6 Enigmatic Ghost Towns in the United States

An estimated 3,800 ghost towns can be found across the expansive landscape of America, each telling a tale of prosperity followed by decline.

These abandoned communities emerged around prospects of opportunity: gold rushes, mining surges, and westward expansions, among others. Today, they remain as almost silent monuments to past eras, with their weathered structures and dusty streets narrating the stories of dreams that faded and fortunes that slipped away.

For history buffs or anyone intrigued by the mysterious charm of the deserted, here are some of the top ghost towns to explore in the United States.

1. St. Elmo, Colorado

The allure of gold enticed fortune seekers to flock to Colorado in the late 1800s, leading to the establishment of communities around significant deposits. While some towns, such as Breckenridge and Boulder, have endured into modern times, many others have faded away; the state is home to over 700 ghost towns. Among the best preserved is St. Elmo, founded in 1880 and deserted by 1922. This town was a central point for nearby mining sites and today features more than 40 well-maintained buildings, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can stroll through the streets to admire the facades of the saloon, courthouse, hotel, church, post office, mercantile, and several private residences. Recently, a general store has reopened for seasonal visitors, offering souvenirs and snacks.

Accommodation Options

The nearest places to stay can be found in Buena Vista, where The Inn and The Surf Hotel & Residences are excellent choices. Alternatively, Eleven Taylor River Lodge provides stunning riverside cabins.

2. Calico, California

Established in 1881 amid California's silver rush, Calico once featured nearly 500 mines and a population nearing 1,200. However, as silver prices plummeted in the 1890s, the town rapidly fell into decline and was ultimately abandoned. In the 1950s, it was revitalized by Walter Knott, the founder of Knott’s Berry Farm, and was later designated as a California Historical Landmark. Today, visitors can stroll through dusty streets flanked by vintage saloons, general stores, and miners' cabins. Some buildings are original, while others have been thoughtfully reconstructed to reflect life in the 1880s. Although Calico attracts more tourists than many ghost towns, it offers engaging activities like staged gunfights, gold panning, and ghost tours, making it a fantastic spot for families and history enthusiasts alike.

Accommodation Options

Calico is located about two hours from Los Angeles, where you’ll find an abundance of fantastic hotels, from the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel to the luxurious Nobu Ryokan Malibu.

3. Kennicott, Alaska

Founded in 1903 in Southeast Alaska, Kennicott emerged after two prospectors discovered copper ore. At its height, the Kennecott Mines (notably spelled with an 'e' due to a clerical mistake in the original documentation) employed over 600 workers and operated around the clock to extract the valuable metal. By the time the mines were depleted in 1938, they had yielded approximately $200 million worth of copper.

After decades of abandonment, the National Park Service acquired the mill, power plant, and various camp structures, including faded shops and weather-beaten bunkhouses, from private owners in 1998 and initiated restoration efforts. The town is now part of the lesser-known Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. Visitors can explore the mill, a striking 14-story red structure that processed ore, offering stunning glacier and mountain views from its upper floors, alongside opportunities to examine the impressive century-old machinery. Other accessible buildings include the recreation hall, railroad depot, and the general manager's office.

Accommodation Options

Although the original buildings are not available for overnight stays, the Kennicott Glacier Lodge provides cozy accommodations and a panoramic porch that offers breathtaking views of the glacier valley.

4. Bodie, California

At its height in the late 1800s, Bodie thrived as a lively gold-mining town with a population exceeding 10,000. Today, it stands as a preserved state historic park, featuring approximately 200 structures ranging from saloons to churches that remain intact. Unlike other ghost towns located within national parks, Bodie is maintained in a state of 'arrested decay,' preserving the buildings without restoration, creating the impression of a town frozen in time. Many structures are filled with items from the past, the schoolhouse still displays chalk-written lessons, and old rusting cars sit outside former residences.

Accommodation Options

Bodie is situated in a triangle with South Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, providing plenty of fantastic hotels within a two-hour drive.

5. Terlingua, Texas

Situated just outside Big Bend National Park, Terlingua was once a thriving quicksilver mining town in the early 1900s. As the demand for mercury waned, the population rapidly declined, leaving behind the remnants of the community, including decaying adobe houses and abandoned mine shafts scattered throughout the desert. Today, while Terlingua is labeled a ghost town, it is anything but deserted. The town has seen a revival in recent years, drawing in artists, adventurers, and those with a taste for the unusual. Visitors can explore the original Chisos Mining Company store, now known as Terlingua Trading Company, or enjoy a meal at the Starlight Theatre, a former miners' cinema that has transformed into a vibrant bar and restaurant.

Accommodation Options

For those wishing to stay in the ghost town, consider Basecamp Terlingua, featuring modern casitas and bubble domes, or Buzzard’s Roost, which offers glamping in tipis.

6. Glenrio, Texas/New Mexico

Located on the border between Texas and New Mexico, Glenrio was once a vibrant stop along Route 66, featuring Western-themed hotels, a dance hall, and neon-lit bars. It flourished as a service hub for travelers during the 1930s but fell into abandonment after the interstate bypassed it in the 1970s. Today, it represents a quiet, forgotten piece of Americana, where gas stations, motels, and diners slowly fade away with time. A few recognizable buildings remain, such as the Little Juarez Diner and the State Line Motel, which proudly displays the sign "Motel, Last in Texas." For Route 66 enthusiasts, Glenrio serves as a poignant reminder of the glory days of the "Mother Road."

Accommodation Options

Amarillo is the nearest major town to Glenrio. If you choose to stay, we recommend The Barfield for a comfortable experience.