Lesser-known Facts About Cities in Arizona

Tempe, Arizona, is home to the largest university in the United States, Arizona State University. It has more than 80,000 students. Tempe is a vibrant college town with a diverse population and a strong arts and culture scene. Arizona State University (ASU) is the centerpiece of the city and a significant economic driver, employing thousands of faculty and staff, and attracting students from all over the world. ASU has a reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship and is a leading research institution, with a focus on sustainability, health, and biodesign. The university's downtown campus has helped transform the city center, with modern architecture, public art, and bustling pedestrian streets. Tempe is also home to numerous parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the popular Tempe Town Lake, which offers boating, fishing, and kayaking opportunities.

Jerome, Arizona, was once a booming copper mining town with a population of more than 10,000 people in the early 1900s. Today, it's a small town with just over 400 residents, but it's known for its art galleries and historic buildings. Jerome's history is a fascinating blend of wealth, tragedy, and rebirth. The town was founded in the late 1800s and grew rapidly thanks to its rich copper deposits. At its peak, it was the fourth-largest city in Arizona, with a bustling downtown area and a reputation for rowdiness and vice. The town's fortunes declined in the 1930s, and by the 1950s, it was almost a ghost town. However, in the 1960s, artists and bohemians began to discover Jerome's cheap rents and historic architecture, and the town slowly began to revive. Today, Jerome is a quirky and charming destination, with galleries, shops, and restaurants housed in restored buildings. Visitors can take a walking tour of the town, visit the Jerome State Historic Park, or sample local wines at the many vineyards in the area.

Sedona, Arizona, is believed to be a center of spiritual energy, with many people visiting the town for its supposed healing properties. Sedona's red rock formations and stunning scenery make it a popular tourist destination, but many people believe that the town also has a unique spiritual energy. Some believe that the area is a vortex of energy, with four main vortexes located in and around the town. Visitors can hike to these locations and experience the supposed healing properties of the energy fields. Sedona is also home to many spiritual retreats, wellness centers, and New Age shops, catering to those seeking a holistic or alternative approach to healing. The town has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists.

Flagstaff, Arizona, is home to the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered in 1930. Flagstaff is a historic city with a vibrant downtown area and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. The Lowell Observatory is a popular attraction, where visitors can learn about the history of astronomy and view the stars through the telescopes. The observatory's most famous discovery was Pluto, which was identified by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh in 1930. Flagstaff is also home to Northern Arizona University, which adds to the city's youthful energy and cultural diversity. Visitors can explore the historic Route 66, which runs through Flagstaff, or take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, which is just an hour and a half away.

Bisbee, Arizona, is a small town that was once the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco. Today, it's a popular tourist destination known for its art scene and historic architecture. Bisbee's history as a mining town is evident in its distinctive architecture and charming streets. The town was founded in the late 1800s and quickly became one of the largest copper mining towns in the world. At its peak, Bisbee had a population of over 20,000 and was known for its wealth, culture, and entertainment. Today, Bisbee is a small town with a population of around 5,000, but it retains its unique character and charm. Visitors can explore the town's many art galleries and studios, which showcase the work of local artists, or take a tour of the historic Copper Queen Mine. Bisbee also has a lively music scene, with many venues hosting live performances.

Tucson, Arizona, is home to the world's largest gem and mineral show, which takes place annually in February. Tucson's Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is one of the most significant events of its kind in the world, attracting thousands of exhibitors and visitors each year. The show takes place over two weeks in February and features a vast array of gems, minerals, fossils, jewelry, and other treasures from around the world. In addition to the showcase, Tucson is a vibrant city with a strong cultural and culinary scene. The city has a rich history, with influences from Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures. Visitors can explore the many museums and galleries in the city, sample the local cuisine, or take a day trip to nearby attractions like Saguaro National Park.

Yuma, Arizona, is the driest and sunniest city in the United States, with an average of 310 days of sunshine each year. Yuma's warm, sunny climate is a significant draw for visitors, especially during the winter months when many people are seeking to escape colder weather. The city has a range of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, golfing, and boating. Yuma is also home to the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, which tells the story of the infamous prison that operated in the city from 1876 to 1909. Visitors can tour the prison grounds, view the original cell blocks, and learn about the daily lives of the inmates.

Winslow, Arizona, is famous for the song "Take It Easy" by the Eagles, which includes the lyrics, "Well, I'm a standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, and such a fine sight to see." Winslow's association with the Eagles' iconic song has made it a popular destination for music fans and road trippers. The town has embraced its place in rock and roll history, with a statue of Glenn Frey, one of the Eagles' founding members, located on the corner mentioned in the song. Visitors can also explore the many murals and public art installations in the town or learn about Winslow's Route 66 history at the Old Trails Museum

Prescott, Arizona, was once the capital of the Arizona Territory and is known for its historic Whiskey Row, which has been a hub for saloons and nightlife since the 1800s. Prescott has a rich history and a strong sense of community. The town was founded in the 1860s and served as the capital of the Arizona Territory from 1864 to 1867. Today, visitors can explore the many historic buildings in the downtown area, including the stately Yavapai County Courthouse and the Hassayampa Inn, a historic hotel that has hosted numerous famous guests over the years. Whiskey Row, located on Montezuma Street, is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops housed in historic buildings. Prescott is also known for its natural beauty, with numerous parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the picturesque Watson Lake.

Phoenix, Arizona, is the fifth-largest city in the United States and has a rich cultural scene, including world-class museums, performing arts venues, and festivals. Phoenix is a sprawling city that has grown rapidly over the past few decades, but it has also developed a vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to several major museums, including the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, and the Musical Instrument Museum. There are also numerous theaters and performing arts venues, such as the Herberger Theater Center, the Orpheum Theater, and the Phoenix Symphony Hall. Phoenix is also known for its many festivals, including the Arizona State Fair, the Arizona Renaissance Festival, and the Phoenix Pride Festival.

Sedona, Arizona, is famous for its stunning red rock formations and is considered a spiritual and metaphysical center. Sedona's red rocks are one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Arizona and draw visitors from around the world. The area is known for its unique energy, which many believe has spiritual and metaphysical qualities. Visitors can explore the many hiking trails and scenic overlooks in the area, or book a session with one of Sedona's many spiritual healers or psychics. Sedona is also a hub for artists and creative types, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists.

Jerome, Arizona, is a former mining town that is now a thriving arts community, known for its galleries, shops, and restaurants. Jerome is a small town with a big personality. It was founded in the late 1800s as a copper mining town and was once the fourth-largest city in Arizona. Today, the town has a population of just over 400 but is known for its vibrant arts scene. Visitors can explore the many galleries and studios in town, which showcase the work of local artists, or enjoy a meal at one of Jerome's many restaurants. The town also has a rich history, with numerous historic buildings and landmarks, including the Jerome State Historic Park and the Jerome Grand Hotel, a former hospital turned luxury hotel.