Historic Tour of Jerome

The historic town of Jerome, Arizona, offers visitors a captivating journey through the state’s rich mining past. Nestled atop a mountainside, this former copper mining hub enchants with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and fascinating tales of resilience. Whether wandering through steep streets lined with historic saloons and hotels or exploring the wealth generated from the mining industry, the Jerome Historic Tour promises an immersive experience that uncovers the town’s remarkable story. What secrets lie within its winding back alleys and architectural gems?

Good To Know

• Explore the well-preserved 19th-century architecture and historic buildings in the former mining town of Jerome during the tour.
• Learn about Jerome’s storied past and artistic reinvention from knowledgeable local guides.
• Discover the remnants of the copper mining industry, including abandoned shafts and impressive, wealth-reflecting buildings.
• Enjoy diverse dining options, including historic mining-themed restaurants, artisanal pizza, and craft beers.
• Experience the picturesque setting of Jerome atop Cleopatra Hill, which enhances the overall tour experience.

Tour Overview

The Historic Tour of Jerome is a 90-minute tour that explores the historic towns of Clarkdale, Jerome, and Cottonwood in Sedona, USA.

Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 76 reviews, the tour is priced from $90.13 per person and has a maximum group size of 14 travelers.

Guests are transported in an air-conditioned minivan with free hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations.

The tour highlights include learning about the region’s mining history, admiring charming architecture, and visiting less-traveled historic areas.

Lunch with discount coupons and live commentary from a local guide are also included.

Exploring Historic Clarkdale

Nestled just a short drive from the main tour destination of Jerome, the historic town of Clarkdale offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s mining legacy.

Visitors can explore:

• The Clarkdale Museum, housed in a former hospital, showcasing local artifacts and stories from the copper mining heyday.
• The scenic Clarkdale Verde River Walk, where stunning desert landscapes and riparian ecosystems converge.
• Historic downtown Clarkdale, boasting charming turn-of-the-century buildings and specialty shops.
• The Clarkdale Train Depot, a hub for scenic railroad tours that wind through the picturesque Verde Valley.

This quaint community provides a fascinating complement to the tour’s main attraction in Jerome.

Discovering Jerome’s Charm

As the centerpiece of the Historic Tour of Jerome, the charming former mining town captivates visitors with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Nestled atop Cleopatra Hill, Jerome’s steep streets wind past historic saloons, hotels, and old mining buildings. Tourists explore back alleys and discover the town’s storied past, from its booming copper mining days to its more recent reinvention as an artists’ haven.

With a local guide’s insights, travelers uncover the stories behind Jerome’s iconic landmarks and gain a deeper appreciation for its resilience in the face of boom-and-bust cycles.

Mining History and Architecture

Though Jerome’s picturesque setting atop Cleopatra Hill captivates visitors, the town’s mining history and architecture form the backbone of its captivating story.

Guests on the Historic Tour of Jerome explore:

• Remnants of the once-thriving copper mining industry, including abandoned shafts and smelting facilities
• Impressive buildings and homes constructed with local stone and brick, reflecting the wealth of the mining boom
• Charming Victorian-era storefronts and homes that have been lovingly restored and repurposed
• Architectural gems like the United Verde Hospital, now a museum showcasing the region’s medical history

Navigating the Back Alleys

Where do the backroads and alleyways of Jerome lead? Down hidden paths, past former brothels and speakeasies, the historic town reveals its seedy underbelly. On this tour, guides take visitors through less-traversed areas, uncovering the town’s colorful past.

Back Alley Sights	Description
Abandoned Buildings	Remnants of Jerome’s mining boom, now crumbling shells
Unsavory Establishments	Former brothels, gambling dens, and moonshine distilleries
Graffiti and Street Art	Vibrant murals and tags that add character to the alleys

Exploring these off-the-beaten-path corners offers a glimpse into Jerome’s gritty history, where fortunes were made and lost, and vice ruled the roost.

Indulging in Local Cuisine

After exploring the backroads and hidden alleys, visitors can indulge in the local cuisine that Jerome has to offer.

The town boasts a diverse array of dining options, each offering a unique taste of the region:

• Hearty meals at historic mining-themed restaurants like The Haunted Hamburger, featuring signature burgers and fries.

• Artisanal pizza and craft beers at establishments like The Flatiron.

• Homemade pies, pastries, and specialty coffee at quaint cafes like the Gold King Mine Museum Café.

• A selection of locally-sourced produce, meats, and cheeses at the Jerome Farmers Market on Saturdays.

Transportation and Accessibility

The Historic Tour of Jerome provides convenient transportation options for visitors. The tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, with free hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations in Sedona, Cottonwood, and Jerome.

This ensures a hassle-free experience for participants, allowing them to focus on the tour’s highlights without worrying about navigation or parking. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility challenges may need to make alternate arrangements.

Traveler Feedback and Experiences

What do travelers have to say about the Historic Tour of Jerome? The tour receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 76 reviews.

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, such as Jason, whose storytelling brings the area’s history to life. The intimate small group setting is also a hit, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Some constructive criticism notes issues with vehicle condition and accessibility for children. A few feel the tour lacks depth in historical content, being more focused on shopping and dining.

• Knowledgeable, engaging guides
• Intimate small group setting
• Interesting historical facts and stories
• Some concerns over vehicle condition and accessibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Extend the Free Time in Jerome?

The tour duration and free time in Jerome could potentially be extended, but this would likely require adjusting the overall tour itinerary and cost. Travelers should contact the tour operator to inquire about custom options or schedule changes.

Is There an Option to Visit a Local Mine?

The tour doesn’t include a visit to a local mine, but there’s an opportunity to explore Jerome’s mining history through the interactive exhibits and guided walks. Travelers can inquire about adding a mine tour as an optional extra.

Are Photography Opportunities Available Throughout the Tour?

The tour provides ample opportunities for photography throughout the journey, allowing travelers to capture the historic architecture, scenic desert vistas, and unique sights featured along the way, according to reviews.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Our Specific Interests?

The tour may be customizable to some degree, but the itinerary and activities are generally fixed. Travelers can discuss their specific interests with the tour operator in advance to see if certain aspects can be tailored to their preferences.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation and refund policy allows full refunds up to 24 hours before the tour, and partial refunds within 24 hours. There’s also flexibility to reschedule if needed. The policy is detailed on the tour provider’s website.

The Sum Up

The Historic Tour of Jerome offers a captivating journey through the town’s mining heritage and well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Visitors can explore historic saloons, hotels, and mining buildings, while local guides share insights into Jerome’s resilience. The tour also reveals artistic reinventions in the back alleys and showcases the wealth generated from the copper industry, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.