Gold King Mine and Ghost Town

The Gold King Mine and Ghost Town is the most eccentric stop in the Verde Valley and, for many families, the most fun. It sits on Perkinsville Road less than a mile beyond Jerome's visitor parking, on a fully paved road, on the site of a mining camp once called Haynes. In 1890 prospectors sank a shaft here looking for copper; the shaft eventually reached about 1,270 feet and struck gold instead, which gave the place its name. The camp faded, and in 1981 Don and Terry Robertson rediscovered the site and began turning it into a living museum of old machines. The result is a sprawling, rust-and-weathered-wood collection that feels half outdoor museum, half junkyard of dreams. More than 100 cars, trucks and motorcycles are scattered across the grounds, from Studebakers and Harley-Davidsons to vintage fire engines, along with mining equipment, old buildings and countless tools. Several machines are not just displayed but run: there is a working sawmill and a stamp mill that was used to crush ore, and a blacksmith shop that brings the old trades to life. Kids can try gold panning, and the petting zoo is a hit, with goats, several breeds of chickens, turkeys, a pig, two donkeys, a miniature pony and, in season, baby chicks. Admission is modest, with a lower rate for ages 6 to 12 and free entry for young children and visitors over 80. It is open year-round except Tuesdays, with slightly shorter hours in the winter months.

What to expect on the ground. This is not a polished museum with interpretive panels at every turn. You wander freely among old trucks sinking gracefully into the hillside, peer into sheds full of tools and engines, and stumble on surprises around every corner, which is exactly the charm. Photographers love it for the textures of rust, peeling paint and weathered timber against the mountain backdrop, though professional photographers and videographers need to ask permission at the gift shop first. Families should plan on longer than they expect, because children tend to bounce between the animals, the panning trough and the machinery. The gift shop at the entrance handles tickets, souvenirs and information on what is running that day.

Practical tips. Wear closed-toe shoes, since the ground is uneven and there is a lot of metal around, and keep a close eye on small children near the equipment. The site is exposed, so bring sun protection in summer and a jacket in winter, when Jerome's elevation brings cold winds and occasional snow. Hours run from 9am to 5pm from March through November and from 10am to 5pm from December through February, and the mine is closed on Tuesdays; hours and prices are subject to change, so check before driving up. If you are coming specifically to see the sawmill or other machinery operating, ask at the gift shop which demonstrations are planned.

How it fits a Jerome day. The Gold King Mine is the playful counterpart to Jerome State Historic Park. Start at the Douglas Mansion museum for the serious history, browse the galleries and tasting rooms of the upper town over lunch, then drive the short paved stretch up Perkinsville Road to the ghost town for the afternoon. On the way back toward Sedona, Tuzigoot National Monument in Clarkdale adds an ancient chapter to the day. It is a long day with young children, but one that mixes museums, machinery and animals in a way that keeps everyone engaged, and it is a reliable choice when the trails are too hot or too wet.