10 Must-Visit Historic Towns Near Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix has a long history shaped by ancient civilizations, frontier expansion, and economic booms. The Hohokam built canals here over a thousand years ago, some of which still function today. In the late 1800s, the city grew around agriculture, railroads, and industry, leaving behind landmarks like the 1895 Rosson House and the ruins at Pueblo Grande. But its history isn’t confined to city limits. A short drive in any direction leads to towns where Arizona’s past is still visible, with old mining camps, territorial-era buildings, and remnants of early settlements that shaped the state’s identity. Here are ten must-visit historic towns near Phoenix, Arizona.

In 1863, Henry Wickenburg, a German prospector, struck gold with the discovery of the Vulture Mine, leading to the establishment of Wickenburg. Today, with a population of approximately 7,920, this town offers a glimpse into Arizona’s mining history. Located about 53 miles northwest of Phoenix, you can reach Wickenburg by taking Interstate 10 westbound to Exit 124 for State Route 303 North, then merging onto US-60 West, which leads directly into town. The Desert Caballeros Western Museum showcases Native American artifacts and Western art, providing insights into the region’s cultural heritage. Exploring the remnants of the Vulture Mine connects visitors to the town’s origins. A stroll through the historic downtown reveals preserved architecture and quaint shops, evoking a bygone era.

2. Florence (61 Miles Southeast of Phoenix)

Established in 1866, Florence stands as one of Arizona’s oldest towns, now home to approximately 24,795 residents. Situated about 61 miles southeast of Phoenix, the town boasts a historic district with over 25 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1891 Pinal County Courthouse, now a museum, offers insights into the region’s legal and social history. The McFarland State Historic Park provides a glimpse into territorial Arizona, housing artifacts and exhibits that chronicle the town’s evolution. Walking through Florence’s tree-lined streets, visitors can admire adobe structures and Victorian-style homes, each echoing stories from the past.

3. Globe (87 Miles East of Phoenix)

Founded in 1876 as a mining camp following the discovery of silver, Globe has a population of approximately 7,500. It’s located about 87 miles east of Phoenix. The Gila County Historical Museum, housed in a former train depot, offers exhibits that delve into the area’s mining past and Native American history. Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park provides a window into the Salado culture, with reconstructed ruins and artifacts dating back to the 13th century. Visitors can wander through the ancient dwellings, gaining insights into the lives of the region’s earliest inhabitants.

Perched on Cleopatra Hill, Jerome was founded in 1876 and quickly became a booming copper mining town, earning the nickname “Wickedest Town in the West.” Today, with a population of approximately 450, it is a vibrant artist community. The Jerome State Historic Park, located in the former Douglas Mansion, offers exhibits on the town’s mining history and the families who shaped its destiny.

The Mine Museum provides a closer look at the tools and tales of the miners who once labored here. As you meander through the narrow streets, the sliding jail, a structure that moved downhill due to the unstable ground from mining activities, serves as a stark reminder of the town’s tumultuous past. Jerome is located about 100 miles north of Phoenix.

5. Camp Verde (93 Miles North of Phoenix)

Established in 1865, Camp Verde’s history is deeply intertwined with the military and Native American relations. The town has a population of approximately 11,000 and is located about 93 miles north of Phoenix. The town’s most prominent historic site is Fort Verde State Historic Park, which served as a base for General Crook’s U.S. Army scouts and soldiers in the late 19th century.

Today, the fort’s well-preserved buildings offer a glimpse into frontier military life, with exhibits showcasing artifacts, uniforms, and personal stories from the era. The nearby Montezuma Castle National Monument, one of the must-see archaeological sites in the US, a stunning five-story cliff dwelling, provides insights into the ingenuity of the Sinagua people who inhabited the region over 600 years ago. Visitors can marvel at the architectural prowess required to build such a structure high in the limestone cliffs.

Named after the “Big House” ruins of the ancient Hohokam civilization, Casa Grande was founded in 1879 as a stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad. Today, it has a population of approximately 55,000 and is located about 48 miles southeast of Phoenix. The town’s namesake, the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, is one of the nation’s oldest prehistoric structures, believed to have been constructed around 1350 AD. This four-story edifice offers a window into the life and ingenuity of the Hohokam people, with guided tours providing context to the site’s significance.

