Show low is in Eastern Arizona . It is in Navajo County. Show low sits in a clearing with pines surrounding it on the edge of the Mogollon Rim. The town is located where U.S. 60 and State Highway 77 intersect. It is 175 miles from Phoenix and 195 miles from Tucson.

The pinewoods of the Sitgreaves National Forest help make Show low an up-and-coming summer vacation spot for sportsmen, desert folk, and tourists, who are seeking good recreation in a pleasing area. Today Show low's population is 5,000. The town sits at an elevation of 6,400 feet. The climate is cool all year round with a winter low Temperature of 17 degrees and a summer high Temperature of 85 degrees. Show low greets its visitors with cool green pines, clean fresh air and friendly western hospitality.

There are many attractions in and around Showlow. The Showlow Historical Museum is a great place to start your exploration of this small town. The museum is inside what was once the police department. There are many historic artifacts and photos that help recreate life in the early years. Thunder Raceway is a fun place to hang out. The raceway is open on weekends and offers lots of excitement. There are two great golf courses that you won't want to pass by. The Silver Creek golf Course and the Show Low Country Club are both open to the public.

The entire area around Showlow is brimming with outdoor activities. The Apache Sitgreaves National Forest offers 58 campgrounds, numerous hiking trails and several lakes. It is a wonderful place to take in nature's beauty. Rainbow Lake is about 7 miles south of town. This 90-acre lake has a boat ramp, camping, restrooms and lots of parking. This lake is private property, so please be respectful. The lake has bass, trout, catfish and bluegill. Bald eagles can sometimes be spotted in the area during the winter months.

Show Low Lake is only 5 miles south of Showlow and has a 75-site campground. This is a terrific family spot with something for everyone. Fishing is a popular pastime at this 100-acre lake. Springtime is the best time to try your hand at catching a trout and shoreline fishing is better here than at most lakes. White Mountain Lake has channel catfish just waiting to grab your hook. This lake is the perfect picnic place and the fish are paid for by the pound. White Mountain Lake is north of Showlow off of State Highway 77.

Fools Hollow Lake State Park is just three miles northwest of town. The lake covers 140 acres and is nestled in a bed of Ponderosa pines. Visitors will enjoy both fishing and camping. There are 90 hookups and 31 developed tent sites to choose from with fire rings, water and picnic tables. How could anyone ask for more? It is a perfect camping spot in the woods near a lake.

History:
Showlow was established in 1870. The town's name came to be under unusual circumstances. C.E. Cooley and his two wives, Mollie and Cora were some of the early settlers in the area. Cooley was a Native American scout for General Cook and both Mollie and Cora were the daughters of an Indian Chief in the White Mountains.

On day in 1875 Cooley and Marion Clark, another resident, decided that the tiny settlement along the Mormon Creek was too small for both of them. One of them had to move out. It was agreed that they would play the card game Seven-up to decide which of them would have to go. At the very end of the game, with only one point needed to win. Clark said to Cooley, “If you can show low, you win.” Cooley threw down his card. It was the deuce of clubs. Cooley said, “Show low it is.” The story goes on to say that Clark did move out. He packed up his things and headed down the road a bit to the community of Pinetop, where he lived for many years.

The town even has its main street named after this historical event. It is called the “Deuce of Clubs”. The town was incorporated in 1953.
Today Showlow has a strong tourist and recreation base. The forest industry is another strong economic force. The town also serves as a trade center for southern Navajo County and part of southern Apache County.

Showlow is proud to be a gateway into the White Mountain recreational area.