When it comes to historic towns in Arizona, it’s hard to beat Douglas. This border community has both mining and military roots, and it’s home to a number of old houses and buildings that offer insight into its rich, fascinating past. See the best things to do in Douglas, AZ, and why it makes the perfect day trip destination. It’s a treat – we promise!

A small border town in Cochise County, Douglas is a paradise for history buffs.
Wikimedia Commons/Roger A. Brevoort
It was first settled by Spanish explorers in the 18th century, and over the years served as a U.S. Army camp and copper smelter site.
Downtown Douglas still looks much the same as it did centuries ago.
Wikimedia Commons/Marine 69-71
Historic buildings line the streets, their weathered, yet sturdy facades frozen in time.
Touring the Douglas-Williams House Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's rich past. Now the headquarters of the Douglas Historical Society, the home was built in 1909 by copper mining kingpin James S. Douglas.
Douglas Historical Society, 1001 D Ave, Douglas, AZ 85607, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Karen Fasimpaur
Self-guided tours are available on Wednesday and Saturday. Please visit the Douglas Arizona History website for more information.

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Ogle at the Grand Theatre, a 1919 building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The theatre once played host to countless live productions, movie showings, and local high school graduations.
Grand Theatre, 1139 G Ave, Douglas, AZ 85607, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Jeff Henley
Such big names as Ginger Rogers and John Phillip Sousa performed on stage here. The theatre is no longer in operation and is considered to be endangered due to significant damage, however, it is in the process of being restored.
Also on the National Register of Historic Places is the Hotel Gadsden, a stately, five-story hotel that opened in 1907.
Wikimedia Commons/Karen Fasimpaur
The hotel was designed with mining executives and other bigwigs of the era in mind, however it has become a local icon that attracts visitors from all over the state.
The lobby is grand and beautiful, with an Italian marble staircase, four huge columns, and a 42-foot stained glass window mural.
The Gadsden Hotel, 1046 G Ave, Douglas, AZ 85607, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Tillman
Since this is a day trip article, you don't have to spend the night - but at least pop in for a few minutes to admire the world-class architecture!
The Border Air Museum is another truly intriguing place in town. After all, Douglas was home to the first international airport in the United States!
TripAdvisor/DesertBoomers
Visits must be arranged by direct correspondence with the City of Douglas, but you won't regret making the effort. In addition to old photographs and memorabilia, you'll also see historic aircraft - some even used in Hollywood filmmaking.

Have you ever visited Douglas AZ? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a nearby small town that’s hiding one of the nicest restaurants in America.

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Douglas AZ

Tori Jane | February 05, 2024

Where is Douglas, AZ?  

Douglas is a small city in Cochise County, Arizona. It’s in the far southern region of the state, and part of the town shares an international border with Mexico. It’s a beautiful place, surrounded by mountains and hills that turn a brilliant green in the summer. As of the 2020 census, its population was just over 16,500.  

What is a brief overview of Douglas, Arizona history?  

Once upon a time, Douglas – like many older towns in Arizona – was a mining boom town. The area was originally settled by the Spanish in the 1700s, and eventually, Camp Douglas would be built in 1910. This would eventually become the Douglas we now know and love; from 1904 until 1931, the Copper Queen Mine operated in town and provided jobs for hundreds of miners. In 1916, Pancho Villa himself threatened to attack the town of Douglas as retaliation for his defeat at the 2nd Battle of Agua Prieta. It’s been a colorful time here, to say the least, with periods of unrest and periods of peace. Learn more about the Copper Queen Mine.   

What are some fun things to do in Douglas, AZ? 

Of course, just because Douglas is a small town doesn’t mean it’s boring. Lovers of mining towns and history will find it immensely intriguing; others will love the shops, galleries, and other things to do around Douglas. Some of the best things to do in Douglas, Arizona are:  

  • Tour the Copper Queen Mine. It’s way more interesting than you think, we promise.  
  • Stay at the Gadsden Hotel – This gorgeous historic hotel opened in 1907 and is a stunning place to stay to this very day. Oh... and it might be haunted.  
  • Wander to Bisbee – Not terribly far at all from Douglas is Bisbee, another old-school mining town turned artist haven worthy of a day trip.  

Learn more about the nearby town of Bisbee and why it makes for an amazing Arizona vacation destination.   

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Douglas, AZ 85607, USA