The town itself blossomed with the arrival of the railroad, serving as a vital hub for agriculture and trade. The Casa Grande Valley Historical Society Museum chronicles this evolution, housing exhibits that range from Native American artifacts to displays on the town’s railroad heritage. Strolling through the historic downtown, visitors can admire early 20th-century architecture, reflecting the town’s growth and prosperity during that era.

7. Cave Creek (33 Miles North of Phoenix)

Established in 1870 by soldiers from Fort McDowell, Cave Creek’s origins are deeply rooted in Arizona’s frontier past. The town’s name derives from a prominent cave along the creek that provided shelter to Native Americans and early settlers alike.

As you explore, the Cave Creek Museum is a must-visit, housing artifacts that chronicle the area’s rich history, from Native American relics to exhibits on the town’s mining and ranching heritage. Don’t miss the outdoor exhibits, including the Golden Reef Stamp Mill and the first church of Cave Creek. For a glimpse into ancient civilizations, the nearby Sears Kay Ruins offer remnants of a Hohokam village dating back to A.D. 700. The town is located just 33 miles north of Phoenix.

Gila Bend, a town of approximately 1,900 residents, is located about 70 miles southwest of Phoenix. It derives its name from a significant 90-degree bend in the Gila River, a feature that has made it a notable landmark for centuries.

Historically, Gila Bend has been a crossroads for various cultures and travelers. The area was re-established in 1774 by Juan Bautista de Anza and Father Francisco Garcés, who named it Santos Apóstoles San Simón y Judas. In 1865, a colony of settlers established a community at the site, which later became known as Gila Bend.

One of the town’s most intriguing attractions is the Painted Rock Petroglyph Site, where you can view hundreds of ancient petroglyphs etched into basalt boulders by indigenous peoples centuries ago. Additionally, the Gila Bend Museum offers insights into the town’s rich history, including its role as a stopover for travelers and its connections to the Anza expedition.

9. Guadalupe (11 Miles Southeast of Phoenix)

Nestled just 11 miles southeast of Phoenix, Guadalupe was founded around 1900 by the Pascua Yaqui Indians fleeing persecution in Mexico. Since then, the town has maintained a strong cultural and ethnic identity. The town’s motto, “where three cultures flourish,” reflects its blend of Yaqui, Mexican, and American influences.

One of the town’s most significant landmarks is the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, a spiritual and community hub that stands as a testament to the residents’ enduring faith and traditions.

Another significant landmark is the Guadalupe Cemetery, established in 1904. This sacred site serves as a resting place for generations of Yaqui and Mexican families. The cemetery is adorned with vibrant murals and personalized tributes, reflecting the community’s deep-rooted traditions and reverence for ancestors. Visiting during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) provides insight into the town’s rich cultural practices, as families gather to honor their departed loved ones.

Tombstone, established in 1879 by prospector Ed Schieffelin, rapidly transformed from a modest mining camp into one of the West’s most notorious boomtowns. Schieffelin’s discovery of silver led to a population surge, with the town boasting over 7,000 residents by 1881. Tombstone’s meteoric rise was marked by its rich silver mines, which attracted a diverse array of settlers, entrepreneurs, and outlaws.

A pivotal moment in Tombstone’s history occurred on October 26, 1881, the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. This 30-second skirmish involved lawmen Wyatt Earp, his brothers Virgil and Morgan, and Doc Holliday confronting members of the Cochise County Cowboys, including Ike and Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers. The confrontation left three cowboys dead and became emblematic of the Wild West’s lawlessness.

Today, visitors can immerse themselves in this storied past by exploring several well-preserved historic sites. The O.K. Corral offers reenactments of the legendary gunfight and tours of the original site where history unfolded. The Bird Cage Theatre, once a raucous saloon and brothel, operated continuously from 1881 to 1889, hosting gambling, entertainment, and other vices. Notably, it was the site of the longest-running poker game in history, which lasted eight years.

The Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, an 1882 Victorian-era courthouse, now serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts from Tombstone’s heyday, including mining exhibits, weaponry, and recreated gallows. Boothill Graveyard is the final resting place for many of Tombstone’s early residents, including those who met violent ends. The epitaphs provide a poignant and sometimes humorous glimpse into the town’s turbulent past.

Strolling down Allen Street, the heart of Tombstone’s historic district, you’ll encounter preserved saloons, shops, and theaters that transport you back to the 1880s. The town’s commitment to preserving its heritage earned it a designation as a National Historic Landmark District in 1962.