The Arizona Ghost Town That's Perfect For An Autumn Day Trip
By Katie Lawrence|Published October 04, 2018
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Simply driving through the Arizona desert can leave us daydreaming about what life was like in the Old West – gunslingers, duels at high noon…the whole shebang. Luckily, there’s one place that turns our imagination into reality: Goldfield Ghost Town.
This iconic place has a history dating back to before any of us were born, and it’s truly the most intricate reenactment you’ve ever seen.
Nestled between the Superstition and Goldfield Mountains, this historic settlement was very much a thriving town back in the day. High-grade gold ore was discovered here in 1892, and it received an official post office the following year.
The community boomed for five years, eventually boasting a population upwards of 1,500. All good things must come to an end, however, and Goldfield found itself dwindling when the product inevitably ran out. When the post office was decommissioned in 1898, it became a ghost town.
But all was not lost. After the buildings were left to decay in the desert for nearly 100 years, a man by the name of Robert Schoose purchased the ruins with a vision of restoring Goldfield into a tourist attraction reminiscent of its heyday. That dream became reality when it opened for business in 1988.
Walking down Main Street, you'll swear you've been transported back to the days of gunslingers and duels at high noon. With a jail, bank, apothecary, working saloon, and plenty of other authentic buildings, Goldfield is the most believable Old West reenactment Arizona has ever seen.
Over 20 attractions, shops, and restaurants promise a fun-filled day for all ages. A train ride, zip line, reptile exhibit, shooting gallery, and museum are just a few of the many activities.
Can you picture a better venue to worship in? Church on the Mount features an 1880s-era organ, pews that were built in 1931, chandeliers made from old wagon wheels, and the most beautiful backdrop imaginable. Services are held every Sunday at 11 a.m.
Go underground to explore an exact replica of the mine that was responsible for Goldfield's inception. A guide will take you through the mine's history as well as provide a rundown of the procedures involved in extracting the ore. Tours leave every 10 minutes and last about half an hour.
Mammoth Steakhouse & Saloon is the town's restaurant. With vintage artifacts - including a stagecoach and cowboy boots lining the ceiling - dining here is a trip back to a long-lost era. Bite into a juicy burger and grab a cold sarsaparilla as it slides down the bar top!
You never know when a gunfight is about to break out, so always be on high alert! Each weekend, outlaws attempt to make off with the strong box as noble cowboys try and stop them. This is something every Arizonian needs to experience at least once in a lifetime.
So, if you're ready to jump in a time machine, Goldfield can be found at 4650 N. Mammoth Mine Rd., Apache Junction, AZ 85119. Don't forget to wear your best hat and boots!
Have you ever visited Goldfield? What was your favorite thing about it? Are there any other ghost towns in Arizona that deserve recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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