When I first heard about Oatman, Arizona, I knew it had to be a stop on our road trip. Picture this: a real Wild West town with wooden sidewalks, dusty streets, and donkeys (burros) roaming freely. Located along historic Route 66, this quirky desert town is full of Western charm, and it’s not just for show… it’s the real deal!
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ToggleI ended up spending hours strolling down the original wooden walkways, petting the famous free roaming burros, browsing the Western shops, and wrapping up my visit with a beer at the Dollar Bill Bar.
This town, with its Gold Rush history, felt like stepping into a piece of American history. If you’re road-tripping through Arizona, Oatman is an experience you’ll remember!
⏰ Short on time?
What to Do in Oatman
– Stroll Through Historic Main Street
– Dollar-bill Bar
– Meet the Oatman Burros
– Watch the Ghost Rider Gunfighters Show
– Shop for Souvenirs
Where to Eat
– Dollar Bill Bar
👉 Book a Day Trip to Oatman here
👉 Where we rented our car here
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Why Visit Oatman
Located in the Black Mountains of Arizona, Oatman was once a mining town during the Gold Rush era. Today, it’s a blend of Wild West history, quirky shops, and live reenactments that make it feel like a scene from an old Western movie. The Oatman burros (descendants of the miners’ donkeys) roam around Main Street, adding to the town’s unique atmosphere. You can even see a bit of live action with Ghost Rider Gunfighters reenactments, and you’ve got the ultimate Wild West experience.
How to Get to Oatman
We drove over from Joshua Tree National Park in California, but Oatman is also a great day trip from Las Vegas, about a two-hour drive. If you prefer not to drive, a guided tour makes it easy to enjoy the town’s history and highlights.
👉One of my trip visiting Oatman in Arizona
What to Do in Oatman
Walking down Main Street feels like stepping back in time. The rustic buildings, weathered storefronts, and old wooden sidewalks give you a real sense of the Gold Rush era. The historic Oatman Hotel is a must-see and its dollar bill-covered walls are something you have to see to believe.

The Oatman burros are, without a doubt, the stars of the town. These friendly, free roaming donkeys are descendants of the ones used by miners during the Gold Rush. They wander around Main Street, unbothered by the visitors, and are always happy for a bit of attention (and sometimes a treat). You can even buy burro-friendly snacks from local shops to feed them. Meeting these burros was definitely a highlight of my trip!
For a bit of history, the Oatman Museum is a must. Located right on Main Street, it’s packed with artifacts from Oatman’s mining days and gives a fascinating look into the town’s storied past. There’s even a small, underground mining shaft you can walk into, which really brings the Gold Rush history to life.

The local shops in Oatman are full of character and unique souvenirs. You’ll find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to gems and beautiful crystals to take home.
One of the highlights of my visit was catching the Ghost Rider Gunfighters show. Held daily in the afternoon, this live reenactment takes you straight into a Wild West showdown with cowboy costumes, staged gunfights, and loads of old-school drama. It’s a fun, family-friendly event that brings a slice of Wild West life to Oatman, and it’s free to watch! Be sure to check the schedule so you don’t miss it.

Where to Eat in Oatman
You can’t visit Oatman without grabbing a bite at the Dollar Bill Bar! True to its name, this place is covered in dollar bills left by visitors over the years. I had a great meal here and, of course, added my own dollar to the wall. There’s also a small selection of eateries and a general store where you can grab essentials and snacks on the Main Street.

FAQs About Visiting Oatman
Absolutely! With its charm, history, and unique attractions, Oatman is a perfect stop for anyone road-tripping through Arizona, especially if you’re travelling along Route 66.
There’s free parking along Main Street and in nearby lots, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early is your best bet.
Oatman is famous for its Wild West vibe, free-roaming burros, historic buildings, and the lively Ghost Rider gunfight shows.
The gunfight reenactments are usually held daily in the afternoon. Be sure to check the schedule for exact times.
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