Bisbee, Arizona: The Haunted, Artsy Mining Town You’ll Fall for
Tucked into the rolling hills of the Mule Mountains, Bisbee is an artsy offbeat charming town. Once a booming copper mining town, Bisbee past of ghosts and miners, art galleries, and good coffee coexist in crumbling Victorian buildings and narrow winding streets.
We’ve been to Bisbee twice now, once in the fall and once in the spring. If you’re craving a long weekend getaway that’s equal parts history, hauntings, and creative energy, Bisbee might be your next favorite escape.
Ghosts, Miners, and Artists…. Bisbee was once a bustling mining town. In the early 1900’s Bisbee, Arizona was the largest city in the territory.
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Where is Bisbee, Arizona?
Bisbee sits in southeastern Arizona , just 10 miles from the Mexico border and a little under 100 miles southeast of Tucson. The drive there is a scenic one, especially if you’re coming down from Phoenix like we did. It’s tucked away but totally worth the trip.
Today there are just over 5,000 residents. Bisbee, located in southern Arizona, is a quirky and artsy town known for its colorful architecture and unique atmosphere.
How to Get to Bisbee
From Tucson follow I-10 east towards Benson for about 50 miles. Take exit 303 for AZ-80 toward AZ-10/Benson/Douglas. Keep right to continue on AZ-80 E. You will pass through the town of Tombstone before reaching Bisbee. Bisbee is about 25 miles south of Tombstone.
Where to Stay: Historic & Haunted Bisbee
Bisbee has several historic hotels in town to choose from. We stayed at the Copper Queen Hotel, Arizona’s longest continuously operating hotel.
Built in 1902 and supposedly haunted, it checks all the boxes for charm, history, and walkability. We loved the convenience of strolling out the front door and landing right in the heart of town.
The gardens across from the hotel are lovely too. It’s a perfect place for sipping your morning coffee or relaxing at the end of the day.
Some say the Copper Queen is visited by a man in a top hat, a little boy, and a heartbroken woman who never checked out…
Bisbee, Arizona History
Downtown Bisbee is quirky in the best way. Every corner reveals something unexpected. Funky art, colorful murals, vintage shops, and antique treasures.
Artists have breathed new life into this old mining town, and it shows. Even the people who live and visit here are an eclectic bunch.
In 1877 a mining claim was staked in Bisbee. During this time period Bisbee’s mine was the second highest producing copper mine in the country.
Due to copper mining, Bisbee was at one time one of the largest and most prosperous towns between St. Louis and San Francisco. In addition to copper, gold and silver were also mined in Bisbee.
Things to do in Historic Bisbee Arizona
For our second trip to Bisbee we decided to visit in April. We took a drive from Phoenix to historic Bisbee for a long weekend. This is a great little town to spend a few days. The town is walkable.
St. Elmo Bar
Stop by St. Elmo, the oldest continuously operating bar in Bisbee (and the second oldest in the state). This place has dim lights, creaky wood floors, and stories that date back to 1902.
Whether you’re up for a drink or just want to soak in the vibes, it’s worth a visit. If you want to visit the oldest bar in Arizona visit Prescott.
Explore Downtown Bisbee Arizona
Downtown Bisbee is quirky in the best way. Every corner reveals something unexpected. Funky art, colorful murals, vintage shops, and antique treasures. Artists have breathed new life into this old mining town, and it shows.
Bisbee’s downtown is home to over a dozen antique shops and art galleries. This once booming mining town has turned into an artsy cultural town that attracts artists and creative people.
Visit Bisbee’s Mining & Historical Museum
Located downtown, this interactive museum offers a fascinating look at Bisbee’s rise as a copper giant. From black-and-white photos of dusty miners to displays of copper artifacts, this place helps you understand just how important Bisbee once was to the entire country.
Bisbee was one of the most important mining towns in the world. Learn about a day in the life of a copper miner. It’s a great spot to start your trip and get the backstory before exploring the town.
Bisbee Arizona Mining & Historical Museum
Visit the Lavender Pit Copper Mine
Want to see something massive, a little eerie, and full of history? The Lavender Pit is just outside downtown Bisbee—and it’s a jaw-dropping sight.
This enormous open-pit copper mine stretches nearly 4,000 feet wide and plunges more than 800 feet deep into the earth. It’s part of the legendary Copper Queen mining operation that once made Bisbee one of the most prosperous towns in the West.
The mine gets its name not from any purple color in the rock, but from Harrison Lavender, the mining engineer who helped develop it in the 1950s into a commercial mine.
The pit remained active through the 1970s and now stands as a reminder of Bisbee’s booming copper days. You can park along the edge and walk up to the viewing area.. It’s one of those “wow” moments that really brings the town’s mining past to life.
Bisbee Mine Tour – Take a Tour of the Queen Mine
Back in the day, the Queen Mine in Bisbee was the world’s largest copper mine. This was hands down our favorite activity in Bisbee.
You gear up in a hard hat, hop onto a mine train, and travel 1,500 feet underground to see what life was like for copper miners in the early 1900s. Our tour guide used to be a miner himself, so his stories were full of grit, humor, and hard-earned insight.
The tour is about an hour long and just fascinating. Check the Queen Mine Tour website for tickets ahead of time. This is a popular place and we recommend getting reservations.
Go on a Ghost Tour in Bisbee Arizona
Yes, many believe Bisbee is haunted. And yes, you should take a ghost tour.
Old Bisbee Ghost Tours offer haunted history walks and even a haunted pub crawl if you’re feeling brave (and thirsty). It’s a great way to learn about the town’s eerie past and maybe spot a ghost or two.
Walk up the Public Stairs
Climb some of the staircases in Bisbee. I know it’s a little out of the norm for a things to do list, but Bisbee is unique like that. Bisbee has more than 60 public staircases carved into its steep hillsides and scattered throughout the town.
They started as burro paths and later became wooden stairs, then concrete. Climbing them is like taking a historical tour.
Look for unique street art and artistic creations throughout the town. If you enjoy exploring, take a few of the stairways you never know where they may lead.
If you love history, artsy vibes, haunted tales, and a good walk, Bisbee’s waiting for you.
Nearby Towns & Attractions
- If you’re visiting Bisbee, a short 25-minute drive north will take you to Tombstone. (25 miles north)
- If you want to visit wineries in Arizona. Wilcox and Elgin are in this area. Check out our post on The Best Arizona Wineries and Vineyards. (75 miles north)
- About 30 miles west of Bisbee is Ramsey Canyon. This area is a gorgeous area for birding. Read our post on Arizona Birding Hot Spots: Where to Find Hummingbirds and Colorful Birds. (30 miles west)
- Eerie Hoodoos in a Wonderland of Rocks (70 miles east)
