© Mark Lipczynski

WICKENBERG

As far as burgs go, Wickenburg is one of Arizona's best known. Named for Austrian prospector Henry Wickenburg and built along the Hassayampa River, the town endured a great deal of hardship during its early days, from Indian raids and floods to mine closures and the collapse of the Walnut Creek Dam.

Wickenburg survived, thanks in large part to the railroad, and now it's a destination for dude-ranchers and history buffs.

"People want to experience authenticity in the West, and Wickenburg still has that," says Julie Brooks, executive director of the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce. "They can ride a horse, they can go on a Jeep ride. They can go to a real Western museum. They can attend longstanding heritage festivals throughout the year, or just take a walk through our downtown — that gives them a sense of Wickenburg's history."

— Kelly Vaughn Kramer

Information: Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce, 928-684-5479 or www.outwickenburgway.com

>> Back to Hometowns Archive