Location: Willcox
Top Things to do in Willcox
8 Budget-friendly Things to do in Willcox That You Shouldn't Miss
Willcox is a city in Cochise County, Arizona, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 3,757.
Restaurants in Willcox
1. Chiricahua National Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 779 reviews
The unusual rock formations at this popular hiking site were caused by a massive volcanic eruption 27 million years ago.
Reviewed By keithbporter - Tucson, United States
Some of the best trails in all of Arizona. You will not be disappointed. The views are incredible, the trails well maintained, facilities are very clean. Be sure to bring a camera, lots of water, light snack or small lunch, and hike all day. I would highly recommend "The Big Loop" counter clockwise (BEST VIEWS). "The Big Loop" and traverses multiple connecting trails in the Chiricahua NM. Begin at the Echo Canyon trailhead, then veer left on Ed Riggs trail, connect to Mushroom Rock Trail, then Big Balanced Rock Trail, make sure to do the Heart of Rocks Loop, after that, then Sarah Deming Trail, connect to Upper Rhyolite Canyon Trail, and then finish up with Echo Canyon Trail. You'll end up right where you started, but richer in experiencing the beauty of nature!
2. Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Located here are the carefully preserved ruins of Fort Bowie, a focal point of the battle between the U.S. Army and the Apaches.
Reviewed By 805williamm - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
This is a “Must Visit” place if you are interested in the History of the American West. There are 2 ways to get to Fort Bowie, either by walking a 1.5 Mile trail, or by taking the “Disabled Visitor” vehicle route, which is signposted for “Disabled Visitors Only”. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TRAIL IS NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESIBLE. If you don’t think you can manage the trail, take this route. The Trail Head is located 13 Miles from the town of Bowie, or approximately 30 Miles from the town of Wilcox. If you travel from the town of Bowie, you will see the sign for the disabled route on the left-hand side of the road, approximately 2.25 Miles from the Trail Head car park. There are Toilets, Picnic Tables, Trash Cans & Information Boards at the trail head. There are no toilets on the trail. The trail itself is very interesting, you will cross a dry stream bed (Depending on the weather, Flash floods can appear very quickly, they can also dissipate very quickly) so please take care, (Remember “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”). There are the remains of an old miner’s cabin, further along you will find the remains of the old Butterfield Stage Coach Station, the Cemetery, The site of “The Battle Of Apache Pass”, Apache Spring, The Remains of the 1st Fort Bowie, The 2nd Fort Bowie & Bascoms Camp, all set in some beautiful scenery, some wonderful views. There are also a lot of different plants and animals, (Beware Of Rattlesnakes), the whole area is very quiet & peaceful, and all this before you get to Fort Bowie itself. Once at Fort Bowie, there is a lot to see. There are a lot of ruins to explore, some of them are Archeological sites. Some of the buildings are:- The Cavalry Barracks, The Walls of the Corral, The Guard House, The Bath House & Laundry, Non-Commissioned Officers Quarters. The Powder Magazine and the Gun House, just to mention a few. The Park & Trails are open every day from Sunrise to Sunset. The Cemetery deserves a mention in itself. It was built and in use before Fort Bowie was built and was still in use after the Fort was abandoned. The Cemetery was at one time nearly full, with both Military & Civilian burials. After the Fort closed, some of the families had their relatives (Both Military & Civilian) removed and re-buried at San Francisco National Cemetery. There are still somewhere between 23 & 33 people buried here. One of the people who was buried here is a Medal Of Honor Recipient. One of Geronimo’s son’s “Little Robe”, is buried here, the soldiers of the fort had taken a liking to the little boy, he died of Dysentery on the 10th September 1885. On the 27th September another little Apache boy died, his Name & Age are not known, but the soldiers of Fort Bowie looked after him and buried him here also. I personally do not know if they are still here, but it is thought that they are. The Cemetery is well maintained and worth stopping for a while, to reflect on the past, what has happened in this area (25 Years of conflict between the US Army & the Chiricahua Apache), and to pay respects to those who are still here. There is a lot of information at the Visitor Centre (Open Wednesday to Sunday 08:30 ~ 16:00 Mountain Standard Time). Remember that Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time. There are also toilets and picnic tables here, so after having explored the Fort, you can rest here before starting the journey back along the trail to your car. There are actually 2 trails back to the trail head, the one you came along to get here. Information about the other one, (Which is a lot steeper in places) is available at the visitor centre. If you take the second trail back to your car, you get a view of what the Apache view would have been when they attacked the Butterfield Stage Coach Station. The trails to and from Fort Bowie can be very hot and dusty, when we were there in September 2018, the Temperature along the trail in Apache Valley reached 100OF / 30OC, there wasn’t the slightest breath of wind, not even a breeze, and we were the only people on the trail, so take your time, carry and drink plenty of water. When you get back to the trail head and your car, if you head towards Wilcox for approximately 1.5 Miles there is parking area on the right-hand side of the road, just after you have rounded a right-hand bend. Stop here and walk across the road. Just in front of where you are stood lies what is left of the old stagecoach road, it was here that the massacre of the occupants of a Butterfield Stagecoach took place.
3. Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By 254kathym - Apache Junction, United States
Honestly, we wanted to come here because we are in love with the song “I Love You, Arizona” (also titled “Arizona”) by Rex Allen Jr. We learned a whole lot more about both father and son in this nicely displayed set of memorabilia. We learned about Rex’s horse, Koko, which we did not know and Koko was a movie star in his own career and a stunning animal. We learned Rex was in a lot of movies, including some with Roy Rogers. He had a bunch of sidekicks, including Slim Pickens and Buddy Ebsen. He was the narrator on my favorite movie from childhood, The Incredible Journey. There are displays of musical instruments, music, posters, attire, and more. There is an entire art gallery of paintings of cowboys. We enjoyed the parts of the museum on Rex Allen Jr with so many records and music offerings, including some played in the museum while we were there. We bought a CD and now we know where to go for more CDs and DVDs. Well worth the stop and recommend you make a weekend of it as there are so many things to do in Willcox and the surrounding area - Sandhill cranes (winter grounds nearby), Chiricahua National Monument, Amerind Museum, vineyards, wine tastings, museums, Fort Bowie, and more. Highly recommend you stay at the Arizona Sunset Inn - clean, comfortable, affordable priced and with great WiFi and friend staff and owner. Willcox is a fun weekend get-away!
4. Chiricahua Regional Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By DonnaGSP - Madison, United States
We were so impressed with this small museum in Willcox. We were greeted by a curator(Cathy) who gave us a summary of local history and explained the layout of the museum. She also checked on us halfway through to see if we had any questions and offer more information on how Cochise’s relatives have contributed to the museum. There is so much great information about the Apaches, especially Cochise and Geronimo up through the time the tribe was moved to Florida and then Oklahoma. There’s also information on ranching in the area. I would highly recommend setting aside an hour or two to see this museum. Cost is only $3 per couple.
5. Apple Annie's Orchard
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By RobinM3355
The orchard, pumpkin patch, and corn maze were a great outdoor activity on a perfect fall afternoon. This was our first trip to the pumpkin patch and corn maze; the hay ride to the pumpkin patch was fun and walking through the field to select the perfect pumpkin was a unique experience. The corn maze features two different mazes for the adventurous spirit. Their passport system made it fun and educational. You won’t find a better family activity than a visit to Apple Annie’s!
6. Willcox Playa Wildlife Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Polarbear95404 - Hungry Horse, United States
We got in a bit late... about an hour before sunset. Followed path toward lake (which we never seemed to get closer to!). Sun was setting. Decided to head back to RV. And suddenly wave after wave of Sand Hill cranes flew over us. My husband referenced the Flying Monkeys from the Wizard of Oz. Really amazing! They summer near us on the Red Cedar River in WI. It was a great treat to see them come together in their winter home. Be warned... they return as the sun is setting. It's a small window... but an awesome experience!
7. Friends of Marty Robbins Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By timothyg868 - Mechanicsville, United States
On the Old Main Street of Wilcox is a nice, neatly maintained, museum dedicated to Marty Robbins, country singer. You enter the front door greeted by a very nice lady, and a very stocked gift shop with a nice gift shop filled with books, postcards, and some delightful Marty Robbins souvenirs. The museum, very affordable, is filled with Marty Robbins Memorablia. If you are a country western music fan, this is a nice aversion to your Highway 10 trip. Thank you.
8. Apple Annie's Country Store
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By 914jillr - Amarillo, United States
I live in Tucson and heard on radio about Apple Annie's Country Store. It said their Apple Pie had won award for best apple pie in world, so I knew I had to go there to see if it really was. Well it IS !! It's the best apple pie I've ever tasted, and they have other products that are also fabulous, especially their Apple Bread that is just the best ! It's a great store, friendly staff and they have such a lot of other things to look at and buy and even sit down and have a slice of pie there in their cafe area. Recommend you go there.
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