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Groom Creek Schoolhouse: A Step Back in Time

Discover a beautifully preserved 1902 schoolhouse in Prescott National Forest, offering a glimpse into Arizona's past and a peaceful natural escape.

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Nestled in Prescott National Forest, the Groom Creek Schoolhouse is a beautifully preserved one-room schoolhouse dating back to 1902. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it offers a glimpse into early 20th-century education and community life in Arizona's Bradshaw Mountains.

A brief summary to Groom Creek Schoolhouse

Local tips

  • Check the Recreation.gov website to ensure the schoolhouse grounds are open to the public on the day of your visit, as it is often reserved for private events.
  • Explore the Lions' Club Accessible Nature Trail, a short, paved loop that provides an immersive experience of the surrounding Ponderosa Pine forest.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy at the outdoor picnic area, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Prescott National Forest.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Prescott, head south on Montezuma Street towards W Gurley Street. Turn right onto W Gurley St, then turn left onto AZ-89 S/Senator Hwy. Continue on AZ-89 S for approximately 6 miles. Look for signs for Groom Creek Schoolhouse, located on the left at 64 S Senator Hwy. There is ample parking available. A day-use fee of $5 per vehicle is required.

  • Public Transport & Walking

    From Prescott, take the Prescott Transit bus service to the nearest stop along Senator Highway. From the bus stop, walk approximately 1 mile south on Senator Highway to reach Groom Creek Schoolhouse. Check the bus schedule in advance, as services may vary. Standard bus fare applies.

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Discover more about Groom Creek Schoolhouse

The Groom Creek Schoolhouse, located south of Prescott in the Prescott National Forest, is a charming relic of early 20th-century Arizona. Built in 1902, the river rock-clad schoolhouse served the small community of Groom Creek until 1952. Today, the building and its surrounding grounds, which include a picnic area and a small amphitheater, are a popular destination for gatherings and those seeking a peaceful escape into nature. The schoolhouse itself features wooden floors, large windows, and original chalkboards, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past. While the schoolhouse can be reserved for private events, the grounds are open to the public when not in use, inviting exploration of the surrounding ponderosa pine forest. A highlight is the Lions' Club Accessible Nature Trail, a 1,500-foot paved path with tactile interpretive signs that describe the local flora and fauna, making it accessible to visitors of all abilities. The Groom Creek area is rich in history, named after Robert Groom, a Kentucky native and member of the Territorial Legislature who mined in the Bradshaw Mountains. The area once bustled with mining activity, supporting a community of around 500 miners. Today, the Groom Creek Schoolhouse stands as a reminder of this vibrant past, offering a unique blend of historical and natural attractions.

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