Bisbee City Guide
Located 100 miles southeast of Tucson and 35 miles east of Sierra Vista, Bisbee is the picturesque seat of historic Cochise County. The community was founded in 1880 and named for Judge DeWitt Bisbee, a financial backer of the Copper Queen Mine.
This Old West mining camp proved to be one of the richest mineral sites in the world, producing nearly 3 million ounces of gold and 8 million pounds of copper. By the early 1900s, Bisbee was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco. It had a population of 20,000 and had become the most cultured city in the Southwest. Despite it culture, however, the rough edges of the mining camps could be found in the notorious Brewery Gulch, with its saloons and shady ladies. Those activities began to slow as the mines played out, the population began to shrink and Prohibition was enforced.
Attractions in Bisbee
Today, Bisbee is a quaint artist and retirement community emphasizing monthly special events such as concerts, fine arts shows, arts & crafts shows, and historic home tours. In fact, Bisbee resembles a European hamlet more than a dusty 1880s Old West town. “Historic Bisbee” is a registered National Historic District.
Copper Queen Mine Tour
Take an hour-long tour underground into the old mine! This was the best part of the trip because it’s authentic: complete with a hard hat and a headlamp. Our tour guide was one of the actual miners who spent every day in these dark caves doing intense labor. You get to travel 1,500 feet into the mine and learn about the techniques they used – it’s fascinating! It only costs $13 and reservations are recommended so call for tour times.
Bisbee Mining Museum
This museum is in what was the original Copper Queen Mining headquarters. Now it’s home to this extraordinary museum that is two stories and filled with mining history. Part of the reason it’s so good is that it’s the first rural Smithsonian Institution partnership museum. It’s just $8 and open 10am-4pm.
Old Bisbee Ghost Tour
We booked this ghost tour on a whim and boy, are we glad we did. Even though we’re not sure if we believe in ghosts, it was a history-filled tour and we learned a lot of cool stories. As you walk around town, the tour guide points out stories at significant landmarks and you can use your flashlight to see in windows and glance at photos past tour participants have taken. It’s a nice way to get a lay of the land and see some of the haunted hotels up close. It’s held every night at 7pm for $15…
- The Queen Mine Tour attracts thousands of visitors who ride into the old mining tunnels on a string of mining cars. (928) 432-2071.
- The Mining & Historical Museum features memorabilia about Bisbee’s past, cowboy retrospectives and turn-of-the-century photographs. (928) 432-7071.
- The Stock Exchange Bar and St. Elmo Bar (perhaps the oldest continuously operated pub in Arizona) are both located in the once infamous Brewery Gulch section of town.
Top Restaurants in Bisbee
- Ana’s Seasonal Kitchen: Quaint and colorful breakfast spot.
- Bisbee’s Table: In the center of town with an awesome Reuben.
- Bisbee Breakfast Club: Walk around Lowell, the old town to checkout the classic cars!
Bisbee LODGING
Copper Queen Hotel
The most historic spot in the entire town is the Copper Queen Hotel. It is the longest-operating hotel in Arizona and is located in the heart of downtown. Check out the 1902 Restaurant for an elegant meal or the Saloon for some live music. We were trapped at the Saloon for a while because the music suck is in and we literally couldn’t leave – it was so touching.
Bisbee Grand Hotel
61 Main Street P.O. Box 825, 520/432-5900 800/421-1909
(12 rooms) Smoking in designated areas. 5 suites, 8 rooms. A Bed & Breakfast Inn, Old Time Saloon with two full size pool tables, in a Turn-of-the-Century Hotel with antique furnishings. In the heart of Historic Bisbee. Historical walking tours by local historian and archivalist available.
Rooms $55-$78 Suites $95-$200
AMX/C.Blanche/DINERS/DISCOVER/MC/VISA
Calumet & Arizona Guest House
608 Powell, 520/432-4815
(formerly Curry Home B&B) (6 rooms) Nonsmoking. Gracious 1906 Executive home. Antiques, large quiet rooms, exceptional breakfast, fireplaces, library, piano, patios. Children and pets welcome. Visitors welcome.
Rooms: $60-$70 double occupancy MC/V
The Hotel La More/The Bisbee Inn
45 OK Street, PO Box 1855; 520/432-5131; toll free 888-432-5131; FAX 520/432-5343
(25 rooms) Non-smoking. 1917 hotel in Historic Bisbee with many original furnishings but modern (new!) bathrooms. Just added–3 suites with full kitchens, living rooms, TV/VCR and phone/FAX/modem lines. Full breakfast included. Children and pets welcome. All credit cards accepted; ITC 50 membership. Open for tours between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Rates: $45-$165
The Inn At Castle Rock Bed & Breakfast
112 Tombstone Canyon Rd. P.O. Box 1161; 520/432-4449 800/566-4449
Website: http://www.theinn.org
A romantic return to Bisbee’s past, with an acre of hillside gardens, fishponds, a silver mine shaft complete with water and fish, eclectic decor and original art. This one of a kind 1890 miner’s boarding house is a must see. “We’re Not Normal.”
