OUR STORY
Nestled in the stunning Verde Valley of North-Central Arizona, the Town of Clarkdale shines like a true Arizona gem teeming with world-class attractions. Skip the crowds and plan for a true Arizona adventure in red rock country.
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Two easy access points to the Verde River makes activities on and along the river one of Clarkdale’s biggest draws. As one of the last perennial flowing rivers in Arizona it is a treasured desert riparian habitat. Kayaking, canoeing, fly fishing, picnicking, birding and hiking all provide fun experiences for the whole family.
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IMAGE CREDIT: Ellen Roberts
Verde River
Verde River Canyon Railroad
Hop aboard the historic Verde Canyon Railroad to take in a different perspective of the river and canyon. A sight seeing adventure through rugged terrain featuring red rock pinnacles and flowing water through an unspoiled canyon will leave you breathless. The renovated vintage train provides comfortable seating with access to open-air viewing cars for a more intimate look at the breathtaking scenery and fresh canyon air.
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IMAGE CREDIT: Ellen Roberts
Just two miles from the center of downtown Clarkdale is Tuzigoot National Monument where you can learn the story of early indigenous inhabitants, the Sinagua people. Visitors can walk the pueblo ruins and learn more about the First People of the Verde Valley at the visitor center and museum. The beauty of the surrounding landscape will leave you inspired. A short detour from Tuzigoot will lead birding enthusiasts to Tavasci Marsh which provides Audubon worthy sightings.
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Tuzigoot National Monument
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness
For those who want to venture further into the wild, Clarkdale is the gateway to Sycamore Canyon. It is the second largest canyon in Arizona’s red rock country and contains colorful cliffs, ruins, and soaring pinnacles. The 21-mile long scenic canyon reaches a maximum width of about 7 miles. For those who really want to get away from it all, the wilderness provides a tranquil setting for nature lovers, citizen scientists and birders.
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IMAGE CREDIT: Mare Czinar/AZ Central
Follow the story of copper around the world and back again at the Copper Art Museum in downtown Clarkdale. Long before copper was used to power our modern world it had many uses as the world’s most beautiful metal. This one-of-a-kind museum combines history and artifacts into truly dazzling displays; you won’t look at copper the same again after visiting.
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Copper Art Museum
Southwest Wine Center
Clarkdale, situated in the heart of the Verde Valley wine country boasts rapidly growing and acclaimed wineries and breweries. The Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College is key in providing the skills and knowledge to further develop Clarkdale as a vital destination for wine aficionados.
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The history and charm of downtown Clarkdale is not just for the nostalgic as it is a thriving community filled with growing families and retirees. The local block parties showcase the spirit that living in Clarkdale inspires. The town park with its iconic gazebo is the perfect setting for festivals, free summer concerts and seasonal celebrations where visitors can join in the activities. The well preserved Main Street and residential areas are noteworthy to history and architecture buffs. On the National Register of Historic Places, Clarkdale also boasts the largest historic district in the US with 387 buildings on the National Register. Strolling through the historic townsite you will be inspired by the bungalows and cottages that are lovingly kept. To dive deeper into this important copper mining smelter town, a visit to the Clarkdale Historical Society will bring the town’s dynamic past to life.
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IMAGE CREDIT: Ellen Roberts
Clarkdale Town Park
With an eye on providing unsurpassed attractions to sustainable minded visitors, Clarkdale offers the best of what is unique to Arizona.
A hidden gem in red rock country,
Clarkdale is much more than you expect.