The "people in charge " targeted me and my family and followed us around the park telling us to keep our dog away from the donkeyswhich we were. The story goes that several gas stations and businesses were closed and Oatman became a ghost town. Cloud, Minnesota. Do you have a non-profit Organization that you'd like to add? Dennis & Anne Jex 9/21/2013 Copyright 1996-2023 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. A great stop along historic Route 66 allows a couple of hours of entertainment for all. William & Jeanette Rose 5/13/2017 Paul & Lucinda Homer 6/21/2015 John & Judy Lindstedt 12/13/2020 In the 1960s, Oatman was almost completely abandoned and turned into a ghost town. If you didn't know about Oatman, and just happened to drive into town, and burros were coming up to your car to beg for food, guns were blasting, and bodies lay in the street, it would seem pretty strange. Dave & Shela Hogan 10/08/2016 Some signs have faded, some new . We would like to thank everybody who came, And apparently there's demand for soy candles. Mike & CJ Waggoner 10/25/2009 Why FNU Moodle Is Very Important For The Students? 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Tristan & Charlotte Guindon Justin & Abigail Briggs 11/15/2013 How To Using Sanded Or Unsanded Grout For Mosaics? Oatman is tiny, maybe 150 yards of weathered, ill-favored buildings perched along the one road that you drove in on. The "people in charge did nothing), A donky gets spooked by one of the locals and moves towards me. Want to give it a go? Oatman is best known for its beloved burrossmall donkeys descended from miners' beasts of burden. Sorry to say that there was never time for just traveling or sightseeing or having fun. 11, Sign up for our newsletter to receive all the latest news, travel tips and special offers. A great stop along historic Route 66 allows a couple of hours of entertainment for all. Car rentals are also inexpensive at McCarron International Airport. We would like to catch the gun fight. 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. Bullhead City Kiwanis Firearms Expo. She currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored, where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone. David & Anne Brin 3/6/2020 The discovery of a rich ore body led to a gold rush. In the northwest corner of Arizona, discover a town full of rugged characterand burros. Oatman is definitely one of our favorite backroad adventures and one of our. Receptions are memorable at the Oatman Hotel (which by the way, does not rent rooms at present). Mark & Venessa Escalante 12/27/2013 The Best Western in Kingman is very family-friendly, with an outdoor pool and free breakfast. Oatman certainly prospered during a decade-long gold rush, but when the mines dried up, so did everything else. - See 628 traveller reviews, 1,107 candid photos, and great deals for Oatman, AZ, at Tripadvisor. 5/27/2019 Fri 12/23. Come down to Oatman as teams of five haul a metal-framed bed on wheels (one member rides on the bed) down a dusty stretch of the center of town to a station where a waiting bed must be made up with sheets and pillow cases before racing the original bed on wheels back to where [], Join us in Oatman, AZ for the internationally acclaimed Route 66 Bike Week This rally, now in its third year, is the official motorcycle rally for Oatman, and the entire stretch of Route 66 from Needles CA to Seligman AZ. Roger & Janice Divis 10/26/2020 Dale & Tenia Evans 5/01/2013 Donations are taken up to help maintain Oatmans community facilities (not funded by tax money) and local charities. I'd give this place zero stars if I could. scroll = scroll + MessageText.substring(0, DisplayLength - i + 1); Richard & Teri Pounds 1/01/2011 Nestled in Arizona's rugged and remote wilderness, this tiny town's rich Wild West history comes to life with staged shootouts, wooden sidewalks and a bounty of burros that roam freely. This blacktop looks as if it hasn't been maintained since the right-of-way was moved south in the 1950s. You can smell their presence even when you can't see them; burro droppings are everywhere. Located at an elevation of 2,710 feet (830 m), it began as a tent camp soon after two prospectors struck a $10 million gold find in 1915, though the area had been already settled for a number of years. Website Jerome Winery. It is estimated that miners extracted more than $36 million from these mountains during this period. Unfortunately, you can no longer spend the night in the Oatman Hotel, but you can visit the bar, restaurant, and museum during the day. She repeated what I was told before about "enough money on the street" but there was a show at 1:30 so she thought there would be a show. Results are instant and can confirm the information you are searching for. Bob & Tammy Deaver 8/18/2018 P.O. John & Rhonda James & Brenda Dean 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. Jason & Shamarie Gilliam 10/17/2020 Smith 1/17/2012 Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Roger & Linda Bartkowicz 6/30/2016 Not much came of the discovery until two lucky prospectors struck it