Cottonwood Travel Guide

 
by AVG2319
 
  •   Things to Do
    by AVG2319
  • Dead Horse Ranch Park
      Dead Horse Ranch Park
    by AVG2319
  • Tuzigoot National Monument
      Tuzigoot National Monument
    by Basaic
  • Lagoon at Dead Horse Ranch State Park
      Lagoon at Dead Horse Ranch State Park
    by Basaic
  • Old Town Cottonwood
      Old Town Cottonwood
    by Basaic
 

Explore Cottonwood

Things to Do  

The Old Jail

The Old Jail, Cottonwood

 Basaic Says:  The Old County Jail was built in 1929 due to the rising crime rate from the manufacture and sale of bootleg whiskey in Cottonwood. It continued to serve as the county jail until 1960 then as the city jail until 1970. Currently it is the Visitor's Center and the trailhead for... 

Tuzigoot National Monument

Tuzigoot National Monument, Cottonwood

 Yaqui Says:  Tuzigoot is Apache for crooked water. They were a prehistoric people called the Sinagua who built these pueblos and lived in them from around 1125 and 1400 CE. They benefitted from farming, good source of water, and trade. They were accomplished in sculpting stones and... 

See the Historic Cottonwood Hotel

See the Historic Cottonwood Hotel, Cottonwood

 Basaic Says:  The Hotel Cottonwood was built in 1922 and is the oldest hotel in Cottonwood still standing. It still functions as a hotel, is in the heart of the Old Town, and specializes in extended stays with weekly and monthly rates. It is also listed in the National Register of... 

See Dead Horse Ranch State Park

See Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood

 Basaic Says:  Dead Horse Ranch State Park is one of the best places in the area for camping, fishing, hiking and horseriding. It got its name when the Irey Family were looking for a ranch to buy in Arizona. They had seen quite a few possible ranches to buy, one of which had a dead horse... 

See Tuzigoot National Monument

See Tuzigoot National Monument, Cottonwood

 Basaic Says:  Tuzigoot National Monument consists of the remains of a Southern Sinagua Pueblo built around the mid-1100s. It first consisted of a cluster of small rooms housing about 50 people and expanded until it peaked in the early 1300s with about 200 inhabitants. Tuzigoot has a nice,... 

AZ Wall Mural

AZ Wall Mural, Cottonwood

 Yaqui Says:  Located right off main street on the Stop Cafe is a beautiful mural depicting some of Cottonwoods wonderful history. 

Old Town Cottonwood

Old Town Cottonwood, Cottonwood

 Basaic Says:  Several families moved into this section of the Verde Valley in the mid 1800s. In 1877 a team of surveyors came to the area and reported several faring families living here. They called the settlement "Cottonwood" after the plentiful Cottonwood Trees along the Verde River.... 

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood

 AVG2319 Says:  Peaceful place to camp, hike or fish. We camped here for the weekend and enjoyed beautiful sunsets and a peaceful time fishing. 

The Old Town Jail

The Old Town Jail, Cottonwood

 Yaqui Says:  This was a neat find while we strolled down the street. This building was once a jail built in 1929. It probably housed many wooley cowboys or miners after a long night of gambling and boozing it up...woo hoo! Now it houses The Old Town Association’s Visitor Center. It has... 

Hotels  

Pines Motel

 87 Opinions

Little Daisy Motel

 48 Opinions

Hotels  

Sundial Motel: Hotel in the Old Town Area

Sundial Motel: Hotel in the Old Town Area, Cottonwood

 Basaic Says:  I wanted to stay in the Old Town Area so I opted for the Sundial Inn. Accomodations were $55 for a night or I could get the room for $175 for a week. Frequently the places that offer weekly rates (except chain places like Studio 6) are not in the best parts of town and... 

Cottonwood Hotel: The Oldest Hotel in Cottonwood

Cottonwood Hotel: The Oldest Hotel in Cottonwood, Cottonwood

 Yaqui Says:  This is a very simple and very historic 1920's hotel. It is famous for accommodating many celebs such as John Wayne, Gail Russell, Mae West and Elvis Presley. It is very conveniently located right on main street so you can explore all the local shops, restaurants and many... 

Restaurants  

F Stop Restaurant and Gallery: Food, Art and Photographs

F Stop Restaurant and Gallery: Food, Art and Photographs, Cottonwood

 Basaic Says:  I noticed another restaurant that looked like it could be interesting; but I did not stop there. There is a restaurant called the F Stop Restaurant & Gallery which offers food, art and photographs, so if you want to look at some art while you eat it may be a good... 

The Tavern Grille: Nice Bar and Grill

The Tavern Grille: Nice Bar and Grill, Cottonwood

 Basaic Says:  The Tavern Grille is owned by the same guy that owns Nic's. The decor is a bit more like a bar and grill and not so dark and intimate. The center of the room is dominated by a large bar. They have plasma TVs for watching sports. I did not eat here so I cannot tell you about... 

Nic's Italian Steak and Crab House: Great Italian Food

Nic's Italian Steak and Crab House: Great Italian Food, Cottonwood

 Basaic Says:  The decor in Nic's is dark wood, brick and dark red leather. Lighting is dim and intimate. The food was well prepared and the portions were good. Service was professional; but a little impersonal. If you are looking for really good food and are willing to pay for it give it... 

Willy's Burgers & Shakes: Route 66 still lives!

Willy's Burgers & Shakes: Route 66 still lives!, Cottonwood

 Yaqui Says:  This dinner looks awesome. If you like Route 66 and or the 50's, you will love this place. This dinner is decked out with kinds of eye-catching memorabilia from the 50's. Has some really neat old fashion decor. The food is a bit pricey, but I think the family will enjoy the... 

Nightlife  

Kactus Kates: Decent Sports/Singles Bar

Kactus Kates: Decent Sports/Singles Bar, Cottonwood

 Basaic Says:  Kactus Kates advertises food, fun and spirits. Another sign outside mentioned karaoke with a DJ named Sexy Rexy. Inside you find a pool table, darts, a small dance floor, and several TVs for watching sports. I was there on a Monday and they were prepping for a Monday Night... 

Nic's and The Tavern Grille: Restaurants With Bars in Old Town

Nic's and The Tavern Grille: Restaurants With Bars in Old Town, Cottonwood

 Basaic Says:  Two of the restaurants I mentioned on this travel page have bars too. Nic's appears to have the bar mostly to cater to dinner guests. The Tavern Grille had some patrons there just to drink and watch the sports on TV. If you are just looking for a bar; look at the next... 

Shopping  

The Hippie Emporium: Far out!
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4.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Yaqui 4152 reviews

Myself and the hubby about busted a gut when we spotted this store. I had to practically take a second look. It was very busy that day and was actually surprise with the merchandise they had available. Lots of different items. So if your traveling by, stop and check it out!

Updated Jan 17, 2008

Address: North Main Street, AZ. 86326

Phone: (928) 634-9468

Related to:
 Family Travel
 Road Trip
 Historical Travel

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Favorites  

Tourist Info Here & Antiques
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4.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Yaqui 4152 reviews

Favorite thing: This is a great place to shop for Antiques and get some tourist information. Lovely shop with loads to explore and look at. It is even right next door to Willys Burgers & Shakes.

796 N. Main St. Cottonwood AZ 86326
(928) 639-1822

It is located off of Interstate 89 South from Sedona. Head south and exit when you see the sign for Old Town which intersects onto Highway 260 that heads west.

Updated Jan 17, 2008

Related to:
 Road Trip
 Family Travel
 Historical Travel

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Map of Cottonwood