Cave Creek Local Landmarks

Cave Creek Inn

Address: 37645 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ

Currently this building is home to an Italian style restaurant. The building has a great history and holds the distinction as possibly the oldest continuously operated business site in the Town Core. Starting as a humble country store near the end of a dusty the Black Mountain Store served Cave Creek from the late 1940’s. Transformed in the early 1950’s to the Cave Creek Inn, it was a stop for weary travelers. The Inn became Trois Amis for a period, then a Mexican food restaurant, and currently our Oregano’s.

Cave Creek Museum

Address: 1 Skyline Drive, Cave Creek, AZ

The Cave Creek Museum is housed in a rustic Southwest style building on the west base of Black Mountain. The history of the area is alive with ancient settlements of Native people and traces of early settlers moving West. In 1968, a small group of volunteers founded the Cave Creek Historical Society. Land was donated by Frank and Hazel Wright and Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church donated the historical church which was relocated to the site. The area would become the home of the Cave Creek Museum.

Big Earl’s

Address: 6135 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ

This service station building is a metal building common to many oil companies during the 1940’s. This historic example is a former Standard Oil Company gas station ,and it was moved to Cave Creek from Phoenix in the mid 1950’s . This building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Loving our history isn’t complete without boasting Big Earl’s Greasy Eats, our popular retro diner that is housed in an old 1930’s gas station. The former Standard Oil station once served cars in Phoenix in the 30’s pumping gas at 19 cents/gal. Continuing its service in 1950’s when moved to current location in our historic core until the 80’s, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places as the only remaining Phoenix-area example of the classic Standard Oil station design. In the photo of the pickup, the Elrod brothers Norman and Lee worked for Mr. Perlmutter in the mid 1960’s. Kim Brennan and Eric opened Big Earl’s in 2002 creating its world renown status and turning it over to employee Brooke in 2016! The full length movie “Jolene” used the site as a location for part of the film in 2013. Photos courtesy of the Cave Creek Museum.

Black Mountain Feed

Address: 6198 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ

If you’ve been in Cave Creek for more than five minutes, you know Black Mountain Feed. It’s right there on Cave Creek Road at Basin. We don’t need animal feed ourselves, but we buy our propane there just because the folks are so darn nice—and because it’s a true home-town business. (Plus, I’ve got a soft spot for the doll and horse out front!)

Recently, someone asked me where Frank Wright’s property was, so I did a little digging. Turns out, he owned quite a bit of land—he wasn’t called “Mr. Cave Creek” for nothing! And here’s the fun part: one of his homes is the very building that’s now home to Black Mountain Feed.

So, who was Frank W. Wright? I can’t believe you don’t know! The American Legion is named after him. Hazelwood Drive—yep, named for his wife. He donated land for several Cave Creek landmarks, including the property where the Cave Creek Museum now stands.

Frank arrived in the late 1920s as a “lunger,” one of the many who came to Arizona in hopes the sunshine and dry air would heal them. Here, he met Hazel, also from Chicago and also battling lung issues. They never had children of their own, but Cave Creek became their “child.” They were deeply involved in every part of town life—social, political, and everything in between.

Beyond their little house (now Black Mountain Feed), their property stretched along Schoolhouse Road where the Post Office sits today. Frank even ran a truck garden where Parkway Bank is now. And the Arizona sunshine must have worked its magic—they both lived well into their 80s.

There’s plenty more to tell about Frank and Hazel Wright, and I’ll share more stories soon. In the meantime, next time you’re near Basin, stop by Black Mountain Feed, say hello, and know you’re standing in a little piece of Cave Creek history.

Carpenter’s Trading Post

Address: 6217 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ

Carpenter’s Trading Post was opened by E.B. Carpenter in 1951. An avid rockhound, he collected semi-precious stones locally. E.B. was also a skilled lapidarist and silversmith, and he shaped and polished these stones, creating necklaces, bracelets, rings, and buckles to sell in his shop. The Trading Post closed at his death in 1969. Today, the sturdy little building continues to play an important role in the town of Cave Creek.

