The allure of ghost towns is undeniable. From miners chasing dreams of gold to settlers seeking a new start, ghost towns embody the fleeting nature of human endeavor.
Many of the ghost towns in the United States were established during the Gold Rush era, in the mid-1800s. Wherever gold was found, cities full of excitement and hope popped up. As the gold ran out, people moved on, leaving behind empty buildings and silent streets.
Now, these ghost towns serve as a window to a bygone era that was filled with adventure, hope, and change.
Let’s embark on an expedition to 10 of the most enigmatic ghost towns in the United States, each echoing a time of splendor and decline.
1. Bodie, California
Once a thriving mining town with over 10,000 residents, Bodie now stands frozen in time. The preserved buildings and artifacts offer an authentic snapshot of life in the late 1800s.
Bodie is considered one of the most famous ghost towns in the United States, drawing thousands of history enthusiasts and curious souls.
Located in California’s Eastern Sierra, Bodie was abandoned in the 1940s. Today, it’s a state historic park and the best-preserved ghost town from the California Gold Rush.
The town has over 100 abandoned buildings, including hotels, saloons, and even a school. Visitors can explore the town on their own or take a guided tour.
Story: Legend has it that the ghost of a little girl named Evelyn wanders the streets, mourning her untimely death due to a mining accident.
Getting there: Bodie is accessible via SR 270, but the last 3 miles can be rough. A sturdy vehicle is recommended.
Admission fees: $8 per adult 18 years old and older, $5 per child (4-17). Guided tours are $6 per person (closed during the winter season).
2. Garnet, Montana
Nestled deep in the Garnet Mountains, this ghost town was once bustling with miners. Though the gold ran out, Garnet’s legacy remains in its over 30 well-preserved buildings, giving visitors an intimate look into the past.
Garnet stands at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. Established back in 1895, the town is now managed by the Bureau of Land Management alongside the Garnet Preservation Association.
In 1912, nearly half the town was engulfed in flames, and restoration efforts started in 1970 under the Garnet Preservation Project.
The town faced a decline in the 1950s, leading to the declaration of the Nancy Hank mine as unprofitable by the Montana School of Mines in 1960.
Garnet welcomes visitors year-round, though access by wheeled vehicles is restricted from January 1 to April 30, during which the town transforms into a winter haven for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing enthusiasts, with cozy cabin rentals available.
Story: On certain nights, you might hear faint piano tunes from Kelly’s Saloon, reminding visitors of the town’s lively past.
Getting there: Garnet is reachable by Garnet Range Road, a well-maintained gravel road suitable for most vehicles.
Admission fee: $3 (free for visitors up to 16 years old).
3. St. Elmo, Colorado
A classic example of a Wild West town, St. Elmo was once home to miners and railroad workers. Now, its wooden boardwalks and silent streets give it an eerie, yet captivating charm.
The town traces its roots back to 1880. During its peak time, it was home to several establishments including a saloon, courthouse/jail, general store, and a schoolhouse.
Over the years, however, the mining industry’s decline led to a population decrease, and St. Elmo became a ghost town around 1952.
Today, St. Elmo is considered one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Colorado, boasting 43 remaining structures. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, showcasing its historical significance.
The town -which is private property- is situated 20 miles southwest of Buena Vista, Colorado, and is accessible by road. Many tourists visit St. Elmo, especially during the summer when the General Store is open.
Story: It’s said that Annabelle Stark, who lived in St. Elmo till her death, still protects her town. Beware if you take any artifacts!
Getting there: Easily accessible by car via Chalk Creek Drive from Nathrop on US-285.
Admission: The is no admission fee, but note that most of the buildings are locked to the public.
4. Goldfield, Arizona
Goldfield’s story is one of riches and decline. It saw a gold rush, became a ghost town, and then revived as a tourist spot.
The reconstructed town, complete with its historic saloon, offers a unique blend of authenticity and entertainment.
Goldfield thrived in the 1890s as a copper mining town in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix. However, as the mining boom waned, the town started to decline.
Today, visitors can explore the historic buildings and enjoy many attractions like the Superstition zipline, the Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Goldfield’s Historic Museum, mine tours, walking ghost tours, reptile exhibit, and old-west style gunfight shows by the Goldfield Gunfighters.
Story: The Mammoth Saloon, known for its paranormal activities, often spooks visitors with ghostly apparitions.
Getting there: It’s a short drive from Phoenix, located off Mammoth Mine Road, a few miles northeast of Apache Junction on Apache Trail (SR-88). Goldfield is just off the Apache Trail Scenic Byway, a short drive from Phoenix.
Admission: Entrance is free, but specific tours and attractions have different prices.
5. Vulture City, Arizona
Vulture City is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert. The remnants of the town and the mine tell a fascinating tale of wealth and woe.
Established in 1863, this town was centered around Arizona’s most successful gold mine, with a population soaring to 5,000 residents at its peak.
Now a partially restored ghost town, Vulture City allows visitors to tour original renovated buildings and explore the mining culture of its time. There are also paranormal events and flashlight ghost tours.
Story: Henry Wickenburg, who discovered the Vulture Mine, is believed to haunt the area, ensuring his mine is protected.
