giant bronze eagles surrounded by 50 stars representing the 50 states. The Arizona Veterans Memorial Park also contains a pyramidshaped stone memorial honoring the U.S.S. Arizona, which was destroyed in the attack on Pearl Harbor that marked America’s entry into World War II. The memorial park is open year-round and admission is free. To get there, take State Highway 95 to Riverview Drive. Travel west (towards the Colorado River and past Rotary Park) until the road ends at Riviera Boulevard, about two miles. Turn left onto Riviera Boulevard and continue about 300 yards, where the road terminates into a large parking lot. Follow the signs to enter the memorial park area.
Oatman Located in the Black Mountains, southeast of Bullhead City on historic Route 66, Oatman is a Western history buff’s dream. Experience an old western gunfight, enjoy the friendly ‘wild’ burros and browse through the many curio shops, art galleries and stores. Taste the “fixins” at one of the eateries, or wet your whistle at a saloon as you go back in time to the late 1800s, when gold was discovered in the region. Many buildings still exist from that time period, including the Oatman Hotel, built in 1902, and The Glory Hole antique shop, constructed in 1914 as the Oatman Drug Company and Health Club. Stagecoach rides and off-road tours also are available. The town hosts several events each year, including the Annual Bed Races and Gold Camp Days. To reach Oatman from Bullhead City, take Highway 95 south to Boundary Cone Road. Head east on Boundary Cone Road for about 12 miles and you’re there. For more information, call (928) 768-6222.
Also, inside the refuge is the scenic Topock Gorge, where the Colorado River winds for several miles through canyons of towering, ancient volcanic rocks. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and can be reached from Courtwright Road in Mohave Valley or via the Topock exit on I-40. For information, call the Havasu National Refuge Office at (760) 326-3853. For online information and downloadable brochures, go to southwest.fws.gov/refuges/arizona/havasu.
Boat Launching Facilities Boat launch facilities are available at Davis Camp, Bullhead Community Park, Rotary Park in Bullhead City, Fisherman’s Access and Big Bend of the River State Recreation Area in Laughlin. Some launch fees may apply. The closest launching area on Lake Mohave is at Katherine Landing. Lake Mead National Recreation Area park entrance fee applies and there is a choice of four launching facilities (two paved). For information, contact the Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce at (928) 754-4121 or visit online at www.bullheadchamber.com.
Golf The terrific climate allows for year-round golf in the Bullhead City area. Currently, there are several golf courses in the area, including 18-hole courses and nine-hole facilities. The variety of holes and pars offers exciting play for golfers of all skill levels.
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Established in 1941, the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 37,000 acres and 30 river miles (300 miles of shoreline) along the Colorado River. The refuge starts about 15 miles south of Bullhead City at the Topock Marsh and runs south to the mouth of Lake Havasu. Topock Marsh is a huge wetlands area that is home to many species of fish and waterfowl. There are several launch ramp and camping facilities available and fishing is abundant.
Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce •
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