An adventure for everyone – from riding the rails and floating along the Verde River to strolling through history
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Clarkdale, located on historic State Route 89A, provided housing and services for the employees of the United Verde Copper Company. Founded in 1912 as an original “company town”, Clarkdale’s history remains alive through stories, artifacts, buildings and the land.
A stroll along Clarkdale’s vibrant Main Street will reveal engaging local restaurants and businesses, the Arizona Copper Art Museum and Four Eight Wine Works, a local winemakers’ cooperative, offering tastes of the Sedona Verde Valley in the restored Bank of Arizona building.
For a sense of the power that carved the valley, enjoy a ride on Verde Canyon Railroad, Arizona’s longest running nature show. View towering cliffs, an ancient lake bed and a working ranch from the comfort of a passenger car. Wonder at Native American ruins and historical sites while enjoying glimpses of bald eagles, herons and other wildlife calling the Verde River home. Be sure to check out the John Bell Museum and the story boards while at the train depot, too.
Float the Verde River of placid pools that funnel into rushing rapids at thrilling intervals. From the Lower TAPCO to the Tuzigoot River Access Point, rare stands of Freemont Cottonwood and Gooding Willow trees provide habitat for a birders paradise. Stop by the 42-acre Tuzigoot National Monument to explore the ancient Sinagua pueblo and interpretive museum. At neighboring Tavasci Marsh, located within the National Park there is a spring-fed freshwater wetland designated as an Audubon Important Birding Area.
Take the CATS Red Line, affectionately nicknamed the Red Wine Line in Clarkdale, to tour our award-winning wineries and production facilities. Great wine and fun folks await. This will be worth your while. From quaint miner’s cottages to off-the-grid accommodations to hotels in historic buildings, Clarkdale offers a respite for every taste.
Read more
