Arizona has no shortage of western relics. Across the state, you’ll find ghost towns, “mock” ghost towns, western dinner shows, and quite a few museums dedicated to a time when life in which the Sonoran Desert was wild and dangerous. Another favorite: those sites where old western movies were once filmed. In some cases, the filming locations were rugged landscapes, perfect for wide-angle shots of heroes riding their horses. Others took place in small towns or even on movie sets designed specifically for the film. Today, we’re going to take a look at one of the most fascinating abandoned movie sets in Arizona, which is now a Wild West attraction. When it comes to unique small towns in Arizona, this one is among the most unusual!
This is Trail Dust Town! A popular attraction in Tucson since the 1960s, its origins come from one of the many old westerns you’ve probably seen over and over (if westerns are your thing, anyway).
Trail Dust Town/Facebook
In the 1950s, the set was built for an old western film starring Glenn Ford, who you may recognize from films like 3:10 to Yuma. The movie shot here was never completed, and the set was abandoned for a decade.
InSapphoWeTrust/Flickr
In 1960, the abandoned movie set was purchased and renovated to offer visitors a chance to step back in time to the previous century.
Trail Dust Town/Facebook
Modeled after the frontier boomtowns that have gained a certain degree of notoriety in Arizona, Trail Dust Town was born!
Jamison Hiner/Flickr
You’ll get a chance to see and experience a bit of the Old West, from elaborate stunt shows and choreographed fights…
Trail Dust Town/Facebook
…to an opportunity to pan for gold.
Janeen Hutchins/Flickr
The attraction is also home to tons of fun things for the family to enjoy, like carousel rides, practicing your aim in the shooting gallery, or even getting a new family portrait in 1880s-style garb.
Trail Dust Town/Facebook
If you’re craving a little more history, then you’ll want to check out the Museum of the Horse Soldier, which is located within Trail Dust Town.
Museum of the Horse Soldier/Facebook This museum has an incredible amount of knowledge about this one segment of the U.S. military, and has more than 10,000 items in its collection.
All this fun means you’ll need to fuel up! Try out the meals at Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, a unique dining spot that makes sure you have a fun time. Find it at 6541 East Tanque Verde, Tucson, Arizona, 85715.
Jamison Hiner/Flickr
The steaks and ribs are popular choices here for obvious reasons, but you’ll also find chicken, fish, and vegetarian options, too. Don’t forget to finish your meal with a mouthwatering dessert, like the cobbler or brownie served à la mode.
Trail Dust Town/Facebook
Trail Dust Town also hosts seasonal and special events that will make you want to return for a visit in no time.
Trail Dust Town/Facebook
Trail Dust Town/Facebook
InSapphoWeTrust/Flickr
Jamison Hiner/Flickr
Janeen Hutchins/Flickr
Museum of the Horse Soldier/Facebook
This museum has an incredible amount of knowledge about this one segment of the U.S. military, and has more than 10,000 items in its collection.
Trail Dust Town is located at 6541 East Tanque Verde Road in Tucson. You can find details about hours, fees, and events on their website or Facebook page. Want to find more attractions that feature the best of the Old West? Read about 18 more of our favorite places to experience the Old West in Arizona.
So, what do you think? Which unique small towns in Arizona are your personal favorites? Tell us about them in the comments!
