Exploring Lowell: A Ghost Town Near Bisbee, AZ

Ghost towns are really cool reminders of what once was – history buffs will love imagining the life and spirit of a bygone place. Although Arizona is not home to the most ghost towns (Texas takes that honor), there are a number of interesting easily accessible remainders of once thriving towns to explore. Just a few miles from Bisbee, a former mining town turned popular tourist destination, you will be able to take a glimpse into what life in Lowell, Arizona was like many years ago. Many of these ghosts towns were once booming mining cities that were left abandoned when the mines closed. Living in Arizona for many years, I had the unique opportunity to explore many of the last remaining ghost towns in the state, with Lowell being the most interesting.

The history of Lowell

Like Bisbee, Lowell was a former mining community. The city was incorporated into Bisbee in the early 1900’s. By 1915, the population stood at 5000 residents. In The Bisbee Daily Review, Lowell was described as “One of the most energetic towns in the state and a payroll that would dazzle many cities a great deal.” 

When the mine closed in 1974, many residents chose to leave. Erie was the commercial center of the town. At one point Erie was home to many thriving businesses which included auto dealerships, pharmacies, five and dimes, gas stations, and more. The Lowell Americana project has preserved this piece of history over the years. The volunteer run organization aims to preserve what is left of the town with efforts to refresh storefronts, add fresh paint, add new signs, and adding vintage cars to the lots. Today, although nothing is open except for a breakfast diner, you can still walk this historic street and imagine how life once was for the miners.

Read more about the project’s attempts to revitalize the town

Historic Erie Street – What’s Left of Lowell

About all that is left of Lowell today is abandoned Erie Street. As you walk the deserted street, you can explore all the reminders of the past. It’s a bit creepy, but also extremely interesting at the same time. It is really the perfect setting for a horror movie. Visiting feels like a step back in time to the 1950’s. It’s almost as if you walked into a time machine as you walk up and down Erie Street. From vintage cars, to old gas stations, to five and dimes, it’s like a living history museum of the 50’s. So much old time nostalgia lines the historic street – some authentic and some added recently by the Americana project.

Media filming hotspot

Because of the frozen in time appearance, Erie Street has served as a backdrop for many films. Most famously, Stephen King’s Desperation filmed here. Other recognizable appearances include the film Young Guns II and music videos by Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts.

The famous Bisbee Breakfast Club

There is one business which is open today on Erie Street and that is the fantastic Bisbee Breakfast Club which opened in the old Rexall Pharmacy building in 2005. While this diner was obviously not an original during the town’s heyday, the vibe fits in perfectly with the lingering spirit of the town. After a morning of exploring history, you will want to treat yourself to a great meal.

The ambiance and decor at this iconic diner is fun and retro – old-school music plays in the background, servings are large, waiters are friendly, and the fun decor matches the surrounding aesthetic. Today, the breakfast club has expanded to include many locations throughout Arizona.

What to do in Bisbee

Attractions popular with tourists include: Queen Mine tours, ghost tours, and shopping and dining on historic Main Street. Check out my full guide to exploring Bisbee which includes the best restaurants, coffee shops, museums, and historic sights to check out.

Where is Bibee located?

Bisbee is located in Southern Arizona, about an hour and a half south of Tucson. It’s a great daytrip destination for anyone interested in mining or history.