I’m sure you wouldn’t necessarily expect a winery in a cowboy’s backyard. But Willcox, Arizona brings you just that, and much more! This sweltering town is just an hour and a half away from the east side of Tucson, via exit I-10. Its citizens have made a great effort to ensure that most of its historical buildings remain in place, and the town has many attractive landmarks. Camp outside and snap some shots of the birds that fly across its skies or clink glasses of wine with your loved ones, as you admire the sunset from the vineyards. Whatever you choose to do, Willcox will be sure to deliver a great travel experience to you. Read on to find out the best things to do in Willcox, AZ.
1. Delve into Arizona's past at the Chiricahua Regional Museum
Chiricahua Regional Museum showcases southeast Arizona’s rich history and culture. This museum is dedicated to preserving the past of the ethnic groups and events that significantly shaped the area. Visitors can find a fascinating collection of ancient artifacts, compelling written documents, and captivating age-old photographs that tell the story of Arizona’s southeast from prehistoric times to the present! The museum’s main focus is on the native Chiricahua Apache tribe from Cochise to Geronimo. Exhibits trace the Apache’s engagement with early Anglo settlers and the armed conflicts that ensued.
Chiricahua Regional Museum
Address: 127 E Maley St, Willcox, AZ 85643
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
2. Watch top Hollywood movies at Willcox Historic Theater
Erected in the 1930s, Willcox Historic Theater is a landmark in the city. This theater possesses an interesting blend of architectural constructs: art deco accents along with classic American Southwest elements. Boasting a whimsical and lighthearted vibe with a bit of southern Arizona’s past, this is a great place to explore for architectural and history buffs who want to experience more than just the latest blockbuster. Even though Willcox Historic Theater has been in operation for eight decades, it’s important to note that the moviegoing experience here is first-rate, with complete state-of-the-art digital film projection and top-notch sound technology. Willcox Historic Theater also boasts an entertaining dinner theater and a tiny but vibrant art gallery.
Willcox Historic Theater
Address: 134 N Railroad Ave, Willcox, AZ 85643
Website: Willcox Historic Theater
3. Relish fresh pecans at Lee's Pecan Orchard
Having been in business for 30 years, Lee’s Pecan Orchard is an endearing part of Willcox. This family-owned operation is committed to supplying locals with a naturally produced and wide array of pecans that are grown through only organic means: opting to forgo the use of harmful pesticides. Located on just 10 acres (4.04 hectares) of fertile land allows the staff at Lee’s Pecan Orchard to give each pecan tree extra care and attention, so patrons are assured of a tasty and healthy product. Entertaining tours are available.
Lee's Pecan Orchard
Address: 2890 W Marguerite Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643
Website: Lee’s Pecan Orchard
4. Spend a day at Keiller Park
If you want to enjoy Willcox’s green spaces then one spot to head to is Keiller Park. This public park is spacious and offers lots of space for folks to roam - particularly children. The nicely equipped playground also keeps kids entertained for hours. You can catch a little league baseball game at the well-maintained baseball field or explore the green surroundings by hiking the scenic trails. A collection of picnic tables plus barbecue grills offer the opportunity to enjoy a nice cookout on a sunny afternoon. A volleyball area is also on hand if you want to sharpen your ball-spiking skills.
Keiller Park
Address: 500 N Bisbee Ave, Willcox, AZ 85643
Website: Keiller Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Savor tasty grub at La Unica Restaurant & Tortilleria
Serving delicious Mexican cuisines all day, La Unica Restaurant & Tortilleria is an easygoing local favorite on Willcox’s culinary landscape. Don’t let the modest appearance dissuade you from giving this friendly establishment a go. The vibe is a bit quirky and the menu provides a varied selection of choices from fluffy breakfast burritos to delectable dinnertime tamale plates. Must-try dishes include the juicy and nicely seasoned carne asada and the insanely yummy and flavorful deep-fried bacon-wrapped shrimp! The Margarita Cadillac is the eatery’s specialty if you want to wash down your enchiladas with something stronger than soda.
La Unica Restaurant & Tortilleria
Address: 142 N Haskell Ave, Willcox, AZ 85643
Website: La Unica Restaurant & Tortilleria
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 9pm; Mon - Sat: 8am - 9pm
6. Find antique gems at Buffalo Sisters Trading Post
Buffalo Sisters Trading Post is this town’s choice antique furniture store. A space filled with bygone-era treasures, Buffalo Sisters Trading Post is a dream destination for shoppers on the hunt for items from the past. Much of the merchandise is reasonably priced for budget-minded buyers and the staff is helpful and friendly. From pretty jewelry to handsome furnishings, patrons can discover a myriad of desirable collectibles at this snazzy establishment in the heart of Willcox.
Buffalo Sisters Trading Post
Address: 200 N Railroad Ave, Willcox, AZ 85643
Website: Buffalo Sisters Trading Post
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
7. Sip top-tier Grenache reds at Flying Leap Vineyards Willcox Tasting Room & Art Gallery
Situated in the center of the city’s historic downtown area, Flying Leap Vineyards Willcox Tasting Room & Art Gallery is a one-of-a-kind venue that brings wine and art together to celebrate the finer things in life. Boasting vineyards growing winegrapes of Spanish, French, and Italian origins, this establishment is a true gem and the artwork is carefully curated, offering a compelling mix of oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed-media, and metal masterpieces by local artists. The tasting room is more than 100 years old and the bar is crafted from lustrous mesquite wood.
