The Road to Yesterday

Erie Street in the Lowell district of Bisbee is famous for being a preserved “outdoor museum” of mid-20th-century Americana, where a collection of vintage cars and trucks from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s are permanently parked along the street.

Erie Street remains one of Arizona’s most surreal and photographed destinations. This street is not a movie set, but a “living ghost town” preserved by passionate locals and the Lowell Volunteer Fire Department. It serves as a perfectly frozen-in-time snapshot of 1950s Americana.

Walking down Erie Street feels like stepping through a portal to mid-century America. While most of the buildings are no longer active businesses, they are meticulously curated “museum windows” filled with period-accurate vintage goods.

Peer into the windows of the Lowell Department Store, the Rexall Drug Store, and the motorcycle repair shop to see authentic mid-century products, mannequins in vintage fashion, and old advertisements.

You’ll see a row of vintage cars—including rusted-out trucks, 1950s sedans, and an old Greyhound bus—permanently parked alongside antique gas pumps.

The street is a masterclass in hand-painted signage. The faded brick-wall murals and neon signs (like the iconic “Lowell” vertical sign) are essential for any vintage enthusiast’s camera roll.

Early morning or “golden hour” (just before sunset) provides the best lighting to capture the textures of the rusted metal and faded paint. It is completely free to walk the street and take photos.

While Erie Street feels like a museum, it is still a public road with active residents and some businesses. Be respectful of the vintage cars (don’t climb on them!) and enjoy the slow, nostalgic pace of one of the most unique blocks in the United States.

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Know Before You Go:

• Access: Erie Street is a public city street, meaning it is free to visit and photograph 24/7. It’s arguably the most “Instagrammable” spot in the entire Bisbee area.
• Location: Find it by heading south on Highway 80 from Old Bisbee. Look for the signs for Lowell; the street sits right at the edge of the pit.
• The “Living” Businesses: While many storefronts are displays, a few are fully operational. You can grab a meal at the Bisbee Breakfast Club, shop at Old Lady Pickers, or eat at Dot’s Diner which is nearby.
• Photography Protocol: The best time for photos is early morning or the “golden hour” before sunset when the light hits the vintage chrome just right. Please do not sit on or enter the vehicles, as they are privately owned pieces of the street’s historic curation.
• Parking: Unlike Old Bisbee, parking here is a breeze. There is ample, flat street parking throughout the district.

Pro Tip: Walk the entire length of the block and look closely at the window displays. You’ll find authentic vintage motorcycles, clothing, and household goods that make the “time travel” experience feel incredibly real.

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In Lowell