26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Jerome (AZ)

Jerome is a borough in the Black Hills of Yavapai County, Arizona State, United States.

The town was established late 19th century on Cleopatra Hill, offering a beautiful view of Verde Valley.

Jerome, more than 5,000 feet above sea level, had a population of 464 as of the 2020 census.

Jerome’s history is rich with stories of miners and workers searching for fortune, which led to the town’s creation.

Now, the town is home to a diverse range of individuals from different parts of the World, professions, beliefs, and so on.

Jerome was formerly revered as the “wickedest town in the west.” There is more to the town than you think.

Jerome features exciting attractions such as Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum, Gold King Mine Museum, Ghost Town, Powder Box Church, the Jerome Bible Art Museum, and Jerome State Historic Park.

Are you planning to explore Jerome? Here are the top things to do in Jerome, AZ.

Things to Do in Jerome, AZ

1. Cleopatra Hill

There are many fascinating stories behind the creation of the town of Jerome. If you genuinely want to learn more about the town, visiting Cleopatra Hill is one of the best things to do in Jerome, AZ.

The town of Jerome was originally built on a Hill known as Cleopatra Hill, which is the first site of the community. This particular area has evolved into an amazing destination from being just a vibrant mining town.

Cleopatra Hill has become a favorite place for numerous tourists, especially artists, due to the area’s magnificence.

Also, Note that this region was inhabited for many centuries by the Native Americans; there is an abundance of artifacts left that shows the period they spent there.

Aside from the immense history within the area, the incredible beauty and glamour of the place draw people from different parts of the World.

Address: 310 Hull Avenue, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

2. Jerome State Historic Park

One of the best things to do in Jerome, AZ 86331, is to visit Jerome State Historic Park, one of the most popular attractions in the region.

Jerome State Historic Park is currently operated as a museum after transforming from a mansion and estate.

Jerome State Historic Park was also used as a hotel providing accommodations to mining officials and investors.

The historic mansion was built by an influential family known as mining entrepreneurs in 1916 in the northeastern part of the Black Hills.

The mansion showcases all shades of glamour and beauty. Its location, which directly overlooks the town, offers fantastic views.

The mansion is now open for tours as visitors get to browse through essential artifacts, photographs, and minerals about the town and its family’s history.

Address: 100 Douglas Road, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

3. Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town

Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town is a heaven for gearheads and museums featuring everything mechanical.

The awesome Ghost Town features deserted buildings, including an ancient mine shaft and many other attractions.

The Museum is owned by Don Robertson, who has a great passion for mechanics, one of his qualities that attract people.

Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town houses a blacksmith store from 1901, a historic sawmill, vintage mining equipment, and refurbished old cars.

You will also see many animals on the property, including donkeys, chickens, rabbits, goats, and more.

Address: 1000 Perkinsville Rd, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

4. Ghost Town Tours

Are you a fan of creepy and scary stories? If yes, test your might by including a visit to Ghost Town Tours on your list of fun things to do in Jerome, AZ.

Ghost Town Tours is a tour company that offers historic and haunted tours within the community.

The tour company boasts of providing locals with the most exceptional experiences through exciting and enlightening tours.

Visitors are offered tours under the guidance of highly knowledgeable tour guides who have lived in the community for over thirty years.

Ghost Town Tours offers a fun way to learn about the town’s history. Some tours include Get The History, The Mining Days, and Step Through Time.

They also offer tours like Spirit Walk, the Main Street Ghost Adventure, The Jerome Ghost Adventure, and the Haunted History Tour.

Address: 403 North Clark Street, Suite A-2, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

5. The Original Jerome Winery

This Winery is one of the manufacturers of the top wine in Jerome, AZ. John McLaughlin founded the Original Jerome Winery in 2001 after discovering that Arizona’s Wilcox area is a great place to cultivate wine grapes.

The Dragoon Mountain Vineyard, the Winery’s vineyard, spreads across one hundred and fifty-eight vines, producing several kinds of wines.

The most excellent wine-growing grape regions in the World are due to the valley nights, usually cold, and the dessert days, always hot. This climatic condition is similar to its vineyard, resulting in a bountiful harvest.

