Oatman Ghost Town in Arizona 2024-2025

A former mining town, Oatman has become an iconic stop for everyone travelling the Historic Route 66. It is located in the Black Mountains of Arizona's Mohave County, near Laughlin, Nevada. The quirky ghost town welcomes 500,000 visitors per year and is famous for its burros who wander the streets freely.

It was founded in 1863 by gold seekers. The population of the town grew to over 3,500 residents in one year as a result of the gold rush. However, as mining decreased, the place was slowly abandoned.

The town was named after Olive Oatman, a girl who was allegedly kidnapped by the Yavapai tribe and who later lived with Mohave people for three years. Her family lived in the area that later became Oatman.

Oatman is an authentic Wild West mining settlement. With its beautiful buildings from the early 1900s and its large population of burros, it's a great spot for classic car shows and cowboy performances. On July 4th—Independence Day—there is the Oatman Egg Fry, where participants cook eggs on hot sidewalks. During Labour Day weekend Oatman hosts International Burro Biscuit Toss.