First settled by the Spanish in the 18th-century, today, Douglas, Arizona is a small but charming community with over 100 years of rich history, nature and cultural treasures. Bordering Mexico at Agua Prieta, it has a history of copper mining and cattle ranching with some colorful lives of Native American figures – you can learn more about them in the city’s museums and preserved architectural buildings. There are 400 buildings under the National Register of Historic Places in Douglas, if you pay attention you may spot them while walking around. You may also get a glimpse of the wildlife at the National Park near Douglas. Check out the bird’s paradise and steal a glance of some exotic animals, and be sure to get your camera ready! Read on to learn more about the best things to do in Douglas, Arizona!
1. Douglas Art Gallery
Douglas Art Gallery, owned by the Douglas Art Association, is housed in an early 20th-century structure that was used as a library, school, church, and town hall. The gallery, which has been around for more than 60 years, features changing exhibitions of crafts and arts from local artists, classes, lectures, and cultural events, geared at sparking visitors and the Douglas community’s creative side. Some of the items you will find within, including quilts and heirloom clothing, are for sale. Plus, you can check their website for more information on the venue’s organized programs.
Douglas Art Gallery
Address: 625 E 10th St, Douglas, AZ 85607, United States
Website: Douglas Art Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 1pm (closed on Sun)
2. 15th Street Park
After exploring all the museums, galleries, and other attractions in Douglas, 15th Street Park boasts a perfect recreational atmosphere to take some time off. The small family-friendly park highlights play areas with slides, swings, and other amenities for kids’ fun, a football field for some adrenaline rush, and more. You will also find a lot of green shaded areas for some picnicking while you people-watch or enjoy the calm scenery. If you ever get hungry, there are food trucks on site.
15th Street Park
Address: Douglas, AZ 85607, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Art Car World
Art Car World, founded by American filmmaker and artist Harrod Blank, features artful, whimsical cars you can’t afford to miss. The museum, located downtown, is home to unique vehicles that highlight their creators’ character and circumstances. One of the fascinating examples here is the Coltmobile decorated with over a thousand blue horses, each represents the time its drunkard inventor wanted another drink. Another is the Camera Van, covered with every polaroid camera ever designed. The place’s initial aim is to house 43 of these weird machines, but the spot currently has 23 and visitation is by appointment only.
Art Car World
Address: 450 E 8th St, Douglas, AZ 85607, United States
Website: Art Car World
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
4. Chatitas Steakhouse
Chatitas Steakhouse opened in 2007 as a Mexican restaurant, but later in 2014, it changed to a steakhouse. Since then, it has been one of the best places to savor a variety of tasty steaks. The dining space is cozy and beautifully decorated with hand-carved chairs and tables for aesthetics. Grab a chair and order some homemade hamburgers, rib eye, or porterhouse served with honey mustard. The eatery still serves Mexican delicacies, such as tacos, enchiladas, and more. However, they don’t serve alcoholic beverages.
Chatitas Steakhouse
Address: 301 E 10th St, Douglas, AZ 85607, United States
Website: Chatitas Steakhouse
Opening hours: 2pm - 9pm (daily)
5. Douglas Golf Club & RV Park
Established in 1947, Douglas Golf Club & RV Park aims to serve both golfers and campers in its expansive landscape, perched between Bisbee and Douglas. The golf course boasts 18-hole, 61011-square foot (5668-square meter) space with 3 sets of tees for all skill levels. The course has a rating of 71.3, a slope rating of 125, and a par of 71 for its longest tees. The camping grounds are paved and feature vistas of the valley. It highlights water, a sewer, and electrical outlets.
Douglas Golf Club & RV Park
Address: 1372 E Fairway Dr, Douglas, AZ 85607, United States
Website: Douglas Golf Club & RV Park
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 3pm (closed on Mon)
6. Cilantros
For some vast choices of curated beers and outstanding mixology to help you unwind after a hard day, locate Cilantros. The bar and grill feature a laid-back ambiance, music, and live events to complement your visit. Kick back and order some soothing beverages like michelada or light food including cilantro pizza and burgers from their full menu. The venue also hosts special events such as birthday parties; the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.
Cilantros
Address: 323 G Ave, Douglas, AZ 85607, United States
Website: Cilantros
Opening hours: Mon: 12pm - 8pm, 12am - 1am; Thu: 3pm - 10pm; Fri: 3pm - 12am; Sat: 12am - 12pm, 3pm - 12am; Sun: 12am - 1am, 3pm - 12am (closed on Tue & Wed)
7. Airport Park
Kids will have a beautiful time in this lively outdoor space, boasting a splash pad and a playground. However, adults won’t run out of recreational activities here as well. The location features green fields used for baseball, football, and soccer games. Plus, the green areas highlighting ramadas are well maintained and often used for special events and picnicking. You will also find a nature trail with mountain views to explore. There are restrooms on site, although they’re sometimes closed.
