This Tiny Arizona Town Was Once an Abandoned Movie Set (and It’s Incredible)

Arizona has no shortage of Western relics. Across the state, you’ll find ghost towns, "mock" ghost towns, western dinner shows, and quite a few museums dedicated to a time when life in the Sonoran Desert was wild and dangerous. Another favorite is those sites where old Western movies were once filmed. In some cases, the filming locations were rugged landscapes, perfect for wide-angle shots of heroes riding their horses. Others took place in small towns or even on movie sets designed specifically for the film. Today, we will look at one of the most fascinating abandoned movie sets in Arizona, which is now a Wild West attraction. When it comes to unique small towns in Arizona, this one is among the most unusual.

Welcome to Trail Dust Town, an Arizona western town! A popular attraction in Tucson since the 1960s, its origins come from one of the many old westerns you’ve probably seen over and over (if westerns are your thing, anyway).

In the 1950s, the set was built for an old Western film starring Glenn Ford, who you may recognize from films like 3:10 to Yuma. Scenes from the movie were shot here, but the project was never actually completed. The set was then abandoned for a decade. In 1960, the abandoned movie set was purchased and renovated to offer visitors a chance to step back in time to the previous century. Modeled after the frontier boomtowns that have gained some notoriety in Arizona, Trail Dust Town was born!

You'll get a chance to see and experience a bit of the Old West, from elaborate stunt shows and choreographed fights to an opportunity to pan for gold. The attraction is also home to many fun, family-friendly attractions and activities, like carousel rides, practicing your aim in the shooting gallery, or even getting a new family portrait in 1880s-style garb. There's even a miniature train and a Ferris wheel for some extra fun!

If you're craving a little more history, you'll want to check out the Museum of the Horse Soldier, located within Trail Dust Town. This museum has an incredible amount of knowledge about this one segment of the U.S. military and more than 10,000 items in its collection.

All this fun means you'll need to fuel up! Try out the meals at Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, a unique dining spot that ensures you have a fun time. Find it at 6541 East Tanque Verde, Tucson, Arizona, 85715. Steaks and ribs are popular choices here for obvious reasons, but you'll also find chicken, fish, and vegetarian options. Don't forget to finish your meal with a mouthwatering dessert, like the cobbler or brownie served à la mode.

Trail Dust Town also hosts seasonal and special events that will make you want to return for a visit in no time. You can even have your own special event hosted here, whether a wedding, a corporate event, or a banquet—given the setting, it will certainly be one to remember!

Trail Dust Town, one of the most unique Old West attractions in Arizona, is located at 6541 East Tanque Verde Road in Tucson. You can find details about hours, fees, and events on the Trail Dust Town website or the Trail Dust Town Facebook page. Want to find more attractions that feature the best of the Old West? Read about 18 more of our favorite places to experience the Old West in Arizona.

So, what do you think? Which unique small towns in Arizona are your personal favorites? Please tell us by sending us a message through our nomination page. You can also plan your own Arizona small-town trip with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.