It’s said that in the early days, two men who decided there wasn’t enough room in town for both of them, played a high-stakes marathon poker game. After a long night with no clear winner, one of them decided to let the cards decide his fate with the phrase, “If you show low, you win”. This stuck, thus naming the town Show Low. The main street that goes through town was then named Deuce of Clubs, in honor of that low card that was shown.

Now, Show Low has become the largest city in the White Mountains of northeastern Arizona while also becoming one of the fastest-growing cities. When you visit, be sure to start at the Show Low Historical Museum, which has accumulated a collection of quirky items from locals, including quilts, military memorabilia, blacksmithing tools, and barbershop equipment.

Sitting within a 2,000,000-acre National Forest playground, the area is famous for its world-class hunting, fishing, and camping. These forests produce the current world record for typical elk. The area’s 500 lakes and streams produce current state-record fish for six different species. Skiing and snowboarding are available only 36 miles from Show Low at Sunrise Park Resort. The Show Low and White Mountains Trail Systems are the pride of the community and provide more than 120 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Show Low also features seven area golf courses including championship courses at Torreon Golf Club and Bison Golf and Country Club.

Visiting with your family? The city of Show Low has a wide range of community facilities including a library, historical and art museums, movie theaters, an indoor aquatic center, and picnic areas. The city encompasses nearly 100 acres of city-owned parks with tennis basketball and racquetball courts as well as baseball, softball, and soccer fields. Show Low hosts the White Mountain Symphony Orchestra and many community events throughout the year including Show Low BBQ Throwdown, Show Low Days, the Fourth of July Freedom Fest, Farmers Market & Art Walk, Medieval Mayhem Renaissance Fair, and much more.

Before or after a day’s worth of events, we’re sure you’ll be working up an appetite. Show Low has an abundance of restaurants that you can visit, whether it’s just you or a whole family. In the morning, make sure you stop by Bertie's White Mountain Café & Donuts. Here you will find the best donuts in Show Low, located among a small preserved cluster of quaint, highway-fronting businesses in downtown Show Low. This is one of the area’s newest independent concepts trying to break the town’s ordinary mold, offering a large array of scratch-made donuts, yeast, and cake varieties, including build-your-own options for both the young and young at heart.  For lunch and dinner, enjoy Buffalo Bill’s Tavern & Grill, where you will find sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and more while enjoying an attractive back patio overlooking the surrounding ponderosa forest.

Are you looking for more? There is also Torreon Grille, Charlie Clark’s Steakhouse, and Licano’s Mexican Food and Steakhouse. Once lunch or dinner is completed, make sure you stop by the Red Barn Creamery and Sweet Shop to enjoy a range of homemade ice cream flavors, mostly classic but a few interesting outliers, and homemade baked goods.

Once your trip is near the end, visit Show Low Regional Airport for your trip back home.

For Airport Information, click here.