old West, part hippie, part “did that mannequin in the window just move?”

If you’re looking for things to do in Jerome, Arizona, get ready for a little bit of everything. You can sip wine in a building that used to be a hospital, shop for handmade art in a space that might still be haunted, and then hear a story about a ghost cat while eating lunch in a 100-year-old café. It’s quirky. It’s rough around the edges. It’s full of odd charm that doesn’t make sense on paper—but somehow works perfectly in real life. Jerome doesn’t pretend to be anything. That’s exactly why it’s unforgettable.

1. Explore Jerome State Historic Park

📍 Location: 100 Douglas Rd, Jerome, AZ 86331

Fun Fact: The Douglas Mansion was built in 1916 using adobe bricks made on-site—one of the largest adobe structures in Arizona.

If you want to understand Jerome beyond the ghost stories and steep streets, this is where you start. Jerome State Historic Park is centered around the Douglas Mansion, which sounds fancy—and kind of is—but it was actually built in 1916 by a copper king for his family and mining operations. Now it’s a museum, but not the boring kind. It gives you the full picture of how this once-rowdy mining town boomed, busted, and somehow came back as the artsy, offbeat place it is today.

Inside, you’ll find scale models of the old mines, black-and-white photos that look like scenes from a western, and artifacts from when this place was full of noise, dust, and dynamite. There’s even a 3D model showing the tunnels that run under the town, which is wild when you think about how Jerome literally sits on a slope that’s slowly sliding downhill.

The view from the mansion is worth the stop alone. You can see straight across the Verde Valley, and on a clear day, the red rocks of Sedona glow off in the distance. It’s calm up here. Solid. The kind of place that helps the rest of Jerome make a little more sense.

2. Drive the Jerome-Clarkdale-Cottonwood Scenic Road

📍 Location: Start at AZ-89A in Jerome, loop through Clarkdale to Cottonwood

Fun Fact: The scenic road offers views of the Verde River Valley and has roadside plaques explaining the area’s mining history.

Some roads feel like they were made just for the drive, and this is one of them. The loop from Jerome to Clarkdale and Cottonwood winds through some of Arizona's most unexpectedly beautiful parts. You start up in Jerome, where buildings hang off the hillside, and it feels like the whole town might slide a few inches closer to the edge each year. Then you drop into the valley, and everything opens up—desert greens, red cliffs, and endless sky.

Clarkdale keeps things low-key with railroad history and a chance to ride the scenic Verde Canyon Railroad. Cottonwood’s got a mellow vibe and walkable downtown with wine tastings, vintage shops, and a few places to grab a perfect sandwich before looping back to Jerome.

Of all the places to visit in Jerome, this drive might be the one that gives you the best sense of where you are—between history and canyon, desert and forest, art town and ghost town. It’s also one of the best day trips from Jerome if you’re craving variety without going far. Take it slow, roll the windows down, and just enjoy the ride.

3. Discover Jerome’s Ghost Town Legends

📍 Location: Various locations around town – many tours start on Main St

Fun Fact: Jerome is considered one of the most haunted towns in the U.S., with reports of ghost sightings in former brothels, hotels, and the old hospital.

For those drawn to the supernatural, Jerome is one of Arizona’s most haunted towns, teeming with ghostly legends and eerie encounters. Once a rowdy mining town filled with saloons, brothels, and lawlessness, its violent past has given rise to countless ghost stories that refuse to fade away.

One of the most infamous haunted sites is the Jerome Grand Hotel, formerly the United Verde Hospital. With a history of tragic deaths, eerie disembodied voices, and mysterious flickering lights, the hotel has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Arizona. Guests have reported phantom footsteps, ghostly apparitions, and even objects moving on their own.

Another chilling spot is Jerome’s Sliding Jail, which, due to shifting earth caused by mining activity, has literally moved 200 feet downhill over the years. While its structural shift is unsettling enough, many believe that the spirits of past inmates still linger here, making it a prime stop on ghost-hunting tours.

For those brave enough, ghost tours in Jerome offer a thrilling way to explore the town’s haunted past. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through dimly lit alleyways and historic buildings, sharing spine-tingling stories of restless spirits, tragic accidents, and mysteries.