American Legion Post #34

Address: 6272 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ

American Legion Post 34 has a rich and dynamic history and has been a cornerstone in Cave Creek’s origin story. Veterans were a key part of the leadership in Cave Creek in the early 1940s, constructing the first building to serve as a haven for veterans returning from war. Today, Post 34 continues to promote patriotism, honor and community service.

El Encanto

Formerly The Black Mountain Gas Company Office

Address: 6248 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ

Cradled in the heart of Cave Creek, this property was initially the offices for the Black Mountain Gas Company in 1952. The famous pond was originally a natural aquifer, before clay bottom was installed. Bill Nelson purchased the property in 1989 and with a love of Mexican architecture, created an enchanting Old-World Mission style oasis that many say feels like stepping into Mexico. The Nelson family has owned and operated El Encanto here since that time. This wonderful landmark creates special memories for generations of Arizonans and tourists and keeps the Town’s historical charm alive.

Desert Foothills Library

Address: 38443 N. Schoolhouse Ra, Cave Creek, AZ

The Desert Foothills Library originated in the early 1950s when Dorothy Smith became its founding librarian by setting up a shelf at the Cow Bell Restaurant where she began circulating books. True to Cave Creek sensibility, residents soon learned the best bet for getting books was to flag her down when they spotted her dusty little car. From these humble beginnings, the library has flourished because of the generosity of volunteers who give their time and donors who keep Arizona’s only independent, non-profit Library focused on its community.

Black Mountain Summit Preserve

Address: N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, AZ

Black Mountain is widely recognized as the most iconic landform in Cave Creek. This is a unique geological feature. The western half is dark colored metamorphic rock consisting of phyllite and slate, providing its namesake. The eastern half is light colored granite containing crystals of feldspar and quartz. In 1974, Cave Creek residents petitioned the Bureau of Land Management to transfer 250 acres of Black Mountain to Maricopa County Parks and Recreation to preserve the summit. The Town and Maricopa County have since acquired public access and adjacent land in the neighboring Town of Carefree. The public trail is a very challenging 1,000-foot elevation change and a 2.2-mile round trip from the parking areas. At the summit, 3,398-feet above sea level, hikers enjoy stunning 360-degree views of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Carefree, and, to the north, the high mesas and New River Mountains.

Dairy Queen

Address: 6548 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ

Our Dairy Queen is a real Local Landmark. Always there for us, this fast food restaurant holds a special place among the buildings along Cave Creek Road. While there is resistance to “city” sorts of service, the DQ is welcomed and used as an official social spot all year around.

Welcomed into Cave Creek as an exception to our rural roots, Dairy Queen has found a place in our hearts as a great place to meet for a burger and soft drink. During the Summer when the population of the Town thins out, “year-rounders” cherish an ice cream on a hot evening in the heart of Town!

The Horny Toad

Address: 6738 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ

The Horny Toad started in 1932 as a Cave Creek home. Later, the first restaurant in this location was established as Dirty Will’s Moustache Cup, named after a local character of old.

Now, the Horny Toad offers chicken dinners at the end of the road. The “Toad” is a long-time favorite of visitors and a staple for locals. Award winning crisp fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and strawberry shortcake “git ya through the door!”

The greeting “Sorry, we’re open!” is a smile-filled greeting to a great meal, a busy bar, and satisfied customers.

Indian Village

Address: 6746 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ

The rambling wood building (ca 1944) housing The Indian Village was originally a laundromat for the cowboys at the dude ranches, and whilst they awaited their laundered clothes, they would entertain themselves with gambling, alcohol, and a romantic rendezvous or two in the back room. Its next incarnation was a duplex apartment, next a taxi stand (taxis in Cave Creek?), then a Chinese restaurant followed by a video arcade! In 1972 the Ortega Family opened Indian Village, selling it to Ron and Mary Ann Krasson in 1984, who were joined by son Bart in 1989. The self-described “tourist trap and small batch kitchen”, continues to serve up some of the most delicious tacos and frybread in Cave Creek, welcoming over 200,000 visitors a year!

