Crazy Bear Trading Post Gift Shops 24 YEARS IN BUSINESS (928) 768-7400 141 Main St Oatman, AZ 86433 CLOSED NOW 3. I sat in the cool shade and watched the gun battle play out. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Road Trips Six Days Touring the Mother Road: Route 66 if (pos<0) Follow the signs for Oatman, 23 miles. 10/15/2011 James & Karen Pritchett 3/15/2010 Maynard & Eileen Johnson 2/14/2010 When the gold ran out -- roughly around the time that the road was paved -- the miners abandoned the burros to fend for themselves. The lady across the street saw me checking the door and called out to me so I asked here about the gunfight. Jason & Shamarie Gilliam 10/17/2020 (866) 275-5816 | (602) 364-3700, Copyright 2023 VisitArizona.com | Privacy Policy, Six Days Touring the Mother Road: Route 66, Distinctly Arizonan July 4th Celebrations, Arizonas Wildly Different Desert Regions. 1110 W Washington St, #155 I'd give this place zero stars if I could. If the wild past really intrigues you, then drive west to Oatman on old Route 66 from I-40, exit 44. Wayne & Annette Callow 6/14/2015 The history of Oatman is a story of give and take, from a turn of the century boomtown to todays small but unique and memorable tourist destination. Arizona 86433 Phone: 928-577-9139 or 928-234-0344. setTimeout("ScrollInStatusBar()",100); The appointments are almost over, so today we took our first day trip since becoming fulltimers! We took many beautiful pictures!We also stopped by the old hotel to see the little museum and the room where the great actor, Clark Gables and his third wife stayed, while honeymooning in Oatman. Oatman Ghost Town: What? Kipp & Pam Smith 10/8/2017 Preston & Carrie Trosper 6/23/2012 An afternoon is all youll need to explore thoroughly, but if you have time, I recommend meandering along the back roads, which will give you a glimpse of the hardscrabble life that existed here in years past, not to mention the gorgeous scenery! Oatman is located in northwestern Arizona, about two hours southeast of Las Vegas. Lonnie & Jennifer Burch 5/17/2009 You can smell their presence even when you can't see them; burro droppings are everywhere. The Tri-State Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show. One friendly poltergeist known as Oatie is believed to be the ghost of William Ray Flour, an Irish miner who died behind the hotel. But Oatman provides a good sense of what the frontier West was really like: rough, shabby, and naturally chaotic. Then the lady from the Making Memories store caught up with me so I asked her about the gun fight. Sure, the town has its share of antiques stores, tourist saloons and junk shops; t-shirts seem to be the big seller, if judged by the amount of signs and advertising banners for Beefy T sales. Jones 1/11/2020 Apple maps says it takes about 2.5 hours. Oatman, Arizona, bills itself as a throwback to the Old West, a "living ghost town." During its heyday, it was home to over 10,000 people. Prizes are awarded to the winners and everyone is invited to fry. #4 of 12 things to do in Oatman Sights & Landmarks, Ghost Towns, Scenic Walking Areas Oatman, AZ 86433 Save Oatman Western Mining Village/Museums & Scenic Route 66 Experience 41 Book in advance from $119.00 per adult Check availability View full product details Brent M Wetaskiwin, Canada 310 177 What? Want to give it a go? This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. These gunfights are scheduled for noon, 1:30.2:15, and 3:30 depending on how many visitors are in town. Other events occur during the year to entertain, and to thank our veterans for their service to the country. Satkowiak 1/01/2011 Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 11/28/2009, Steve & Kingman, Arizona 86401. Not much came of the discovery until two lucky prospectors struck it rich in 1915, with a 10 million dollar claim. In the 1960s, Oatman was almost completely abandoned and turned into a ghost town. newimage8 = new Image(); Barron 1/6/2018 var DisplayLength = 50 - See 628 traveller reviews, 1,107 candid photos, and great deals for Oatman, AZ, at Tripadvisor. In June, the average high-temperature rises from a tropical 86.2F (30.1C) in May to a torrid 97.7F (36.5C). Our visits to Laughlin almost always include a man afternoon visit to Oatman. Her book is available by calling the Oatman Chamber of Commerce at (928) 768-6222. Oatman Ghost Town: What? Robert & Jolene Burke 4/05/2009 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Today, these wild burros roam the streets during the day and head into the Black Mountains at night to graze. Oatman, Arizona is an old west mining town on the old Route 66 highway. We checked the times for the gunfights with both "official websites" and were sure it would be at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm so we decided to take in the 3:30 show as it was January so it wouldn't be so hot they would have to cancel it. Michael & Toni Fennessey 4/3/2018 We took our dog with us and there were at least 8 or 9 other dogs as well. Thomas & Venessa Smith 12/03/2014, Kelly & - See 663 traveler reviews, 1,166 candid photos, and great deals for Oatman, AZ, at Tripadvisor. David & Kaisi Williams 10/10/2020 RoadsideAmerica.comYour Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions. At high noon, a shot is fired and contestants from all over the world have 15 minutes to fry the most edible looking egg using any solar powered device. Breakfast at Olive Oatman Restaurant and Saloon. After the fire, the construction of Route 66 brought the mining industry back to the town. We explored Flagstaff on a day trip and cant wait to go back. It is narrow and winding in places and suitable for vehicles under 40 feet long. Enjoy the 2130 W Van Buren St Yucca, Arizona 86438, Results Unfortunately, you can no longer spend the night in the Oatman Hotel, but you can visit the bar, restaurant, and museum during the day. Answer 1 of 4: We are planning to visit Oatman in Aug. We will be leaving from Twentynine Palms. Oatman Ghost Town: What? If you do wish to, some of the stores sell a cube made of alfalfa hay. Oatman, Arizona is located right on Historic Route 66, on the section between Kingman and Topock, Arizona that has been designated a National Back Country Byway. Oatman is located along the longest continuous stretch of original Route 66 in the US. History buffs can learn all about Oatman's mining boom days at the Oatman Hotel (formerly the Durlin). Travel to the Grand Canyon -- one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World -- and let Grand Canyon West provide you with an experience 5001 Diamond Bar Rd It is estimated that miners extracted more than $36 million from these mountains during this period. Peach Springs, Arizona 86434. Today, the town survives on tourism and burros. Quaint historic town - always a great afternoon. We took many beautiful pictures!We also stopped by the old hotel to see the little museum and the room where the great actor, Clark Gables and his third wife stayed, while honeymooning in Oatman. The gold dried up in the 1920s and the miners left. Brad & Kelly Blake 8/08/2009 Oatman More to Discover Near Oatman Get Your Kicks Arizona's Route 66 Whether heading west to east or east to west on the Mother Road, be sure to check out the quirky landmarks and destinations of Arizona's Route. Located in Joseph City, this is a privately owned canyon and ranch with one of the most extensive petroglyph collections in the whole world. If you advertise a gunfight then you have a commitment to have a gunfight. David & Jessie Myers 03/15/2021 function ScrollInStatusBar(){ Points of Interest & Landmarks, Scenic Walking Areas, Gift & Speciality Shops, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Monuments & Statues. It carries traveler research ideas and information. In 1915, two miners struck a $14 million gold find, providing yet another boom to the settlement. Which brings us to the burros and the gunfighters. Its yet to be seen if a lack of handouts will keep the Oatman burros out of town for good. One of these mines was named after Olive Oatman. DON'T GO! Some people may call them burros, which is just the Spanish term for "donkey." They are one and the same. A 1921 fire destroyed most of the town. She is still a fixture in downtown Oatman operating three retail establishments stop in and visit her. Weather in June. Oatman was one of our favorite discoveries on our Route 66 road trip through Arizona last year. } The first month of the summer, June, is a very hot month in Oatman, Arizona, with temperature in the range of an average low of 74.3F (23.5C) and an average high of 97.7F (36.5C). Theres a nice selection of chocolates and penny candies that you can get just about anywhere, plus an array of homemade goodies. I dont think the answer youre looking for is in the middle of nowhere, but that about sums it up! Don & Victoria Perfect 6/10/2016 No gunfight as scheduled? 1/25/2011 Do you have a non-profit Organization that you'd like to add? Parson Tom and his wife Sheriff Littlebit can perform weddings, either shotgun or traditional, on the street in a gunfighter situation, or at the Little White Church. Watch out for the narrow roads with no guard rails and little or no breakdown lanes. This little candy shop was one of the highlights of our trip to Oatman. - April 26, 2012. Ted & Alicia Irwin 4/5/2014 Trip Planning Caution: RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. Robert & Adrianna Hunter 05/22/2021 Heres the plan for a perfect day in Oatman, Arizona, the best place to eat for miles and miles. Meandering wild burros, a wild-west shootout, and a dusty village on a desolate stretch of Americas favorite highway. Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Arizona. Dont miss the chance to step back into history with a visit to this historic Wild West boomtown. We came to watch the show and have lunch at the hotel. During the late 1800s, the Oatman Mountains was rich in gold, silver, and other minerals. newimage7 = new Image(); Charles & Eileen McDonald 5/17/2019 They have a gunfight in the street and we caught just the end of it but what we saw was very entertainingYou wont be disappointed with your trip through this small mining town but be sure to have your phone ready and something for the nosey burros to eat, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Hong Kong. Bob & Jackie Murray 7/25/2012 We would like to thank everybody who came, Oatman started getting lively again. Fri 12/23. The town boomed and produced over 1.8 million ounces of gold. Oatman Gold Road Chamber of Commerce Website is made Oatman, Arizona was sparsely settled starting in 1863 when a small bit of gold was discovered in the surrounding Black Mountains. Oatman had some rough times, however. The burro has become such an integral part of Oatman's identity that the town now plays host to an annual Burro Biscuit Toss, where residents and visitors alike compete to see who can throw a dried-out, gold-painted burro dropping the farthest. Edward & Laura Dominguez 5/23/2009 Reenactments of old Another option for getting to Oatman is to reserve a shuttle from McCarron International Airport to Lake Havasu City for about $50, and then book a tour from Lake Havasu to Oatman. Saving Your Ass. There are plenty of burros waking around and maybe even a ghost or 2. Ernie & Chrissy Martin 10/10/2020 newimage9.src = "clipart/og2.jpg"; Sat 12/17 @ 5:00 pm [ +1 dates] Bullhead City, AZ. John & Rhonda James & Brenda Dean We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Car rentals are also inexpensive at McCarron International Airport. By 1931, the area's mines had produced . Clayton & Linda Steele 4/28/2018 Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. It is 4921% greater than the overall U.S. average. many times and always enjoyed the place. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! Oatman is a former mining town in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona, United States. Top ways to experience Oatman Ghost Town and nearby attractions. This is the longest uninterrupted stretch of Route 66 that still remains today. Which is to say, all of the time. Took the Route 66 trip and going to Oatman was a must. Sorry to say that there was never time for just traveling or sightseeing or having fun. Slow your car down and burros are likely to stick their heads in the windows searching for handouts. Alan & Michelle Dinkin 3/22/2014 Arthur & Amber Hansen 12/23/2016, Ronald & Tara Results are instant and can confirm the information you are searching for. Gunfight in Oatman Arizona Oatman is a small community that sprang up around 1906 when gold was discovered. How either myself or my small dog are threats I have no clue. In the early 20th century, it was the largest producer of gold in the country. This blacktop looks as if it hasn't been maintained since the right-of-way was moved south in the 1950s. Categories Destinations, Southwestern United States, United States, Western United States. I really enjoyed our visit. The story goes that several gas stations and businesses were closed and Oatman became a ghost town. Try My Sights, Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. Oatman's population grew to more than 3,500 in the course of a year. There are many things to do in Oatman, Arizona, and one of them is to go to regular Wild West gunfights. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead! So, if you do make it to Oatman for the annual egg fry, please reach out and let us know how it was! We waited on the street for about 10 minutes and finally gave up and went for a bite to eat.Had we known there was not going to be a gunfight we may not have driven the hour out of the way to disappoint our friends, it's not that the gunfight is the only thing to do in town but I'm not a big fan of being lied to. They are for your and their fun. They attract many tourists to the small town. Johnny & Jacqulynn Hawkins I dont recommend buying chocolate unless you want to eat it ASAP. The burro population is close to 2,000. Back Road Ramblers shares practical and in-depth road trip itineraries, small-town travel ideas, and easy outdoor adventures for the wanderer in everyone. But then in the 1970s Laughlin, NV started to grow and in the 80s Route 66 became a popular destination for people from all over the world to see the real America. Im glad you came to visit Oatman, please check back again as new shops and renovations of old historic buildings are ongoing! The Oatman Ghost Rider Gunfighters are the oldest gunfighter group in Arizona, and theyre not to be missed. So we went to the saloon and there was no piano player. Oatman, Arizona has a fascinating history and a unique ghost town. Why FNU Moodle Is Very Important For The Students? Just make sure you keep your cones away from the four-legged scavengers. Then in 1952, Oatman and its part of Route 66 were bypassed by the opening of I40. 