Clarkdale is a beautiful small town outside of Phoenix that easily rivals the highly-traveled city of Sedona.
Article By : Aaron Spray of The Travel
Clarkdale is a small town located in the heart of Arizona and (like the small Arizonan town of Oak Creek), it is arguably one of the Sunshine State’s overlooked gems. Clarkdale is teeming with excellent attractions and can be seen as a great alternative to Sedona and one of the best small towns near Pheonix. Clarkdale is easily one of the most beautiful small towns in Arizona.
Clarkdale is nestled in the middle of Arizona’s red rock country in Yavapai County with the Verde River flowing through the town. It is a gateway to some of Arizona’s most stunning landscapes and an excellent alternative to the much busier city of Sedona.
Clarkdale: From Mining Town To Scenic Small Town Sedona Alternative
Clarkdale preserves the mining heritage of Arizona and has a historic town center to explore
Clarkdale started out as a mining town (like so many towns in Arizona). It was founded over a hundred years ago (in 1912) as a company smelter town for a copper mine. For a time, Clarkdale was among the most important mining towns in the world and was an early community to have telegraph, telephone, electrical, sewer, and spring water services installed.
- Founded: 1912
- Population: Approx. 4,400
Times always change, and in 1953 the mine and smelter shut down and the town declined. The opening of the Phoenix Cement Company partially revitalized the town but these days it is more of a retirement community that also attracts a vibrant arts community.
Clarkdale’s town center was constructed in the Spanish Colonial style and today the original town site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Attractions Within Clarkdale: Eat, Drink, & Discover The Town’s Heritage
From wine tours to historic museums to excellent dining, Clarkdale is a bustling small town
Clarkdale is a place where visitors can discover the history, nature, and culture of the region. Discover the history of Arizona’s copper mining boom (that began in the 1800s) and the prehistory of the Native Americans who lived in the region hundreds of years ago.
Clarkdale is also worth visiting (or stopping by) for its food scene as well. Discover its selection of decadent dishes and mouth-watering desserts with local craft wine and beer. The Clarkdale Wine Tasting Tour through the local wineries is a must (costs $200 per person). This tour is offered by Sip Sedona Wine Tours.
Clarkdale boasts excellent museums that delve into the history and heritage of the town and its area.
Explore exhibits of copper art crafted by coppersmiths and braziers with an emphasis on American and European works of art from the 16th to 21st centuries. See how copper has shaped the story of Clarkdale.
- Address: 849 Main St, Clarkdale, AZ
- Admission: $9.75 (Adult)
Clarkdale Historic Society & Museum:
The mission of the Clarkdale Historical Society & Museum is to promote the knowledge of the rich history of Clarkdale and the region. It has a number of public programs, preservation projects, and collections.
- Address: 900 First North St. Clarkdale, AZ
- Open: Friday & Saturday
Other attractions include the John Bell Railroad Museum, the Clark Memorial Clubhouse, and the Clarkdale Historic District.
Activities & Attractions Around Clarkdale, Arizona
Explore the Tuzigoot National Monument, go rafting on the river, hike the rugged terrain, and ride the historic and scenic railroad
Clarkdale is within easy driving distance of plenty of state parks, monuments, and wilderness areas.
Key Activities & Attractions Around Clarkdale Include:
- The Tuzigoot National Monument
- The Verde Canyon Railroad
- Kayaking on The Verde River
- Hiking & Camping In The Mountains, Valleys, & Canyons
- Birding at Tavasci Marsh
- The Sycamore Canyon Wilderness
Discover Prehistory At The Tuzigoot National Monument
The Tuzigoot National Monument is particularly worth visiting to discover the rich history of the ancient Sinagua people of the region. Here, visitors can see a 1,000-year-old pueblo ruin and other prehistoric archeological sites. Visitors will be astonished at the largely forgotten history of the ancient peoples of the region.
Ride The Historic Verde Canyon Railroad
Another of the incredible attractions in the Verde Canyon is the historic Verde Canyon Railroad. Hop on the train and ride back in time on a four-hour rail adventure from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back.
This is through another of Arizona’s many canyons and is an experience that combines the golden age of train travel with the captivating landscapes of the region. See wildlife, rugged terrain, high-desert flora, and more on the adventure.
- Train Fare: From $109.00
- Duration: 4 Hours
- Route: Clarkdale to Perkinsville (& Return)
Clarkdale may not be as large or famous as Sedona, but it is one of the hidden gems and small towns worth visiting in Arizona.