The Hideaway

Address: 6746 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ

“There are no strangers here, just friends you haven’t met,” totes The Hideaway as their friendly slogan. This shaded roadside stop is believed to have been originally erected in the 1930’s as housing for workers building the nearby Bartlett Dam, which began construction in 1936.

More recently, in 1984 the Krasson Family: Ron, Maryann and their son Bart, purchased Indian Village. Next to the famed souvenir shop and Mexican food cafe sat a quiet private residence. The Krassons were surprised to learn that at one time, both Indian Village and the next-door residence shared a single 88-acre parcel. It had been divided sometime in the 70’s. Like much of Cave Creek’s history, the parcel and the buildings on it are a bit mysterious.

In about 1989, Bart Krasson and his parents acquired the property, reuniting the parcel as one. The Krassons transformed the house into Hannah’s Chocolate Shop, purveyor of homemade fudge, chocolates, ice cream and gifts. Arizona summers, however, are brutal and 80’s air conditioning was “not so great,” so after a few years, the Krassons decided chocolate and triple digit desert summers were not as sweet a deal as one could hope.

Hannah’s Chocolate Shop closed, and the building was next leased to a French-Canadian couple who opened a French-style bistro, The Thirsty Cactus. Although cherished by many, Creekers didn’t make for the best Francophiles and within couple of years this space went through yet another transformation.

Soon after, a burly young fella with long blonde hair and a broad grin stopped into the Indian Village and introduced himself. “Hi, I’m your new neighbor!” he proclaimed, and that was how Bart found out his French-Canadian tenants had sold their lease to entrepreneur and motorcycle enthusiast Mark Bradshaw.

A frequent visitor to Cave Creek, Mark Bradshaw saw an opportunity to create a “destination bar” for bikers— (and his hunch was right). For twenty-five years The Hideaway has become a destination stop for bikers from across the country and beyond— especially during April’s Bike Week, when thousands of motorcycles line up along Cave Creek Road. The roar of the bikes is loud, the live bands are louder, and the air sizzles with the mixed aromas of hamburgers, salt, sunscreen and beer. Since its opening the Hideaway Grill has become world famous and is known to host some of the most famous custom bike builders & motorcycle personalities in the industry.

“Hogs on the north, horses on the south side of the bend,” is how some locals describe the Town Core. Not that you need to be a biker to enjoy The Hideaway; You’re just as likely to be a guy in pressed khaki shorts and polo shirt discussing the game on tv surrounded by a crew in leathers. Check your stereotypes at the door: The only requirement at the Hideaway Grill is that you’re there for a good time.

Buffalo Chip

Address: 6823 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ

The Buffalo Chip started as a humble bait shop back in 1951, it then was turned into a bar first referred to as the Crystal Palace then later named The Maverick and was an ever-popular stop on the way to Bartlett Lake. Max McGee, the first Green Bay Packers player to score the first touchdown in the first two Super Bowls ever, bought The Maverick and changed the name to The Buffalo Chip Saloon. Larry Wendt purchased The Buffalo Chip from the McGee family in 1998. Larry was intent on making The Chip a destination and he did just that. He built a kitchen, barbecue area, backyard, bull riding arena with stands and much more. Larry passed away in August of 2021, his children, Tifani & Travis, continue on his legacy in this wonderful town.

Harold’s Cave Creek Corral

Address: 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ

Famous Harold’s has deep roots on our Town. What began as a corral under the mesquite trees where a fella could get a drink, so became Johnny Walker’s watering hole for thirsty workers building dams east of town. The bar became Harold’s Cave Creek Corral in about 1950.

Starting as a wide spot on Cave Creek Road this bar has operated continuously since the 1930’s. Since 1950 it has been Harold’s, and a social fixture for Cave Creek. The party was in front of the bar on a summer evening. The man in the dark clothing was Jim Renner and the man in the white shirt was Bill Lee. This bar, owned by the Gavagan family, has grown from a collection of little buildings gathered to create what it is today. It is claimed that some of the lumber incorporated into the bar “migrated” from one of the dam projects to the East!

