Posted in Arizona August 18, 2020 by

Surrounded By State Parks In The Heart Of Arizona Wine Country, Cottonwood Is A Charming, Must-Visit Little Town

Arizona has no shortage of slow-paced small towns, but Cottonwood just might be the most charming of them all. This little gem is in the heart of wine country, features a historic main street with more than 60 businesses, and is surrounded by state parks and national monuments.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Just an hour and a half outside of Phoenix, Cottonwood is a charming town in the heart of Arizona wine country. With a main street featuring more than 60 shops, restaurants, and other businesses, this close-knit community has numerous accolades under its belt.
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Whether you love antique stores, art galleries, boutiques, or live performances, there's something for everyone in Cottonwood. As you stroll through the town square, notice how each building has a distinct character all its own.
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Take Larry's, for example — two acres of unique items fill this unassuming space, with kitschy treasures sprawled out all over the grounds.
Speaking of wine country, more than a dozen vineyards and wineries are located in the area. The family-owned Page Springs Cellars is one of them, boasting unparalleled views of Oak Creek. Enjoy a glass in paradise as you munch on gourmet appetizers and enjoy the scenery.
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Cottonwood also has several amazing bars and breweries.
A lesser-known fact about Cottonwood is that it's surrounded by state parks and national monuments. Pictured here is Dead Horse Ranch State Park, which spans a whopping 423 acres.
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Embark on 10 miles of scenic hiking trails, and extend your stay overnight with 150 campsites.
Not far at all from town is Jerome State Historic Park. The park is most notable for Douglas Mansion, a home-turned-museum built more than 100 years ago by a prominent mining family.
Google/Sylwester Tadla
Step inside to discover antique mining equipment, a variety of exhibits and displays, video presentations, and a picnic area offering gorgeous panoramic views of the Valley.
Located in nearby Camp Verde is Fort Verde State Historic Park, which seeks to preserve an 1880s Apache Wars-era fort. The army was dispatched to the area in the late 19th-century after local Native American tribes, the Dilzhe'e Apache and Yavapai, began raiding the crops of settlers who disrupted their hunting and gathering practices.
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The fort consisted of 22 buildings at its height, though no actual fighting ever took place.
The highly underrated Verde River Greenway State Natural Area is more than six miles long and nearly 500 acres in size. Lush greenery lines the banks, providing shelter for wildlife such as great blue heron, black hawks, southwestern bald eagles, coyotes, and mule deer.
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Hiking, swimming, canoeing, and fishing are among the activities guests can enjoy.
Tuzigoot National Monument, just east of Clarkdale, is a 110-room pueblo built by the Sinagua people about 1,000 years ago. Perched on a hilltop above the Verde River floodplain, it's among the best-preserved ancient ruins in Central Arizona.
Wikimedia Commons/Burley Packwood
A paved walkway leads up to the pueblo and features informative signs highlighting different topics about the area and ruin itself.
Equally incredible, Montezuma Castle National Monument protects a set of cliff dwellings dating to somewhere between 1100 and 1425 AD. These structures were also erected by the Sinagua people.
Wikimedia Commons/Tomas Castelazo
The main dwelling, pictured here, consists of 45-60 rooms across five stories.

Visit the Cottonwood website to learn more.

Have you ever been to Cottonwood? If so, what’s your favorite thing to do in or around the city? Let us know, and check out our previous article for more must-visit small towns: Here Are 6 Of The Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns In Arizona.

Address: Cottonwood, AZ, USA