4. Visit the Mine Museum

📍 Location: 200 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331

Fun Fact: This tiny museum is packed with original mining tools and photos—some donated by families who lived here over a century ago.

History lovers and mining enthusiasts should not miss a visit to the Mine Museum, located on Main Street in downtown Jerome. Though small in size, this well-curated museum offers a detailed and fascinating look into the lives of the miners who worked deep beneath the town, extracting millions of pounds of copper during Jerome’s industrial heyday.

The museum’s exhibits include authentic mining tools, rare artifacts, and detailed dioramas that reconstruct the hazardous and grueling conditions miners faced underground. Historic black-and-white photographs provide glimpses into daily life in Jerome’s bustling past, while geological displays help visitors understand the unique mineral formations that made this region a mining hotbed.

One of the most eye-opening aspects of the museum is its documentation of Jerome’s transformation—from a thriving copper-mining town to a near-deserted ghost town, and finally, into the artistic and historic enclave it is today. Despite being less famous than other attractions, the Mine Museum is a hidden gem that offers one of the most complete and authentic records of the town’s rise and fall.

5. Stroll Along Main Street

📍 Location: Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331

Fun Fact: Jerome’s Main Street is a winding loop of historic buildings—many of which are slowly shifting due to the unstable hillside.

A stroll along Main Street is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Jerome. The town’s historic district is a blend of the past and present, where beautifully preserved century-old buildings house quirky boutiques, antique shops, and cozy cafes.

The architecture lining Main Street reflects Jerome’s mining boom years, with some structures still bearing the original facades from the early 1900s. Many of these buildings have fascinating stories—some were once saloons, brothels, or general stores catering to miners, while others have survived fires, landslides, and decades of abandonment.

For those who love treasure hunting, Jerome’s antique shops offer a rich assortment of vintage finds. You’ll discover everything from old mining relics and retro furniture to rare collectibles and historical artifacts—each item seemingly whispering a story from Jerome’s colorful past.

Beyond antiques, the town’s boutiques and artisan shops showcase handcrafted jewelry, locally made pottery, and unique Southwestern art, making it a great place to pick up a special souvenir.

After exploring, take a break at one of Jerome’s many cafés or restaurants, many of which feature locally sourced ingredients. Some eateries even offer outdoor seating with panoramic views of the Verde Valley, providing a picturesque backdrop for your meal.

With its charming ambiance, fascinating history, and endless shopping opportunities, Main Street encapsulates the essence of Jerome, making it a must-experience attraction.

6. Tour the Gold King Mine and Ghost Town

📍 Location: 1000 Perkinsville Rd, Jerome, AZ 86331

Fun Fact: Started as a hobby collection, this quirky outdoor museum includes vintage cars, mining gear, and even a working sawmill.

For a quirky, hands-on dive into Jerome’s mining history, head just a few minutes outside town to the Gold King Mine and Ghost Town. This outdoor museum, part historic site and part eclectic roadside attraction, offers a fascinating and sometimes bizarre glimpse into the tools, machines, and technology that powered Jerome’s copper boom.

Scattered across the grounds are rusting vintage cars, dilapidated wooden structures, and massive mining machinery, including old drilling rigs, stamp mills, and steam engines once used in mining operations. Some of the equipment is still functional, with live demonstrations showing how these impressive machines once worked.

One of the most fun aspects of visiting Gold King Mine is its interactive nature—visitors can explore weathered wooden buildings, touch authentic mining tools, and even pan for gold. If you love offbeat attractions, this spot is a photographer’s paradise, offering countless opportunities for unique and rustic snapshots.

Perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates a touch of eccentricity, the Gold King Mine and Ghost Town brings the rugged days of old Jerome back to life.

7. Caduceus Cellars – A Rock Star’s Winemaking Vision

📍 Location: 158 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331

Fun Fact: Owned by Maynard James Keenan (lead singer of Tool), the winery produces small-batch Arizona wines with grapes grown in the Verde Valley.

You don’t expect to find a serious wine tasting room in a tiny Arizona mountain town that once thrived on copper and chaos—but then again, Jerome is full of surprises. Caduceus Cellars is the passion project of Maynard James Keenan, frontman of Tool and A Perfect Circle. But this isn’t some celebrity side hustle. It’s real. It’s grounded. And the wine? Legitimately good.

