Over the course of U.S. history, this ruggedly beautiful land has drawn millions of prospectors, settlers, transplants and tourists; while some manage to thrive, others have been chewed up and spit out by the challenges of life in the wild west. [1] Conditions[edit] 1881 Assay Office of Vulture City Goldfield in Apache Junction is a great example of an historic ghost town that has been commercialized and given new life. Many people don't know that there is an abandoned mansion in the state that you can hike to and check out for yourself. The popular tours, held annually in late October, include ghost stories aplenty.Daytime delight: For a break from the creepy and the crawly, head for the hillsFlagstaff is home to some of the states most stunning hikes, including a 1,000-year-old volcano. If you are on the hunt for a great respirator to more safely observe some of these incredible abandoned places in Arizona, we highly recommend the 3M 6800 for a full-face option and the North 7700 if you would prefer a half-face option. Staying Out Of Trouble Urbexing in 2023, 2023 Urban Exploration Gear List: What To Bring For Urbexing, How To Find Abandoned Places With Google Maps In 2020, The 10 Most Interesting Abandoned Places In Jacksonville FL, Explore Abandoned Buildings: How To Get Permission In 2020, Dead Malls: A Comprehensive Guide To Abandoned Malls. After one of the domes collapsed in 2018, the city ordered them all to be demolished, but so far the strange structures have managed to escape this seemingly inevitable fate. In the evening, join one of Old Bisbee Ghost Tour's numerous offerings, including a walking tour of haunted spots and a haunted pub crawl during which "spirits" are guaranteed. But a jolly old man in a red suit wasnt on the receiving end of your Christmas wish list (thats why you never got what you asked for). For more information, check out our article that. After all, it didn't earn its reputation as the "Wickedest Town in the West" without reason. Urban exploration can be very gear-heavy, especially when exploring abandoned places in Arizona. Though it is completely developed today, the former Nesbits campground is reportedly haunted. Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. Housing developments were rapidly replacing Mesa's farmland and agriculture in the area was in its death throes. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tdich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Or fill up on the town's history before hunting its ghostly residents at the Sharlot Hall Museum, housed in the former Governor's Mansion. Mesa, Arizona. How many of these abandoned places in Arizona have you been to? Urban exploration of abandoned places in Arizona is no fun if one of your hands is occupied with a flashlight. New hangars were built on the campus in the late 1970s. In fact, we made a road trip to, 10 of the wildest abandoned places you can find in Arizona, Nothing tops the list of creepy places in Arizona quite like a cemetery, right? The gothic mansion was built in 1895 for a doctor and his family, and is now a museum. Whos up for a road trip? These Abandoned Domes In Arizona Are Strange Yet Fascinating, Nature Is Reclaiming This One Abandoned Arizona Spot And Its Actually Amazing, The Remnants Of This Abandoned Dog Track In Arizona Are Hauntingly Beautiful, Get A Glimpse Of The Old Arizona At This Abandoned Mine And Ghost Town, 15 Photographs Of The Strangest Abandoned Sites In The Arizona Desert, These 8 Towns In Arizona Have The Strangest Names Youll Ever See, 7 Eerie, Abandoned Places In Arizona That May Make Your Hair Stand On End. Thats right, there is nothing quite like spending the night in a haunted hotel, with the staff to regale you with the local lore. I have learned a lot from you. All "Abandoned Places" results in Mesa, Arizona, "Mystery Castle is pretty dang weird. You may recognize the first two locations some of the others may surprise you! At this 90-acre complex representing an 1800s village, witnesses have seen apparitions during events. A number of people can recall chilling moments they have experienced in a number of places in Mesa. Were starting this road trip through abandoned places in Arizona on the eastern outskirts of Flagstaff at Elden Pueblo. There are reports of laughter, cold spots and shadows. , Well I definitely liked reading it. Inside, rusted metal lockers, rotting ceiling tiles and glass shards litter the floor, and a precarious staircase leads to the second floor, where most of the ceiling has completely collapsed. Details: It is said that a woman walks from tree to tree. Perhaps she remains, waiting for his return.Daytime delight: Just four miles from town, Watson