Asylum?

Question

My sister seems to think there is a former asylum to visit in Jerome or that the Grand Hotel used to be an asylum, or something of the sort... I cant seem to find anything that states it is a tourist attraction, but it is something she really wants to see in Jerome. Can anybody tell me if there is an old asylum to see in Jerome? Thank you!

Answer

Your sister is partially right — there isn’t an actual former asylum in Jerome, Arizona, but the story behind the Jerome Grand Hotel often gets mixed up with that idea. The building that is now the Jerome Grand Hotel was originally the United Verde Hospital, not an asylum. It was built in 1926 to serve the booming copper mining community and operated as the main medical facility in the area until it closed in 1950. The hospital was known for its advanced equipment and high standards for the time, but like many old hospitals, it has gained a spooky reputation over the years, which likely led to the “asylum” rumor.

After sitting vacant for decades, the building was restored and reopened as the Jerome Grand Hotel in the 1990s. Because of its history, age, and numerous ghost stories, it has become one of the most famous “haunted” hotels in Arizona. Many visitors come specifically for the supernatural tales, unusual noises, and eerie atmosphere, which has led to its connection with an asylum-like legend. However, it never served as a mental institution or asylum.

While there is no official “asylum” tourist attraction in Jerome, the town is well known for its mining and ghost history, and there are several fascinating spots to visit if your sister is interested in eerie or historical sites.

Jerome Grand Hotel: The former hospital turned hotel, known for ghost tours, historical displays, and the on-site Asylum Restaurant (which plays on the name humorously, not literally).
Jerome State Historic Park (Douglas Mansion): A museum offering exhibits about the town’s mining past, early 20th-century life, and the rise and fall of the community.
Ghost Town Tours: Guided experiences that explore Jerome’s haunted buildings, old mining tunnels, and tales of paranormal activity.

The Asylum Restaurant, located inside the Jerome Grand Hotel, adds to the confusion because of its name. It’s a fine dining restaurant that cleverly embraces the building’s ghostly reputation and the play on words — but it has no connection to an actual asylum. The restaurant offers beautiful views of the Verde Valley and is a popular dining spot for both hotel guests and day visitors.

In summary, there was never a real asylum in Jerome, but the Jerome Grand Hotel — formerly the United Verde Hospital — is the likely source of the rumor. It’s still worth visiting for its fascinating history, ghostly reputation, and the experience of dining at the Asylum Restaurant while enjoying the panoramic mountain views.

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