Airport park
Address: E Geronimo Trail, Douglas, AZ 85607, United States
Website: Airport park
8. The Grand Theatre
Founded in 1972 by the Douglas Arts and Humanities Association (DAHA), The Grand Theatre was listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. The structure is having an ongoing restoration to meet modern-day earthquake standards. Documentary film (Wall of Dreamers), music videos of regional artists, and Hot Girl Ghost Hunters television series are some of their local productions that visitors can enjoy. You may check out their schedule for live performances and other local film/media projects on their website (link below).
The Grand Theatre
Address: G Ave Douglas, AZ 85607, USA
Website: The Grand Theatree
9. The Douglas-Williams House
Located at 1001 D Ave. in Douglas, the former home of James Douglas is now a museum displaying exhibits that tell the story and history of Douglas. It houses one of the state’s most comprehensive photographic collections and hosts an in-depth genealogical library of the copper smelting town. Every Wednesday and Saturday from noon to 4 pm, the museum welcomes visitors. If you’d like to visit on other day, you may arrange by appointment, just call +1 5203647370.
The Douglas-Williams House
Address: 1001 D Avenue, Douglas, AZ, USA
Website: The Douglas-Williams House/Museum
10. The Gadsden Hotel
The Gadsden Hotel, the tallest building in Douglas, AZ, also serves as a historic symbol of the town. Visit the hotel during the day to admire the solid white Italian marble staircase, and the four marble columns at the lobby, a Tiffany & Co., stained glass mural, and Audley Dean Nichols’ painting.
The Gadsden Hotel
Address: 1046 G Avenue, Douglas, AZ 85607, USA
Website: The Gadsden Hotel
11. Slaughter Ranch Museum
Slaughter Ranch Museum is just a short drive from Douglas, AZ, and it is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. The Johnson Historical Museum of Southern Arizona welcomes visitors to tour the grounds, and you can see the buildings of Slaughter Ranch and imagine what life was like when Texas John Slaughter rode there. You can find also the carefully restored old adobe ranch house, ice house, wash house, granary, commissary and car shed.
Slaughter Ranch Museum
Address: 6153 Geronimo Trail, Douglas, AZ 85607, United States
Contact: 207-783-2521
Website: Slaughter Ranch Museum
12. Border Air Museum
Did you know Douglas International Airport was the first international airport in the Americas? The first in-coming flight to Douglas was in 1911, a few short years after the Wright Brothers made their historical flights. It was also the first in Arizona State to have night lights and it was considered the finest airport in Arizona. In the 1930s, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines and others were active users of this airport. You will find more information in photos and newspaper cuttings of this US aviation history in the Border Air Museum.
Border Air Museum
Address: 3200 E. 10th Street, Douglas, AZ 85607, USA
Website: Border Air Museum
13. The San Bernardino Wildlife Refuge
San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge is just minutes east from Douglas town; from 15th Street go east (15th St. becomes Geronimo Trail) and it’s about 14.5 miles (23.34 kilometers) to reach from there. It is open five days a week during daylight hours for a variety of wildlife-related activities such as wildlife watching and photography, hiking, and seasonal hunting. The refuge is home to over 283 different species of birds, mammals and other riparian wildlife.
The San Bernardino Wildlife Refuge
Address: about 14.5 miles (23.34 kilometers) east from Douglas town
Websitee: The San Bernardino Wildlife Refuge
14. Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge
Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1988, which covers an area of 2,765-acres (11.2 square kilometers). It was purposed to protect the Yaqui chub (Gila purpurea) and the Yaqui topminnow (Poeciliopsis sonoriensis) - two of the eight native fish species of the Río Yaqui watershed. The refuge also protects a unique velvet ash-black walnut-cottonwood forest along Leslie Creek, which is home for many migrating and nesting birds.
Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 17.5 miles (27.4 kilometers) north of the international border with Mexico in southeast Arizona’s Cochise County
15. Visit Mexico
After exploring Douglas, you may cross the border to Mexico to the sister city Agua Prieta. Mexican border towns can be fun places to shop and enjoy a taste of Mexico. However, they can also be dangerous. As a general rule, it is best to travel only during the day and in groups.
Be charmed by Douglas
Visit Douglas to learn about Arizona’s history, nature and culture – a perfect place for all types of visitors!