How to Tour Bisbee, Arizona

At one point in the 1900's, Bisbee was the largest U.S. city between San Francisco and St. Louis--a direct result of the rich mining opportunities there. Founded in 1880, this old mining town was named after Judge DeWitt Bisbee, one of the financial backers for Copper Queen Mine. Here's how to tour Bisbee for its rich mining history and contemporary, artsy feel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Tour Copper Queen Mine. During nearly 100 years of mining, gold, silver, lead and zinc were all found there, making it one of the most lucrative mines in the state. On this tour, miners take you on a train ride through one of the tunnels, pointing out aspects of the mining experience.
2. Stay at the Copper Queen Hotel, where the miners used to stay. It’s been there more than 100 years, frequented by such famous names as John Wayne and President Theodore Roosevelt.
3. Go back in time at the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. Filled with artifacts, photos and displays, you’ll learn all about the natural and cultural history of one of the richest mineral sites in the world.
4. Bird watch at the Southeast Arizona Bird Observatory. From guided bird tours to classroom presentations, you’ll learn all about the monitoring of breeding, migrating, and wintering birds in southeastern Arizona--from bald eagles to hummingbirds.
5. Explore Coronado Cave. Six hundred feet long, 20 feet high and 70 feet wide, it’s believed that the Apaches hid from the U.S. Army in Coronado Cave during the late 1800's.
6. Hike Coronado Peak Trail, beginning at Montezuma Pass. This one-way trail is only half a mile, but it peaks at an elevation of more than 6,500 feet!
7. Get to know the local art scene in numerous galleries in the downtown Bisbee area, interspersed with quaint shops and restaurants, as well as the Copper Queen Library--the oldest library in Arizona.
8. Hunt for ghosts on the Old Bisbee Ghost Tour. This after-dark adventure will take you through the winding streets, stairways and old alleys of Bisbee’s spookiest haunts.