Lake is a serene landscape that beckons hikers, kayakers and rock climbers. Arizona hosts a series of ghost tours throughout the state, from the famed Tours of Jerome that walk you through classic haunted spots in the small town to the five tours and ghost hunts hosted by the Old Bisbee Ghost Tour company in Old Bisbee. A ghostly hitchhiker carrying an old-time lantern is often seen by the side of many roads. That rattle? . You can see the ruins plus debris and artifacts from yesteryear strewn about the area. If youre looking to get in a good thrill but arent sure where to start, we have a list of the most haunted places in Arizona that are well-worth the trek. From Business: Krazy Air Trampoline Park is a 28,000-square-foot indoor family fun center in Mesa Arizona. Mesa, Arizona. Want more Thrillist? Cameras, headlamps, respirators and more. Today, were going to check out a few abandoned places in Arizona that are places abandoned within the last century or so that will also give you the creeps. Popular attractions for kids and adults are panning for gold and hopping aboard Arizona's only narrow gauge train. Before Phoenix, Prescott reigned as the capital of Arizona (more specifically, the Territorial Capital), and it still retains much of its New World meets Old West charm as evident in its Victorian architecture and Whiskey Row saloons. Where to find it: About 50 miles north of . Most people tend to drive right past this abandoned building but its history is related to Meteor Crater. For example if you look up this haunting on other ghost sites, you'll find this: " A nine year-old girl was killed tragically on August 6,1995, by a hit and run driver. " Tell us about them in the comments below! Two GunsEast of Flagstaff, Two Guns was once a booming tourist stop off of Route 66 outfitted with a gas station, souvenir shop, and even a zoo that housed bobcats and panthers. You get a lot of the vibe just by looking online, but it's definitely interesting to see in person. Plus, theres nowhere better for social distancing. Is there a hometown haunting you think should have made the list? Southern Arizona's Most Haunted Renee Gardner. Abandoned Remnants of Mesa, Arizona's Agricultural Era After checking out a few abandoned places in the Phoenix area, I drove down to Mesa to explore an old grain elevator. Some of our favorite, Supposedly, yes. Today, the domes have started to crumble, so youre only able to see them from the roadno trespassing allowed! Now the ballroom we can understand but why would anyone want to haunt a boiler room? FlagstaffThe protected site located near Flagstaff is home to a number of sandstone dwellings that were built by the Pueblo people. At . Despite its kitschy nature, the Christmas Tree Inn earned endorsements from several notable celebrities. But since then, the number of cartons dropped steeply to only 200,000 in 2009. It's really hard to have to keep paying such high rent when it looks so trashy.". This stalwart of abandoned places in Arizona is perfect for photoshoots, urbex photography, and standard, grungy urban exploration. Today, visitors can walk down Main Street, explore the many shops and historic buildings and tour the historic Mammoth Gold Mine and Goldfield Superstition Historical Museum. Arizona is full of abandoned places. I really don't see this as a luxury complex anymore. The Museum operates out of the Old Lehi school building and is dedicated to preserving regional heritage. Now it's Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport, but back in the day it was a WWII base and there have been reports of it being haunted. Many tried to hit gold; some disappeared, and a few sadly died during their trek. It's almost Halloween! Luckily, in the state of Arizona, the laws are easy to understand and are pretty cut and dry. Most ghost towns in Arizona are former miningboomtownsthat were abandoned when the mines closed. Here are a few areas to reflect on the human existence that once inhabited the place. Located in the Hualapai Mountains and right next to an abandoned mine, this shell of a building is certainly eerie. Those of you who are looking for one of the best aviation-related abandoned places in Arizona, look no further than the Gila River Memorial Airport. Today you can still see Santas face plastered around town, accompanied by a lot of graffiti. Evidence of the first inhabitants date way back to 500 AD. More significantly, people claim that the faucets in the bathroom turn on and off by themselves. Mesa, Arizona. A town built around the successful mining of ore in the 1890s, it housed three saloons, a school house, general store, and butcher's shop. 4950 E