The Ghost Town of Lowell, Arizona, Is Home to Hundreds of Preserved Vintage Cars

I love ghost towns; they’re a peek into the past, a portal of sorts to another time. Lowell Ghost Town in Arizona, part of the town of Bisbee, is like a 1950s-time capsule that has remained unchanged. And while ghost towns often have creepy feelings, Lowell is far more charming than it is frightening. We’re talking about vintage cars, historic storefronts, and lots of Route 66 charm.

If you’re in the area, Lowell would be an awesome (and easy) detour on a day trip to Bisbee, Arizona. 

What Makes Lowell Ghost Town So Unique?

Lowell could arguably be one of the most unusual ghost towns in Arizona. And it's truly worth a visit. The town feels like a time capsule, frozen, without the chance of ever conforming to the outside world. Of course, that is part of its winning charm. The town could easily be the set or backdrop for a classic 1950s movie. Or it would be an awesome destination for photographers who have a thing for vintage cars. For me, this town embodies the true spirit of Americana.

The History Behind Lowell Ghost Town Arizona

Once upon a time, Lowell was a copper mining town that was eventually incorporated into the town of Bisbee in the early 1900s. This was once a thriving part of Southern Arizona. Then, with the expansion of the open-pit copper mine, many homes were lost, and therefore, residents moved out of town. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, businesses started to struggle and eventually had to close for good. And, sadly but just as rewarding, Lowell ghost town in Arizona was born.

This is the kind of destination where you can step back in time to glimpse the everyday life of the folks who once called this unique town home.

What You’ll See When You Visit Lowell

What remains of Lowell today can be found along Bisbee's Erie Street. Buildings and structures throughout this ghost town have been maintained by the volunteer-run Lowell Americana Project. The Lowell Americana Project has recreated storefronts and added vintage cars along the street to give this ghost town an authentic 1950s feel.

The old-fashioned automobiles, neon signs, vintage gas stations, and overall Americana charm remind me of places along the iconic Route 66. Two exceptions? There are no crowds or tourist-focused attractions here. Among the buildings you can see in town are an old Greyhound bus terminal complete with a bus on the street, vintage signs, a pharmacy, a movie theater, an old Shell station complete with gas pumps, a Harley Davidson repair shop, an old department store, and more.

Moreover, inside the Rexall pharmacy building, you'll find Bisbee Breakfast Club, one of the few functioning businesses in town. Stop in for a classic breakfast or a yummy slice of pie. Since Lowell is a historic neighborhood in Bisbee, one of Arizona's most charming towns, I recommend adding this little gem to your road trip itinerary for an extra treat. It should take about an hour or so to stroll through the town and take pictures of all the relics frozen in time.

Is Lowell Worth Visiting?

For anyone looking for a true taste of Americana, a history buff, or a photographer, a trip to Lowell is worth seeing in person! The town is not trying to be like other destinations in the Southwest; you simply admire it as it is. While you're here, you'll feel like you found something untouched, preserved, and rare, making it one of the most fascinating abandoned places in Arizona, and perhaps our best-kept secret. Take the time to stop in and really get a feel of true Americana, right here in Arizona.

Have you ever visited the ghost town of Lowell, Arizona? What other Arizona ghost towns have you explored before? Are you planning on taking a road trip to Bisbee anytime soon? Check out this fun thing to do in Bisbee. This adventure is a treasure hunt for folks who enjoy the quirky side of life. You'll also want to visit the Arizona Office of Tourism to discover more unique and charming destinations, showing off more of Arizona's personality.