The historic town of Cottonwood Arizona is nestled in the heart of Verde Valley. It makes for a perfect day trip or pit stop if you are visiting Sedona, Jerome, or Flagstaff. Continue reading to discover the best things to do in Cottonwood Arizona!
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6 of the Best things to do in Cottonwood, Arizona
Table of Contents
- Visit the Clemenceau Heritage Museum
- Stroll through Historic Old Town Cottonwood
- Grab Lunch at Bing’s Burger Station
- Go Antique Shopping
- Experience a Taste of Italy
- Spend Time Outdoors
Visit the Clemenceau Heritage Museum
Start your day off at the Clemenceau Heritage Museum where you’ll learn the history and background of historic Cottonwood Arizona.
You’ll find thoughtfully curated displays and exhibits that chronicle the history of the town’s origins as a Native American community and home to early pioneers.
The history continues through the booming mining and prohibition years, and you’ll even find evidence of what life looked like here during WWII.
The Verde Canyon Railroad has also played an important role in the development of this area and the history is showcased with a model train display.
Admission is free, although donations are greatly appreciated. The museum is open Wednesday 9am-noon, and Friday-Sunday 11am-3pm.
Once you learn the background of Cottonwood, head out and explore this historic town!
Stroll through Historic Old Town Cottonwood
The town of Cottonwood began as a farming community in the 1870s.
It helped provide food and goods for the soldiers at nearby Camp Verde, as well as the miners in Jerome.
The main street was created in 1908 by a mule team and was eventually lined with businesses, hotels, bustling shops, and rowdy saloons during the mining days.
Today the main street is still attracting locals and visitors with its casual atmosphere, unique shops, and attractive food scene.
Stroll along Main Street, grab a bite to eat, browse through antiques, or step into an art gallery.
With a mild climate year-round, you’ll also find plenty of outdoor cafes and dining options.
Colt Grill is one of our favorite places to eat, and we’re not alone in our love for their smoked barbecue! Colt Grill was awarded Best Barbecue in 2020 by Prescott Living.
Colt Grill is a family-owned local chain with a few locations around the Prescott Valley.
We love the Cottonwood location with its rustic-chic cowboy decor and outdoor patio with a fireplace.
Order the mouthwatering hardwood-smoked meat sampler platter, or the BBQ pulled pork sandwich with jalapeño cornbread, smoked mac & cheese, or butter garlic fries on the side.
Another popular restaurant in Cottonwood is Crema Craft Kitchen. Here you’ll find a bar inside of an old shipping container and the best handmade small-batch gelato.
Pizzeria Bocce is also a nice place to enjoy hand-stretched artisan pizza on the outdoor patio. Try the Chicken Pesto Pizza or Eggplant & Ricotta Panini with Lavender Lemonade.
As you continue walking along the main street, you’ll notice that the buildings still boast the same 1920s architecture. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.
During the holidays, it becomes a storybook town with the streets all lit up and the shop windows all decked out with holiday cheer.
It truly is magical!
Grab Lunch at Bing’s Burger Station
If you’re looking for a unique place to eat, then this burger joint housed in a 1940s gas station is just what you’re looking for!
While much of the station has been renovated, many original structures still remain.
The interior gives a nod to the 1940s era with service station memorabilia flanking the walls.
The outdoor covered patio is where mechanical services were once performed.
Seating is also available in the front by the vintage gas pumps and bright red 1950 Plymouth Special Deluxe sedan.
Not only is the atmosphere fun and unique, but the fresh homemade burgers are delicious too.
Order an all-American meal with a Deluxe Burger, hand-cut sweet potato fries, and real ice-cream milkshake.
Go Antique Shopping
*Update: Larry’s Antiques & Things has since closed but is reopening as J&J Antiques & Things
Next door to Bing’s Burger Station is one of the best antique shops in the whole country, Larry’s Antiques & Things.
This antique shop is spread across 2 acres and fills four buildings from floor to ceiling.
You’ll find the most unique treasures and quirky knick-knacks such as vintage furniture, original metal signs, retro gas pumps, dusty porcelain dolls, freestanding bathtubs, co*ke bottle collections, kitschy decor, and even a few random mannequins.
Even if you’re not in the market to buy any antiques, it is still worth stopping by and browsing the goods. You never know what you’ll find!
Experience a Taste of Italy
The Verde Valley is a little slice of Italy right in the center of Arizona.
If you drive along the nearby Page Springs Road, it will take you through the heart of Verde Valley’s prominent wine region.
Here you will find the hillsides of scenic Oak Creek Canyon dotted with rows of vineyards. If you have the time consider taking the Verde Valley Wine Trail Tour.
Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria in Cottonwood is also the perfect place to enjoy a taste of Italy.
Here you will find an upscale farm-to-table dining experience.
They specialize in hand-cut pasta noodles and homemade gnocchi. The bread is also made fresh daily.
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Tuscany!
*Update: Merkin Vineyards opened their newest Hilltop Restaurant overlooking their vineyard in Cottonwood, you have to check it out!
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Spend Time Outdoors
There are many options nearby to get out and enjoy the outdoors. After spending the day exploring in town, head out and discover the beauty of the Verde Valley with one of these options.
- Mingus Mountain: Located within the Prescott National Forest, this mountain offers hiking and mountain bike trails, fishing, and picnic areas. The landscape varies from an arid desert to a forest of juniper and pine.
- Jail Trail River Walk: Follow this easy 1.5-mile trail alongside the Verde River. The trail is easily accessed from Old Town Cottonwood at the old jail parking area. Although it is located only steps from Main Street, you’ll feel miles away while strolling under the shade of rustling Cottonwood trees.
- Verde River Kayak Tour: Enjoy a day on the water paddling through the lush landscape with the classic river run kayak tour.
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park: The odd name of this park comes from the family of Calvin “Cap” Ireys. When surveying different properties to purchase, this plot of land had a dead horse lying on it. After looking at several properties he asked his family which one they liked best and they said the one with the dead horse. After purchasing the land they named it Dead Horse Ranch. Today this state park is a great spot to take a walk, have a picnic, go fishing, or get out on the water.
- Rent an ATV: Explore the beautiful Valley Verde by ATV with a 6-hour ATV rental.
- Riverfront Park: If you are visiting with kids, this is a great spot to unwind and get some energy out. Riverfront Park is a large park with ample picnic and BBQ areas as well as a playground and sports fields. Your furry ones will also appreciate the dog park!
- Blazin’ M Ranch: Enjoy a chuckwagon dinner under the stars at the Blazin’ M Ranch frontier town.
- Tuzigoot National Monument: Tour this 110-room ancient hillside pueblo that was once home to the Sinagua people.
- Verde Canyon Railroad: If you have the extra time, book a scenic train ride on board the Verde Canyon Railroad. Fall leaf train rides and Christmas train rides are also available during the holiday season.
I hope this guide has helped you plan the best things to do in Cottonwood. It’s one of our favorite spots to visit on an Arizona Hidden Gems Road Trip!
OTHER GUIDES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
- How to Spend a Weekend in Sedona
- First Time Guide to Jerome
- Top 8 Things to Do in Prescott
- Best Things to Do in Flagstaff With Kids
- 7 Things to Do in Williams, AZ
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