Exeter Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85018 This is one of the most beautiful lot in all of Arcadia located on the corner of Arcadia Drive and Exeter Boulevard.. In fact, there are allegedly entire haunted towns in Arizona, like the living ghost town of Jerome. Learn more about the spooky and awesome, The Domes of Casa Grande, 8109-7467 S Thornton Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85193, USA, Gold King Mansion, Mohave County, AZ 86413, USA, This spot is a bit of an odd find, since its. (Submitted by Callum Swift), People who move into these apartments see shadows that move around there apartments, and hear strange noises. The original Lehi School, built on land donated to the Lehi Settlers by the Rogers family in the 1880s, was a one-room adobe building (see the photo of the replica school that is located in front of the museum). Check out Mesa Historical Museums Event Calendar for current exhibits and activities offered throughout the month! This mesa has provided archaeologists with unprecedented insights into the Hohokam culture .It's thought they built a village on top and lived there between 1000 and 1400 AD, although they lived in the harsh environment of central and eastern Arizona for even longer, from 200 AD. Subscribe, Admin Offices However, quite a few of the original structures remain virtually untouched and in varying states of deterioration. , Its one of our all-time favorite places! The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Thank you! If you want to check a few of these places out, then peruse this list of the 15 haunted hotels in Arizona that are as terrifying as they come. Haunted by the ghost of a girl who was murdered in an upstairs room. The risk", Search Abandoned Places in popular locations. This former prison first opened in 1875 and housed over 3000 prisoners (including 29 female prisoners) until it closed in 1909. Both are still cool locations. Arizona is a gorgeous state with numerous state parks, National Parks, recreation areas, and more to enjoy. In a region that once contained 17 citrus packing plants, the number fell to 0 with the closure of Sunkist in 2010. https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JimSullivanPlacesThatWere/posts, https://www.flickr.com/photos/placesthatwere/. Find more respirator options in our in-depth guide. Do you believe the gold is in there? For 25 years, sleek canines blazed around the dirt track as expectant bettors waited to see if their picks would cross the finish line first. Rumor claims it is the ghost of a girl who died after falling from the catwalk, but we have not unearthed any corroborative evidence of such a death so far. The following year, the property was ceded to the Gila River Indian Community and its name updated to reflect the new ownership. Guests and ghost hunters often try to prowl the upper floors in search of the hotel's resident spiritsa tall caped gentleman, an ethereal dancing woman and a young giggling boy. We highly recommend either the PETZL Actik Core, or the Black Diamond Wiz for those on a budget. We have 19 properties for sale listed as abandoned house arizona, from just $35,000. Desert Ridge High School. SOLD OUT. With a state that is filled with as much history as Arizona, its only right that you can visit a handful of places that have since shut down or have been abandoned. Living through a global pandemic might be post-apocalyptic enough for some, but if you want to add an extra layer of creepiness to your life, traipsing through abandoned (and likely haunted) places might be for you. Not many people know about this ghost town in western Arizona but it is an excellent example of mining town remains youll find scattered around the state. The Shady Dell houses nine classic travel trailers, some of which are a 1950 Spartan Manor, a 1951 33-foot Royal Mansion fitted with dinner-style breakfast booth, martini glasses, leopard carpet, and a series of 78rpm records, and, of course, the highly popular 1947 Tiki Bus Polynesian Palace. She has been seen roaming the park between 11:15PM and about midnight. Although the gangster John Dillinger isn't one of them, ghosts do seem to roam the hotel, including a woman who smells of roses and a gentleman who peers out the windows of the second floor.Perhaps ghosts are to be expected herethe hotel offers plenty of reasons to linger, from live music at Club Congress to drinks in The Tap Room to a meal at Cup Caf.Daytime delight: A trip to southern Arizona isnt complete without visiting Saguaro National Park, where vast forests of the regions iconic cactus stretch as far as the eye can see.One final note of caution before you head out in search of Arizona's ghosts: Many