Oatman, Arizona is an authentic old west ghost town along historic Route 66. In my humble opinion, this little western ghost town is one of the best stops along the route. The downtown “sidewalks” are wooden boardwalks and wild burros roam the streets.
Last time we visited during bike week in Laughlin, Nevada, and Oatman is a popular day drive so there were a lot of bikes lining the street on our visit. Normally, it is not quite as busy.
Things to See and Do in Oatman
Explore the Mine Museum in Oatman.
Visit with the local burros. They wander the street and they are curious.
Stop in the shops lining downtown or one of the several art galleries.
Visit a local bar. The Oatman Hotel Restaurant & Saloon has been a part of Oatman’s history since the early 1900’s. Stop by to see the famous money covered walls.
Oatman History
Stakes were claimed in Oatman in the late 1800’s and by 1915 the gold mines were attracting thousands of people. Millions of dollars in gold were mined here. By the mid-1920’s the main employer shut down operations. In 1941 mining for gold in Oatman was a thing of the past.
Fortunately for Oatman the town was located on Route 66 as the main route for travelers from Kingman to Needles, California. This prime location kept the town alive for the next 12 years until the bypass was built in 1953.
When the bypass was built, the town’s population dwindled. Oatman, once a vibrant mining town, is now a popular tourist stop along Route 66. For more information, visit the Oatman Chamber of Commerce.