Jerome, Arizona Sightseeing: What to Do in This Old Mining Town

Jerome, Arizona is an old mining town that is located 5,248 feet above sea level, on the slope of Cleopatra Hill. Its high perch gives visitors an amazing view of the Arizona desert surrounding the town of Jerome. These days, the mines have taken a back seat to the many tourist attractions in the town. Tourists can see the historic Grand Hotel, visit the Douglas Mansion in the Jerome State Historic Park, or go to the Mining Museum on Main Street.

Jerome, Arizona sightseeing: The Grand Hotel

If you visit Jerome, Arizona, be sure to check out the Grand Hotel, which is one of the highest public buildings in the entire Verde Valley. It is located in the old United Verde Hospital building and features what may be the oldest self-service elevator in the state of Arizona. This antique Otis elevator dates back to 1926, when the hospital building was originally constructed. At the time, the building was an awesome display of innovation, having been designed specifically to survive the concussive blasts from the mine of Jerome. Today, the Grand Hotel features modern luxury accommodations and an award-winning on-site restaurant. Guests can pick up a souvenir of this mining town in the hotel's gift shop, along with the official Jerome, Arizona Tour Guide. Inside this book, there is a map of the walking tour of Jerome, Arizona's sights and information about the town's history.

Jerome, Arizona sightseeing: Jerome State Historic Park and Douglas Mansion

In Jerome State Historic Park, you will find the historic Douglas Mansion. Built by James S. Douglas in 1916, the Mansion has been included on the National Register of Historic Places. The entire home covers a massive 8,000 square feet, with many of the rooms having been renovated to restore their original appearance. The Douglas Mansion presents a short video discussing the history of Jerome, Arizona, its development as a mining town, and the history behind the construction of the Mansion itself. Another popular exhibit features phosphorous minerals retrieved from the local mines that glow in a variety of bright colors when the lights are turned off.

Jerome, Arizona sightseeing: Main Street

In modern times, the town of Jerome, Arizona no longer gets most of its income from mining. Tourism has taken over as the area's primary industry, with approximately 90,000 visitors arriving in Jerome annually. In comparison, there are only around 480 permanent residents of Jerome, Arizona. As a tribute to the town's mining history, a Mining Museum has been built on Main Street, along with several gift shops, restaurants, and specialty stores.