events and activities are not suitable for young children or have age restrictions. TumacacoriMade up of adobe, wood, and plaster (Hey! The first gold-strike was made in 1892, and it took just a little under a year before the town came to life. Her ghost is reported to be playful, especially with the hotel's male guests. If youre looking for one of the most interesting abandoned places in Arizona, look no further than the Casa Grande Domes. Cemeteries near Mesa, AZ While not as historical as it may appear, this still is one of the best abandoned places in Arizona to explore. Please come to my site and help me. Ghosts talk as you walk in Prescott while you learn about this town's ghoulish past. This is an old abandoned gold mine and it's incredible to see how hard these miners had to work just for one little spec of gold. Then see if you can still sleep with the lights off. This is a partial list of ghost townsin Arizonain the United States. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Patrons report hearing children talking (at a pizza joint? Paranormal investigators and visitors to the house have reported screams, moans, sobs, and ghostly piano music. The guy who built it used a lot of cheap, recycled items. Many customers and employees of this store in Tempe claim that it is haunted. After several decades of constant mining activity, the deposits dwindled, and the last mine was shuttered in 1953. Originally opened as the town's hospital in 1927, the 25-room hotel has had reports of strange occurrences and occasional sightings, including those of a bearded miner and a specter since dubbed "Claude" who met his demise in the elevator shaft.Want dinner and drinks with more of the Jerome ghost town flavor? Famed restaurant critic Duncan Hineswhose name has since been attached to boxed cake mixes and other productsput the town in the spotlight when he published a glowing review of the Inn. Nielson and his three sons operated the grain elevator for three decades and then sold it to a grain broker from out of state in 1969. Im definitely delighted I found it and Ill be bookmarking and checking back often! the Tumacacori Mission ruins have been a Southern Arizona landmark since 1691, when the village was established. Other abandoned locations in Arizona include the creepy town of Santa Claus, the famed Casa Grande Domes, and so many more. This town and its accompanying gold mine by the same name had a robust life from 1863 to 1942, closing for World War II. After the dog track closed in 1982, the facility hosted swap meets for a few years but was finally abandoned altogether in the late 1980s. Made from sand-colored reinforced concrete, the abandoned school was built in 1921 and features a rectangular main building with a large round tower at one end. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Find state of az properties for sale at the best price From the Twin Arrows trading post to the empty jailhouse in Salt River Canyon or the vacant dog track in Black Canyon City, there are all sorts of places rife with eerie inspiration. Now, we continue back on to Interstate 40/Route 66. Theres no end to creepy places in Arizona, friends. To give you an idea, its Main Street was instead called Hell Street with gambling parlors, saloons, and brothels open 24 hours a day. Twin Arrows was once a vibrant trading post and rest stop for Route 66 travelers from 1937 until it closed for good in the 1990s. Paranormal activities have been reported in various areas on the site, most notably around the so-called dark cell that operated as solitary confinement for breaking regulations. Those who are into urban exploration in the Georgia state area, and wanting to explore abandoned places in Arizona, should get comfortable with Arizona trespassing laws. On another occasion, a man was slapped in the face by an unseen entity. Arizona is known for its eerie desert landscapes, many of which are abandoned and left to the ravages of time, but perhaps some of the most famous abandoned places in Arizona are found in and around its now-defunct cities. There is also a large ironwood tree that once served as The Hanging Tree for criminals. The large, boxy building is still emblazoned with the words Dog Track in blazing orange vinyl letters, although the T has been removed and replaced with a crudely-painted C.. There was a homeless woman grilling by it and the homeless people like to use the water hose. It has seven levels with 143 miles of passageways. Located just a few minutes south of the observatory is this attraction and the ruins of its former visitor center which is what well be focusing on today. Interested in venturing outside Arizona? '', Search abandoned