(15 Rooms) Nonsmoking. Full Breakfast, private baths, antiques, 2 parlors, fireplace, landscaped gardens, art gallery, etc.
Rooms: Starting at $55 double occupancy
MC/V/AE/DISC
Main Street Inn
22 Main Street P.O. Box 433
520/432-1202 800/467/5237
Website: http://admass.com/Bisbee/msi
Fine accommodations. Affordable Elegance. Refurbished turn-of-the-century hotel. Continental breakfast.
Rooms $49-$75 Suites $95-$125
Weekly and Group rates available
Mile High Court
901 Tombstone Canyon P.O. Box 23
520/432-4636
(3 suites, 1 room) Continental breakfast, private baths and kitchens.
Suites: $50-$55 Room: $45
Park Place
200 East Vista
520/432-3054 800/388-4388
Website: http://www.theriver.com/parkplace/
(4 rooms) Smoking in designated areas. Elegant home, full breakfast, terrace views of park, air conditioning, steam heat.
Rooms: $50-$70 MC/V
School House Inn Bed & Breakfast
818 Tombstone Canyon
P.O. Box 32
520/432-2996 800/537/4333
(9 Rooms) Non-smoking. 1918 school in the Historic district. Private baths, full breakfast, parking, great views. All non-smoking. All private bath. Full breakfast. Kids 14 and up. No pets.
Rates: Double Occupancy $55-$80 Suites $80
MC/V/AE/DISC/DINER
San Pedro River Inn
8326 Hereford Road
520/366-5532
Website: http://www.sanpedroriverinn.com
Non-smoking. 4 guest houses on 20 acres. Serene country setting by the San Pedro River. Continental breakfast. Advance reservations requested.
102@Castle Rock
102 Tombstone Canyon P.O. Box 296
520/432-5424 fax: 520/432-5403
(2 suites) Queen or King bed. Full breakfast. In the heart of Historic Bisbee. Complimentary champagne, snacks, nonsmoking.
Suite: $98 MC/V American Express and Diners
Bisbee BUSINESS/VACATION SUITES
Doves Nest
147 Quality Hill
520/432-5437 520/458-3086
Historic Bisbee, 2 bedroom, 1 bath cottage. Completely furnished with linens, dishes, washer/dryer, TV and telephone.
Rates: $120/night, $100 additional night, 2 night minimum
$500/5-7 nights, $1500/month
OK Street Jailhouse
9 OK Street P.O. Box 1152
520/432-7435 800/821-0678
Historic Bisbee. 1200 s/f business/vacation suite with lots of privacy. Queen bed and double fold-out couch, Jacuzzi tub.
Rates: One night $100, additional night $75 Weekly, monthly
Shady Dell Vintage Trailers
1 Douglas Road
520/432-3567
(8 units) from 10 to 33 feet. Lovingly restored, fully furnished, larger units with private baths. Vintage diner. Centrally located at the Traffic Circle. Rates: $30-$70 double occupancy. Weekly rates available.
Walker House
101 Clawson P.O. Box 778
520/432-4829
Private downstairs apartment and courtyard in Old Bisbee. Full kitchen, queen bed, shower/tub, phone, TV/VCR, A/C. Non-smoking, no pets. Off street parking. $50 per night $250 per week
400 Club
20 Brewery Avenue P.O. Box 954
520/432-3030 FAX 520/432-2440
E-mail: [email protected]
Located in World Famous Brewery Gulch – Downtown Historic Old Bisbee
Sleeps 4 – Non Smoking – Fully equipped kitchen, TV, VCR, Rooftop Patio and Laundry Facilities
Suite 1 Nightly $110 … 4 people $90 … 2 people
Suite 2 Nightly $90 … 4 people $75 … 2 people
Weekend and Weekly Rates also available
Historic Bisbee Rental
81 OK Street P.O. Box 1232
520/432-1775
This private cozy hideaway was built in 1913. A plain exterior hides an eclectic interior. The Victorian bedroom has a king-size bed, the smaller bedroom has a double. The home has a full kitchen, a quaint bathroom with with a clawfoot tub, and a living/dining area with a raised loft.
$65 per night with a two night minimum
Bisbee HOTELS
Copper Queen Hotel
11 Howell P.O. Box CQ
520/432-2216 800/247-5829
(47 rooms) Full service hotel in center of Historic Bisbee.
Award winning dining, pool, saloon, meeting space for 35.
