Empowering Curiosity Through History
At Vulture City, we don’t just tell stories—we bring them to life. Our educational programs are designed to immerse students and curious minds in the raw, real history of Arizona’s gold rush era. As they explore over a dozen authentically restored buildings—including the assay office, brothel, cookhouse, and blacksmith shop—visitors step into the gritty world of 19th-century frontier life.
Active learning
Students learn how gold was mined, processed, and shipped, and how this once-thriving town fueled Arizona’s early economy. From the tools miners used to the chemicals involved in the assaying process, our guided tours deliver an engaging and tactile understanding of life in a mining town. The town’s darker history—violence, vigilante justice, and the infamous Hanging Tree—offers lessons in early law enforcement and the challenges of survival in the Wild West.
Real Geology & Mining Engineering
Our mineshaft viewing platform lets guests peer into a real vertical shaft that drops over 900 feet, sparking discussions on mining engineering, geology, and occupational hazards. Gold-panning demonstrations add a hands-on component to the experience and give participants a chance to connect with the skills and labor of early prospectors.
Custom Experiences for Every Age Group
Whether it’s a homeschool group, public school field trip, or adult education tour, our programs are tailored to suit the age, interest level, and curriculum goals of each group. Topics can include mining technology, desert geology, historical preservation, and Arizona statehood development. Interactive Q&A sessions reinforce learning while keeping the energy fun and engaging.
Why Our Programs Matter
Experiential Learning
Interacting with original structures and restored spaces deepens understanding and retention far beyond the classroom.
Multi-Disciplinary Content
Our programs touch on history, science, engineering, economics, and social studies.
Inspiration in Action
Students and adults alike leave with a new appreciation for Arizona’s past—and those who preserved it.
