Oatman is a boom town with a history dating back to the 1860s. The Discovery of rich ore body ore in 1915 brought on a gold rush that lasted ten years. The town attracted miners and prospectors from far and wide and grew to over 3,500 residents. In 1924 the town’s primary mine shut down. Some mining continued until 1944, when the last mines closed.
Today, the town thrives on tourism and burros. You can be sure to enjoy wild west fun, replete with wild donkeys, wooden sidewalks, staged gunfights, unique souvenir shops, and quirky annual events when you visit Oatman. An easy drive from Laughlin, Nevada, or Bullhead City, Arizona, Oatman Ghost Town is a fun place to spend the day.
Things to do in Oatman Ghost Town
Burros of Oatman Ghost Town
When driving into Oatman Ghost Town, you notice the wild burros; they are everywhere. Descendants of the pack animals used by prospectors in the 1800s, the wild burros of Arizona have found a home in Oatman. Feeding is discouraged even though most of the donkeys are friendly. The townfolk has given many names, but caution is advised when approaching the burros they have been known to nip.
Oatman Outlaw Shootout
Oatman Ghost Town is known for being a wild west town, and what better way to experience the Wild West than to witness a shootout in the middle of the street? Held at noon and 3:30 pm most days, these fun cowboy gunfights are not to be missed. The shows are free, but the actors collect donations from local charities. Watch out, and don’t get in the way of these cowboys who take their job seriously.
Glory Hole Museum
On Main Street, the Glory Hole Museum is chock full of antiques, memorabilia, and artifacts from Oatman’s past. Displays include a bed from the ghost town’s redlight district, desks from the Oatman School, bottles, and mining equipment. Built-in 1915, the museum building was originally the town’s drugstore.
Souvenir Stores & T-Shirts
During the boomtown years, Oatman’s street was lined with saloons. Today there are quirky Souvenir Stores with just as strange names. Jackass Junction, Outlaw Willies, The Classy Ass, Oatman General Store, Yellow Hammers Place, Bucktooth Burro, Jack Ass Treasures, Fast Fannys, and Saving Your Ass. Souvenir T-shirts can be found in every store. Tip. We discovered that the further up the main street you go, the cheaper the shirts get.
Oatman Hotel
Oatman boasts a thrilling attraction in the form of the renowned 1902 Oatman Hotel. In addition to serving a delicious buffalo burger, the hotel is renowned for the honeymoon suite of famous actors Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, whose stay in 1939 propelled the hotel to new heights.
The suite is on the second floor, and you can check it out through a window in the door. There is also a large gift shop upstairs. Don’t forget to sign a dollar bill and tape it to the bar’s ceiling at the hotel.
Making Memories Old Time Photos
Making Memories is a photo studio that lets you dress up like a cowboy or cowgirl. Choose a Western outfit and a background, and get an Old Time Photo from this studio. What’s more, if you suddenly need to get married, the owners are licensed ministers and can get you hitched up. 88 Main Street Oatman, AZ.
Route 66 Cool Springs Station
The main road through the town, Oatman Road, the old Route 66. The two-lane highway is a 42-mile stretch that climbs Sitgreaves Pass at 3,550 feet and passes through the gorgeous Arizona desert. One must-see spot along Route 66 is Cool Springs Station. This one-time service station is now a Route 66 museum. Built in the 1920s, there was originally a gas station, cabins, and restaurant. Learn more about Cool Springs Camp.
What’s cooking in Oatman Ghost Town
If you are craving southwestern comfort food, the town has a few eateries with you covered. Try out Olive Oatman Restaurant for some great chili and peach fry bread. For prickly pear candy, visit the Oatman Candy Shop. Judy’s Saloon and the Oatman Hotel serve breakfast and lunch for a relaxed drink visit.
Getting to Oatman
Oatman Ghost Town is located on historic Route 66, 25 miles from Needles, California, 30 miles from Laughlin, Nevada, and 28 miles from Kingman, Arizona.
I travel with my two small dogs ( in leashes of course!) is this a problem in Oatman ? I know Donkeys and mikes hate dogs so of course would keep them away
Some of the shops might not like dogs inside, but the street is public (Old Highway 66), so I do not think they would be a problem. The gunfight is noisy, and the donkeys can be mean. So keep the pups close.
Going back very soon love this place
Have a great trip.
Oatman was the best of my whole trip. Everyone should visit this place. Loved it .
My 27 year old daughter and I were traveling home to S.F. Area from a family visit in GA and took Historic Rte. 66 on a recommendation from friends – Ortman was a specific call by my sister. What a terrific spot – slow but fun curvy drive up into town – met along the way and entering town by some friendly of persistent donkeys – cold beer – friendly people – interesting and quirky afractions – followed by an easy and beautiful drive down into Needles
Sounds like a fun trip. Thanks for sharing.
Would like more information on a trip to Laughlin &, a day at Oatmen there would be 4 of us on this trip
Oatman is about a 45-minute drive from Laughlin. you will need to cross over the river to Bullhead City and follow Highway 95 South. Turn left at Boundary Cone Rd in Fort Mohave to Oatman. In Laughlin there is plenty of hotels to stay, all of them have casinos.
We took our first family trip to Oatman, AZ trip in 2012 and loved it!! Since then, me and my husband take trips out West and have visited Oatman, AZ several times. We have watched the shootout show, gone through the museum, had our old time photos taken, and visited the shops. We look forward to our next visit in 2022!!
I am planning to go to Oatman
Be sure to see the “western shoot-out” and remember that the further the main street you go, the cheaper the souvenirs are.
Went to Oatman last November! Fun place with great people! Drove back to Laughlin and really enjoyed the break!
Yes, Oatman is a fun place to visit. I have been half a dozen times and still enjoy having a look around.