Rooms: $70-$135
MC/V/AE/DISC/DINER
Experience the Southwest at Days Inn of Benson
61 Deluxe rooms, meeting spaces for up to 35.
Amenities: Free deluxe continental breakfast bar, In-room coffee,
Dataports in all rooms, Heated pool/spa, Free local phone calls, Suites available, Kartchner Cavern packages available
621 Commerce Drive
Benson, Arizona 85602
520-586-3000 Fax 520-586-7000
High Desert Inn
8 Naco Road P.O. Box 145
520/432-1442 800-281-0510
Website: http://www.highdesertinn.com
(5 rooms) Modern facilities with European ambiance. Private baths, phone, TV, cable, heat & a/c in all rooms. Non-smoking. Our country French restaurant with a Cordon Bleu trained chef is open for dinner Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Full bar.
Rooms: $70-$95 MC/V/DISC
Bisbee MOTELS
El Rancho Motel
1104 Highway 92
520/432-2293
San Jose Area (39 rooms) Suites with kitchenettes, laundromat, RV hookups, and near golf course. At door parking. No pets. Owner operated. Nightly, weekly, and monthly rates.
MC/V/AE/DISC/DINER
Holiday Inn Express
630 South Village Loop
P.O. Box 2252
Benson, AZ 85602
520-586-8800 | 1-888-263-2283 | Fax 520-586-1370
Exit 302 off I-10
62 Southwestern-styled rooms. Each has a microwave, coffee maker, hairdryer, refrigerator, and computer port. Heated outdoor pool, guest laundry, exercise room, and business center with fax, printer, and e-mail/fax line. Special packages are available, call for more information.
Jonquil Motel
317 Tombstone Canyon P.O. Box 1658
520/432-7371
Website: http://admass.com/Bisbee/jonquil
(7 rooms) Historic Bisbee. Clean, comfortable rooms with TV. Non-smoking establishment. Street level parking.
Rooms: $35-$45 MC/V/DISC/DINER
San Jose Lodge & RV Park
1002 Naco Hwy
520/432-5761 Fax: 520/432-4302
Website: http://www.amdest.com/az/bisbee/sj/sjl.html
AAA-approved motel, restaurant, lounge, swimming pool, handicap accessible, non-smoking rooms, suites, kitchenettes, A/C, refrigerator, direct dial w/ free local calls, private tub/shower combination, cable w/HBO, conference/meeting room, pets accepted w/ fee. Daily/weekly/monthly. MC/V/AE/DISC/DINER. Close to Golf Course.
Bisbee RV PARKS
Queen Mine Rv Park
Highway 80 P.O. Box 488
520/432-5006
(25 spaces) Historic Bisbee’s only in town RV park, located next to the Queen Mine Tour. Great views, easy walk to most attractions. Large rigs are welcomed.
Rates: $16 nightly, $90 weekly
Shadydell RV Park
1 Douglas Road
520/432-3567
(12 spaces) Shower & laundry facilities are available. Centrally located at the Traffic Circle. Vintage diner. Rates: $15 nightly, weekly, and monthly rates available. Slight increase if heating or A/C is required.
Turquoise Valley Golf & RV Park
1791 & 1794 West Newell St.
Naco, AZ
520-432-3091
Fax 520-432-7233
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.turquoisevalley.com
(18 hole course) (98 spaces) Restaurant open daily for breakfast & lunch. Shower & laundry facilities, phone lines are available.
Rates: Day $15; week $80; & monthly
AMEX, VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER Welcome
Good Sam Discount 10% cash
Bisbee Guest RANCHES
Sunglow Guest Ranch
HCR 1 Box 385, Turkey Creek Rd.
Pearce, AZ 85625
(928) 824-3334
FAX 520-824-3176
Website: http://www.soarizona.com/sunglow
Sunglow Guest Ranch is located in the beautiful Chiricahua Mountains.
Historic guest ranch cloaked on three sides by 330,000 acres of Coronado National Forest and Wilderness Area. The original house, now dining room and kitchen, dates back to 1879. One Room/Two Room or Casita units, with kitchenette or full kitchen, some with fireplaces. Ranch meals are available. Complete ranch vacation.
Final Word
We expected it to be tiny but packed with history – both accurate guesses for 2018. However, back in the early 1900’s it was booming! Bisbee was one of the most popular mining towns out West. In fact, it was the most populated town between St. Louis and San Francisco at the time. Their population was over 20,000 at its highest. Over the course of the century, while mining there, they uncovered 8 billion pounds of copper, 102 million ounces of silver, and 2.8 million ounces of gold.
In the 1970’s the mine closed down and much of the population moved away. However, more recently some creative artists and free spirits fell in love with the town. Now it’s populated by around 6,000 people, many of which have invested time into renovating houses and opening boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and art galleries – perfect for tourists!
We absolutely loved Bisbee and we made sure to hit all the hot spots. We want to share with you the best of the best in beautiful Bisbee!