The Winery is the state’s sole producer of Heritage Zinfandel flight. Visit and have a taste of fine red and white wines.

Address: 114 Jerome Ave, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

6. Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery

Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery is an exceptional art gallery operated and maintained by indigenous artists in the community.

This Gallery has been in business for over ten years and has played a significant role in creating an interactive environment for cultural and social activities.

The establishment hosts several events regularly, including social events, workshops, and galas. Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery has become an essential aspect of the art society in town.

Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery is home to thirty-three artists who use art to display several prone issues.

There are beautiful artworks such as African marks, oil paintings, blown glass, jewelry, portraits, vases & bowls, and more.

Address: 502 Main Street, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

7. Passion Cellars

If you don’t try out some authentic Arizona wines, you have not indeed visited Arizona, so add a visit to Passion Cellars to your list of top things to do in Jerome.

Passion Cellars was born out of an undying passion for Arizona wines and the quest to contribute to the wine industry.

The Winery is dedicated to producing wines with different kinds of tastes, composed of unique blends of fruits and complex ingredients.

They offer a comfortable and relaxed setting where visitors get to sample and try out exceptional samples of wines.

Passion Cellars also produces reserved wines packaged with the name “Salvatore’ which is the name of the owner’s grandfather, Salvatore Ligammaro.

Address: 301 Main Street, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

8. Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum

Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum, a wonderful non-profit Museum, is located in the downtown district of Jerome.

Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum, officially opened to the public in the 1950s,

is a combination of a museum and gift store.

The Museum is home to an extensive collection of artifacts about Jerome’s history from the early days up until now.

You will find different kinds of memorabilia ranging from the remnants of old saloons, gambling games, vintage equipment of a miner, and more.

Various mining equipment, such as ore carts, carbide lamps, drills, and miners’ handmade candlesticks, are displayed.

Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum also showcases hospital equipment, incredible pictures of miners and smelters, newspapers, milk bottles, tokens, etc.

If you are a history enthusiast, exploring this Museum is one of the best things to do in Jerome, AZ.

Stop by the Museum’s gift store, which is fully packed with various gifts and souvenirs for guests to buy.

Address: 200 Main Street, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

Are you planning an exploration of Arizona, do not miss our list of places to visit in Payson, places to visit in Winslow and places to visit in Bullhead City.

9. Liberty Theatre

In addition to your list of best things to do in Jerome, AZ would be a stop at Liberty Theatre; although it isn’t what it used to be back in the days, it is still worth the effort.

Liberty Theatre was founded in 1918 due to a disastrous massive flu pandemic that led to a long delay in the building.

In 1930, the owner shut the theatre down after it was concluded that getting an additional sound system was too expensive.

Years later, the theatre lobby was refurbished for a cafe, commerce chamber, and bar.

Recently, the theatre was modified to contain an antique store before the main theatre was renovated, the balcony was restored, and a sound system was bought.

Liberty Theatre occasionally displays films for the guests on the balcony to watch. At the same time, the antique store still occupies the major hall.

Address: 110 Jerome Avenue, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

10. Caduceus Cellars

If you have not yet tasted wines direct from Caduceus Cellars, you’re missing out. Quickly add a visit to Caduceus Cellars to your list of best things to do in Jerome, AZ.

Caduceus Cellars is a small winery known for producing some of the best wines in the state using varieties of Spanish, Italian, and Rhone ingredients.

This family-owned and operated Winery produces about two thousand five hundred cases of wines annually. It delivers them to different dealers all over the country.

The Winery has a comfortable tasting room designed with nice hardwood floors, modern artworks, brick walls, and many more.

You can also purchase souvenirs and a photo album that showcases the various stages of the vineyard’s growth.

 Make sure you get a bottle of their top wines like Chupacabra, Jane Pink, or Tarzan Red, relax with other visitors, and enjoy.

Address: 158 Main Street, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

11. Jerome Olive Oil Traders

Jerome Olive Oil Traders should be your number one location whenever you want to purchase the freshest oils in Jerome.

They offer exclusively selected and imported fresh extra virgin olive oils sourced from manufacturers who produce in small batches from the southern and northern hemispheres.

The company also offers several kinds of balsamic vinegar, including gourmet oil tastings, truffle oils, and special gifts.