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Address: 6541 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Small Towns in Arizona July 23, 2021 Tori Jane What are some of the best small towns in Arizona? Believe it or not, Arizona has no shortage at all of great small towns just waiting for you to come to visit them. Though there are too many to mention in this short paragraph, some of our favorites include the beautiful town of Pinetop, in eastern Arizona. It’s small and absolutely beautiful! Explore miles of stunning forests and lush greenery that will make you forget you’re in a desert state. We also really love Jerome, which was once a booming copper mining town but is now reclaimed by artists and wineries. Cottonwood is nearby Jerome – if you take the 89A you’ll run into them both – and it’s got all the old-West charm of Jerome without the elevation. You’ll love the various shops and restaurants! In southern Arizona, there’s the beautiful wine town of Sonoita, and the border town of Patagonia is also quite quaint (and quiet). What are some interesting, unique attractions in Arizona? Everyone seems to think of the same thing when they think about a visit to Arizona. The Grand Canyon, of course, and the red rocks of Sedona are always on everyone’s bucket list. But did you know there are some unusual, offbeat attractions throughout the state that we recommend as well? For example, should you visit the Phoenix Art Museum, make sure to immerse yourself in a world of fireflies while you’re there in the totally encapsulating infinity room. If urban exploration is more your thing, check out The Domes, in Casa Grande – they’re strange and absolutely intriguing. Don’t forget a camera! We’re also home to The Wave and Antelope Canyon, two highly sought-after places for naturalists and landscape photographers alike. Need a little more? Check out this list of the weirdest places in Arizona. Are there any Old West attractions in Arizona? When it comes to the Old West, Arizona is king. This beautiful state was once the heart of the wild, wild West, and it still shows. Visit old ghost towns for a taste of what life once was, like Tombstone, where you’ll find the world-famous Birdcage Theater. Visit Bisbee and learn about Arizona’s rich mining past at the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. Visit the Goldfield ghost town near Apache Junction. Arizona is great for those who hope to catch a glimpse of how life once was – you’ve just got to get out and explore.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unique Small Towns in Arizona
July 23, 2021
Tori Jane
What are some of the best small towns in Arizona? Believe it or not, Arizona has no shortage at all of great small towns just waiting for you to come to visit them. Though there are too many to mention in this short paragraph, some of our favorites include the beautiful town of Pinetop, in eastern Arizona. It’s small and absolutely beautiful! Explore miles of stunning forests and lush greenery that will make you forget you’re in a desert state. We also really love Jerome, which was once a booming copper mining town but is now reclaimed by artists and wineries. Cottonwood is nearby Jerome – if you take the 89A you’ll run into them both – and it’s got all the old-West charm of Jerome without the elevation. You’ll love the various shops and restaurants! In southern Arizona, there’s the beautiful wine town of Sonoita, and the border town of Patagonia is also quite quaint (and quiet). What are some interesting, unique attractions in Arizona? Everyone seems to think of the same thing when they think about a visit to Arizona. The Grand Canyon, of course, and the red rocks of Sedona are always on everyone’s bucket list. But did you know there are some unusual, offbeat attractions throughout the state that we recommend as well? For example, should you visit the Phoenix Art Museum, make sure to immerse yourself in a world of fireflies while you’re there in the totally encapsulating infinity room. If urban exploration is more your thing, check out The Domes, in Casa Grande – they’re strange and absolutely intriguing. Don’t forget a camera! We’re also home to The Wave and Antelope Canyon, two highly sought-after places for naturalists and landscape photographers alike. Need a little more? Check out this list of the weirdest places in Arizona. Are there any Old West attractions in Arizona? When it comes to the Old West, Arizona is king. This beautiful state was once the heart of the wild, wild West, and it still shows. Visit old ghost towns for a taste of what life once was, like Tombstone, where you’ll find the world-famous Birdcage Theater. Visit Bisbee and learn about Arizona’s rich mining past at the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. Visit the Goldfield ghost town near Apache Junction. Arizona is great for those who hope to catch a glimpse of how life once was – you’ve just got to get out and explore.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Believe it or not, Arizona has no shortage at all of great small towns just waiting for you to come to visit them. Though there are too many to mention in this short paragraph, some of our favorites include the beautiful town of Pinetop, in eastern Arizona. It’s small and absolutely beautiful! Explore miles of stunning forests and lush greenery that will make you forget you’re in a desert state. We also really love Jerome, which was once a booming copper mining town but is now reclaimed by artists and wineries. Cottonwood is nearby Jerome – if you take the 89A you’ll run into them both – and it’s got all the old-West charm of Jerome without the elevation. You’ll love the various shops and restaurants! In southern Arizona, there’s the beautiful wine town of Sonoita, and the border town of Patagonia is also quite quaint (and quiet).
What are some interesting, unique attractions in Arizona?
Everyone seems to think of the same thing when they think about a visit to Arizona. The Grand Canyon, of course, and the red rocks of Sedona are always on everyone’s bucket list. But did you know there are some unusual, offbeat attractions throughout the state that we recommend as well? For example, should you visit the Phoenix Art Museum, make sure to immerse yourself in a world of fireflies while you’re there in the totally encapsulating infinity room. If urban exploration is more your thing, check out The Domes, in Casa Grande – they’re strange and absolutely intriguing. Don’t forget a camera! We’re also home to The Wave and Antelope Canyon, two highly sought-after places for naturalists and landscape photographers alike. Need a little more? Check out this list of the weirdest places in Arizona.
Are there any Old West attractions in Arizona?
When it comes to the Old West, Arizona is king. This beautiful state was once the heart of the wild, wild West, and it still shows. Visit old ghost towns for a taste of what life once was, like Tombstone, where you’ll find the world-famous Birdcage Theater. Visit Bisbee and learn about Arizona’s rich mining past at the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. Visit the Goldfield ghost town near Apache Junction. Arizona is great for those who hope to catch a glimpse of how life once was – you’ve just got to get out and explore.
