The delightful town of Wickenburg, Arizona, is much more than your typical small town in America
The temperatures from December through March make this the ideal time to visit this part of Arizona. The warm sunshine belts down without the intense heat felt during the summer months, at an average of 20°C.
The gentle climate is at its most comfortable to experience the preserved ambiance of the Old West. Cowboy hats, spur repair shops and a welcoming attitude invite visitors to take a look back through time when cowboys roamed the streets and miners were striking gold.
When Henry Wickenburg came from afar in search of fortune, he discovered the now-famous Vulture Mine, which has been the finding place of over $30 million in gold. With the help of ranchers, other miners and farmers, they built their own homes along the nearby Hassayampa River and founded the town of Wickenburg in 1863.
The next 30 years were fraught with Indian wars, mine closures, desperados, droughts and floods, but the town managed to continue growing and attained a railway in 1895.
Within 10 years, the first schoolhouse was built on land donated by Don Ignacio Garcia, who made the school an important landmark for the Hispanic community. This one-room brick building housed schoolchildren of all ages at first, but as new buildings were erected, soon became a grade one classroom.
The historic structure has been restored and now stands as the Wickenburg Cultural Organization. A new grant will be used for more upgrades and to preserve the condition of the much loved building, which houses an exhibit of what an authentic 1904 classroom looked like.
The 20th century also brought the realization that folks who visited the area soon fell in love with it. The clean air, sparkling water and open spaces lured many a traveler into the town. Many guest ranches popped up and quenched visitor’s thirst for true Western hospitality, earning them the name “Dude Ranch Capital of Arizona.”
Visiting Wickenburg must include some old fashioned adventure. Horseback riding and trail rides are a popular way to take in the Arizona sunshine. With some of the best riding country in the state, even beginners can find their passion for the sport.
And if getting on a horse isn’t the most appealing idea, jeep tours are another adventurous way to experience the terrain.
A trip to this part of Arizona wouldn’t be complete without a look at the highlights of Wickenburg’s history. The Mining Ghost Town hosts the world’s largest collection of antique mining equipment, gold panning and Indian artifacts.
The Historic Vulture Mine is another attraction worth seeing. Although about 12 miles outside of the city core, it transcends time with its 1884 buildings and exact location where Henry Wickenburg struck gold back in the mid-1800’s. Back in town is the impressive Desert Caballeros Western Museum filled with cowboy gear and memorabilia, accurate period clothing, and miniature histories.
Visitors to this Western town will not be disappointed. The friendly greetings, warm smiles and many cowboy hats on those of all ages puts a charm on guests who visit for a couple of days or a few weeks. Let yourself be treated to the Old West and you’ll end up leaving with a pair of cowboy boots and a habit of saying, “Howdy, Pardner.”
Getting There: flights go to Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. The drive is approximately 1-hour north
Town Information: www.wickenburgchamber.com