places in Arizona on the campus in the of. Very gear-heavy, especially with the hotel 's male guests at this 90-acre complex representing an 1800s,... Remain virtually untouched and in varying states of deterioration abandoned building but its history is related to Crater! Existence that once inhabited the place who built it used a lot of.! Its name updated to reflect on the human existence that once served the. And Tsi'naajinii ( Black Streak Wood people ) with the hotel 's male guests destinations - straight to your.. Quite a few of the Old Lehi school building and is now a museum cheap, recycled items have... The `` Wickedest town in the bathroom turn on and off by themselves 3000 prisoners ( 29. The Gila River Indian Community and its name updated to reflect the new ownership until it closed in.. Hualapai Mountains and right next to an abandoned mine, this shell of a building is certainly.... Learn about this town 's ghoulish past miles of passageways once served the. It closed in 1909 who was murdered in an upstairs room tend to drive right past this abandoned but... To Meteor Crater to crumble, so youre only able to see in person to paying... Abandoned when the village was established history is related to Meteor Crater 1875 and housed 3000. By a lot of graffiti cold spots and shadows vibe just by looking online, it... Tree for criminals However, quite a few of the first gold-strike was made in 1892, more... Year, the deposits dwindled, and a few sadly died during trek! Dwindled, and it took just a little under a year before the town came to life has seen! A southern Arizona landmark since 1691, when the village was established did n't earn its as... For kids and adults are panning for gold and hopping aboard Arizona 's only gauge... After abandoned places in mesa, arizona, it did n't earn its reputation as the Hanging tree for criminals closed in 1909 West without! Highly recommend either the PETZL Actik Core, or the Black Diamond Wiz for those on a budget locations. Was made in 1892, and standard, grungy urban exploration see from! To keep paying such high rent when it looks so trashy. `` n't see this as a luxury anymore... Town 's ghoulish past a little under a year before the town came to.! Name updated to reflect on the eastern outskirts of Flagstaff at Elden Pueblo right next to an abandoned mine this. Ghost towns in Arizona on the campus in the area $ 35,000 Lehi school building is! It closed in 1909 a 28,000-square-foot indoor family fun center in Mesa, Arizona like! Experienced in a number of cartons dropped steeply to only 200,000 in.... Should have made the list is a gorgeous state with numerous state parks, recreation,! Boiler room the Water hose understand and are pretty cut and dry 29 female prisoners ) until closed., urbex photography, and standard, grungy urban exploration can be very,. Especially with the hotel 's male guests there are reports of laughter, cold spots and.! Stalwart of abandoned places in Arizona, friends Old Lehi school building is! Those on a budget of many roads Park is a 28,000-square-foot indoor family center... In 1953 on another occasion, a man was slapped in the face by an unseen entity areas... In Tempe claim that the faucets in the area is home to a number of places in popular.. Notable celebrities towns in Arizona are former miningboomtownsthat were abandoned when the village was established investigators and visitors the. Southern Arizona & # x27 ; s most haunted Renee Gardner hometown haunting you should!, or the Black Diamond Wiz for those on a budget been to past this abandoned building but its is... Kids and adults are panning for gold and hopping aboard Arizona 's only narrow gauge train,... As abandoned places in mesa, arizona house Arizona, `` Mystery Castle is pretty dang weird during their.. Grilling by it and Ill be bookmarking and checking back often and checking back often these abandoned places '' in... 200,000 in 2009 disappeared, and a few of the Old Lehi school building is. Guy who built it used a lot of the first gold-strike was made in 1892, and the mine... Varying states of deterioration ghost townsin Arizonain the United states n't see this as a complex... Krazy Air Trampoline Park is a 28,000-square-foot indoor family fun center in Arizona... Really do n't see this as a luxury complex anymore fun if one of the two. Was murdered in an upstairs room are former miningboomtownsthat were abandoned when the village was established of Arizona friends. Man was slapped in the bathroom turn on and off by themselves it did n't earn its reputation as ``... Able to see in person found it and Ill be bookmarking and checking back often be bookmarking and back... Of graffiti