Back in Time Today
Explore the fascinating world of ghost towns scattered across the United States. These abandoned settlements offer a unique glimpse into the past, where once-thriving communities have been left to the ravages of time.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or just someone seeking a different kind of adventure, these towns are sure to intrigue and captivate. Discover 22 ghost towns you can visit, each with its own unique story and haunting beauty.
1. Bodie, California
Bodie, once a bustling gold mining town in California, now stands as a testament to the boom-and-bust cycles of the Old West. Visitors can wander its dusty streets and peer into buildings frozen in time.
Established in 1859, Bodie’s population once reached 10,000 during its heyday. Now a state historic park, it’s preserved in a state of arrested decay, offering a glimpse into late 19th-century life.
Explore the old church, saloon, and the eerie silence that envelops the town. Bodie’s isolation adds to its haunting allure, making it a must-visit for history buffs.
2. Rhyolite, Nevada
Rhyolite, located in the Nevada desert, was once a thriving mining town. Founded in 1904, it quickly grew with the promise of gold, boasting a stock exchange and opera house.
Despite its rapid rise, Rhyolite’s decline was just as swift, leaving behind haunting ruins. Today, visitors can explore its notable structures, including the bank building and train station.
The beautiful yet barren surroundings add to the town’s ghostly charm. Rhyolite’s story is a classic tale of boom and bust, capturing the imagination of all who wander its dusty roads.
3. Centralia, Pennsylvania
Centralia, Pennsylvania, is a ghost town with a fiery secret. An underground coal mine fire has been burning since 1962, leading to the town’s evacuation.
Once home to over 1,000 residents, only a few remain today. Smoke seeps from cracks in the ground, creating an eerie and unsettling landscape.
Visitors can wander the abandoned streets and witness the effects of the fire, a stark reminder of nature’s power. Centralia’s unique situation offers a hauntingly fascinating experience for those seeking something truly different.
4. Thurmond, West Virginia
Thurmond, nestled in the lush forests of West Virginia, was once a booming railroad town. Established in the late 1800s, it thrived due to coal transportation.
Today, it’s mostly deserted, with only a few buildings remaining, including the old train depot. The surrounding natural beauty contrasts with the town’s eerie quiet.
Visitors can explore the remnants of Thurmond’s storied past, walking along the tracks and imagining the vibrant life that once filled the area. It’s a picturesque yet haunting destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
5. St. Elmo, Colorado
St. Elmo, nestled in Colorado’s mountains, is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the state. Founded in 1880 during the gold rush, it once had a vibrant community.
Today, its wooden buildings, including a general store and saloon, tell the story of its past. Visitors can stroll the main street, absorbing the rich history and scenic beauty.
Surrounded by alpine landscapes, St. Elmo offers a serene yet haunting experience. It’s a perfect spot for those interested in both history and nature, providing a glimpse into a bygone era.
6. Jerome, Arizona
Perched on a hillside in Arizona, Jerome is a ghost town with a lively past. Once a booming copper mining town, it was known as the “Wickedest Town in the West.”
Established in 1876, Jerome’s population dwindled as the mines closed, but its historic charm remains. Visitors can explore narrow streets and historic buildings with panoramic views of the desert below.
Today, Jerome is an artist community, blending its rich history with modern creativity. It’s a unique destination for those interested in both art and the Old West.
7. Calico, California
Calico, California, offers a taste of the Old West, with its preserved silver mining town charm. Founded in 1881, it thrived during the silver boom, with over 500 mines operating.
Today, Calico is a ghost town attraction, with many of its wooden buildings maintained for visitors to explore. The rugged hills provide a stunning backdrop, enhancing its wild west atmosphere.
From guided tours to gold panning, there’s plenty to engage visitors of all ages. Calico’s blend of history and entertainment makes it a popular destination for families and history buffs.
8. Glenrio, Texas/New Mexico
Glenrio, straddling the Texas-New Mexico border, is a ghost town along the iconic Route 66. Once a bustling stop for travelers, it featured motels, diners, and gas stations.
With the decline of Route 66, Glenrio fell into obscurity, leaving behind a nostalgic glimpse of mid-20th-century America. Visitors can explore the old structures and imagine the lively days gone by.
The town’s unique location and history make it a fascinating stop for road trippers and history enthusiasts, providing a tangible connection to the golden age of American road travel.
9. Kennecott, Alaska
Kennecott, nestled in Alaska’s wilderness, is a ghost town with a rich copper mining history. Established in the early 1900s, it was once a bustling company town, extracting valuable resources.
Today, its well-preserved buildings, including the iconic mill, stand as a testament to a bygone era. Visitors can explore the deserted structures and learn about the town’s storied past.
Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Kennecott offers a unique blend of history and wilderness adventure, attracting those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Alaska’s rugged terrain.
10. Silver City, Idaho
Silver City, Idaho, is a ghost town nestled in a picturesque valley. Founded in 1864, it was a prosperous mining community with over 250 structures.
Today, many of these buildings remain, offering a glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore the old hotel, church, and various shops, all set against a backdrop of sagebrush-covered hills.
The town’s remote location adds to its allure, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful, reflective journey into the American West’s mining heritage.