rich in 1915, with a 10 million dollar claim. Home of the 6927 E Brooks Blvd. Jack & Diane Gardner 01/21/2021 There are only about 100 people who live there year around. We spend about two hours in this little town, but enough to make great memories!We really enjoyed strolling through the place, and petting the burros. Learn more about oatman historic mining. Lyndal & Wendy Cooper 12/19/2020, Vincente & Monica Anzu 1/9/2021 One of the "people in charge" said it again (this was time number 8). We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If crowds arent your thing, consider visiting Oatman earlier in the day. The burro population is close to 2,000. Slow your car down and burros are likely to stick their heads in the windows searching for handouts. Jan 6, 2018 - Oatman AZ - a staged gunfight in the center of the town. After years of receiving handouts from tourists, they are extremely friendly and probably the main reason so many tourists still come to town. MacIntyre 3/25/2009 Population & Diversity Oatman, AZ is home to a population of 43 people, from which 100% are citizens. Route 66 [], Copyright 2021 Oatman Chamber of Commerce, Oatman Historic Ghost Town and Mining Camp. Apple maps says it takes about 2.5 hours. Follow the signs for Oatman, 23 miles. A very unique and fun place, in the middle of nowhere! 11 of Edward & Laura Dominguez 5/23/2009 newimage10.src = "clipart/l1.jpg"; The trip started out great but quickly went downhill. Oatman is a former mining town in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona, United States. X. Wayne & Barbara Lofstrand 4/20/2010 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! 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. On Yahoo, Yelp, SuperPages, AmericanTowns and 25 other directories! 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. Jerry & Mary Santana 10/03/2009 Reenactments of old In June, the average high-temperature rises from a tropical 86.2F (30.1C) in May to a torrid 97.7F (36.5C). Mark & Jennifer Easterday 4/07/2012 newimage7.src = "clipart/w2.jpg"; Don & Victoria Perfect 6/10/2016 Leggett 2/15/2014 In the 1920s and 30s, the population grew to around 10,000. Steven Groden & Barbara Affannato Robert & Crystal Jones 6/24/2009 Oatman Map Oatman is a former mining town in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona, United States. I dont think the answer youre looking for is in the middle of nowhere, but that about sums it up! History buffs can learn all about Oatman's mining boom days at the Oatman Hotel (formerly the Durlin). 3/16/2012 . When the mines went under, prospectors turned the animals loose to fend for themselves. The Oatman's joined a group of Mormons in 1850 who were on their way to the Yuma area to establish a Mormon colony. The last 10 miles are a procession of shoulderless, blind, hairpin switchbacks up and down through crumbling desert hillsides, with occasional boulders in the road to tickle your tires and undercarriage. Sam & Kathy Becher 3/09/2012 Dave & Pauline Gale 2/22/2014 Wild burros panhandling, gunfighters shooting, and antique buildings on the historic Route 66 means that you are on the main street of Oatman, Arizona, just across the Colorado River and up the Black Mountains from Laughlin, Nevada. Michael & Vicki Lalicker 2/1/2015 WILLIES Improve Your Listing. How either myself or my small dog are threats I have no clue. Phoenix, Arizona 85009. Gunfights are staged on weekends for visitors to Oatman, AZ. newimage11.src = "clipart/l2.jpg"; 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. AZ newimage6 = new Image(); The appointments are almost over, so today we took our first day trip since becoming fulltimers! We earn a commission from affiliate links that may be included in this post. The Oatman burros are a little too friendly if you want my opinion. How To Repairing Sanded Or Unsanded Grout For Porcelain Tile Roadside? A Texas historical marker was placed at her grave in 1969. This is the best place to eat for miles and miles. tourist attractions and odd sights in Arizona, Giant Empty Cross, Large Jesus on Horseback. It's free; during our stop they were passing the hat for a local charity. Our short tours are one-to-four-hour 3035 Northfield Ave Fastest times win cash and prizes. Save Cool Vacation Destinations! More, Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. The encircling crowd stands within 10 or 15 feet of the action, and these are real guns going off, albeit loaded with blanks. Theres a nice selection of chocolates and penny candies that you can get just about anywhere, plus an array of homemade goodies. David & Kaisi Williams 10/10/2020 Oatman, Arizona is an old west mining town on the old Route 66 highway. This is a beautiful stretch of Route 66, covering about 45 miles. newimage8 = new Image(); They are for your and their fun. Preston & Carrie Trosper 6/23/2012 It was once a tent town following the discovery of gold, and is now a popular day drive for tourists. Gary & Marilyn Livermore 5/08/2010 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. Kingman is the heart of Route 66, with frequent 120 W Andy Devine Ave Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse Fri Mar 10 2023 at 11:00 am. - See 640 traveler reviews, 1,120 candid photos, and great deals for Oatman, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Oatman had some rough times, however. Oatman AZ - a staged gunfight in the center of the town. 