Jerome, Arizona: Historic Mining Town Near Sedona
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
Jerome Arizona Ghost Town. © David WilsonJerome, Arizona is a historic former copper-mining town perched high on Cleopatra Hill above the Verde Valley. Once home to nearly 15,000 residents during its mining boom, Jerome declined sharply after the mines closed in the 1950s before reinventing itself as a community of artists, galleries, shops, restaurants, museums and historic attractions. Today it is one of the most distinctive day-trip destinations near Sedona.
- History of Jerome
- Jerome Today
- Things To Do
- Art, Shopping & Dining
- Jerome State Historic Park
- Location & Directions
- Visitor Tips
- FAQ
History of Jerome, Arizona
Mining in the Jerome area began in the late 1800s after copper deposits attracted prospectors and investors to Cleopatra Hill. The United Verde Copper Company developed major operations here, and Jerome grew rapidly as mines, smelters, rail connections and supporting businesses expanded.
Jerome was incorporated in 1899 and became a thriving mining community populated by workers and families from many different countries. During its boom years in the early 1900s, the population approached 15,000. Fires, landslides, fluctuating copper prices and declining high-grade ore repeatedly challenged the town, but mining remained the foundation of the local economy for decades.
Major mining activity ended in 1953, and Jerome’s population eventually fell below 100. Residents formed the Jerome Historical Society that same year to help preserve the community’s remaining buildings and mining heritage. Artists, craftspeople, writers and other new residents later helped revive the town during the 1960s and 1970s.
Jerome Today
Modern Jerome blends its mining-town history with an active arts and tourism community. Historic buildings now contain galleries, studios, specialty shops, restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, museums, lodging and other visitor-oriented businesses.
The town’s steep hillside setting is part of its character. Streets wind across Cleopatra Hill, historic structures cling to the slopes, and overlooks provide expansive views across the Verde Valley toward distant mountains and red-rock country.
Jerome is sometimes promoted as a ghost town, but it is very much a living community. Visitors come for its preserved architecture, mining history, art scene, unusual shops, restaurants, historic hotels and stories connected with its colorful past.
Things To Do in Jerome
Jerome offers enough historic sites, museums, shops and galleries to fill several hours or an entire day. Popular stops include the Jerome State Historic Park and Douglas Mansion, the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum, Audrey Headframe Park, local galleries and studios, historic buildings and scenic overlooks.
Visitors can also explore specialty shops, take history or ghost-themed tours, visit nearby mining attractions and enjoy views across the Verde Valley. Because individual attractions may change their hours seasonally, it is best to confirm current schedules before making a special trip.
Art, Shopping & Dining in Jerome
Jerome has become well known for its galleries, working artists, handcrafted goods, jewelry, specialty shops, restaurants and wine-tasting rooms. Historic commercial buildings throughout town now house an eclectic mix of locally owned businesses, making walking and browsing part of the Jerome experience.
The town also hosts arts and cultural events during the year, including its recurring First Saturday Art & Wine Walk. Event dates and participating businesses can change, so visitors should check current local information when planning a trip.
Jerome State Historic Park
Jerome State Historic Park preserves the Douglas Mansion and interprets the area’s mining history through exhibits, artifacts and historic displays. The mansion overlooks the Verde Valley and provides useful context for understanding the copper industry that created Jerome and shaped the surrounding communities.
Park hours, admission fees and operating schedules can change, so visitors should confirm current information before arriving.
Where Is Jerome, Arizona?
Jerome is located on Cleopatra Hill in the Black Hills of central Arizona, overlooking the Verde Valley at an elevation of more than 5,000 feet. The town lies along State Route 89A southwest of Sedona and northwest of Cottonwood.
Jerome is roughly 28 miles by road from Sedona and makes a popular day trip when combined with Cottonwood, Clarkdale or other Verde Valley attractions. The Town of Jerome places the community about 45 miles southwest of Flagstaff and approximately 100 miles north of Phoenix.
Directions To Jerome Arizona
From Sedona. Follow State Route 89A southwest through the Verde Valley and Cottonwood, then continue uphill on 89A to Jerome.
From Phoenix and Scottsdale. Travel north on Interstate 17 toward Camp Verde, then take State Route 260 west toward Cottonwood. From Cottonwood, follow State Route 89A uphill to Jerome.
From Flagstaff. Travel south on Interstate 17 toward Camp Verde, then take State Route 260 west to Cottonwood and follow State Route 89A to Jerome.
From Prescott. State Route 89A provides the direct scenic route over Mingus Mountain to Jerome. This mountain highway includes steep grades and numerous curves, so drivers should use caution and check current weather and road conditions, particularly during winter.
Jerome Area Map
Sedona and Verde Valley MapTips For Visiting Jerome
- Wear comfortable shoes because Jerome is built on a steep hillside and exploring often involves walking slopes and stairs.
- Allow extra driving time on State Route 89A, particularly on the winding section across Mingus Mountain.
- Parking can become busy during weekends, holidays and special events.
- Check current Town of Jerome information for parking, shuttle service, road conditions and special events before visiting.
- Bring layers because Jerome’s elevation above 5,000 feet can make temperatures noticeably cooler than lower parts of the Verde Valley.
- Allow several hours if you plan to combine museums, galleries, shopping and dining.
Jerome Arizona FAQ
Where is Jerome, Arizona?
Jerome is located on Cleopatra Hill above the Verde Valley in central Arizona. It is southwest of Sedona along State Route 89A and sits at an elevation of more than 5,000 feet.
How far is Jerome from Sedona?
Jerome is roughly 28 miles by road from Sedona, making it a popular day-trip destination from the Sedona area.
Why is Jerome famous?
Jerome is best known for its copper-mining history, steep hillside setting, preserved historic buildings, art galleries, shops, museums and colorful reputation from its boomtown years.
Is Jerome Arizona a ghost town?
Jerome is often called a ghost town because its population collapsed after the mines closed, but it is an active incorporated community with residents, businesses, galleries, restaurants, museums and lodging.
When did the Jerome mines close?
Major mining activity in Jerome ended in 1953. The town’s population fell dramatically afterward, but preservation efforts and the arrival of artists and new residents helped revive the community.
What are the best things to do in Jerome?
Popular activities include visiting Jerome State Historic Park and the Douglas Mansion, exploring the Mine Museum, browsing galleries and shops, enjoying restaurants and wine-tasting rooms, visiting historic sites and taking in views across the Verde Valley.
Is Jerome worth visiting from Sedona?
Yes. Jerome offers a very different experience from Sedona and is especially appealing to visitors interested in Arizona history, mining, art, architecture, photography, shopping and scenic drives.
Is the drive to Jerome difficult?
The roads into Jerome are paved, but State Route 89A includes steep grades and winding mountain sections. Drivers should use caution and check current road and weather conditions, especially during winter.
How much time should you spend in Jerome?
Several hours is enough for a basic visit, while travelers interested in museums, galleries, shopping, dining and historic sites can easily spend most of a day in Jerome.
Attractions In The Sedona Area
