With their peculiar stories and remarkable history, ghost towns make for great sightseeing destinations. Arizona has nearly 300 of these forgotten communities, each with its own unique personality. Located along the famous Route 66 is Oatman—a rugged living ghost town that has stood the test of time. Use this guide to plan your next trip.

What Should You Know About The Town of Oatman?

Oatman was founded after prospectors struck gold. Unlike other mining towns across the U.S., after its boom, Oatman was able to survive because of its location on Route 66.

The community was named after Olive Oatman, a 13-year-old girl who was kidnapped by members of the Yavapai Native American tribe during her pioneer family's trek West. She was brought to work on their rancheria and later sold to the Mohave people. Photos of Olive show her sporting a blue chin tattoo. All Mohave women don this marking, and it's said that it's used to identify people in the afterlife. After five years in captivity, Olive was reunited with her brother and returned to New York.

Today, the living ghost town of Oatman attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. The western-themed town features souvenir shops, wooden sidewalks, and staged shootouts, perfect for sightseeing.

What Is There to Do & See In Oatman?

The Oatman Hotel

The Oatman Hotel was built in 1902, and it’s rumored that Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned there. It’s said that the two-story adobe building is haunted by many spirits, including the honeymooners and Oatie, an Irish miner. Today, tourists can visit the hotel, which functions as a restaurant and museum, and see if they witness any strange occurrences. 

Wild Burros

Visitors are also attracted to the town’s animal residents. Wild burros make up more of the population than people, wandering the streets at all times of the day. They were brought to the area by prospectors nearly a century ago. They thrived in the desert, and the now-federally protected occupants became part of Oatman’s culture. 

An annual Burro Biskit Toss takes place each fall, where visitors throw gold-painted burro deposits. Whoever tosses their biscuit the farthest gets Oatman merchandise and a cash prize.

Shops & More

Flashy souvenir shops give the town a bit of sass, as many of their names are good-humored but risqué. Many stores also sell feed and carrots so tourists can treat the burros while sightseeing. While the ghost town is the area's main attraction, there’s a lot to do just outside of Oatman’s border. Wilderness protected by the Bureau of Land Management surrounds Oatman, providing ample outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing.

If you’re looking for a reliable tour guide for your trip to Oatman, turn to Laughlin Tours. This award-winning company is located in Laughlin, NV, and has been serving clients with all-inclusive southwest sightseeing experiences since 2001. Some of their tours include Grand Canyon National Park, Oatman, and the Hoover Dam. Call (702) 420-5345 to schedule your trip, or learn more online.