What You’ll Find In These 13 Small Towns In Arizona May Surprise You
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Monica Spencer
Author
There seems to be a common thought that small towns are quiet, sleepy little places that rarely see hustling crowds within their boundaries. Perhaps to a degree this is true. However, there are plenty of towns across Arizona that regularly see crowds of visitors every year primarily because of the attractions that sit within or nearby the town. Here are some examples of well-known Arizona attractions that you can’t find in the city.
This wildlife park is well-known for creating safari-like adventures for its patrons but also for its location outside of a metropolitan area, which adds to that adventuresome atmosphere. It’s located just north of Camp Verde, a town with a population just over 10,800.
Other local attractions include Montezuma Castle National Monument and the World’s Largest Kokopelli.
Other local attractions include Montezuma Castle National Monument and the World’s Largest Kokopelli.
Chinle is just large enough to have one stoplight (at least, as of the last time I was there) but is also home to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. The canyon is known for its beautiful views, its roles as an archaeological site for centuries-old Anasazi ruins, and as both a significant site in Navajo history and culture.
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Even smaller than Chinle, Ganado is home to about 1,200 residents, a roundabout, and the Hubbell Trading Post. The trading post is still active and has an on-site visitors center that regularly sees thousands of visitors each year.
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This census designated place is home to approximately 10,100 people and sees its daily population grow even larger during the annual renaissance festival that takes place here every spring. If you’re into medieval or renaissance history, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
I tried thinking of one attraction that brings people to Jerome but I think the town overall is the attraction. One of the only towns designated a national historic landmark in the country, the old mining/ghost town is well-known for its collection of historic buildings and potentially haunted grounds.
If for some reason you have never had the opportunity to visit this biome experiment and research facility, a curiosity of the history behind its creation and how the facilities operate should be enough to visit.
Oracle, the town Biosphere 2 resides in, has a population of just over 3,200 people, is also home to Oracle State Park and is the starting location of the annual Tucson marathon.
Oracle, the town Biosphere 2 resides in, has a population of just over 3,200 people, is also home to Oracle State Park and is the starting location of the annual Tucson marathon.
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This old missile site was built at the height of the Cold War and operated for approximately 20 years until 1982. In 1994, it was designated a historic landmark and is the only Titan II silo still in existence.
Snowflake was founded by Mormon settlers in 1878 and remains a small town with a population of 5,500. It’s major attraction is the Snowflake Arizona Temple, which brings in around 35,000 people annually.
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Perhaps the most remote town in the state, Supai is the capital of the Havasupai Indian Reservation and is located in the Grand Canyon. Located just 1.25 miles outside of the little town is Havasu Falls, the beautiful waterfall and pool that often graces the covers of magazines and calendars.
The oldest botanical garden in Arizona, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum sits just outside the small town of Superior, which has a population of 2,837. The garden brings in more than 75,000 people each year.
The town too tough to die is small but has continued life into yet another century. The town itself can be considered an attraction but the main stop here is the historic district on Allen Street, which brings in thousands of Old West seeking tourists.
The Grand Canyon Railway starts its journey in Williams, which has a population of 3,000 but sees hordes of tourists each year as they make their trek to the Grand Canyon or across Route 66.
Another Route 66 town that is managing to stay afloat, Winslow sits near Meteor Crater, which is considered the best preserved crater in the world and brings a large number of tourists to the area.
Other attractions in the area include Standin’ on the Corner Park, Homolovi Ruins, and the Little Painted Desert.
Other attractions in the area include Standin’ on the Corner Park, Homolovi Ruins, and the Little Painted Desert.
Have you visited any of these places? What other small town attractions do you know of that are must-see places? We would love to hear your suggestions!
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