Jerome Olive Oil Traders offers interactive cooking classes where the students learn about the various methods of using vinegar and oils.

 All the items sold here are excellent gifts for yourself or your loved ones. Their staff is also willing to help you pick up the varieties available.

Address: 403 Clark St, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

12. Audrey Headframe Park

If you desire to learn more about the mining history of Jerome town, add a visit to Audrey Headframe Park to your list of top things to do in Jerome, AZ.

Audrey Headframe Park houses the historic mining equipment of Jerome, with the Audrey shaft and head frame proclaimed state-of-the-art equipment during that era.

The Audrey shaft was constructed in 1918 after a massive copper deposit was found; it was used to take out an enormous quantity of highly graded ore while protecting workers and reducing the fire risk.

This Park is a non-profit museum that allows visitors to explore the vintage equipment and the mining site, which serves as an insight into the mining history of Arizona.

Address: 55 Douglas Road, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

13. Bobby D’s BBQ

Whenever you ask about the best bbq joint in Jerome, every hand points to Bobby D’s BBQ and the reasons are clear.

Bobby D’s BBQ is a restaurant designed in a smokehouse style, housed in a historic building known as an English kitchen.

The restaurant is locally owned and operated and is also the oldest dining structure in Arizona that is fully functioning.

Their primary aim was to provide a lovely and distinct environment to serve patrons delicious foods while offering the best services.

Bobby D’s BBQ is nicely decorated with hardwood floors, red walls, a chalkboard menu, bar stools at the dining bar, and vintage leather seats.

The famed Bobby Big Boy Sandwiches are made with well-cooked pulled pork, onions, provolone cheese, brisket, mushrooms, and green chile.

Address; 119 East Jerome Avenue, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

14. Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes

Whether you’re an art fan or not, visiting Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes is one of the best things to do in Jerome, AZ. You will undoubtedly, love it here.

Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes is an outstanding art gallery with more than ninety artists featuring handcrafted kaleidoscopes.

This art gallery, which was established in 1988, is known as the largest dealer of kaleidoscopes in the World.

You will also find beautiful handmade jewelry, handmade marbles, and blown glass items that you can’t get elsewhere.

Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes welcomes visitors with a massive kaleidoscope planter right in front of the building. At the same time, the interior is packed with an extensive collection of kaleidoscopes made using wood, metal, glass, and many more.

The Gallery encourages the public to come in and browse through the exhibits. Visitors are even allowed to look, feel and play with them.

Address: 136 Main Street, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

15. Haunted Hamburger

According to several stories, the Haunted Hamburger is reported as a restaurant venue that is haunted in Jerome.

The restaurant’s building location is said to be haunted by demoralized tradesmen from different eras, mainly afflicting with hammers.

 The individuals who previously occupied the building testified to the unusual hammer mechanism, which includes the disappearance of hammers, the reappearance of hammers in weird places, and so on. Creepy right?!

The Haunted Hamburger is fully equipped with dark wooden chairs, tables, a full-service bar, and an outdoor patio overlooking Verde Valley that offers picturesque views.

Their signature burger, the haunted burger is something you shouldn’t miss; it is made with mushrooms, guacamole, swiss cheddar, green chilies, bacon, and well-grounded beef.

Address: 410 Clark Street, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

For a fun road trip in Arizona, do not miss exploring our checklist of things to do in Buckeye,  things to do in Parker and things to do in Surprise.

16. Raku Gallery

Raku Gallery was built on the same site where the New York Cafe was located after it was destroyed and sold out in 1981.

After the property was purchased, it was restored and transformed into the present beautiful Raku Gallery.

The Gallery, which officially started operating in 1988, instantly became one of Jerome’s most popular attractions.

Raku Gallery got its name “Raku” from the Zen language, which means contentment, ease, enjoyment, and happiness.

The Gallery is home to over two hundred talented artists, mainly from the Southwest part of the country.

Housed in a 2,200-square-foot facility, Raku Gallery showcases several art collections, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, ceramics, and blown glass.

Address: 250 Hull Avenue, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

17. Hilltop Deli

One of the best things to do in Jerome, AZ, is dining at Hilltop Deli with your friends and family for a fantastic dining experience.

Hilltop Deli officially opened its doors in 2012 by a family who has lived in Jerome for so long. The owners are highly knowledgeable about the traditional Jerome techniques of preparing meals.

Hilltop Deli’s owners and staff are concerned with offering flawless services and delicious foods as a family-owned and operated restaurant.

They also boast of using only fresh ingredients sourced from local dealers in the state in preparing every meal.

Hilltop Deli features a pet-friendly patio that is highly comfortable and perfect for guests to relax and jump on their sandwiches and soda while also enjoying the amazing views of the town.

The restaurant offers elegant and classic interiors with many tables, chairs, and distinct turquoise walls. Their signature sandwich is made with ham, avocado, bacon, and bread, depending on the customer’s choice.

Address: 403 Clark Street, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

18. The Jerome Bible Art Museum

The Jerome Bible Art Museum features interpretive sculptures that illustrate numerous Bible messages and events.

These unique sculptures were created to illustrate the spiritual passages visually. Many people who have visited the church describe how amazing the craftsmanship skills behind the artworks are.

There is a studio adjacent to the church showing the various processes in making these sculptures with Janie Layers, the Museum’s artist.

The Jerome Bible Art Museum’s main aim is to provide a place for tourists to read the scriptures without stress.

The Museum is managed through donations from the public and proceeds from selling varieties of soap. However, the Museum is open for free.

 The Jerome Bible Art Museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:30 am-5 pm and Sunday from 11 am-5 pm.

Address: 110 Main St #4, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

19. Powder Box Church

Powder Box Church is a Methodist Church in Jerome town that showcases the wonders of architectural designs.

Sabino Gonzalez designed and erected this historic Mexican church from 1939 to 1941.

The church was constructed for Mexican-American families and miners subjected to racism and bias by Anglo Methodists.

The Anglo Methodists were against the Mexican-American joining their church’s congregation. Powder Box Church, unique to its name, was built using detached blasting boxes constructed from wood.

Powder Box Church is a private home owned by a southwestern famous interior designer, Anne Gale.

Although you cannot enter the church, you can enjoy views of the church’s architectural style from a reasonable distance.

Address: 310 Hull Avenue, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

20. The Asylum Restaurant

The Asylum Restaurant is housed in a historic building once the base for a renowned lunatic asylum in Jerome.

The moment you walk into the restaurant, you will be welcomed by the unique design style with relatively ghost-themed decor plus a wheelchair in front of the building.

The restaurant features a small dining room offering scenic views and a cozy outdoor dining room for better relaxation.

The Asylum Restaurant offers an advanced menu with southeastern and American fare made onsite from scratch.

Take a seat at the premium bar where you order delightful specialty cocktails and a branded wine from the extensive wine list.

Try out delicious meals like Grilled pacific salmon, roasted butternut squash soup, char boiled fillet mignon, cheesecake, and more.

Address: 200 Hill St, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

21. Grapes Restaurant & Bar

Grapes Restaurant & Bar is a unique restaurant where you also are offered unique services and a must add to your list of best things to do in Jerome, AZ.

In the 1990s, the building was formerly a pony express station before being converted into a restaurant and bar.

The restaurant offers a homey and warm atmosphere, making guests feel at home while getting ready for an amazing dining experience.

Grapes Restaurant & Bar provides a patio where guests can dine and enjoy spectacular views of the street arena, including views of Verda Valley and the peaks of San Francisco.

The restaurant’s top meals include Caprese Chicken Sandwiches, Ahi Tuna Burger, Hot Pastrami & Swiss, Zinful Shroom, the Grape Caesar, Shrimp and Pesto, Sausage and Portabella, and more.

Address: 111 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

22. Chief Surgeon’s House

Chief Surgeon’s House was originally erected in 1917 as the main home of the Chief Surgeon in the town of Jerome.

The mansion was mentioned on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966 and now serves as a beautiful bed and breakfast resort.

Designed and erected by Arthur Kelly, a famous architect in Los Angeles, Chief Surgeon’s House comprises arched windows, glittering stucco, and a roof made with red tiles.

Chief Surgeon’s House features separate guest suites designed with Mexican tiles or wood floors, including private bathrooms.

