The best things to do in Jerome can all be enjoyed in one day or just a few short hours, making a visit here well worth your time. In fact, the town was one of my favorite stops on my recent Arizona road trip.
Jerome, Arizona is a quirky little hillside town with a haunted past. The town is located just a short drive from nearby Sedona and makes a great day trip destination.
Jerome is considered the largest ghost town in the United States, and its haunted past makes the town a uniquely fun stop.
If you’re one who likes ghost town tours then this is the perfect place for you. As an old copper mining town, the city has an interesting history and learning about it makes your visit all the more fun.
This guide to the 5 best things to do in Jerome is based off my own recent trip. I hope you have as good of a time here as I did.
10 Best Things to Do in Jerome AZ
Jerome is located about 40 minutes southwest of Sedona or two hours north of Phoenix.
To get to Jerome you’ll need a car, though you can also take a taxi. You can also book a Sedona to Jerome Ghost Tour, which of course comes with transportation.
Once you arrive in Jerome you can easily explore the town on foot. You’ll want to set aside at least half a day and be sure to wear comfortable shoes. As mentioned above, Jerome is a hillside town, so the streets are hilly and narrow.
Don’t forget your camera as well, there’s lots to see and take pictures of.
6. Wine Tasting
Wine lovers will be happy to learn that the town of Jerome is part of the Verde Valley wine region. This wine region includes the neighboring cities of Sedona and Cottonwood, among others.
Those visiting Jerome will have several options for sampling regional wines while in town.
Here are the wineries you can visit in Jerome:
- Passion Cellars
- Cabal Cellars
- Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards
Hours for the individual tasting rooms vary. I recommend just stopping by while you’re in town, or you can always call ahead. Contact information can be found on their respective websites.
7. Jerome Artists Cooperative
The Jerome Artists Cooperative is a local gallery showcasing art from local artists. You’ll find all kinds of art and crafts including paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery and more.
Since Jerome is an artsy town that has drawn artists of all kinds from around the country, you’ll find some pretty interesting stuff here.
If you’re looking for an easy and very direct way to support the local community, stop into the artists cooperative gallery and pick up a few unique items to bring home.
You’ll find the Jerome Artists Co-Op at 502 Main Street. They are open from Wednesdays to Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
8. Gold King Mine and Ghost Town
The Gold King Mine and Ghost Town is a quirky stop located about 5 minutes outside the town.
Here you’ll find old buildings and vintage cars on display from Jerome’s old mining days. I’m unsure how much of what’s displayed is authentic and how much is staged, but it’s a fun little stop while you’re in the area.
From what I understand, the area where Gold King Mine currently sits was a former gold mine area. Apparently the miners here were originally looking for copper, but found gold instead.
The many historic structures dotting the property here are remnants from the former town that propped up when the mining began.
Visitors to Gold King Mine and Jerome Ghost Town can tour around the property and even pan for gold. I’m unsure how many actually still find gold here, but it sounds like a fun learning experience.
Gold King Mine and Ghost Town is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission for adults is $10.
9. Jerome Grand Hotel
You can’t visit Jerome without stopping at the Jerome Grand Hotel. Better yet, plan to stay there if you’ll be spending the night in Jerome.
You’ll find the Jerome Grand Hotel at the top of the hill overlooking the town. The hotel was originally the town hospital which was built back in 1926. The hospital served the town’s medical needs until about 1950 when it shut down.
After sitting vacant for many years, the hotel was purchased by new owners and converted into a hotel.
Today, the Jerome Grand Hotel is considered the most haunted building in Arizona and is frequently visited by those looking for paranormal activity. The hotels history includes multiple suicides and a possible murder, which of course only adds to the intrigue.
Rooms start at about $180 per night, though rates may vary depending on time of year.
10. Audrey Headframe Park
Audrey Headframe Park is located right next to Jerome State Historic Park.
At Audrey Headframe Park, you can explore an old mine shaft and wooden headframe. Visitors can also stand on a glass floor above the 1,900 foot shaft.
The shaft is 650 taller than the highest point of the Empire State Building and is the largest wooden headframe still standing in Arizona.
In 1918 the Audrey shaft was finished as a component of a comprehensive operational strategy that aimed to increase the quantity of high-grade ore extracted, while minimizing the risk of fire.
This is a quick visit, but a great opportunity to see the copper mining equipment up close.
Audrey Headrame Park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.
