The Town of Winkelman, at an elevation of 1,947 feet, is located in the southern end of Gila County and part of Pinal County, at the confluence of the San Pedro and Gila Rivers. The history of Winkelman dates back to 1877 and 1878, when a large number of farmers migrated to the region. With the coming of the railroad, a Post Office was established in 1903 near the ranch of Peter Winkelman. Winkelman was incorporated in 1914. However, a few years later the Town dis-incorporated and later reincorporated on June 6, 1949.
Winkelman is the smallest incorporated town in Arizona, and most of Winkelman’s economic activity is based on copper. The community serves primarily as a service center and residential area for families of employees associated with the mining and processing activities. The principal employer with the Town is the Hayden-Winkelman School District.
Arizona State Highways 77 and 177 provide excellent access to different parts of the State. Both highways route through Winkelman.
The San Carlos Apache Tribe has approved a second gaming site near the Aravaipa area of Arizona. The location is approximately 7 miles south of Winkelman. The Tribe is planning to open this facility in the Spring of 2017. This project will bring much needed economic benefits to the Tribe and surrounding communities, including Winkelman, by providing 400 plus permanent jobs and millions of dollars of new revenue to the region.
The scenery around Winkelman is some of the most spectacular in the State and is part of the Old West Highway route. The mountain ranges provide the backdrop for the meandering Gila River and such landmarks as Saddleback and Mescal Mountain ranges.
At the Gateway to Winkelman stands a roadside park featuring a 115 foot-long adobe wall. You can walk around, through or meet within it. The Wall tells the history of the Town by using bits of ranching and mining implements, as well as local geological samples.
The Winkelman Luten Historic Bridge was constructed in 1916 and is only one of two still in existence in the country. It is a must visit to witness the past. In 2016 Winkelman will be celebrating the Centennial of the Historic Bridge.
An added attraction to Winkelman is the Winkelman Flats Public Park, located adjacent to the Gila River. This park provides RV Camping with all utility hook-ups, dry camping areas, swimming, tubing, canoeing and fishing. This park has a playground area for children, lighted softball field, concession stand, mud volleyball courts, ramadas with benches throughout the park and a rodeo arena. This park provides restroom and shower facilities.
In October 2014, Winkelman celebrated its Centennial. On that same day, Winkelman’s Ore Cart, A Penny for your Thoughts, was dedicated by the Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. The Ore Cart Trail is to encourage tourism in the region. Winkelmna’s Ore Cart was the second of 10 ore carts that will be placed in towns along the Copper Corridor.