We were so excited to take the kids here. Piled everyone in, and had checked the hours of operation. We arrived on a Friday at 2:30pm, to find a hand-painted sign "CLOSED. Call for private tours." So, we spent about two hours of our time driving, and it was really a negative experience, as we had planned our day around this attraction with all of the great reviews. :o(
If you are looking for fun, education and items of history you have come to the right place.Upon arrival you will run into a real character of the old West. Jay Gammons will keep you in stitchesas you go back in time. What he has put together is a history of how the West was won. While there you need to break away and walk down Main Street.Step by step you feel the hair raising on the back of your neck awaiting a gun fighter to step out and fill you full of lead. Suggest you take a picnic lunchAs there are ample places to enjoy it.Last but not least make sure you CALL AHEAD TO SEE IF THEY ARE OPEN. One of the best attractions in Southern Arizona. DON'T MISS. IT
This experience has been a highlight of our western trip. We arrived alone and were given a private tour by Jay Gammons. He is a true character, full of enthusiasm for his remarkable creation - a complete western town with a great, authentic feel. If anyone is traveling in southern Arizona it should be a must go to.
What this man has created here is magnificent. He is so blessed to have such a wonderful play ground. He is inspirational and talented. I wanted to take him home with me! I fell in lovewith the amount of history and treasures he has on display, and the stories and jokes we shared! The Best part of our journey so far! Thank you Jay and Joanne! Xoxo
Jay Gammons is quite the character. It is clear that he loves what he does and really enjoys people. This western, movie set town would not exist without him--he built it. This town is more than a hobby, it's a passion. He's done a beautiful job, with a keen sense of detail, and an eye for the authentic. His stories and jokes are amusing, colorful, and lighthearted. He gives a great tour. He and his wife live on the premises, in the Grand Hotel, which is actually their home and not a hotel. During tour private tour he even played the piano and banjo for us. We had a great time, and left feeling like we made a new friend in Arizona. It's only 12 miles from the town of Benson and well worth the drive out to see--don't miss it, especially if you have a love for out-of-the way, off the beaten tourist track type of place. Only $7 per-a real bargain.
Not so much a tourist attraction, but more like an incredible western "experience"! Whenever we have out of town guests, this is the one thing we make sure they don't miss. Jay is a wonderful story teller and the town he has created is extraordinary. His passion is truly contagious. You will leave with a new appreciation of the wild west! We never get tired of visiting.
My husband and I scouted Gammons Gulch last year for our Sun Flower Travel Club. Our actual trip was April 1, 2014. We had 50 people on the bus. We I also booked The Gammons Gulch Gang for some entertainment and they were terrific, doing a card game in the saloon as well as a wedding on the street. Jay took our group on the tour telling all his stories about how Gammons came to be, very, very interesting. His Wife Joanne is also a wonderful person and supplied us with hot dogs, chips and beverages. Our folks were also allowed to take pictures with the Gammons Gulch Gang. It was a trip worthwhile and I highly recommend it. Of course with the weather getting hot now, it's probably best to wait until September.
This was an awesome tour....Jay Gammons the owner leads you through his property telling about the movies and the actors that have been there...takes maybe 1hr or a little more...wonderful time.
Word of advise, call ahead to make sure that they are open to the public and not contracted for movie or other events. We were fortunate since they were to be closed for the next couple of weeks as a movie set. The owner gave a tour that included many anecdotes; he was both funny and informative. He has been in movies since a small child with John Wayne and others too numerous to mention. He and his wife live in the "hotel" on premise and has been made intl their personal home. He is an avid old car buff and restores them with help of friends. He will entertain you with piano and banjo tunes. It really is a must see if you are in this area.
Jay is living his dream and his enthusiasm and passion is infectious. He took us on a great tour, gave us lots of first hand knowledge about the movies and the stars who had filmed here and was incredibly knowledgable about the days of the Wild West. He played the honky tonk piano and banjo which just added to the already fabulous atmosphere of the place. It's good to call ahead to let him know you are coming. He likes to close on Monday's and Tuesday's but we got the feeling if you called first you might just get lucky. We loved the fact devoid of the touristy gimmicks - take refreshments if it's a hot day as there is nothing to buy here. If you like the tour you put $7 pp in a jar at the conclusion.