Desert Awareness Park

Address: N. Vermeersch Road, Cave Creek, AZ

A 26-acre park located within the Town Core; Desert Awareness Park was gifted to the Town in 1994 by the developer of adjacent commercial property. Countless volunteers, which included local junior-high and high school students, built out the park’s amenities which include children’s play structures, self-guided trails, an amphitheater and more.

This was accomplished with financing from Ariona State Park’s Heritage Funds. The efforts to improve this park, for the enjoyment of the public, took place by various groups including the Town of Cave Creek and the Desert Foothills Community Foundation. Besides being open to the public, the park is currently used by community groups including the Boy Scouts and the Holland Center’s Desert Awareness Committee.

Le Sans Souci

Address: 7030 E. Bella Vista Drive, Cave Creek, AZ

Before becoming a restaurant, the building in which it currently operates was originally the private home of Dr. & Mrs. Marty Chapman, designed by Architect Fred Osman. In 1995 Chef Louis Germain and head Chef Jose Rivera, opened the French restaurant known as Le Sans Souci. Serving an exquisite dining experience to diners from all over the world, this restaurant is described as a true “Hidden Gem in Cave Creek”.

Cave Creek Regional Park

Address: 37019 N. Lava Lane, Cave Creek, AZ

Integrated into the Maricopa County Regional Park system in 1963, this Landmark boasts almost 3,000-acres of pristine upper Sonoran Desert. Prospectors were drawn to the area hoping to strike gold due to the geology of the hills in the 1870s which coincides with when Cave Creek was settled. Today, Cave Creek Regional Park offers unique opportunities to camp, hike, bike and horseback ride through the hills with trail connections to the greater regional trail system. Maricopa County Parks and Recreation manages the park and, more recently, constructed a Nature Center which can host a variety of events.

Cave Creek Memorial Arena

Address: 37201 N. 28th Street, Cave Creek, AZ

Tracing its history back to the Bureau of Land Management providing public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, this property was identified as a place suitable to host the public. More than 45 years ago, the property hosted its first Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned event. The Cave Creek Rodeo remains a signature event for the community, taking place every year, with proceeds going to various other community non-profit organizations and improvements to the facility. The Town of Cave Creek is continually making improvements to this cherished Landmark in order to host future events both equestrian in nature and otherwise.

Spur Cross Ranch Conservative

Address: 4000 N. Spur Cross Road, Cave Creek, AZ

Located along the southern border of the Tonto National Forrest, Spur Cross Conservation Area totals more than 2,200-acres. Settled by native tribes dating back to 800 A.D., this land has long been thought of as sacred. In addition to the petroglyphs, creek crossings, and the pristine flora and fauna, the experiences visitors of all ages get while hiking, biking or on horse are unparalleled.

Previously unincorporated, a development team sought to develop the land into a residential subdivision. When news of this reached Town officials, work quickly began to acquire the property and annex the area to the Town’s boundaries. With an outpouring of community support as well as support from Maricopa County and the State, the Town voted to levy a property tax on all property owners in Cave Creek to pay for its share of the land in 2000. Spur Cross is free to enter for all Cave Creek residents and serves as the cornerstone of what makes Cave Creek special.

Rancho Mañana

Address: 5734 E Rancho Manana Blvd, Cave Creek, AZ

Rancho Mañana played an important role in the settlement of Cave Creek. Originally a stagecoach and U.S. Cavalry stop, it later became a sheep shearing station operated by James Houck before transitioning into the Howard Ranch. In the early 1940s, Romy and Jean Loudermilk acquired the property and named it Rancho Mañana. Edward “Ted” and China Loring purchased the property in 1945 and ran it as a dude ranch until it closed in the mid-1950s. The land was later sold in the 1970s for residential development and original golf course. In 1994 the resort was sold to the Allred family who rebuilt the golf course and re-developed the resort. Today, in addition to the residential community, the property contains the only golf course in Cave Creek, short term lodging and Tonto Bar & Grill.