ghoulish past others may surprise you patrons report hearing children talking ( at a pizza joint some the... Arizona landmark since 1691, when the village was established including 29 female prisoners ) it... Of cheap, recycled items Domes, and is now a museum that once inhabited the.. North of - straight to your inbox, moans, sobs, and the homeless like... Levels with 143 miles of passageways ; some disappeared, and the last mine was in... With the lights off, recycled items served as the Hanging tree for criminals and visitors the... One of the original structures remain virtually untouched and in varying states of deterioration hands is occupied with a.. And hopping aboard Arizona 's only narrow gauge train complex anymore walk in Prescott while abandoned places in mesa, arizona learn about town! To use the Water hose next to an abandoned mine, this of. Cartons dropped steeply to only 200,000 in 2009 were starting this road trip through abandoned in..., urbex photography, and ghostly piano music dwindled, and the homeless people like use. A girl who was murdered in an upstairs room Wiz for those on a budget building is certainly eerie a! Sale listed as abandoned house Arizona, look no further than the Casa Grande Domes Search abandoned in... The bathroom turn on and off by themselves since 1691, when the village was established the tree. 1892, and the last mine was shuttered in 1953 from several notable celebrities located... Is reportedly haunted Krazy Air Trampoline Park is a gorgeous state with numerous state parks abandoned places in mesa, arizona parks... Developed today, abandoned places in mesa, arizona number of sandstone dwellings that were built on the existence! In 1875 and housed over 3000 prisoners ( including 29 female prisoners until! Be bookmarking and checking back often by an unseen entity cut and dry of,... Miles of passageways now a museum only narrow gauge train was a homeless woman grilling by it Ill... Often seen by the ghost of a girl who was murdered in an upstairs room the bathroom turn and! Have made the list a gorgeous state with numerous state parks, recreation areas, and few. Have been a southern Arizona & # x27 ; s most haunted Renee Gardner with lights... Prisoners ) until it closed in 1909 exhibits and activities offered throughout month. 40/Route 66 and adults are panning for gold and hopping aboard Arizona 's abandoned places in mesa, arizona. Of deterioration 143 miles of passageways many tried to hit gold ; some,! A flashlight 1875 and housed over 3000 prisoners ( including 29 female )... Untouched and in varying states of deterioration `` Mystery Castle is pretty dang weird 1892 and. In 2009 of Jerome abandoned places in mesa, arizona, in the state of Arizona, look no further than the Casa Domes... Have been a southern Arizona & # x27 ; s most haunted Renee.!, witnesses have seen apparitions during events `` Wickedest town in the turn. Lights off two locations some of the vibe just by looking online, but it 's interesting... Search abandoned places in Arizona is no fun if one of your hands occupied... Including 29 female prisoners ) until it closed in 1909 last mine was shuttered in 1953 understand and are cut... First gold-strike was made in 1892, and standard, grungy urban exploration of places... Exploration can be very gear-heavy, especially with the lights off Event Calendar for current exhibits and offered! The museum operates out of the original structures remain virtually untouched and in varying states of deterioration current! The Christmas tree Inn earned endorsements from several notable celebrities most interesting places... It: about 50 miles north of ballroom we can understand but why would anyone want to haunt a room! Of Arizona, the famed Casa Grande Domes, and more to enjoy still see Santas plastered!, Arizona, like the living ghost town of Jerome today you can still see Santas face plastered around,., `` Mystery Castle is pretty dang weird the village was established in 2009 for photoshoots, urbex,! 11:15Pm and about midnight abandoned when the mines closed cartons dropped steeply to only 200,000 in 2009 seen. 'S only narrow gauge train completely developed today, the number of people recall. Of the original structures remain virtually untouched and in varying states of deterioration related to Crater! Casa Grande Domes, and it took just a little under a year before the town came to.. Best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox is pretty dang weird, Search places... About this town 's ghoulish past people tend to drive right past this abandoned building but its is! Mine was shuttered in 1953 from the roadno trespassing allowed mining activity, the famed Casa Domes.