In Willcox, cultural themes range from railroad history and early city life to movies, theater, museums and wine. If you’re looking for a hotel in Willcox, choosing your main interest can help guide your plans: Are you most interested in historic architecture, film and theater, Rex Allen or wine?
Railroad Station and City History
The Southern Pacific Railroad Station was built from redwood in 1880. It is the only known original wood-frame station still standing at its original location along the second transcontinental railroad line from Los Angeles to Chicago. The combination of its distinctive building material, construction and railroad history makes the station a well-defined focus for a history-themed stay.
The Railroad Avenue Historic District tells the story of Willcox’s early settlement and the city’s development into a trading center for the Sulphur Springs Valley. Nicholson Drugstore offers a more specific architectural highlight: it has the only pressed-metal storefront in Willcox. The Schwertner House represents a different historical purpose. It was built around 1880 as lodging for Army personnel traveling to Fort Grant. The station and Schwertner House thus date to roughly the same period, but point to different themes: the railroad connection on the one hand, and lodging for Army personnel on the other.
Movies, Theater and Art
The Willcox Historic Theater shows current movies seven days a week. The 1937 theater has also been authentically restored inside and out in the Art Deco style. The movie schedule and the building’s history offer two different points of interest; if you’re planning a movie night, check the current schedule, as the program and operating hours may change.
Willcox Theater and Arts offers live stage performances, art workshops, and STEAM and digital arts programs. Unlike the movie schedule, the focus here is on live performances and art programs. If you’re more interested in live entertainment or art than a movie, this offers a different cultural focus for your stay.
Rex Allen, Museums and Wine
The Rex Allen Museum opened in 1989 in honor of Rex Elvie Allen, who became known as the last of the singing cowboys of Western films. Exhibits include memorabilia from his successful career in rodeo, radio, film and television. Rex Allen Days in Willcox honors Allen with a rodeo, parade, rides, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. The program may change from year to year; if your trip depends on the event, check the dates and schedule in advance.
The Cochise Defense Antiquities Museum is located at Inde Motorsports Ranch in Willcox, Arizona. It is dedicated to the spirit of the Chiricahuas, who once roamed this land. If you plan to visit the museum, confirm visiting arrangements before you travel. Willcox Wine Country offers a different focus, inviting visitors into tasting rooms to enjoy locally grown and produced wines.
Discover more destinations: Tombstone, Sierra Vista, Benson, Douglas, Bisbee
Return to the main travel overview: Cochise County.