The rooms are beautifully decorated with king-size beds, timeless furniture pieces, and more. Guests also get to enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast every morning.

Address: 100 Hill Street, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

23. Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room

Are you planning a lovely day out with friends? Add a visit to Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room to your bucket list of things to do in Jerome.

Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room is owned by Maynard James Keenan, the winemaker, and his wife, Jennifer.

They produce at least four thousand five hundred wine cases in their production facility known as The Bunker.

The Winery offers delicious wines, including rose, red, and white wines; you will find something that suits your taste.

Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards offer light fares to blend with the wines, including charcuterie boards, cheese plates, cookies, pizzas, Pate and Olives, Macaroni and Cheese, and more.

Before leaving the Winery, stop by the gift shop and purchase gifts and souvenirs, including glasses and shirts.

Address: 158 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

24. Jerome Jamboree

When many people think of car shows, they envisage glossy automobiles sitting in a parking lot, inside a sizeable climate-controlled venue, or on a golf course fairway. 

The yearly Jerome Jamboree is the exact opposite. It is a Volkswagen bus event and campout that takes place yearly.

The Arizona Bus Club, the organizers, assembles at an old softball field to celebrate the Volkswagen bus mostly during the third week of September.

The Arizona Bus Club is an Arizona-based family club devoted to renovating and preserving the Volkswagen bus. 

They are a collection of hobbyists and drivers who prefer to use old Volkswagen buses as a mode of transportation. 

The club raffles a Volkswagen bus that it purchased and restored and uses the proceeds to support several local charities.

The Jerome Jamboree has been taking place outside the Gold King Mine for over 28 years because the area’s previous owner, Don Robertson, loved cars and the people. 

The Jerome Jamboree is ideal for people visiting Jerome in September. If you love cars and are curious about the Jerome Jamboree, you can satisfy your curiosity by attending the event. 

Address: 1004 Perkinsville Rd, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

25. Tours of Jerome

 

Exploring with Tours of Jerome is another top thing to do in Jerome. Tours of Jerome, founded in 2008, is the oldest tour company in Jerome. 

They offer haunted, historical, and wine tours of Jerome, the Verda Valley, and Sedona, AZ. 

Explore Jerome with them as they visit important landmarks and trace the blueprint of Jerome’s heritage from its inception as a tent city to a wealthy and thriving mine town. 

Tours of Jerome is the original Jerome Ghost Tour and Historic Tour Company. They are also members of the Jerome Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Society. 

Tours of Jerome’s locally trained tour guides will share some of the city’s fascinating and rare facts verified by the Jerome Historical Society. 

Their hunted tours are filled with historical information and ghost stories. There are tours for all ages.

They also have access to two exclusive locations other tour companies are not privy to. 

Address: 110 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331, United States s

26. Potato Patch Campground

Campers searching for tranquility will discover that the Potato Patch Campground offers cool summertime temperatures and easy access from Hwy 89A in central Arizona. 

Potato Patch Campground is situated 7,200 feet in the middle of the Mingus Mountains and Woodchute Wilderness in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest. 

All the sites at this Campground have picnic tables, a level tent pad for only non-electronic sites, paved parking, and an elevated fire ring with grills. 

All twelve sites contain electrical hookups, and tents are prohibited. Garbage services, three composting toilets, and potable water are available to every camper. 

Potato Patch Campground offers an unforgettable camping adventure and a cool reprieve from the hot Arizona weather. 

Bond with your inner naturalist and observe the numerous wildlife scattered around the Campground. 

You can find intriguing geology in any direction, with several significant rock formations, mountains, and canyons. 

Hiking, scenic driving, off-highway scenic driving, and wildlife viewing are popular activities in the area. 

Address: Jerome, AZ 86331, United States

For more fun in Arizona, check out our guides on things to do in Cottonwood, things to do in Peoria and things to do in Flagstaff 

Plan Your Trip to Jerome

Your imaginations wouldn’t even comprehend all the fascinating attractions in Jerome, AZ. It is a family-friendly town with lots of opportunities for everyone to explore.

Jerome is a charming town that offers entertainment, thrills, adventure, and more activities. You will undoubtedly have a great time here.