Bisbee began as a mining camp in 1877 and developed into a prosperous little town. When the mine closed the town became little more than a ghost town. Squatters took over some of the abandoned miners cabins that lined the hillsides surrounding the main town center and the place became a haven for hippies. Eventually, artists began to flow into the area and Bisbee became known as an artists colony.
Today Bisbee is once again thriving as a major tourist destination, particularly for day trippers from surrounding towns and cities like Tucson, Tubac, and Tombstone.
The historic old town center is now filled with shops and galleries. The grand old hotels have been renovated and are open for business. The early 1900s miners' cabins have largely been restored and are homes with much character. Built as they are on the hillside, many of these homes are not located on streets but off stairways that run up the hills.
The famous Copper Queen Mine and the Lavender Pit, along with the associated museums are now some of the town's biggest attractions. Bisbee also has several coffee roasting companies and the smell of roasting beans wafts through town and you can also get a free sample on a walk through downtown.
Despite the town's dramatic come back Bisbee has retained a very small town feel and locals still live very modest life styles.
The Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum depicts life in the early years of the town with dioramas, photos and artifacts. As an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, it is housed in the former Phelps Dodge Office Building, constructed in 1897.
The Research Library of the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum houses photographs, manuscripts, and research books that highlight the history of Arizona and the era of copper mining.
Address: Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, 5 Copper Queen Plaza, Box 14, Bisbee, AZ 85603-0014, United States
Phone: 1 (520) 432-7071, Fax: 1 (520) 432-7800
Hours:
10am-4pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee was in use for over 60 years until it was shut down in 1943. There are guided tours of the four levels, with 147 miles of passageways. Visitors to the Queen Mine are provided with a hard hat, miner's headlamp, and a yellow slicker for the underground tour.
Open Pit Copper Mine, Bisbee.
Address: Bisbee Queen Mine Tours, 118 Arizona Street, Bisbee, AZ 85603-1800, United States
Phone: 1 (520) 432-2071, Fax: 1 (520) 432-5191
Hours:
9am-4:30pm
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: It can be cold inside - bring a sweater.
Tours at 9, 10:30, 12, 2 and 3:30. Reservations are suggested.
The Lavender Open Pit Mine in Bisbee can be viewed from a parking area off U.S. 80, a mile south of downtown. Over 380 million tons of ore and waste have been removed from this site. In addition to the great size, the mine is quite a site with various colors running through the rock walls.
Muheim Heritage House in Bisbee is a restored home, named for a local businessman who emigrated from Switzerland in 1883. The interior is filled with period furnishings and offers a superb panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Address: Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, 5 Copper Queen Plaza, Box 14, Bisbee, AZ 85603-0014, United States
Phone: 1 (520) 432-7071, Fax: 1 (520) 432-7800
Hours:
10am-4pm; Closed: Wed, Thu
Tips: To reach the curator at Murheim House call 520-432-7698.
The Shady Dell RV Park and Campground in Bisbee has sites for tents and RVs. Visitors can experience this 1950's by staying in one of the vintage aluminum trailers.
Address: Shady Dell RV Park and Campground, 1 Douglas Road, Box 1432, Bisbee, AZ 85603-2432, United States
Phone: 1 (520) 432-3567, Fax: 1 (520) 432-4858
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Copper Queen Mine, Bisbee
Lavender Open Pit Mine, Bisbee
Bisbee
