When you think of Tombstone you probably picture saloons, shootouts, and scenes from the movie starring Val Kilmer, Sam Elliot, and Kurt Russel. But have you ever imagined yourself walking through the streets of Tombstone? Start planning your own Tombstone adventure with the help of our short guide to some of the most popular attractions.
1. The OK Corral
This is the most well-known location in Tombstone, mainly because of the infamous shootout between the Clantons and Earps. Today, you can see a re-enactment of the gunfighters and their historic battle. You can immerse yourself in the scene with ease since this location has remained mostly unchanged since 1881.
Your trip to OK Corral includes access to the Historama. A multimedia experience that gives a complete history of Tombstone, narrated by actor Vincent Price.
2. The Tombstone Epitaph
The Epitaph is Arizona’s oldest newspaper that’s still published to this day. Here you can read the original report of the gunfight at OK Corral, and a reprint of the report is available with your OK Corral admission ticket.
The museum also features a demonstration of how the newspaper was printed in the 1800s with the original hand press. The back shop also has some of the original linotype machines, type cases, and composting stones on display.
You can also learn more about the Epitaph’s infamous editor John Clum, who captured the Apache warrior Geronimo. You can also learn more about why he hired the Earps to protect Tombstone.
3. Tombstone Courthouse Museum
This structure is one of Tombstone’s top museums and the area is now considered a state park. The lives of local residents are covered in great detail here, as well as a variety of intriguing objects on display.
The courthouse was constructed in 1882 to serve as the county seat for Cochise County. It continued to serve as a county facility until 1931 when the county seat was moved to Bisbee. The city of Tombstone then leased the building until the county transferred it to the city in 1942.
4. The Good Enough Mine
Mining is one of the things that first attracted people to Tombstone after it got discovered there in 1879. The Good Enough mine is now a museum that takes you deep underground. You’ll learn how the miners worked, what silver ore looks like, and learn more about the founder of Tombstone, Ed Schieffelin. There is also a trolley available which offers a tour of the area.
5. The Birdcage Theater
The Bird Cage, established in 1881, operated day and night for 8 years straight. This establishment functioned as a theater, dance hall, tavern, and brothel. This is also one of the only original buildings that survived the great fire.
It was considered one of the wildest places in the US at the time with shootouts and fights being a normal daily occurrence. Over 140 bullet holes remain in the building to this day. No Arizona vacation is complete without visiting the theater and experiencing its haunted night tour.
Book Your own Tombstone Adventure
Whether you crave history, excitement, or even paranormal experiences Tombstone has something for everyone in the family. So what are you waiting for? Book your Tombstone adventure with us today.