This historic courthouse, in the town of Tombstone, lies about 70 miles east of Tucson. Often referred to as ‘The Town Too Tough to Die’, Tombstone is the most famous of all of the old mining camps. It has a rich history, full of silver mines, treasure hunters, gunslingers and more.
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is a museum dedicated to these stories and memories, of this time period during the late 1800s. The Tombstone Courthouse was the first Cochise County Courthouse and this Arizona state park helps to preserve this legacy for future generations to experience.
Visitors enjoy exploring the various rooms, displays and exhibits inside this historic building as well as visiting other local historical sites nearby.
Activities
A visit to Tombstone is like taking a trip back in time. This frontier-era-themed town is full of history, reenactments and other entertainment. Explore Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park and experience what it must have been like for Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Ed Schieffelin (the prospector who discovered silver in 1877 and where the town got its name from) and many others.
The park’s gift shop carries books, guides, apparel, souvenirs (wild west badges, wooden train whistles, old fashioned tops) and more. Stop in and explore and then check out all of the other attractions that Tombstone has to offer.
Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park:
Museum & Exhibits at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Step back in time during your visit to this historic site. Historic Tombstone Courthouse, originally built in the shape of a Roman cross, is a 12,000 sq ft museum with interpretive exhibits and displays detailing the history of Tombstone and Cochise County.
Rooms and exhibits within the building structure include the courtroom, late 1800s style sheriff’s office, saloon and gaming room, mining, ranching, Wyatt Earp and drawings of the famous gunfight at the OK Corral. A reproduction of the gallows, where 7 convicted murderers were hung, lies in the courtyard area.
Take your time, explore this two-story Victorian style courthouse, and discover more about this interesting time in history. Guided tours are also available for an additional fee.
Become a Junior Ranger at Tombstone Courthouse SHP
Junior Ranger Pledge: ‘As an Arizona State Parks Junior Ranger, I pledge to help the park rangers protect and preserve habitat, wildlife, and help keep the park clean and safe for visitors and wildlife.’
Encourage younger generations to do their part and help preserve the beauty of the parks for future visitors. If your child is between the ages of 6-12 they can become a Junior Ranger at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park.
All they need to do is download and complete the Junior Ranger Activity Sheet and then request a Junior Ranger booklet at the park’s visitor center once you’ve arrived at the park. Complete each of the activities during your stay.
When all of the activities have been completed report back to a Park Ranger who will swear your Junior Ranger in and award them with a Junior Ranger Button. Kids can become a Junior Ranger at most Arizona State Parks and earn each park’s unique Junior Ranger Button. Check out the For Kids section on each park’s website.
Wildlife Viewing at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Squirrels, snakes, lizards and many different species of birds may be seen in the area around Tombstone Courthouse. If you would like to see more take a short drive over to the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA).
Here you will find deer, javelina, bobcats, some 400 species of native and migratory birds as well as diverse plant life and trees.
Pets at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Pets are allowed on the grounds but not inside any facility buildings at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. Pets must be attended to at all times and kept on a leash no longer than six-feet. Please clean up after your pet.
Lodging Near Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is a day use area only and doesn’t have any overnight accommodations, but there are many places to stay in Tombstone. Here are a couple of nearby options:
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Tombstone Bordello Bed & Breakfast – 107 W Allen St, Tombstone
Unique B&B in a former Victorian bordello, only minutes from Tombstone Courthouse. Cozy period furnished rooms with fireplaces, hot breakfast, outdoor pool and a patio area with BBQ.
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Wyatt’s Hotel – 109 S 3rd St, Tombstone
Elegant adult only luxury suites perfect for couples and romantic getaways and close to historic downtown Tombstone.
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Katie’s Cozy Cabins – 16 W Allen St, Tombstone
Cozy cabins with kitchenettes, loft area, private bedroom and a sleeper sofa plus a porch with swing. Each unique cabin sleeps up to 6.
If you’d rather camp, nearby Kartchner Caverns State Park has campsites and camping cabins with spectacular mountain views. Their 62 campsites come with water and electric connections and are either back-in or pull-through.
They also have 4 two-room camping cabins with a queen sized bed, 2 sets of bunk beds, table with 4 chairs, a mini-fridge and a cozy front porch area. Cabins have heat/AC but not water, kitchens, bathrooms or linens. Bathhouses are nearby.
Attractions Near Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
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Boothill Cemetery – 408 AZ-80, Tombstone
Original graveyard from 1879. Many of them died with their boots on! Around 250 people are buried here and every one dates from before 1884.
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OK Corral & Historama – 328 E Allen St, Tombstone
Visit the world famous site of the legendary gunfight between Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Virgil and Morgan Earp, and the Clantons and McLaurys that took place October 26, 1881.
Experience the thrill during daily reenactments.
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Kartchner Caverns State Park – 2980 AZ-90, Benson
Tour one of the best caves in the US, camp, hike and more at this nearby state park.
Park Hours & Fees
Park & Facility Hours:
9:00am – 3:00pm (June 1 – September 30)
9:00am – 5:00pm (Oct 1 – May 31)
Park Entrance Fees:
– Adult (14+): $7.00
– Youth (7–13): $2.00
– Child (0–6): FREE
Park Location
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
223 E Toughnut St
Tombstone, AZ 85638
Phone: 520.457.3311
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park:
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