
Main Street Oatman Arizona
A quirky ghost town on Route 66 where wild burros roam Main Street, offering a genuine Old West experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Main Street Oatman Arizona
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quirky ghost town on Route 66 where wild burros roam Main Street, offering a genuine Old West experience.
"Oatman is an absolute must stop spot with its burros walking down Main Street, saloon doors, and ghost town history."

🥕 Feed the Burros
Bring carrots or special burro feed for a memorable interaction! They love a snack.
🤠 Dress for the West
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and a hat for sun protection. It's a dusty, authentic experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Roaming Wild Burros
Friendly burros wander Main Street, often greeting visitors and accepting treats. A truly unique wildlife encounter!

Historic Route 66 Charm
Step back in time with classic wooden storefronts, saloons, and a genuine Old West atmosphere.

Oatman Ghost Town Experience
Explore the remnants of a gold mining boomtown, complete with tales of its past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild West Charm
Donkey Etiquette & Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥕 Feed the Burros
Bring carrots or special burro feed for a memorable interaction! They love a snack.
🤠 Dress for the West
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and a hat for sun protection. It's a dusty, authentic experience.
💰 Support Local Shops
Browse unique souvenirs and vintage items. Your purchases help keep this historic town alive.
📸 Capture the Moment
Don't forget your camera! The burros and historic buildings make for fantastic photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥕 Feed the Burros
Bring carrots or special burro feed for a memorable interaction! They love a snack.
🤠 Dress for the West
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and a hat for sun protection. It's a dusty, authentic experience.
💰 Support Local Shops
Browse unique souvenirs and vintage items. Your purchases help keep this historic town alive.
📸 Capture the Moment
Don't forget your camera! The burros and historic buildings make for fantastic photos.
🚗 Scenic Drive
The drive to Oatman offers breathtaking mountain views. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oatman is widely praised as a charming and unique stop on Route 66, with visitors loving the free-roaming burros and authentic Old West atmosphere. While some find the burros a bit too persistent, the overall experience is considered a delightful step back in time and a worthwhile detour for families and road trippers.
"One of the best tourist attractions in route 66. Very quaint. Definitely worth 👌 the drive and the stop. Kudos to the people who still keep this town the way it was. It is great for the family for a weekend 🚗 drive, the scenery going there is pretty and breathtakjng. Burros everywhere just hanging out. There are places to eat and feel that old western lifestyle."
Anna C
"This review is of Oatman as a whole. Amazing place where you get; wild donkeys running the streets, boiling eggs on the sidewalk on fourth of July weekend, wild west shootouts, you get to post your dollar bills on the walls of the saloon, meet amazing desert people, drive the mother road, find amazing deals on vintage items, stimulate the small town economy, bed racing, motorcycle club hangouts, ghosts, world's smallest post office(I'm not certain about that), surviving gold mining town, tasty burgers and great down to earth people. Everybody going to Laughlin needs to make a stop at this wonderful blast from the past. Keep Oatman alive."
Carlos Garcia
"Fantastic place, real old cowboy town place with donkeys roaming the streets. Would highly recommend to anyone on route 66 to go to."
Mathew Binns
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oatman is about a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas, making it a popular day trip. Take US-93 South and then follow signs for Oatman via the historic Route 66. The drive itself is scenic!
Yes, Oatman is a well-preserved historic stop directly on the iconic Route 66. It's a key part of the 'Mother Road' experience.
The drive to Oatman is incredibly scenic, winding through the Black Mountains. Be prepared for sharp turns and stunning desert vistas.
Absolutely! Oatman is a relatively short drive from Lake Havasu City, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
Oatman is best accessed by car. Public transportation options are very limited, so a personal vehicle or rental car is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Oatman. The town is open to the public, and you can wander freely.
Oatman is an outdoor attraction and is generally accessible at all times. However, individual shops and saloons have their own operating hours, typically from morning to late afternoon.
You do not need tickets to see the wild burros; they roam freely throughout the town. You may choose to purchase feed from local vendors to interact with them.
Oatman sometimes hosts events like wild west reenactments and motorcycle club meetups. Check local listings or ask around when you visit.
