Nestled in the Black Mountains of Arizona, just a short jaunt from Laughlin lies the charming and historic Oatman Ghost Town. This former mining town turned tourist attraction is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the Wild West in all its glory. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Oatman and provide all the information you need to plan your visit.
History of Oatman
In the early 1900s, Oatman was a bustling mining town, producing over 1.8 million ounces of gold. However, after the mines closed in the 1940s, the town was nearly abandoned. In the 1960s, Oatman was revived as a tourist attraction, with its historic buildings and Wild West charm drawing in visitors from all over.
How Far is Oatman Ghost Town from Laughlin?
by Robert Walton
Oatman Ghost Town is located just 28 miles southeast of Laughlin, making it a perfect day trip destination. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Visitors can also take a multi-experience tour with Desert Wonder Tours along the historic Route 66 to Oatman.
Things to Do in Oatman
There is no shortage of things to do in Oatman Ghost Town. Visitors can take a stroll down the main street, lined with historic buildings and an old-fashioned saloon. You can also watch a reenactment of a Wild West shootout, visit the Oatman Hotel (rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Clark Gable and Oatie), or feed the town’s famous wild burros.
Oatman’s Wild Burros
by Robert Walton
One of the main attractions in Oatman is the wild burros that roam freely throughout the town. These friendly creatures are descendants of the burros used by miners in the early 1900s. Visitors can purchase bags of alfalfa cubes to feed the burros, but be warned, they can be quite persistent and may even stick their heads in your car window!
Where to Eat in Oatman
After exploring the town, visitors can grab a bite to eat at the Oatman Hotel, a unique restaurant with dollar bills stapled to the walls and ceiling. The Oatman Hotel offers a delicious lunch menu from burgers to their famous homemade fudge.
Oatman’s Annual Events
Oatman hosts several annual events that are worth planning your visit around. In July, the town celebrates its heritage with the Oatman Sidewalk Egg Fry, where eggs are cooked on the hot pavement. In September, Oatman hosts the Burro Biscuit Toss, a quirky competition where participants try to toss a burro biscuit (poop) the farthest.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a unique and historic destination near Laughlin, Oatman Ghost Town is the perfect choice. With its Wild West charm, friendly burros, and annual events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags, hit the road, or take a tour with Desert Wonder Tours and discover the hidden gem of Oatman, Arizona.
FAQs
In the early 1900s, Oatman was a bustling mining town, producing over 1.8 million ounces of gold. However, after the mines closed in the 1940s, the town was nearly abandoned.
What happened to the donkeys in Oatman Arizona? ›
After the gold rush, the people left and the town died out, with most of its inhabitants being burros that were used to haul things around for prospectors. The donkeys were released and became feral.
Is Oatman, AZ worth visiting? ›
What is good about Oatman is that it is actually a living village and not just a tourist destination ghost town. There is enough of an old west feel about it to make it an interesting visit for a few hours. It is on the old route 66 and has some interesting little shops an old mine entrance and little jail.
Is Oatman, Arizona still open? ›
Most stores are open 7 days a week. You can buy a bag of feed for a couple dollars and feed the local Burros. Amazing little "abandoned" mining town to visit. After visiting Oatman, head out of town on Route 66 and drive down Sitgreaves Pass to Cool Springs Station.
What is the story behind ghost town? ›
“Ghost Town” was the mournful sound of these riots, a poetic protest. It articulates anger at a state structure, an economic system and an entrenched animosity towards the young, black, white and poor. It asks, why must the youth fight against themselves.
What is the world's most ghost town? ›
Source Pripyat is located in Ukraine and is the most famous ghost town in the world. Once home to around 50,000 people, the entire town was evacuated in April 1986 when a part of the Chernobyl Nuclear Station exploded.
Does anyone live in Oatman AZ? ›
Population & Diversity
Oatman, AZ is home to a population of 94 people, from which 100% are citizens. As of 2022, 18.1% of Oatman, AZ residents were born outside of the country (17 people). In 2022, there were 4.53 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (77 people) in Oatman, AZ than any other race or ethnicity.
What is Oatman famous for? ›
The world-famous Oatman burros
Oatman is best known for its beloved burros—small donkeys descended from miners' beasts of burden.
What happened at the Oatman massacre? ›
The Oatman family were attacked by a hostile tribe (the survivors identified the group as Tonto Apache, while others have said Yavapai or even Maricopa). The parents, eldest daughter, and two youngest children were killed in the attack.
Does Route 66 go through Oatman, Arizona? ›
A beautiful desert stretch of Historic Route 66, Oatman Road begins at the town of Kingman, a winding two-lane road that passes through 42 miles of Arizona's gorgeous desert terrain. This remarkable setting, combined with the byway's exciting Western history, creates an feeling of the Old West that cannot be ignored.
Wild West Gunfights
Stand right in front of the Oatman Hotel at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. each day, and you'll find yourself caught in the middle of a bank robbery. Watch as a grizzly old sheriff deals with a sassy bandit who has an eye for the ladies. The robber asks the sheriff how much the townsfolk pay him to be sheriff.
What is the old mining town near Laughlin NV? ›
The town of Oatman was born in 1906 as a tent camp and flourished as a thriving gold mining center till 1942. The residents take pride in keeping its town as authentic as possible, giving visitors a look back into history and showing the Wild West as it really was.
What is the story of Oatman? ›
As mentioned above, Oatman is named after Olive Oatman. At the age of 14, she was traveling across the western Arizona desert with her parents and siblings when an encounter with a band of local Indians resulted in the death of her parents and most of her siblings. Olive and her 7-year-old sister were taken captive.