Flying Leap Vineyards Willcox Tasting Room & Art Gallery
Address: 100 N Railroad Ave, Willcox, AZ 85643
Website: Flying Leap Vineyards Willcox Tasting Room & Art Gallery
Price: 23 USD
8. Hike to the Chiricahua National Monument
There are two ways to explore this rocky wonderland. You can either opt for a scenic drive-thru experience by using its 8-mile (12.9 km) paved road or see it on foot, through its hiking trail that totals 17 miles (27.4 km). The rock formations that create the scene of the Chiricahua National Monument are known as rock pinnacles.
These unique structures were caused by a volcanic eruption and later, the erosion, of dense volcano ash and pumice. If you love trail-blazing, there are a series of hikes you can opt for, from the easier hikes of the Bonita Creek Trail, which run for half a mile (0.8 km), to the Big Loop, which will give you the ultimate in wilderness backdrops, at the muscle-toning distance of 9.5 miles (15.4 km).
Chiricahua National Monument
Address: E Bonita Canyon Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643
Website: Chiricahua National Monument
9. Explore Muleshoe Ranch
Muleshoe Ranch is part of the Nature Conservancy, a body with the primary mission of conserving the waters and land on which all forms of life are dependent. The ranch encompasses 49,120 acres (19,878 hectares) of land and is heaven for outdoor lovers. There are seven streams supporting the native fish and aquatic habitat. A total of five native fish can be found in its waters, with the Gila chub currently an endangered species.
Bird-watching is another favorite activity here. Rent one of the casitas and enjoy a night in the wilderness, complete with a visit to its all-natural hot spring tubs.
Muleshoe Ranch
Address: 6502 North Muleshoe Ranch Road, Willcox, AZ 85643-3644
Website: Muleshoe Ranch
10. Sample local wines at Coronado Vineyards
Coronado Vineyards opened its door back in 2006. It is run by the owners themselves, Mark and Jacque Cook. Their aim is to provide their customers with wines they can truly savor and enjoy, be it a bottle with a tinge of sweetness, a dry note or one that suits the taste buds of a complex, elaborate tongue.
The vineyard holds a series of awards and bottles start at 12 USD. Drop by and try out their Wine Tasting and Tapas Menu. You can also try their Colorado Slider Meal if you’re looking to sample some good American grub and wash it down with a glass of Voodoux, their white wine that’s fruity, with a hint of oak.
Coronado Vineyards
Address: 2909 E Country Club Dr, Willcox, AZ 85643
Website: Coronado Vineyards
11. Step back in time at Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum
Rex Allen was born and bred in Willcox, and he was one of the last standing singing cowboys in Western movie flicks. The museum was established in 1989 and it is the home to various memorabilia from his lifetime success on the silver screen. Just across the street from the Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum is an enormous statue of the legend, sculpted by Buck McCain. Within its steely figure lies a bronze heart, complete with arteries, symbolizing that the cowboy’s beating heart will always remain in Willcox, Arizona.
Admission is an affordable 2 USD per entry, and donations towards the museum are welcome, too.
Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum
Address: 150 Railroad Ave, Willcox, AZ 85643
Website: Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum
12. Pick your own fruits at Apple Anne's Orchard
Have you ever wanted to pick your own fruit, weigh them and pay for them? Then head to Apple Anne’s Orchard, which will give you that remarkable experience. You’ll be spoiled for choice with their luscious apples, juicy peaches and sweet, sweet pears to pick from and bite into.
Be sure to check out their ripening calendar before you head over, so you know what’s ready to be picked from the shrubs and trees. When you’re done, head over to the country store for their jarred assortments of jams, jellies and butters, as well as their other fantastic baked goods.
Apple Anne's Orchard
Address: 2081 W Hardy Rd Willcox, AZ 85643
Website: Apple Anne’s Orchard
13. Venture to the Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Fort Bowie is a monument that represents the bitter clash that took place between the U.S. Military and the Chiricahua Apaches. Today, the place holds more of a peaceful vibe, with its unique flora as well as its well-regarded hiking trail - the Fort Bowie Trail. The hiking landscape follows through onto Apache Pass Road and offers you a glance into its historical significance.
Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Address: 3500 Apache Pass Rd, Bowie, AZ 85605
Website: Fort Bowie National Historic Site
14. Visit the animals at Willcox Playa Wildlife Area
The wild animals of the Willcox Playa Wildlife Area range from migrating waterfowl and sandhill cranes to mule deer and Mexican Hognose snakes. You can birdwatch at the playa and explore the living habitats of other wildlife, within its area. Rainfall tends to occur between the months of July right through to November, so you might want to strike those months off.
Willcox Playa Wildlife Area
Address: Kansas Settlement Rd, off Hwy 186, Willcox, AZ
Website: Willcox Playa Wildlife Area
15. Admire the stunning Heart of Rocks
Known to the Apache Indians as the “Land of the Standing-up Rocks”, the Heart of Rocks are really impressive, as far as rock formations go. The hike you take to reach the view might be a tough one, but it’s worth the sweat. Avoid the trail during weekends, as it tends to be crowded and overwhelming.
Heart of Rocks
Address: Willcox, AZ
Website: Heart of Rocks
This tiny heart in Arizona awaits you
Yep, this city in Cochise County is certainly worth your while. You’ll be amazed by all the things you can find to do in this humble town. Surprise yourself and visit Willcox for the cowboy and wildlife escapade of your life!