Getting there: Located at 36610 355th Ave, Wickenburg, AZ 85390. From Wickenburg, turn South onto Vulture Mine Road and travel 12 miles to the mine entrance.
Admission fees: Ticket prices range from $7 to $15.
6. Ballarat, California
Named after Australia’s gold-rich town, Ballarat in the U.S. served the mines of the Ratcliff District. Its remote location and dilapidated buildings make it an eerily serene ghost town.
Founded in 1896 as a supply point for nearby mines, Ballarat was a bustling trade hub until 1917. Today, it’s a virtual ghost town known more for its appearances in movies like Easy Rider and its visits from the Manson Family.
Though not much is left, visitors can explore the remnants, including some old rusted cars, trucks, and vintage farm and mining machines. It’s a photogenic spot, especially during dawn or before sundown.
Story: Ballarat’s graveyard hosts the infamous Charles Manson’s truck, a grim reminder of the town’s more recent history.
Getting there: Ballarat is located outside of Death Valley National Park on the western slope of the Panamint Range. A drive from Trona on a dirt road gets you to this isolated town.
Admission: There is no admission fee.
7. Elkmont, Tennessee
Unlike other ghost towns fueled by gold or silver, Elkmont was a logging town. The remnants of its houses and hotels amidst the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make for an ethereal sight.
Elkmont’s roots trace back to the 1840s. The town significantly evolved with the formation of the Little River Lumber Company in 1901, leading to its growth as a logging town.
Today, Elkmont is home to a large campground, a ranger station, and a historical district managed by the park.
Open to the public all year round, Elkmont is a great place for hiking and exploring historical structures.
During a certain period in June, witnessing the synchronous fireflies event is a major attraction.
Story: Known as the ‘Daisy Town’, Elkmont was an elite retreat for the rich. It’s said you can still hear echoes of their grand parties.
Getting there: Located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s about 8 miles from Gatlinburg.
Admission fee: There is no admission fee.
8. Ashcroft, Colorado
Another gem in the Rockies, Ashcroft was bustling in its heyday but quickly declined. Today, its scenic beauty combined with its historic ruins makes it a photographer’s dream.
Ashcroft’s story began in the 1880s as a prosperous silver mining camp in the Roaring Fork Valley. At its peak, the town had around 1,000 residents and a variety of commercial enterprises, reflecting a vibrant community life.
Today, Ashcroft ghost town is a serene destination for various outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, and of course, photography.
Ashcroft is open for self-guided tours, operating on an honor system for admission with a payment dropbox located at the welcome sign.
Getting there: A scenic drive on Castle Creek Road from Aspen will lead you to Ashcroft. It’s located at 11000 Castle Creek Road, Ashcroft, CO 81611, and is a dog-free area.
Admission fee: $5 for adults, free for children 18 and under (accompanied by an adult), and also free for active military personnel.
9. Monte Cristo, Washington
Hidden in the Cascades Mountains, Monte Cristo ghost town is a testament to the difficulty of mining in rugged terrains. Its remote location makes it a favorite among adventure-seekers.
The roots of Monte Cristo date back to the late 19th century when the area was recognized for its rich mineral deposits. The town quickly became a bustling mining community, with railways constructed to transport ore from the mines to other regions.
The harsh climate and challenging landscape made mining operations extremely difficult, leading to the town’s decline over the years.
Today, Monte Cristo is a ghost town hidden within the wild beauty of the Cascades, mostly reclaimed by nature. The remnants of its mining past, like old building foundations and mining equipment, can still be found scattered across the town, offering a glimpse into its bustling days.
Getting there: Accessible via Mountain Loop Highway, followed by a 4-mile hike. The trek to Monte Cristo is challenging yet rewarding, offering stunning scenic views along the way.
Admission fee: There’s no admission fee to visit the town, but getting there requires a good level of physical fitness due to the rough trails.
10. Bayhorse, Idaho
Its silver mines once glittered with promise, but when the silver era ended, Bayhorse faded into history. Today, it stands as a testament to the transitory nature of mining towns.
Bayhorse’s journey began in 1864 when prospectors discovered mineral deposits in the area. The town saw a rush in the mid-1870s, and mining peaked in 1888. However, a fire in 1889 along with declining silver and lead prices caused a slowdown, and mining eventually ceased in 1925.
Today, Bayhorse stands as a ghost town within the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park. While many buildings are in ruins, some structures like the “Wells Fargo” building and the stamp mill building are relatively intact.
The town’s remnants, including charcoal kilns and mining equipment, provide a nostalgic trip back to the mining era of the Old West.
Bayhorse is open to the public as part of the state park, offering a chance to explore the historical mining camp and learn about its past.
Getting there: From Challis, take the scenic Yankee Fork Road to reach Bayhorse.
Admission fee: $7 per vehicle.
In Summary
Exploring these ghost towns is like flipping through the pages of a captivating, rustic history book. So, the next time you’re seeking adventure, consider visiting one of these remnants from America’s mining era in the 1800s. However, as you plan your visit, always remember to tread lightly, respecting the history and spirits that might still call these towns home.
*Note to readers: Ghost towns are often in remote locations. Ensure you’re equipped with maps and supplies, and let someone know where you’re headed.*