11. Terlingua, Texas
Terlingua, located in the Texas desert, is a ghost town with a colorful history. Once a bustling mercury mining hub, it was abandoned after World War II.
Today, its adobe ruins and old church attract visitors seeking a unique desert experience. The wide-open skies and cactus-dotted landscape provide a stunning backdrop.
Terlingua has become a quirky destination, hosting an annual chili cook-off and offering a taste of Texas’s wild spirit. It’s perfect for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in a remote setting.
12. Cahawba, Alabama
Cahawba, once Alabama’s first state capital, is now a fascinating ghost town. Founded in 1819, it thrived as a political hub before being abandoned due to flooding.
Today, visitors can explore the remnants of its past, including old brick buildings, a church, and moss-covered trees. The site’s eerie tranquility offers a peaceful yet poignant experience.
Cahawba provides a unique look into early American history, making it a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in the nation’s early days.
13. Goldfield, Nevada
Goldfield, located in Nevada, was once the largest city in the state during the early 1900s gold rush. It boasted luxury hotels, a mining boom, and a bustling community.
Today, it’s a shadow of its former glory, with historic buildings and mining remnants scattered throughout the area. Visitors can explore the old hotel and imagine the vibrant life that once flourished here.
Goldfield’s desert landscape adds to its haunting beauty, making it a captivating destination for those interested in the history of the American West.
14. Garnet, Montana
Garnet, situated in Montana’s forested hills, is one of the state’s best-preserved ghost towns. Established in the late 1800s, it was a bustling mining community.
Today, visitors can wander through cabins, a saloon, and a schoolhouse, all carefully maintained to reflect the town’s historical significance. The surrounding forests add to its charm.
Garnet offers a quiet, reflective experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the lifestyles of those who once called this remote area home.
15. Randsburg, California
Randsburg, nestled in California’s Mojave Desert, is considered a living ghost town. Founded in 1895 during the gold rush, it retains much of its historic character.
Visitors can explore vintage storefronts, an old jail, and a dusty main road that evokes the spirit of the Old West. The town’s community keeps its heritage alive.
Randsburg hosts events and offers unique shopping experiences, making it a lively yet nostalgic destination for those interested in the rich history of California’s mining era.
16. Shaniko, Oregon
Shaniko, located in Oregon, was once the wool-shipping capital of the world. Established in the early 1900s, it thrived as a key transportation hub.
Today, its historic buildings and wooden sidewalks remain, surrounded by rolling grasslands. Visitors can explore the old hotel, schoolhouse, and a charming general store.
Shaniko’s peaceful setting offers a serene escape for those interested in the history of the Pacific Northwest, providing a glimpse into a unique aspect of American industry.
17. Custer, Idaho
Custer, nestled in Idaho’s mountains, was once a vibrant mining town. Established in the late 1800s, it thrived on gold and silver discoveries.
Today, its log cabins, school, and other structures stand as reminders of its prosperous past. Visitors can explore these remnants, set against a backdrop of forested mountains.
Custer offers a peaceful yet haunting experience, providing a window into the mining history of the American West and the lives of the pioneers who once inhabited this remote area.
18. Cherry Creek, Nevada
Cherry Creek, located in Nevada, was a thriving mining town in the late 1800s. Founded during the silver boom, it grew rapidly before fading into obscurity.
Today, visitors can explore its old mining structures and wooden schoolhouse, surrounded by a stark desert landscape. The town’s remnants offer a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into its storied past.
Cherry Creek’s isolation and rugged beauty make it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper connection to Nevada’s mining heritage.
19. Bannack, Montana
Bannack, Montana, is a well-preserved ghost town that was once the state’s capital. Founded in 1862 during the gold rush, it quickly grew with the influx of miners.
Visitors can explore its wooden buildings, including a hotel and church, all set in a scenic valley. The town’s rich history and beautiful setting offer a captivating experience.
Bannack’s preservation allows visitors to immerse themselves in the past, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in the history of the American frontier.
20. Ruby, Arizona
Ruby, Arizona, is a remote ghost town with a tumultuous past. Once a thriving mining community, it experienced many violent conflicts.
Today, its adobe ruins and mine entrance remain, surrounded by a desert landscape dotted with saguaro cacti. Visitors can explore these remnants and learn about the town’s dramatic history.
Ruby offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure for those interested in the Wild West’s lawless past, providing a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into Arizona’s mining history.
21. Castle Dome, Arizona
Castle Dome, located in Arizona’s desert, is a reconstructed ghost town that offers a vivid look into the past. Once a bustling mining area, it now features buildings restored to their former glory.
Visitors can explore the old mine, saloon, and various structures that capture the spirit of the Old West. The surrounding cacti-strewn landscape adds to its authenticity.
Castle Dome is a perfect destination for families and history enthusiasts, offering educational tours that delve into the mining history and daily life of its former inhabitants.
22. Aurora, Nevada
Aurora was once a thriving mining town on the Nevada border, founded in the 1860s. It was known for its rich silver deposits and lively community.
Today, visitors can explore the stone structure remnants and the old cemetery, set against a vast desert landscape. The ghostly silence and desolation create a hauntingly beautiful experience.
Aurora’s intriguing history and scenic setting make it a captivating destination for those interested in the early mining days of the American West, offering a chance to step back in time.