Beyond Route 66: The Hidden Treasures of Oatman, Arizona

Nestled along the historic Route 66, Oatman, Arizona is a charming throwback to the days of the Wild West. With its dusty streets, free-roaming wild burros and captivating desert scenery, this small town draws in travelers seeking a taste of nostalgia and a unique slice of Americana. It’s no wonder that visitors from all walks of life such as RV’ers, motorcyclists and cross-country adventurers come to explore this hidden gem.

Join us on a journey to Oatman, where the spirit of the Old West thrives amidst the stunning Arizona landscape.

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History of Oatman

It helps to know a bit more about the history of Oatman before you arrive. 

Gold Rush Origins

Oatman’s history dates back to the early 1900s when prospectors struck gold in the nearby Black Mountains. In 1915, two miners, Ben Taddock and Harry Stimler made a significant gold discovery leading to a rush of fortune seekers to the area. The town was named after Olive Oatman, a young girl who was captured by Apache Indians in the 1850s and later released. 

If you are a history buff you may be interested in the book, The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman by Margot Mifflin.

Boomtown Days

As word of the gold strike spread, Oatman quickly transformed into a bustling mining town. The population soared and the town’s main street became a vibrant hub filled with saloons, hotels and other establishments catering to the needs of the miners and their families. At its peak, Oatman was home to over 3,500 residents.

The Roaring Twenties brought prosperity to Oatman with numerous gold mines operating at full capacity. The United Eastern Mines company was the largest employer in town, contributing significantly to the local economy. Oatman’s success during this period earned it a reputation as one of the most productive gold mining districts in Arizona.

The Decline

The boom, however, was short-lived. By the 1930s, the price of gold plummeted, and many mines were forced to close. The town faced economic hardships, leading to a gradual decline in population. Oatman’s fate seemed sealed as it transformed into a virtual ghost town.

Route 66 & Hollywood Fame

In the 1920s and 1930s, Oatman found a new lease on life as part of the iconic Route 66, the “Main Street of America.” The highway brought travelers and tourists, breathing fresh life into the struggling town. Oatman became a popular stop for those journeying west, and its wild burros, descendants of the original mining animals, added a unique charm to the roadside attraction.

Hollywood also cast its spotlight on Oatman. In the 1960s, the town served as the backdrop for several Western movies and TV shows, further immortalizing its Wild West allure.

Today’s Oatman

Modern-day Oatman is a living museum preserving the spirit of the Old West. Visitors can stroll along the historic main street, interact with the free-roaming burros and explore the remnants of the town’s mining past. The Oatman Hotel, where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned still stands as a reminder of the town’s glamorous past. Oatman is home to 128 humans and over 2,000 resident wild burros! These iconic big-eared lovable donkeys are direct descendants of the original beasts of burden used by the gold miners in the late 1800s.

Planning Your Visit

Getting There

Oatman, Arizona is located in northwestern Arizona. A tiny western town about 30 minutes from Laughlin, Nevada and Bullhead City, AZ and an hour from Lake Havasu, Arizona. As you approach Oatman, the scenic drive along Route 66 is an adventure in itself. The winding roads offer glimpses of the Black Mountains creating a picturesque backdrop for your journey. Be prepared to be transported back in time as you make your way into this historic town.

When we visited Oatman we were in our 30’ RV (Freely). We found easy parking in a back lot and arrived just in time for the Wild West Show on Main Street. The town is tiny and can be easily explored.

Exploring Oatman

As I mentioned, Oatman is not large. It can easily be explored in the afternoon. There are tiny souvenir shops run by locals. Our favorites include the following:

Main Street Shops 

A handful of quirky treasure-hunting shops line Main Street. Engage with the friendly locals, learn about Oatman’s gold mining past and capture the essence of this living ghost town. We found donkeys wandering inside stores seeking treats from their favorite shop owners. They give kisses and can give hoof fives!

There’s everything you would expect in the Wild West. From antiques and unique souvenirs to handcrafted jewelry and candy shops. I found an old brass Texas Flag belt buckle for my man cub which relocated to Austin, Texas. Being born in Texas I can appreciate the importance for locals to have a real Texas belt buckle!

Gold Rush Candy Shoppe

An old-school candy shoppe with all your favorites. We love the Arizona Prickly Pear Cactus Candies, salt-water taffy, Necco Candy Wafers, Gold Rush Bubble Gum, Pop Rocks and Laffy Taffy. Careful when you leave the shop as the donkeys will swipe your bag of goodies.

The Historic Oatman Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast (served on Saturdays & Sundays) or lunch at the Oatman Hotel, a historic establishment known for hosting the iconic couple Clark Gable and Carole Lombard on their honeymoon in 1939. Many locals believe the ghosts of Gable and Lombard still roam the hotel they loved dearly. 

Originally named the Durlin Hotel, it was built in 1902 and then rebuilt after a fire in 1924. Local miners began the tradition of hanging signed and dated one-dollar bills on the walls and ceilings. 

While you can’t stay the night in the hotel you can still indulge in a classic Western-style meal and visit the museum during the day. The Oatman Hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. You’ll be so smart after you visit! 

Oatman Ghost Rider Gunfighters’ Show

Don’t miss this fun interactive show! Gunfighters square off daily at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Donkeys mill about trying to steal goodies from your bags so keep them close! There’s a bank robbery and history woven together with history and you leave smiling and donating dollars to a cowboy hat that is passed around and supports the local production.

Other Eats 

Check out Judy’s Saloon for a true old west-style hangout. The long standing local owner, also known as the “Rudest Bartender on Route 66” is the only place in town open after 5:00 pm. The truly authentic “locals” saloon often has live music and seating for large groups both inside and out.

Explore The Backroads

Afterward, take a scenic drive along Route 66, making stops at the Cool Springs Station and the Sitgreaves Pass. The breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and mountains provide ample opportunities for stunning photographs.

Oatman, Arizona is not just a town; it’s a living chronicle of the Wild West’s rise and fall. Its history is marked by gold strikes, economic fluctuations and Hollywood glamour and it continues to captivate visitors today. As you walk through Oatman’s dusty streets, you’re not merely a tourist; you become a part of its enduring narrative connecting with the pioneers, miners and dreamers who once shaped this remarkable piece of American history. You will leave with 100 photos of adorable donkeys and memories that will lure you back again and again.

If you discover something new that we should include in the guide send us a note. We’d love to hear from you.