Take a stroll back to put the "gold" back to Goldfield

Nadia Jamnik/Unsplash

APACHE JUNCTION, AZ — What comes to mind upon hearing the words “ghost town?” Old West? Towns with close to 0 occupancies? Usually, people would think of an abandoned town whose inhabitants are long gone, but Goldfield Ghost Town sets itself apart by opening its doors to tourists.

The town was established in 1893 when gold was discovered in the surrounding Superstition Mountains, which look like a backdrop from a John Ford western. It wasn’t long before the gold vein faulted and Goldfield slipped into a slow death.

The original town itself is pretty much dead, but what tourists see is a reconstructed version of its former self, and so it is a bit touristy, but anyone enchanted by the history of the Southwest will be caught up in the joy of the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad, a tour of the historic Mammoth Gold Mine and an Old West gunfight with talented re-enactors.

On the east flank of the Valley of the Sun is the old mining town of Goldfield, where you can take a day trip back to the Old West. However, please note that the mine is a “replica” and not the real thing.

Explore the many shops and historic buildings on Main Street. Visit the historic Mammoth Gold Mine and Goldfield Museum. Visit Arizona's narrow-gauge train and pan for gold. The famous Goldfield Gunfighters will also perform an Old West gunfight for you! Spend a fun-filled day learning about the history of the Wild West!

In the 1890s, Goldfield was home to 3 saloons, a boarding house, a general store, a blacksmith shop, a brewery, a meat market, and a school. Mesa died a slow and painful death when the vein faulted, the ore grade dropped, and the town looked like it would outgrow Mesa.

The town did come to life again from 1910 on and off until 1926 after several failed attempts to reopen the mines. Visitors from around the world continue to enjoy the excitement and grandeur of Arizona's Wild West in this gold mining town located on the historic Apache Trail after more than 115 years!

Goldfield Ghost Town is located at 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119. For more information, click here.

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