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 was founded about 1906. This is the longest uninterrupted stretch of Route 66 that still remains today. OUTLAW Keith & Mary Spriggs 10/10/2020 2001-2018 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. So we went to the saloon and there was no piano player. Ken & Ginny Resser 10/05/2013 This is a quick show, lasting maybe a half-hour, and a great combination of history, theater, and comedy that your kids will love. For comfort, you can cling to a burro -- they are totally unflustered during the mock killing. Oatman, Arizona 86433 Not only is Oatman one of the most unique stops on a southwestern road trip, but its also a playground for dozens of wild burros who roam the streets like scruffy vagabonds begging for food. Arizona Ghost Towns and Wild-West Day Trip from Las Vegas. Back when Oatman was a gold boom town, the miners hauled their supplies with faithful burros. The decor is reminiscent of an old western saloon with lots of wild-west memorabilia. Just before the gunfights begin, they completely block off the street, which is the only route through town. Meadview, Arizona 86444. Recommended. 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. //-->, Rod & Sultana Hall My dad, who lived in Arizona at the time, had been mentioning Oatman for years, and the only thing that stuck in my head was the troupe of feral burros that live there. Note: When we arrived before lunchtime in the summer, there was only one burro, surrounded by scores of tourists. Pick some up for gifts and tell the owners we said hello. Took the Route 66 trip and going to Oatman was a must. (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. After a few other names . Located in Joseph City, this is a privately owned canyon and ranch with one of the most extensive petroglyph collections in the whole world. Sounds like I do need to get back there. This little candy shop was one of the highlights of our trip to Oatman. Loren & Kacee LaVern 10/21/20147 James & Karen Pritchett 3/15/2010 Meandering wild burros, a wild-west shootout, and a dusty village on a desolate stretch of Americas favorite highway. Tara- Closed now Until 09:00 am tomorrow. Yucca, Arizona 86438, Results We got to town about 3:00 pm and I asked a shop keeper about the gunfight and I was told to check with the Making Memories store becuase the gunfight only goes if there "is enough money in the street" (enough tourists to make some decent tips) The store was locked but the sign on the door said that they may be closed while the gunfight was on so I felt confident our friends would get to see it. Doug & Caroline Hennen 02/14/2021 Brad & Kelly Blake 8/08/2009 Wilfred & Nissa Wolff 4/11/2015 Wade & Debbie Calvert 7/27/2019 Sat 12/17 @ 5:00 pm [ +1 dates] Bullhead City, AZ. Visitors to this area are encouraged to feed them carrots and other food items. A 1921 fire destroyed most of the town. We had been here before but made the trip out of the way with some friends so they could take in the gunfight. The town of Oatman is nestled at an elevation of 2,700 feet. Address: 170 Rte 66, Oatman, AZ 86433. if (pos == MessageText.length) pos = 1 - DisplayLength; Charles & Eileen McDonald 5/17/2019 Upon entering the town, you'll notice that the streets are filled with donkeys, who might be the new sheriffs in town. While visitors can't book a room at the hotel anymore, they can enjoy a meal fit for a hungry miner and take a peek at the honeymoon stop of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard after their wedding in Kingman on March 18, 1939, preserved inside the historic adobe building. Tom & Rita Settle 11/22/2014 We want to hear about the latest and greatest story that's happening within our community. DIAMOND LIL'S The friendly performers ask the crowd to gather around in the street while they act out a heist, complete with loud gunshot blanks. Our visits to Laughlin almost always include a man afternoon visit to Oatman. Johnny & Jacqulynn Hawkins Interstate 40 bypassed Oatman in the early 1950s, and by the early 1960s, the whole area was all but abandoned. Motorhomes will have problems coming from the Kingman, Arizona side due to the switchbacks. We came to watch the show and have lunch at the hotel. many times and always enjoyed the place. The shops offer a wide selection of Route 66 souvenirs. Main Street through Oatman, AZ is tiny, with just a handful of souvenir stores, restaurants, and gift shops that are entirely dependent on tourist dollars. Family-owned vineyard, winery and tasting room. Read more about the Gold Rush Candy Shoppe in Oatman on their Facebook page. If you have time to venture even farther afield, continue south on Route 66 for another 25 miles or so. newimage6.src = "clipart/w1.jpg"; Art & Annette LaBarre 09/18/2021.