Old Dominion Historic Mine Park
Explore Arizona's mining past at this historic park, featuring preserved equipment, interpretive exhibits, and scenic trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the Arizona heat
Old Dominion Historic Mine Park
Best Time
Beat the Arizona heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Arizona's mining past at this historic park, featuring preserved equipment, interpretive exhibits, and scenic trails.
"Wow, more than impressed with this park. It took me a little over 2 hours to look around."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the trails and uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Arizona sun is no joke! :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Mining Equipment
Main park area
Explore relics of a bygone era, including old mine trains and machinery, offering a glimpse into the past.
Interpretive Exhibits
Main paved path
A free outdoor museum with signs detailing the rich mining history and copper terminology.
Scenic Overlooks
Upper trails
Hike to higher points for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the historic mine structures.
Children's Playground
Near picnic areas
A well-maintained play area that's a hit with younger visitors, offering a fun break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Exploration
Accessibility and Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the trails and uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Arizona sun is no joke! :droplet:
Check for Rattlesnakes
Be aware of warnings and stay on marked paths. :snake:
Explore the Interpretive Signs
These signs offer a free museum experience, detailing the park's history. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the trails and uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Arizona sun is no joke! :droplet:
Check for Rattlesnakes
Be aware of warnings and stay on marked paths. :snake:
Explore the Interpretive Signs
These signs offer a free museum experience, detailing the park's history. :scroll:
Evening Views are Stunning
The park offers beautiful sunset views, making an evening visit worthwhile. :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Old Dominion Historic Mine Park for its rich historical exhibits and well-maintained facilities, including a playground and clean restrooms. The scenic views and unique mining relics are highlights, offering an engaging experience for families and history buffs alike. Some minor drawbacks include the unpaved parking lot and the limited visibility of interior mining buildings.
"Great historic site. So much to see and a lot to read along the way. They have a frisbee golf course there too and a really nice kids play ground! Very nice stop when passing through!"
Todd Mowen
"We searched for a place to take a break on our way and we found this place. The entrance of this place looks like an abandoned property but if you drive up to the hill you will find a place to park, then we walked up through the little gate and right there were restrooms and to the left. At first there is nothing in site then we walked all the way around we found two huge Ramadas and a very nice play place for the kids. The bathrooms were very clean. had a long story for the mining industry. There are few walking trails up the deserted mountain, there are warnings for rattle snakes. We were already tired with kids so we didn't take the hike. It was perfect for our family."
Daniel Lukose
"Wow, more than impressed with this park. It took me a little over 2 hours to look around.
When you first park, it's a black gravel rocky lot with stairs to get up, or follow the gravel to the entrance- wish lot was paved. The nice thing is the main path in the park is paved to help with the accessibility aspect; note though, only limitation is for the mining buildings on the left - you'll only be able to see from afar.
Other than that, the main path which goes straight to the left and right offer many interpretive exhibits- a free museum. There's a copper display at the front entrance. From there, to the left- there's old mining equipment next to a shaded large tri-fold sign. In front of that is the playground to the side. Ahead of that is more old mining equipment (including mine trains) laid out in 3 rows with signs. From there, if you venture forward up the trail, it's a short hike and you can get closer to the mining building structure and see the various rooms from a safe distance from behind the fence. You can also rest on the picnic table at the top of the hill for a scenic view, and behind you there's more mining equipment.
To the right, on the main path, there's another section of an old mine building. If you choose to further go up the hill, it's a ~15 min hike up (one-way trail) where you get treated to birds-eye views and also signs along that way that teach you copper terminology. There's a side path that takes you to a stone structure with the park's name engraved.
Overall, beautiful park and more than impressed!"
A Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in Globe, Arizona, about 1.5 hours east of Phoenix. While the initial entrance might look like an abandoned property, driving up the hill leads to parking areas.
Yes, there are parking areas available. Some reviews mention the parking lot is black gravel and rocky, and wish it was paved.
Information on RV parking is limited, but given the description of the parking lot, it's advisable to check for specific restrictions or larger vehicle accessibility before arriving.
The drive to Globe, AZ, is generally straightforward. Be prepared for desert landscapes and potential heat, especially in summer.
Using GPS is recommended. Search for 'Old Dominion Historic Mine Park' in Globe, Arizona.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park is described as a free museum and has no mention of an entrance fee, making it an accessible historical site.
The park is generally open for exploration, but specific hours are not always listed. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility, especially for hiking.
No advance booking is required as it's a public park with free entry.
While generally open, be mindful of rattlesnake warnings on trails and respect any posted signage.
The main paths are paved, which aids accessibility. However, some of the historic mining buildings are only viewable from a distance due to their location or condition.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore historic mining equipment, read interpretive signs about the area's history, hike trails, enjoy scenic views, and visit a children's playground.
Yes, there are several walking trails, some leading to higher elevations for panoramic views. Be aware of rattlesnake warnings.
Absolutely! It features a nice playground and clean restrooms, making it a great stop for families.
While exploring, be aware of potential wildlife, including rattlesnakes on the trails.
Yes, the park offers many scenic opportunities for photography, especially during sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within the park itself. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks or plan to eat in Globe, AZ.
Yes, there are Ramadas (covered picnic areas) available, making it a good spot for a picnic.
Globe, Arizona, offers various dining options. It's advisable to check local listings for restaurants in the town.
Park regulations regarding alcohol are not specified, but it's generally best to consume alcohol responsibly and in designated areas if permitted.
Globe offers a range of casual dining, from local diners to fast-food options.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic mining equipment, scenic overlooks, and sunset views offer excellent photographic opportunities.
While some TikTok videos feature drone footage, it's crucial to check local regulations regarding drone usage in public parks before flying.
Late afternoon and sunset provide beautiful lighting for capturing the park's landscapes and structures.
The old mining equipment, the vast desert landscape, and the historic buildings are prime subjects.
You can get closer to the mining building structures by hiking up the trail, but you can only see the various rooms from a safe distance behind a fence.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While exploring the historic mining equipment, parents can engage children with stories of the past. The paved main paths offer easy navigation, but be mindful of rattlesnake warnings on unpaved trails if your kids are adventurous hikers.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Be prepared for desert terrain and potential heat, especially during summer months. It's crucial to stay aware of rattlesnake warnings and stick to marked paths for safety.
📸 Photographers
The scenic views, especially during sunset, are a major draw for photographers looking to capture the beauty of the Arizona desert.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Mining Heritage
While the main paths are paved and accessible, venturing further up certain trails allows for a closer look at the historic mining building structures. However, it's important to note that access to the interior of these buildings is restricted for safety. Visitors can observe the various rooms from a safe distance behind a fence, providing a fascinating glimpse into the operational aspects of the mine.
For those interested in geology, the presence of chryscolla has been noted, adding another layer of natural interest to the site. This mineral, often found in copper deposits, adds a splash of color and geological significance to the area.
Navigating the Park's Trails and Accessibility
For those seeking more exploration, walking trails wind up the deserted mountain, offering opportunities for light hiking and rewarding scenic views. However, these unpaved trails come with a warning for rattlesnakes, so visitors are advised to stay on marked paths and be aware of their surroundings.
While the park is designed to be welcoming, some limitations exist. The mining buildings on the left are primarily viewable from afar, and the initial parking lot is described as black gravel and rocky. Despite these minor points, the overall accessibility, especially on the main routes, is well-regarded.
Family Fun and Amenities
Beyond the playground, the park offers ample space for families to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Two huge Ramadas provide shaded areas, perfect for picnics or simply taking a break from exploring.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit