Founded in 1912 as Arizona's first planned community and a former mining community, Clarkdale is now in the heart of the vibrant Verde Valley wine country in Yavapai County. The town originally operated as a United Verde smelter town until 1953. During this period, Clarkdale was a company town with commercial, industrial and retail businesses. Today, Clarkdale is 10 square miles in size and has more than 4,400 residents. Glimpses into its historic past are still evident in the historic business district and the unique historic neighborhoods. The beauty of the area includes the Verde River and Tuzigoot National Monument.

Principal Economic Activities

Clarkdale’s economy has five major sectors: tourism, precision manufacturing, wine production, education and the arts. Lovers of history and nature will find unparalleled outdoor recreation like the iconic Verde Canyon Railroad, the Tuzigoot National Monument, the Arizona Copper Art Museum and the free-flowing Verde River. Not only does Clarkdale feature multiple precision manufacturers as well, but wine production and wine tasting rooms abound. As home to the Verde Valley Campus of Yavapai College with its new Southwest Wine Center, there are many educational opportunities here. Clarkdale also celebrates the arts with the Made in Clarkdale league operating for over 30 years.

Scenic Attractions

With attractions for all ages, tourism and outdoor recreation are essential to Clarkdale's success. People can enjoy the Arizona Copper Art Museum, the Verde Canyon Railroad, the Verde River @ Clarkdale and Tuzigoot National Monument. The award-winning Arizona Copper Art Museum features over 5,000 copper art pieces in a one-of-a-kind restored high school. The Verde Canyon Railroad offers scenic train tours stretching 19 miles along the Verde River introducing passengers to the beauty of the terrain. With two river access parks along the Verde River, a person can particpate in kayaking the Verde River with Clarkdale Kayak Co. Bird watching abounds and various bald eagle sightings occur throughout the year. At Tuzigoot National Monument, visitors can tour ancient dwellings and study the lives of the earliest area inhabitants.

Fittingly located on the eastern edge of Clarkdale's Historic District sits the Clarkdale Museum which showcases many fascinating artifacts. Clarkdale's Historic District highlights many preserved, revitalized homes and buildings, keeping the original spirit of Clarkdale alive. Town Park features a gazebo and serves as the summer gathering place for free outdoor activities. Mindful of its sustainable stewardship role, Clarkdale is home to the Yavapai College Southwest Wine Center, which offers a comprehensive hands-on education from vineyard-to-bottle with programs in enology, viticulture and business/entrepreneurship through its estate vineyard, teaching winery, fully-operational tasting room, and region-wide wine industry research epicenter. Clarkdale offers spots to stop, sip and savor. Visitors can sample fine pastries at the caboose on the corner, home to Violette's Bakery Cafe, or grab a cocktail at the renovated 10-12 Lounge.

Community Facilities

The historic downtown area with the Arizona Copper Art Museum, Town Park, Town Hall Complex, Clarkdale’s Historical Society and Museum and Tuzigoot National Monument are all must-see attractions. If you have a chance, visit Yavapai College, the Verde River @ Clarkdale park sites or ride the Verde Canyon Railroad.