Tucked into a steep canyon in the Mule Mountains, a Victorian town clings to the hillsides. Brightly painted houses sit on top of each other, linked by hundreds of stairs. Meanwhile, down on Main Street, old saloons and banks now hold galleries, cafes and quirky shops. This is Bisbee Arizona, a former copper boomtown reborn as one of the most charming small towns in the American Southwest. In this guide, you will learn what to see, how to get there and when to visit.
Quick Facts About Bisbee, Arizona
| Country | United States |
| Region | Cochise County, southeastern Arizona |
| Known For | Copper mining history, Victorian buildings and an artsy downtown |
| UNESCO Status | Not listed |
| Founded | 1880 |
| Best Time to Visit | March to May and September to November |
| Time Needed | One to two days |
| Continent | North America |
Where Is Bisbee in Arizona?
Bisbee lies in southeastern Arizona, in Cochise County, of which it is the county seat. More precisely, the town sits in the Mule Mountains at an elevation of about 5,538 feet. In addition, the Mexican border at Naco is only around 11 miles to the south.
From Tucson, Bisbee is roughly a 90 minute drive. Thanks to its altitude, the town is noticeably cooler than the desert cities below.
Why Visit Bisbee, Arizona?
To begin with, Bisbee is full of history. For nearly a century, it was one of the richest mining towns in the world. Even today, its streets still look much as they did in the early 1900s.
At the same time, Bisbee has a creative, free spirited personality. After the mines closed, artists, musicians and writers moved here, and they brought the town back to life. As a result, you can tour a historic copper mine in the morning and browse art galleries in the afternoon.
Mining History in Bisbee
Above all, copper made Bisbee. Prospectors first found rich deposits here in the 1870s. Soon after, in 1880, the town was founded. It took its name from Judge DeWitt Bisbee, one of the investors in the Copper Queen Mine.
The Queen Mine Tour
Today, the Queen Mine Tour is the town’s most popular attraction. First, visitors put on a hard hat, a slicker and a miner’s lamp. Then they ride a small train deep into the mountain. Retired miners or knowledgeable guides explain how the work was done and what life was like underground. The tour lasts about an hour. Since the mine stays cool all year, bring a light jacket.
The Lavender Pit
Just outside Old Bisbee, the Lavender Pit is a huge open pit mine with terraced walls in shades of red, orange and gray. It operated from the 1950s until the 1970s, and it swallowed most of the old town of Lowell. Today, a roadside viewpoint also lets you peer into its depths.
Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum
Housed in the former Phelps Dodge headquarters, this museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate. In particular, its exhibits cover the town’s mining past, its immigrant communities and its rich mineral finds. Therefore, it is a great first stop to understand Bisbee’s story.
Exploring Old Bisbee
Old Bisbee is the historic heart of town. Because it was built before cars, it is compact and best explored on foot.
Main Street and Brewery Gulch
Along this historic street, brick buildings from the early 20th century stand side by side. Today, they hold art galleries, antique stores, bookshops and cafes. Nearby, Brewery Gulch was once famous for its saloons. A few historic bars still serve drinks here, and the street comes alive on weekend evenings.
The Stairs of Bisbee
Since the town is built on steep slopes, many homes can only be reached by stairs. In fact, some stairways have hundreds of steps. Every October, the Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb challenges runners to cover a route that includes 1,034 stairs. Even if you do not race, climbing a few stairways rewards you with excellent views over the rooftops.
Tips for Walking in Bisbee
Wear comfortable shoes and carry water, since the altitude makes climbing harder. Also, take breaks often. Finally, respect private homes along the stairways, as people live right beside them.
Art Galleries and Murals
Bisbee’s art scene is one of the liveliest in Arizona. For example, galleries show everything from paintings to jewelry made with local turquoise, known as Bisbee Blue. In addition, colorful murals decorate walls all over town.
Where to Stay in Bisbee
Bisbee has several historic hotels and many cozy inns.
The Copper Queen Hotel
Opened in 1902, this landmark is still the grand dame of Bisbee. Back then, the mining company built it for visiting executives and investors. Later, actor John Wayne was a frequent guest. Today, it is also famous for its ghost stories.
Quirky Stays
For something unusual, look for restored miners’ cottages or vintage trailers. These small, characterful stays also fit Bisbee’s playful spirit perfectly.
One Historical Fact About Bisbee, Arizona
In July 1917, Bisbee was the site of one of the darkest events in American labor history. During a miners’ strike, armed deputies rounded up more than 1,000 strikers and their supporters. Afterwards, they were loaded into cattle cars and sent across the desert to Hermanas, New Mexico, without enough food or water. The event is known as the Bisbee Deportation.
How to Get to Bisbee, Arizona
First of all, the nearest major airport is Tucson International Airport. From Tucson, drive east on Interstate 10, then south through Tombstone on State Route 80. The trip takes about an hour and a half.
Alternatively, you can fly into Phoenix, which is about three and a half hours away by car. There is no train or regular public transport to Bisbee, so a car is essential. Once in town, however, park and walk.
Best Time to Visit Bisbee, Arizona
The best times to visit are spring, from March to May, and fall, from September to November. During these seasons, temperatures are pleasant, and the skies are usually clear.
Summers are warm but milder than in Tucson or Phoenix, thanks to the altitude. July and August also bring monsoon storms in the afternoon. Winter days can be sunny and crisp, although occasional snow falls on the hills.
Is Bisbee, Arizona Worth Visiting?
Yes. After all, Bisbee offers a rare mix of real history, striking scenery and creative energy. It is easy to combine with nearby Tombstone, the Chiricahua Mountains or Kartchner Caverns.
Above all, it is a town with a strong personality. If you enjoy quirky places with a story to tell, Bisbee will win you over quickly.
Final Thoughts
Bisbee Arizona is proof that an old mining town can find a brand new life. Go underground at the Queen Mine, climb the stairways at sunset and end the day in a historic saloon on Brewery Gulch. By the time you leave, you will understand why so many visitors come for a day and end up staying for years.
For more historic American towns, also read our guides to Galena, Illinois and the silver town of Taxco, Mexico.
Image Credits
Unsplash
- Main Street, Bisbee: Photo by Jim Witkowski on Unsplash (Unsplash License)
- Houses Above Old Bisbee: Photo by Drew Dempsey on Unsplash (Unsplash License)
Wikimedia Commons
- Bisbee Hillside Houses: Photo by tifoultoute via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Copper Queen Hotel: Photo by a rancid amoeba via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Lavender Pit Mine: Photo by Nicholas Hartmann via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Old Bisbee From Above: Photo by Nicholas Hartmann via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)