Location: Tombstone, Arizona
Overview
Hearing the word, Tombstone, unquestionably will immediately bring up images of the wild west and the shootout at the O.K. Corral and of course, the epic movie “Tombstone”. Names such as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday have become synonymous with Tombstone and the wild west.
After months of conflict with the Clanton and Mclaury brothers and Billy Claiborne, the conflict escalated into a shootout on October 26 of 1881 between these cowboys and the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday. This historic gunfight came to be known as the shootout at the O.K. Corral and was reinacted in the movie Tombstone. Despite being named the shootout at the O.K. Corral, the gunfight actually took place just down the street in an empty lot of Fremont. Regardless, walking these streets will assuredly bring the movie Tombstone and these events to life that much more.
Tombstone Today
Today, Tombstone stands as a reminder of the once bustling town and the famous events that took place here. Crowds flock here to take in the history and enjoy the settings of the old town. Tourism is the primary calling card of Tombstone and there is tons to do here. The town is a great place for families as well and a full day touring the town is a must.
Scout’s Story
My wife and I, along with our 3 month old daughter Scout, had now been traveling around the U.S. for close to 3 months. Our time was winding down on our trip and we were due to arrive in Tuscon later in the day to meet with my wife’s family, after having come from White Sands National Park the previous day. Our goal was to squeeze in a side trip to Tombstone and Bisbee before making the drive to Tuscon.
The previous few days heading from Texas towards Arizona, had been filled with magnificent lightning and thunderstorms. This day figured to be no different as dark skies hovered above us as we made the early morning drive into Tombstone. Heading towards Tombstone was surreal. The weather made me think back to a few scenes of Tombstone. Very few people were on the road and as we pulled into Tombstone, puddles of rain and mud were scattered through the town.
I have always been a huge fan of the movie Tombstone, and finally getting to visit here was a delight for me. Our first stop would be Allen Street.
Everything in Tombstone is pretty much situated along Allen Street. Great saloons such as Big Nose Kate’s, Wyatt Earp’s Oriental Saloon and Theater and Crystal Palace line the streets among many other great shops and sights. We stopped in at one of the souvenir shops and bought baby Scout a Sheriff’s badge and a holster with six shooters.
As we walked past the shops on Allen Street and headed towards the O.K. Corral, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by this place.
Things to do in Tombstone
There is just a ton to do and see in Tombstone. The Birdcage Theater and the Rose Tree Museum are great places to stop and visit as well. Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is a neat visit as well and includes a replica gallows. I would have literally come to Tombstone just to walk to the main area on Allen Street. Horse carriages trampling down the street and men dressed up as cowboys, hanging out in the streets, set an incredible scene, However, visiting the O.K. Corral put visiting Tombstone over the top for me.
Shootout at the O.K. Corral reenactment
The gunfight at the O.K. Corral offers reenactments of the fight with actors in full dress. Reenactments take place at 11, 1 and 3 daily and last for approximately 30 minutes. Tickets can only be purchased for $10 at the O.K. Corral in person on the day of the performance. Buy your tickets at least 2-3 hours before the show is suggested as tickets often sell out. In addition to the show, visitors can also explore the historic site, which includes a museum and exhibits on the history of the town and the Old West.
Old Tombstone Western Town
Visiting the Old Tombstone Western Town was my favorite part of the day. We were literally the only ones around at this point (I’m sure due to the weather). There also was a reenactment going on in the town. This is a separate one from the one I listed above, but people seem to enjoy this one as well, although it’s more quirky and geared for a younger crowd.
The Old Tombstone Western Town is the place you want to come to if you have kids. A vintage carousel, a train ride through the park, and a mine tour that takes visitors through a simulated underground mine are among the sites here. Kids (and adults) can practice their aim (which I did) at a shooting gallery, or play a game of mini golf or pan for gold.
The little town is a lot of fun to work through and includes a jail and a ton of neat spots to take fun pictures.
Overall, Tombstone is a phenomenal place to visit that will activate images of the wild west. It’s a fantastic time and very family friendly as well. I am sure there is tons more to do than what I included above, but the important thing to know about Tombstone is that in a few short hours you can explore the town and have an insanely memorable time.