The tasting room sits tucked along Main Street, small and unassuming, with deep reds and moody lighting inside. The staff knows their stuff, and they’re not shy about guiding you through what’s on the pour list—reds, blends, rosés, all crafted from Arizona-grown grapes. You’ll hear about the Verde Valley vineyards, the challenges of desert winemaking, and maybe even a bit about Maynard’s journey from music to fermentation.

As far as wineries in Jerome go, Caduceus feels different. It’s got edge, sure, but it’s also got focus. No gimmicks. Just thoughtful wine, interesting people, and a space that feels like someone’s art studio and wine bar had a really cool baby. Even if you’re not a wine person, this place might change your mind.

8. Hike the Jerome Hill Climb

📍 Location: Trailhead near Perkinsville Rd – Local route uphill through town

Fun Fact: The steep climb offers a 360-degree view of Jerome, and locals use it as a cardio challenge with a scenic reward.

For those who want to combine history with adventure, hiking the Jerome Hill Climb is an excellent option. This moderately challenging trail takes you through the scenic landscapes surrounding Jerome, offering panoramic views of the Verde Valley and beyond. The hike begins at an elevation of 5,000 feet and climbs steadily, providing ample opportunities to stop and take in the stunning vistas.

As you ascend the trail, you’ll encounter remnants of Jerome’s mining past, including old equipment and structures that have been left behind over the years. The trail also passes by the famous Sliding Jail, a relic of Jerome’s mining days that slid down the hill due to shifting earth.

Hiking the Jerome Hill Climb is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area while also getting a sense of the town’s history. The trail is relatively short but offers a good workout, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months.

9. Catch Live Music at Spirit Room

📍 Location: 166 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331

Fun Fact: This historic dive bar has hosted live music for decades—often without a cover charge and with dancing encouraged.

Walk into the Spirit Room on any given night, and you’ll know right away—it’s not just another bar. It’s loud, lived-in, and full of character. The kind of place where the walls are covered in stories, the locals know each other by name, and the band’s already halfway through a song you’ve never heard but somehow already like.

It’s small, sure. But that’s what makes it great. There’s no stage barrier, no velvet ropes—just musicians playing five feet from your beer, and people who actually came to listen. The music ranges from blues to Americana to full-on rock, depending on the night. And when it’s good (which is often), you’ll find yourself staying for “just one more” more than once.

Drinks are strong. The vibe is zero pretension. If you chat up the person next to you, don’t be surprised if they tell you they came to Jerome years ago and never left. The Spirit Room has that kind of pull. It’s not about perfect acoustics or polished sets—it’s about the energy in the room. And if you're in town for the night, there’s nowhere else you'd rather end up.

10. Tour the Jerome Grand Hotel

📍 Location: Jerome Grand Hotel (200 Hill St)

Fun Fact: The Jerome Grand Hotel was once a hospital, and guests report hearing footsteps and voices in empty hallways.

You don’t have to believe in ghosts to feel something strange when you walk into the Jerome Grand Hotel. It’s quiet—too quiet sometimes. The lights are dim, the halls echo just a little too much, and the original Otis elevator creaks like it’s carrying more than just guests.

Originally opened in 1927 as the United Verde Hospital, this place saw more than its fair share of pain and mystery. After shutting down in the 1950s, it sat abandoned for decades until it was reopened as a hotel. But some say not everyone left when the hospital closed.

Now, guests report hearing footsteps in the hallway when no one’s there, voices coming through the walls, and room doors clicking shut on their own. Some swear the old X-ray room is still “active”—in a way that has nothing to do with medical equipment.

Still, it’s not all eerie vibes. The views from the rooms are unreal, especially at sunrise. You can wander the halls, visit the in-house Asylum Restaurant, or ask the staff to share their favorite ghost story—everyone has one. Whether you’re here for the history or the haunts, the Jerome Grand Hotel delivers both in full.

11. Snap a Photo at the Sliding Jail

📍 Location: Hull Ave, Jerome, AZ 86331

Fun Fact: The jail slid more than 200 feet downhill in the 1930s due to ground instability caused by decades of mining.