85007 It was home to some of the largest mines in the West, and it was a popular pit stop for travelers on the famous Route 66. The Complete Guide to Exploring Wilmington, Vermont, Unique and Affordable Things to Do in St. This ghost town was a gold rush town, but it is also known for its burro population and its regular Wild West gunfight schedule. Back when Oatman was a gold boom town, the miners hauled their supplies with faithful burros. The honeymoon suite is still one of the Oatman Hotels main attractions, and the owners report that Gable and Lombard loved the hotel so much that they are still haunting it. pos++; Mike & CJ Waggoner 10/25/2009 Seriously, those burros will steal your ice cream cone in a heartbeat, especially if youre under 4-feet tall! newimage10 = new Image(); Sam & Kathy Becher 3/09/2012 I'm sorry this happened to you, Veronica! Oatman has a colourful history and named in honour of Olive Oatman, a young lady who was travelling west with her family. With the Black Mountains rising all around it, Oatman is surrounded by sharp-toothed ridges and forbidding rock formations. Oatman is about 38 miles west of Kingman, AZ on Historic Route 66 (AKA Oatman Highway) but because a good portion of the road is a very narrow windy road with a lot of curves and switch backs, it takes hour to an hour and a half to make the drive. No gunfight as scheduled? At first glance, the wild burros of Oatman seem to steal the show but dig a bit deeper and you'll discover the town's raucous mining history and a vibrant main street that plays host to various events throughout the year. Gunfights are staged on weekends for visitors to Oatman, AZ. 162 Main Street, Oatman, AZ 86433. Receptions are memorable at the Oatman Hotel (which by the way, does not rent rooms at present). If you have time to venture even farther afield, continue south on Route 66 for another 25 miles or so. These endearing creatures are just one reason to visit the tiny town of Oatman, Arizona. Their hairy descendants still live in the hills around Oatman, and come into town to beg for food whenever tourists arrive. Weather in June . Add your social media links and bio and promote your discounts, menus, events. newimage6 = new Image(); At one time it was legitimately described as a ghost town and once had a population in excess of 10,000 residents. 11. The shops offer a wide selection of Route 66 souvenirs. Oatman Chamber of Commerce P.O. Start here.Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip. JD & Bridget Burns 3/31/2010 Steven & Ashley Hilton 10/7/2017 Answer 1 of 4: We are planning to visit Oatman in Aug. We will be leaving from Twentynine Palms. Gunfights are staged on weekends for visitors to Oatman, AZ. If you have any information for our readers, please feel free to contact us. Oatman Map Oatman is a former mining town in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona, United States. Cities Kingman Motor into Kingman, Arizona's heart of historic Route 66. And don't forget to pick up a souvenir or twofrom biker gear and mining memorabilia to donkey puppets and Southwestern art, you can find it all in the shops that line the towns main drag. The friendly performers ask the crowd to gather around in the street while they act out a heist, complete with loud gunshot blanks. From 1926 to 1952, the Mother Road coursed through the heart of Oatman, sustaining a healthy tourism business. Art & Annette LaBarre 09/18/2021. scroll = scroll + ""; 3/16/2012 What Do You Know About Tesla Supercharger Cost Per Kwh? The Oatman's joined a group of Mormons in 1850 who were on their way to the Yuma area to establish a Mormon colony. When the mines were mechanized the burros were turned loose. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned at the Durlin Hotel after their wedding in Kingman, Arizona in 1939. Pete & Tamie Luchetta 7/16/2016 X. Justin & Abigail Briggs 11/15/2013 What You Need To Know About Balboa Inn Tripadvisor, What You Know About Deetjens Big Sur Inn, ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Rhobh Recap Vulture. Charles & Jean Quinlin 11/10/2012, Ray & Marjorie Some signs have faded, some new . One of the more colorful shopkeepers is known as Betty the Bead Lady, who for many years, drilled beads and sold them to the Navajos for their jewelry making. Kingman, Arizona 86409. Robert & Crystal Jones 6/24/2009 Oatman is definitely one of our favorite backroad adventures and one of our. Leggett 2/15/2014 Douglas & Shari Harrison 1/08/2011 A very unique and fun place, in the middle of nowhere! Branko & Bernarda Gradisnik But now it was already 3:30 and no signs of a gunfight. There are usually a few foals in this tiny herd of wild burros only referred to as wild as they are never penned in. The Gunfighters perform shoot-outs daily at High Noon and 2:15 PM MST in Oatman, Arizona on Historical Route 66 and they have performed at the Pioneer Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. Scott & Robin Kobbermann 5/06/2012 Contestants at the Oatman Egg Fry are given 15 minutes to fry their eggs using solar power only. Wilfred & Nissa Wolff 4/11/2015 April 27, 2022 - May 1, 2022. newimage10.src = "clipart/l1.jpg"; While the town is now small, mining continues to be profitable in the area. 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