12 Historical Ghost Towns in America You Can Still Visit Today
Exploring ghost towns offers a fascinating glimpse into America’s past. These abandoned settlements, once bustling with life, now stand as eerie monuments to history. Whether you’re a fan of unique travel experiences, a history buff, or just curious about these desolate locations, visiting a ghost town promises to be an unforgettable adventure. Here are twelve of the most interesting ghost towns across the U.S. that you can explore today.
Bodie, California
Bodie is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the U.S. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this former gold-mining town reached its peak in the late 1800s. It was abandoned in the early 20th century, leaving behind over 100 structures, including homes, a church, and a school. Now a California State Historic Park, visitors can tour the town and learn about its fascinating history.
Tombstone, Arizona
Famous for its Wild West legacy, Tombstone offers a mix of history and tourism. Once the site of the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, this silver-mining boomtown retains much of its 19th-century charm. You can catch reenactments, visit historic saloons, and explore the Tombstone Courthouse.
Discover more about Tombstone’s history.
Centralia, Pennsylvania
Centralia is a modern-day ghost town with an unusual twist—a coal mine fire has been burning beneath it since 1962. Most residents relocated due to safety concerns, leaving behind smoking ground and empty streets. The eerie atmosphere attracts visitors despite its dangers.
Explore details about Centralia.
Virginia City, Nevada
This former mining town was once a thriving hub during the Comstock Lode silver strike. Today, Virginia City is a well-preserved destination with historic saloons, museums, and restored Victorian buildings. It’s a great spot for families and history lovers alike.
Check out Virginia City’s highlights.
Garnet, Montana
Tucked in the mountains of western Montana, Garnet offers a quieter glimpse into ghost town life. This former gold-mining settlement is remarkably well-maintained, with over 30 buildings standing as they did in their heyday. It’s also less commercialized than other towns, making it ideal for avid adventurers.
Plan your visit with details from Geotab.
Kennecott, Alaska
Nestled in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Kennecott was a bustling copper mining camp in the early 20th century. It was abandoned in 1938 after the ore was depleted. Today, the site features abandoned mills and buildings that contrast starkly with the surrounding wilderness.
St. Elmo, Colorado
Located in the Rocky Mountains, St. Elmo is one of Colorado’s best-preserved ghost towns. Known for gold and silver mining, it was abandoned after the 1920s. Visitors can wander through its streets, visit the general store, and enjoy nearby ATV trails.
Discover St. Elmo at GhostTowns.com.
Calico, California
Dubbed the “Silver Rush Ghost Town,” Calico was a bustling mining settlement in the late 1800s. Restored by Walter Knott in the 1950s, it now operates as a tourist attraction with museums, shops, and reenactments. Don’t miss this slice of California history.
Rhyolite, Nevada
Rhyolite is an iconic Nevada ghost town with fascinating ruins, including the skeletal remains of its bank, school, and train station. It sprung up during a gold rush in the early 1900s but was abandoned just a decade later. Its photogenic quality makes it a favorite among photographers.
Find more details at Geotab’s guide.
Frisco, Utah
Known as one of the wildest towns in the West, Frisco thrived thanks to mining but was notorious for crime and lawlessness. Today, only ruins remain, including beehive-shaped charcoal kilns. It’s a quieter spot for visitors who prefer solitude.
Custer, Idaho
Once a bustling gold-mining community, Custer is now a preserved historic site within the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park. Visitors can tour restored buildings, including a general store and a schoolhouse, and learn about the town’s vibrant past.
Check out more about Custer’s preservation.
Jerome, Arizona
Formerly a booming copper mining town, Jerome is now known as “America’s Largest Ghost Town.” Its steep streets and remnants of its heyday draw countless visitors. Jerome is also home to art galleries, quirky shops, and even ghost tours for those seeking a spooky experience.
Learn more about Jerome’s revival.
Conclusion
America’s ghost towns offer a unique way to step back in time and experience a piece of history firsthand. From the rugged landscapes of Alaska to the arid deserts of Nevada, these towns tell stories of boom-and-bust industries, human ambition, and resilience. Whether you’re planning a road trip or a day outing, don’t miss the chance to explore these fascinating remnants of the past.