Yes, there is parking available in Oatman, though it can get busy, especially on weekends. Be prepared to walk a bit from your parking spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic buildings, visit the saloons, browse curio shops for unique souvenirs, and experience the Old West atmosphere. You might even catch a wild west reenactment!
The burros are generally tame and accustomed to people, but they are still wild animals. It's best to observe them from a safe distance and avoid startling them.
While many visitors do interact closely with the burros, it's advisable to be gentle and respectful. They can be quite persistent if they know you have food.
Oatman features a variety of curio shops selling Route 66 memorabilia, Native American crafts, vintage items, and unique gifts.
As a historic mining town, Oatman has its share of ghost stories and legends, adding to its mysterious allure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Oatman has a few dining options, including saloons and diners that serve classic American fare like burgers and sandwiches. It's a great place to experience a taste of the Old West.
You'll find typical diner and saloon food, such as burgers, fries, and sandwiches. It's hearty, classic road trip fare.
Options might be limited, but you can usually find salads or sides. It's best to inquire directly with the establishments.
Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you plan to feed the burros. There are also picnic areas nearby.
While there's a post office in Oatman, its claim to being the 'world's smallest' is often debated, but it's a charming spot to visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The roaming burros are a prime subject! Also, capture the historic wooden storefronts, the Route 66 signs, and the dramatic mountain scenery.
The burros are quite accustomed to cameras, but they can be active. Be patient and ready to snap photos as they interact with visitors or wander the street.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a golden glow.
Don't miss the Oatman Hotel, the historic saloons, and the iconic Route 66 signage. The entire street is a photo-worthy scene.
It's generally polite to ask permission before taking photos inside private businesses. Many shop owners are happy to oblige if you're respectful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that Oatman is a dusty, historic town. Comfortable shoes are a must for little ones, and a hat is recommended for sun protection. While the burros are tame, always supervise children closely during interactions. The shops offer fun souvenirs, and the casual dining options are generally kid-friendly.
🚗 Road Trippers & Route 66 Enthusiasts
Beyond the burros, Oatman provides a genuine Old West atmosphere with its historic buildings and saloons. It’s a perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a bite at a classic diner, and soak in the nostalgia. Don't miss the chance to explore the curio shops for unique Route 66 memorabilia.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The historic architecture of Main Street, with its wooden storefronts and vintage signage, creates a perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of the Old West. Golden hour light can enhance the rustic charm. Look for interesting details in the buildings and the surrounding desert landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary Oatman Burros
Visitors are encouraged to feed the burros, with special feed often available for purchase in town. It's a unique opportunity to get up close with these gentle creatures. However, it's important to remember they are still wild animals. While generally friendly, they can be persistent, especially if they sense food. Always supervise children and maintain a respectful distance.
The presence of the burros adds an undeniable charm and authenticity to Oatman. They are a constant reminder of the town's history and its enduring spirit. Seeing them casually stroll down the street, past the historic saloons and shops, is an experience you won't find anywhere else on Route 66.
A Glimpse into Old West History
The town actively maintains its historic ambiance, with many businesses operating out of original structures. You can visit saloons where miners once gathered, browse curio shops filled with Route 66 memorabilia and vintage finds, and even learn about the town's gold mining heritage. The wild west reenactments that sometimes take place add an extra layer of authenticity, bringing the town's history to life.
Oatman's commitment to preserving its past makes it a significant stop for anyone interested in American history, particularly the era of the Wild West and the iconic Route 66. It offers a tangible connection to a bygone era, making it a truly memorable destination.
Navigating Oatman and Route 66
Once in Oatman, the main street is easily walkable. Parking can be found along the street or in designated areas, though it can fill up quickly on busy days. The town is compact, so exploring its shops, saloons, and interacting with the burros can be done at a leisurely pace.
For those traveling from Las Vegas or heading towards Southern California, Oatman is a logical and highly recommended detour. It breaks up the journey with a unique cultural and historical experience that stands out from the typical roadside attractions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit