When Henry Wickenburg visited the grounds of the city, all the man was looking for was gold. He hit the jackpot though, as he found the Vulture Mine, where as much as 30 million USD in gold was found. Relics on the gold mining site still stand tall today, as proof of the adventurer and other fellow kinsmen’s achievement.
Drop by the same place today and you’ll find it a trusty place to explore, complete with a performing arts center, mine tours, and even your own private horseback riding experience. Go hiking if you wish, or take part in a jeep tour. You can also stay in amazing Airbnb vacation rentals afterward. Learn about the legend of the Hassayampa; Apache Indians referred to it as the upside down river as it flows the wrong way up! Here are a couple of things to keep you occupied while you’re at Wickenburg, Arizona:
1. Vulture Mine Tours
This now-abandoned settlement and gold mine tour lasts close to two hours, so come prepared. You’ll love it though, with seasoned tour guides giving you the run on the mining equipment used in the olden days, and a look at the property. Many breathtaking picture opportunities await you and your fellow tourists. Each tour can have up to 50 individuals tagging at a time! No pets or flip flops are allowed on site.
Vulture Mine Tours
Address: 36610 N 355th Avenue, 85390 Wickenburg, AZ
Website: Vulture Mine Tours
2. Del E. Webb Center of the Performing Arts
This performing arts center is a truly great facility that gives you the full effects (with no holding back!) when there’s a concert or a play. It is pretty easy to get to and there is a lot of enclosed parking lots. Get your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment, and let your eardrums be filled with its great acoustic sounds. There is a 10 USD facility fee that goes to the upkeep of the entire center, which looks pretty great although it’s been around for 16 years now.
Del E. Webb Center of the Performing Arts
Address: 1090 S Vulture Mine Rd, 85390-3145 Wickenburg AZ
3. Desert Caballeros Western Museum
The Desert Caballeros Western Museum is split into two buildings. The first is an educational exhibition center, with ever-changing themes on display. The second building serves as a display location for Western art, some of which can rarely be found anywhere else. The entrance fee costs 12 USD for adults and 10 USD for seniors. Kids and teens below the age of 17 enter for free.
Desert Caballeros Western Museum
Address: 21 N Frontier St, 85390-3431 Wickenburg, AZ
Website: Desert Caballeros Western Museum
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4. Take part in an adrenaline-fueling extreme tour
Feel like upping the ante? Go for an adventure tour with ATV Wickenburg. ATV is short for Adventure of a Lifetime, and the company brings its best to the table. Adrenaline junkies get to drift with well-maintained rides on some pretty tough terrains. The Sunset Tour is a particular favorite among families, as it gives its spectators a chance to see the desert life as it slows down and fades into the night.
ATV Wickenburg
Address: 36675 S Scenic Loop Rd, 85390 Wickenburg AZ
Website: ATV Wickenburg
5. Explore Wickenburg while horseback riding
Wickenburg is truly a great place to experience from behind the reins, and you’ll get to see some local animals like the green horned owls and wolf spiders in their natural habitats. A good place to go horseback riding would be with the Arizona Horse Company, with rides that go on for half to a full day. Look past arroyos, canyons, and mesmerizing vistas as you traipse past with the horse of your choice.
Arizona Horse Company
Address: Kay El Bar Road, 85390 Wickenburg, AZ
Website: Arizona Horse Company
6. The Jail Tree
Yes, that did sound strange. But this now 200-year old giant of a plant was once a jail in the 1800s. The plaque near it describes its history and the Jail Tree looks like it has been maintained well. Some prisoners were even chained to it as a punishment!
The Jail Tree
Address: 45 N Tegner St, 85390 Wickenburg, AZ
Website: The Jail Tree
7. Hassayampa River Preserve
This particular treat in Wickenburg features bird-watching, with plenty of benches for you to lounge on after a long trek. Grab a sandwich before you go and head onto its picnic area to end your trip at this nature reserve.Some of the animals you stand to see here include ring-tailed cats, mountain lions, and the pied-billed grebe. Entrance to the Hassayampa River Preserve costs 5 USD per person.
Hassayampa River Reserve
Address: 49614 U.S. Hwy 60 89, 85390 Wickenburg, AZ
Website: Hassayampa River Reserve
8. Take your own self-guided tour of the place
Yes, why not find your way around Wickenburg? It’s not a tough thing to do, and all you need to equip yourself with is Wickenburg’s tourist app (usable on iPhones and iPads) on the official website for the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce. You’ll be given the run-down on the places to visit and why it’s an intriguing spot for tourists. Prefer to go around sans digital? Collect the paper materials you need at the Chamber’s building.
Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce
Address: 216 N Frontier St, 85390 Wickenburg AZ
Website: Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce
The wrap up
Wickenburg is filled with unique flora and fauna, some extreme tours and luscious Western history. You’ll want to spend a good couple of days here and explore it at your own pace. It’s a treasure chest of intricacies that simply mustn’t be missed!