Discover 5 things to do in Tombstone, Arizona, one of the most famous wild west towns in North America.
The authentic silver mining town is rich in history. Some of the most well-known names of the old west walked its streets.
Take a stroll along the wooden boardwalks on the town’s dusty main street. Check out saloons, museums, shops and restaurants or join a narrated historic walking, stage coach or trolley tour.
If you want to catch a live reenactment of a shootout at the O.K. Corral Historic Complex, be sure to time your visit accordingly.
Top 5 things to do in Tombstone
Gunfighter Hall of Fame
Gunfighter Hall of Fame displays historic guns, including Wyatt Earp’s Dodge City Colt .45.
The Tombstone Gunfighter Museum Hall of Fame features Wyatt Earp’s Dodge City Colt. Photo Courtesy of the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce.
The Tombstone Gunfighter Museum Hall of Fame features Doc Holliday’s revolver. Photo Courtesy of the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce.
O.K. Corral
O.K. Corral Complex presents live reenactments of the famous shootout.
Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, and brothers Virgil and Morgan participated in the famous gunfight at the OK Corral on October 26, 1881.
The gunfight left Billy Clanton and Frank and Tom McLaury dead. These gunslingers’ graves can be found at Booth Hill Graveyard.
The “Gunfight at the OK Corral” actually happened on a Fremont Street empty lot.
Gunfight on the street in Tombstone, Arizona. Photo Courtesy of the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce.
The famous O.K. Corral Gunfight site located in Tombstone, Arizona. Photo Courtesy of the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce.
Tombstone Courthouse
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park housed a jail and the courthouse, which enforced the law during a very disruptive time. Outside the Victorian-style building is a reproduction of the gallows.
Be sure to explore the Wyatt Earp Collection.
Explore the Wyatt Earp collection at the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. Photo Courtesy of the Arizona State Parks.
Tombstone Boot Hill Graveyard
Boot Hill Graveyard is an authentic restored cemetery. It is the final resting place of the famous dead gunmen from the shootout at the O.K. Corral, ladies of the night, cowboys and other residents of Tombstone.
Visit Tombstone’s Boot Hill Graveyard. Explore the grave makers for names of famous gunmen. It is one of the top 5 things to do in Tombstone.
Bird Cage Theatre
The historic Bird Cage Theatre operated for eight years from 1881-1892.
See the poker table in the basement of the theatre. It was used in the longest-running poker game in history. The poker table used by famous gamblers Bat Masterson, Diamond Jack Brady and George Randolph Hurst.
Here you will also find a rare historic photo display and the Black Moriah hearse used to carry bodies to Boot Hill Graveyard.
The original Bird Cage Theatre in Tombstone. Photo Courtesy of the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce.
The famous poker table in the basement of the Bird Cage Theatre. The longest-running poker game in history was played here. Doc Holliday, Bat Masterson, Diamond Jim Brady were some of the participants. Photo Courtesy of the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce.
The Black Mariah hearse was used to transport the deceased to their gravesite at Boot Hill Graveyard. Photo Courtesy of the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce.
Facts about Tombstone, Arizona
Discover fascinating facts about Tombstone, Arizona and the famous people who walked its streets.
• Silver prospector Ed Schieffelin founded Tombstone in 1887.
• In the mid-1880s, Tombstone’s population grew to at least 15,000, including about 7,500 registered white male voters.
• The “Gunfight at the OK Corral” actually happened on a Fremont Street empty lot.
• Boot Hill Graveyard was used from 1879 to 1884.
• The famous Bird Cage Theater opened in 1881 and ran 7 days a week, 24 hours a day as a brothel, saloon, theater and gambling hall until closing in 1889.
• Tombstone rebuilt itself twice after two significant fires in June 1881 and May 1882.
• Tombstone was designated a registered historic landmark in 1962.
Getting to Tombstone
Tombstone is located about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Tucson. Drive 80 miles along Highway 10 east to Benson and then head south on Highway 80.
Find out more about the top things to see and do in Arizona. Visit the official tourism site for Arizona.
Learn about the top things to do in nearby Bisbee, Arizona.
Discover the nearby natural wonder – Stunning limestone caves of Kartchner Caverns.
Photos: Explore 1950s vintage cars and Indian Motorcycles of historic Lowell, Arizona
Explore more of Life’s Incredible Journeys. If you’re seeking adventure and fun for the whole family, don’t miss out on **Kartchner Caverns**, where you can explore awe-inspiring underground formations. Whether you’re touring vintage cars in Lowell or immersing yourself in Arizona’s natural beauty, these activities offer something for everyone. For more travel inspiration, including **family-friendly activities in Victoria**, be sure to explore diverse destinations and experiences that promise unforgettable memories for all ages.
About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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