QUIETLY nestled along the Verde River in the heart of the Verde Valley, Clarkdale is a town that feels both timeless and alive with discovery. Founded in 1912 as Arizona’s first planned company town by copper magnate William A. Clark, it has transformed from a smelter town into a destination celebrated for its rich history, natural beauty, and small-town charm.

Clarkdale is where past and present mingle: historic buildings line quiet streets, while art galleries, tasting rooms, and coffee shops welcome travelers with local flavor. It’s the kind of town that invites you to slow down, explore, and savor.

See & Do:

• Ride the historic Verde Canyon Railroad through red rock country and along the scenic Verde River, one of Arizona’s most spectacular train journeys.

• Step back in time at the Clarkdale Historical Society & Museum and the Arizona Copper Art Museum, where the region’s mining legacy shines.

• Float the Verde River with Verde Adventures for a day of kayaking, tubing, and fun on the water.

• Explore nearby natural treasures like Tuzigoot National Monument—an ancient Sinagua pueblo set atop a desert hill with breathtaking views.

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Shops & Galleries:

• Browse handcrafted works and local finds at Made In Clarkdale art cooperative.

• Visit specialty shops along Main Street, each offering unique pieces that capture the town’s creative spirit.

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Eat & Drink:

• Savor Arizona-grown wines at Southwest Wine Center, an award-winning teaching winery at Yavapai College.

• Enjoy wood-fired pizza and small-town hospitality at Violette’s Bakery Café.

• Grab a locally roasted brew at Cup & Cone, a community favorite for coffee and treats.

• Taste elevated Mexican fare and regional dishes at Su Casa Mexican Restaurant.

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Stays:

• Relax riverside at the boutique Taawaki Inn which features authentic Hopi works of art.

• Unwind at charming local rentals, B&Bs, and historic inns in Clarkdale and the Verde Valley.

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Clarkdale may be small, but its spirit is anything but. It’s a place where copper history meets river adventure, where wine country mingles with artistic energy, and where every corner invites you to discover something new.