Tourists Adore This Quirky Arizona Ghost Town That Feels More Alive Than Any Other

Free-roaming wild burros? Gunslinger shootouts, just like in the movies? A ghost town that is (somewhat) devoid of ghosts? If all that piques your curiosity, you should visit Oatman, a former mining town turned beloved tourist destination in the rugged Black Mountains of northwestern Arizona. While many ghost towns across the American West offer muted glimpses of the past with crumbling buildings and abandoned streets, Oatman is different. This quirky Arizona ghost town feels more alive than abandoned as it blends its Wild West past with an eccentric, vibrant, and unexpected atmosphere.

Oatman's story begins like many other mining towns of the Old West: With the promise of gold. The town sprang to life in the early 1900s after two prospectors got lucky with a $10 million gold find. Soon after, Oatman became a bustling mining hub, attracting miners, entrepreneurs, and families eager to make their fortunes. At its peak between the 1920s and 1930s, the town had over 10,000 residents and was a vital stop along old Route 66, the iconic Mother Road.

But just like many other boomtowns — including the eerie Californian Calico ghost town — Oatman's fortune was short-lived. The town's population dwindled by the 1940s after the gold mines played out and the U.S. government shut down mining operations during World War II. The final blow came when Route 66 was rerouted, leaving Oatman isolated from major travel routes in the region. By the 1960s, Oatman was a ghost town, with just a few of residents holding on to their slice of the past. Luckily, when Route 66 became popular again in the 80s, Oatman struck gold once more and became a tourist destination.

Today, it draws in 500,000 visitors every year! Oatman's history, old-fashioned charm, and offbeat attractions keep visitors coming back for more. The first thing you'll notice, however, are the burros — small wild donkeys that roam the streets freely. Descendants of the pack animals used by miners in the town's heyday, these burros are now a signature attraction. There are more donkey residents, at around 2,000, than human residents, 128, in Oatman — that's 15 burros per person. Tourists love feeding them carrots and a special "burro chow," which you can buy from local vendors. The burros are friendly, though known to get a little pushy when they know you have snacks in hand. If you're not squeamish, participate in Oatman's annual Burro Biscuit Toss in September (no real biscuits involved). The premise: Who can fling a dried-out, gold-painted donkey poop the farthest? Only in Oatman!

The town also holds staged gunfights on the main street at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. every day. These lighthearted performances — costumed actors donning classic Old West props and all — draw crowds for a glimpse of frontier life. The Oatman Ghost Rider Gunfighters, a local group of performers (the oldest gunfighter group in Arizona), reenact these shootouts for fun and entertainment, complete with over-the-top banter; visitors are encouraged to gather 'round and cheer on their favorite outlaw (or sheriff) in these amusing, family-friendly shows. The town also hosts several unique festivals throughout the year, like the annual Great Oatman Bed Race. Held at the end of every January, this is a hilarious spectacle where teams race decorated beds on wheels down the main street. Or, partake in July's Sidewalk Egg Frying Contest — this one speaks for itself. Check the town's event calendar for updates.

Beyond the donkeys, gunfights, and wild festivals, Oatman's old buildings and narrow dusty streets offer plenty to explore. Many of the structures still standing are from the 1900s, including the Oatman Hotel, one of the town's most famous landmarks and oldest hotels in America. Built in 1902, it's best known as the honeymoon spot of Hollywood stars Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, who visited Oatman after their marriage in 1939. Visitors can see the room where Gable and Lombard stayed once upon a time. The hotel now operates as a museum, restaurant (try the homemade fudge), and gift shop — make sure to pin a one-dollar bill inside its saloon, a decades-long tradition.

While perusing the town, check out the kitschy shops — like Classy Ass and the Oatman Jail Convict's Gift Shop — selling everything from donkey puppets and biker gear to antique mining memorabilia. Grab a bite to eat at one of the rustic saloons, or try prickly pear gummy candy at the Gold Rush Candy Shoppe. The town's funky charm and colorful characters make every visit a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Once you finish your journey at Oatman's, you can hit the legendary Mother Road and soak in more Americana, more nature, and more adventure. The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is about 40 minutes away; the 1.6 million-acre Mojave National Preserve and 47,000-acre Dead Mountains Wilderness aren't too far either; perfect for hiking, camping, and exploring the remarkable rock formations in the desert. Although you can't stay overnight in Oatman as there aren't any accommodations, you can spend the night at any of the unique motels on Route 66.