At first glance, it just looks like an old concrete box, halfway sunk into the hillside with a rusty metal door. But then you find out it used to be up the hill—way up—and you realize you’re looking at a building that slipped downhill because the ground underneath couldn’t be trusted. Welcome to Jerome, where even the jail couldn’t sit still.

The Sliding Jail has become one of those “you have to see it” kind of stops. It’s not fancy, there’s no entrance fee, and there’s nothing inside—just the weird satisfaction of standing next to a jail that moved on its own and somehow didn’t fall apart. Kids love it, history buffs love it, and if you’re into offbeat road trip photos, this one’s a must.

You’ll find it off Hull Avenue, below the main drag—easy to miss unless you’re looking for it. And once you’ve seen it, it just adds to the list of fun activities in Jerome that you can’t quite explain, but still talk about later. It’s weird. It’s oddly memorable. And somehow, it sums up Jerome perfectly.

12. Grab a Bite at The Haunted Hamburger

📍 Location: 410 Clark St, Jerome, AZ 86331

Fun Fact: Staff report utensils flying off shelves and lights flickering—plus the burgers are massive and beloved.

You’ll hear about this place before you even get to town. Everyone talks about it—partly because of the food, mostly because of the name. And yeah, it’s touristy. But honestly? It’s good. And it’s fun. Which is kind of the whole point.

The Haunted Hamburger sits near the top of the hill, and once you find it (there are stairs—bring your legs), you’re rewarded with some of the best views in Jerome. The patio overlooks the valley, and when the weather’s right, there’s no better place to eat a burger and just sit for a bit. Inside, it’s packed with old photos, creaky floorboards, and the kind of ghost stories that get better the more you hear them.

The food’s exactly what you want after a long walk through town: messy burgers, crispy fries, thick milkshakes, and that one cocktail you didn’t know you needed. It’s casual, it’s loud, and nobody minds if you hang out longer than you said you would.

Conclusion

Jerome doesn’t just give you a trip—it gives you a story. You show up thinking it’s a quick stop on a road trip, and somehow end up two hours deep in a ghost tour, sipping wine made by a rock star, or eating a hamburger in a haunted house. There’s old mining equipment everywhere, mannequins in windows for no reason, and views that stop you mid-step. It’s weird. It’s charming. It’s the kind of town that shouldn’t work—but totally does.

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FAQ

1. What is the elevation of Jerome, Arizona?

Jerome is located at an elevation of approximately 5,200 feet (1,585 meters) above sea level. Its high elevation offers cooler temperatures and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Verde Valley.

2. How do I get to Jerome, Arizona?

To reach Jerome, AZ from Phoenix, take I-17 N to AZ-260 W in Cottonwood. Then, continue on AZ-89A S to Jerome. The scenic drive takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, offering picturesque views of Arizona's landscapes along the way.

3. What is the history of the Clinkscale building in Jerome?

The Clinkscale building, constructed in 1899, is a historic landmark in Jerome. It has served various purposes over the years, including as a grocery store, saloon, and brothel. Today, it's a beautifully restored boutique hotel and restaurant, preserving its rich heritage.

4. How far is Jerome, AZ from Phoenix?

Jerome is approximately 110 miles (177 kilometers) north of Phoenix, which is about a 2-hour drive. The route takes you through diverse Arizona landscapes, making for an enjoyable trip.

5. How can I travel from Phoenix to Jerome to Sedona?

From Phoenix, drive to Jerome as described above. After exploring Jerome, head north on AZ-89A N for about 28 miles to reach Sedona. This scenic route takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Verde Valley and Red Rock State Park.

6. Is Jerome, AZ worth visiting?

Absolutely! Jerome offers a unique blend of history, art, and scenic beauty. Once a booming mining town, it’s now a vibrant artist community with galleries, museums, restaurants, and ghost tours, providing a fascinating experience for all visitors.

7. How much do Jerome ghost tours cost?

Jerome ghost tours typically range from $25 to $50 per person, depending on the length and type of tour. These guided tours explore the town's haunted history and are a popular activity for those interested in the paranormal.