Cities

Clarkdale

Stroll the streets of Arizona's first "planned community" in the heart of the Verde Valley—just 10 minutes from Jerome and 30 minutes from Sedona.

Designed and built by Senator William Andrews Clark, Clarkdale was founded as a modern copper-smelting company town for the employees of the mines in Jerome and their families. Ahead of its time, Clarkdale boasted underground utilities, sewers, paved streets, stylish homes and a thriving commercial center.

Many of Clarkdale's original historic homes still stand today, having been lovingly restored or rejuvenated. Its beautiful town park with its iconic gazebo serves as the focal point for family-friendly free events and concerts throughout the year like summertime block parties and Clarktoberfest in the fall.

The copper company's historic rail line was reborn in 1990 as the Verde Canyon Railroad. Board the train and spot bald eagles on "Arizona's Longest-Running Nature Show" or enjoy any one of their other special seasonal events held year-round.

Experience Arizona's mining past at the Arizona Copper Art Museum—housed in the restored 1928 former Clarkdale High School—with its dazzling array of gorgeous copper artifacts (some of which you can touch!).

With two River Access Points (RAPs) in town, Clarkdale is a great place to float the Verde River with experienced local river outfitters Clarkdale Kayak Company while enjoying unspoiled riparian areas adjacent to the Audubon Important Birding Area in Tavasci Marsh. Explore Tuzigoot National Monument, ruins of an ancient Sinagua Indian pueblo built on a hilltop overlooking the river, with great views of the entire area, all the way up to nearby Jerome.

Savor the local terroir at Chateau Tumbleweed's tasting room off of Historic Route 89A or the Southwest Wine Center in the heart of Yavapai College's Verde Campus, one of the rare institutions to offer a viticulture program. And each spring marks the return of the annual Verde Valley Wine Festival, featuring the finest local Arizona wine, beer, food, music, arts and culture.

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