Looking for a artsy, historic spot for a weekend getaway or day trip? Check out Jerome. This once-booming mining town clings to the side of Cleopatra Hill, offers sweeping views of the Verde Valley and a downtown filled with charm, and a little bit of ghostly intrigue. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Jerome was a wild place. Miners poured into the area looking for copper, and with them came saloons, brothels, and all kinds of rowdy behavior. It wasn’t long before the town earned the nickname “the wickedest town in the West.” At its peak, this hillside town was home to thousands. But like many mining towns, the boom didn’t last forever. As the mines dried up, people moved on, leaving Jerome nearly deserted by the early 1950’s. But, it didn’t stay a ghost town. Artists, free spirits, and preservationists eventually breathed new life into it. Today, just under 500 people call this mountain town home. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy. Where is Jerome & How to Get There Jerome is in north central Arizona. Built into the side of Cleopatra Hill this cool little town is about 120 miles north of Phoenix. It is about an hour from Prescott and 40 minutes from Sedona. If you’re wondering what to do in Jerome AZ, getting there is half the fun. From Phoenix, you have two great options: Fast Route (Approx. 2 hours):Take I-17 north to Camp Verde (exit 287), then follow AZ-260 west for about 15 miles. When AZ-260 ends, take a left onto AZ-89A and drive the last ten miles into town. Scenic Route (Approx. 3+ hours):If you’re not in a hurry, consider the back way up through Wickenburg, Prescott, and over Mingus Mountain on AZ-89A. This route is filled with panoramic views, hairpin turns, and plenty of reasons to pull over for a photo. Motorcyclists love it, and if you’re into leisurely drives with jaw-dropping scenery, it’s well worth the extra time. Where to Stay in Jerome Jerome has several hotels in town to choose from. The Jerome Grand Hotel is said to be one of the most haunted hotels. I can’t say if this is true or not, but the old elevator inside is cool and the balcony views of Jerome and the Verde Valley are outstanding. Parking in Jerome The town is over a hundred years old and is built into the side of Cleopatra Hill. On top of that it is a very popular tourist destination, so parking can be tricky in this town. What to do in Jerome AZ Once you arrive, you’ll quickly realize Jerome packs a lot into its tiny downtown. The town’s narrow streets and hillside buildings are home to art galleries, antique shops, saloons, and cafes tucked into every crevice. Many of the sidewalks are steep, but Jerome is walkable. Jerome State Historic Park A stop at the Douglas Mansion located in the  Jerome State Historic Park is a great way to start your visit to Jerome to get an overview of the town. I would suggest visiting here first because you can’t walk here if you park in town. How to Get to the Park The park is not within walking distance from the town, so if you visit here you will want to park in the parking lot at the state park. If you took interstate 17 to Jerome you will wind your way to the town on 89A right before you come into town take a right on Douglas Road also called State Park Road. This road will lead you to the park. Douglas Mansion This park sets below the town and offers fabulous views of Jerome and the Verde Valley. The Douglas Mansion was built in 1916, for James Douglas who developed the Little Daisy Mine.   Stop in and watch the short video, played every half hour, to learn about the history of the town and about the residents who have lived here. The home is quite impressive for its time, they also have a 3D underground model of the town which is cool to see. The grounds are home to mining equipment. There is a small entry fee for the park. Audrey Shaft Headframe Park Right before the entrance to the state park is the Audrey Shaft Headframe Park.  Here you can view the largest wooden headframe in Arizona. Walk around the large mining equipment, and stand on glass above a 1,900 foot shaft. This area is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day is free to the public. Jerome’s Historical Mine Museum The Jerome Historical Mine Museum, located in downtown, is a small but impressive museum about early residents of the town, copper mining equipment, saloons, and the red light district. This museum takes you back in time with staged rooms to show what it was like to live during that time. depicted through memorabilia, newspapers, possessions of early residents. Historic Jerome Arizona Ghost Town Buildings I love exploring old buildings and historical sites. If you love this type of stuff too you’re going to love Jerome. Just walking around and seeing the historic buildings is fun. Sliding Jail The sliding jail is one of the town’s original buildings that slid more than 200 feet downhill from its original position. The jail is located on the right side of  Hull Avenue and is surrounded by an iron fence. Bartlett Hotel Jerome is home to many historic buildings. The ruins of the Bartlett Hotel are located on Main Street and was once home to Jerome’s longest running newspaper. Gold King Mine & Ghost Town Take a Ghost Tour Hear the stories and haunted history of the wickedest town in the west. Take a Wild West history tour, a ghost walk or ghost tour in Jerome. Visit the Shops Jerome has so many fun boutiques to explore. One of our favorite stores is the Nelly Bly store. Stop by to see the largest collection of kaleidoscopes. People Watch Jerome is a busy little town. If you’re tired of walking take a break and a load off and sit on the steps downtown to people watch. Where to Eat in Jerome Arizona We love food and Jerome has some great places to grab a bit to eat. Some of our favorites include the: Haunted Hamburger (sit outside), Bobby D’s BBQ (get a seat outside), Vaqueros Grill & Cantina (yummy Mexican food and friendly employees), and The Mine Cafe. Olive Oil Tasting Who knew there were so many combinations of olive oils? Stop by Jerome’s Olive Oil Trader on Clark Street to try out some yummy balsamic vinegars and olive oils. Grab a Drink The Spirit Room at the 1898 Hotel Connor is a great place to grab a drink in Jerome. They often have local acts here to entertain as well. Wicked City Brew is another great spot to grab a drink. Sip some Wine Jerome has several wineries that are part of the Verde Valley wine trail. Stop by and taste a few of Arizona’s wines. Stay in a Haunted Hotel in Jerome Arizona The Jerome Grand Hotel is said to be one of the most haunted hotels. I can’t say if this is true or not, but the old elevator inside is cool and the balcony views of Jerome and the Verde Valley are outstanding. If you’re interested in visiting some of Arizona’s other ghost towns, check out our post on The Ultimate Guide to Arizona Ghost Towns. Is Jerome Arizona Worth Visiting? Yes, it is one of our favorite towns in Arizona. The drive to Jerome is one of the most scenic drives in Arizona. The first claim staked in Jerome, Arizona was in 1876. The town is built into the side of Cleopatra Hill in the Black Hills area, so the views of the Verde Valley from here are stunning.The town was built for miners and pieces of this history are found everywhere in Jerome. Over the years Jerome has transformed into a thriving artistic community, while still retaining it’s mining roots. If you enjoy historical sites, art, wine, ghost towns or old west towns you will find a trip to Jerome enjoyable. Nearby Attractions to Jerome, Arizona