Western Culture

Prescott is known as one of the Top 5 Western Towns in the United States. Legendary figures like Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp (who was a lawman here) and Doc Holliday lived Prescott for a portion of their lives here. Today, you can still immerse yourself in western history when you visit Whiskey Row's saloons in Downtown Prescott. Museums like the Sharlot Hall Museum and Phillen Museum and the Fort Whipple Museum share art, sculptures, and weapons from the early days. Guests can visit Arizona Territory’s first governor’s residence, a log cabin restored to its original look. Prescott Frontier Days is host to the World's Oldest Rodeo keeping alive the tradition of Prescott’s first rodeo that took place in 1888.

When you visit Prescott, you'll have the opportunity to explore Prescott National Forest on horseback, attend a cowboy cookout with live cowboy entertainment, stay at a dude ranch, pan for gold, and many other western experiences make the Old West so special in American history.

How to Experience the Old West in Prescott

1. Whiskey Row

   A series of saloons and entertainment venues that at one point had over 40 saloons in one district, until a series of fires over a couple of decades decided what we call Whiskey Row today. Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp and Doc Holliday were all frequent visitors of The Palace Restaurant and Saloon, located on Whiskey Row. The Palace was opened in 1877 and still operates, making it the oldest business in Arizona.

2. Sharlot Hall Museum

   A historic site and a heritage campus that features 11 exhibit buildings (six of which are historic), more than 40,000 artifacts, and thousands of documents, photos, images and maps from the Old West in its archives. Experience an “Arizona History Adventure” with frontier heritage portraying the Territorial times in the small-town, high-country environs of Prescott.

3. Phippen Museum

   The Phippen Museum’s Permanent Collection holds close to 800 incredible pieces of museum-quality, fine art. These special items illustrate the incredible artistic talent of their creators and the wide variety of artistic techniques and mediums utilized in the creation of some of America’s finest Western Art. Other permanent exhibits include the Western Heritage Gallery, Arizona Rancher & Cowboy Hall of Fame, The Solon H. Borglum Collection, The Ray Swanson Gallery, and History of the Cowgirl.

4. Prescott Frontier Days

   Atten the festivities during Frontiers days at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. Since 1888, this traditional event has occurred annually over the 4th of July weekend with eight breath-taking performances including a wild horse race, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding, barrel racing and much more!

5. Cowboy Cookout & Ranch Adventures

   Blazin' M Ranch is a western experience for the entire family. Step back in time for a great outing that’s sure to be enjoyed by adventurers of all ages. This venue includes activities like guests trying their hand at roping, pitching horseshoes and target shooting with a real Colt .45 six-shooter, having drinks at the saloon or a cowboy dinner with live cowboy entertainment.