Once thriving communities, there are many U.S. ghost towns that Americans don’t know exist! While some were made into newer settlements, some have vanished entirely. But, in some parts, many of these towns remain, frozen in time and waiting to be explored.
These ghost towns throughout the United States allow us to glimpse what these abandoned towns once were and how they thrived. How do these American towns look today, and where are they located?
Let’s look closer to see if there are any ghost towns you and your family may enjoy exploring!
19. South Pass City, Wyoming
If you like exploring ghost towns, South Pass City in Wyoming is a great pick. It’s tucked away in a small canyon, and caretakers have kept it in good shape so you can really see what life looked like in the 1800s.
You’ll spot old mining buildings, homes, and a quiet main street. History jumps out at every turn, with signs and exhibits telling stories of gold fever and tough pioneer days.
Guides offer tours if you want more details, but you can also wander through the old general store or check out some mining relics on your own. There’s plenty to see for history buffs and casual visitors alike.
18. Cisco, Utah
Cisco sits out in eastern Utah, not far from the Colorado border. It used to buzz with railroad workers, ranchers, and oil folks. Now, old buildings and empty lots stand where stores and boarding houses once did.
Walking through Cisco feels quiet and honestly a bit eerie. Most of the town emptied out when highways changed and trains stopped coming. The wide-open desert just makes the place feel lonelier.
If you’ve seen “Thelma & Louise,” you might recognize Cisco. These days, artist Eileen Muza lives here, fixing things up and adding her own touch. Even with some new art, Cisco keeps its ghost-town vibe.
It’s open for visitors, as long as you’re careful and respect private property. There’s not much left, but the peeling paint and endless sky make Cisco a unique stop on any road trip.
17. Shaniko, Oregon
If you’re curious about old Western towns, Shaniko in Oregon should be on your list. Once called the “Wool Capital of the World,” it’s now almost empty, giving it a strange and quiet vibe.
You can stroll down its main street and peek into historic buildings. Some places still show off their original signs, and you’ll spot old wagons outside.
The quiet in Shaniko feels a little spooky at times. There’s hardly any traffic, so you can explore and snap photos at your own pace.
People visit for its old-time charm and eerie silence. If you like places with a past, Shaniko is worth a look.
16. Bannack, Montana
When you visit Bannack, Montana, you step right into the past. This ghost town started in 1862 after gold turned up in Grasshopper Creek. Back then, people rushed in, hoping to strike it rich.
As you walk its dusty streets, you’ll see many old buildings still standing. The Hotel Meade and Bessette House get a lot of attention, partly because of stories about strange sounds and ghostly figures.
Bannack’s history isn’t just about gold. The town had a sheriff, Henry Plummer, who folks later accused of leading a gang of criminals. Locals still swap stories about the mysteries surrounding him.
Now Bannack is a state park. You can explore what’s left, peek into abandoned homes, and get a real sense of life during Montana’s gold rush days.
15. Animas Forks, Colorado
If you’re up for an adventure, check out Animas Forks in Colorado. This ghost town sits high in the San Juan Mountains, about 12 miles from Silverton.
You’ll wander dirt paths lined with old wooden buildings from mining days. Back in the late 1800s, Animas Forks drew miners chasing silver and gold.
The views here are wild. The town sits over 11,000 feet up, so the air’s crisp and thin. Weather changes fast, so come prepared.
Many visitors say the quiet streets and empty homes feel especially eerie when clouds roll in. It’s easy to wonder about the people who once lived and worked here.
14. Silver City, Idaho
If you’re looking for an old mining town frozen in time, Silver City in Idaho might be your spot. It sits high in the Owyhee Mountains, about 6,200 feet up, and the views are something else.
Wander around and you’ll see original buildings from the late 1800s, left pretty much as they were. The place has a real mining-days vibe.
Even though it’s called a ghost town, some people still care for Silver City, and it stays in great shape. It’s not crowded, so you can explore at your own pace and really soak up Idaho’s mining past.
13. Glenrio, New Mexico and Texas
Glenrio sits right on the Texas-New Mexico border along old Route 66. Walking around, you’ll notice how quiet it is—just old buildings and wide open land. Not many people visit, so you might have the place to yourself.
This town once welcomed travelers passing through on the famous highway. Now, empty motels and gas stations line the road, reminding you of its busier days.
You can park anywhere, get out, and explore. Everything left standing is close by, so it’s easy to check out both sides of the state line. The silence here feels almost surreal as wind moves through boarded-up businesses.
12. Thurmond, West Virginia
Thurmond hides away in the heart of New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. It was once a lively railroad town, but now only a handful of people live there.
As you wander Thurmond, you’ll see old buildings like a train depot, hotels, and a bank—all standing quiet but in surprisingly good shape. The empty streets and preserved history give off a frozen-in-time feeling.
Most folks arrive by train or on foot since Thurmond stays pretty isolated. The remaining structures let you get close to the past, seeing how coal and railroads shaped small American towns.
Even with just a few residents left, Thurmond’s lonely streets and faded signs tell stories that history lovers and curious travelers will find interesting.
11. Calico, California
Drive through the Mojave Desert in California, and you’ll spot Calico tucked among rough hills and wide-open desert. Back in the 1880s, this old mining town buzzed with life during the biggest silver rush in the state.
Stroll along the creaky wooden boardwalks, peek inside weather-beaten buildings, and poke around at rusty mining tools scattered about. The streets are dusty—honestly, that’s half the charm.
Feeling curious? The Mystery Shack offers up some oddball tricks, while a narrow-gauge train rattles you around for a closer look. If hiking’s more your thing, Calico’s got trails with beautiful desert views—sometimes so quiet you’ll hear your own footsteps.
It’s a bit eerie with all that faded wood and silence, but there’s plenty to poke around. Calico lets you soak up Old West history without elbowing through crowds. Honestly, it’s got its own weird magic.
10. Garnet, Montana
As a historic ghost town, Garnet is located in central Montana, sitting at the top of First Chance Creek. Dating back to 1895, more than 30 buildings are preserved, where you’ll find the Visitor Center to teach you more about this ghost town.
This is one of those places where you will have a unique ghost town experience. Explore the overlook, where you can trail down to the abandoned buildings. Here, you’ll have a great view and understand what life was like finding gold in this mining town.
Additionally, you’ll explore miner’s cabins, Kelley’s saloon, and Dahl House, the pleasant home in Garnet.
9. Rhyolite, Nevada
If there’s one place you don’t want to miss out on, it’s the ghost towns in Nevada, ready to explore on foot. Located just off Death Valley National Park, you’ll find the ghost town of Rhyolite. Not only are there many things to do here, but it also has some of the most iconic ruins in the West.
Rhyolite was founded during the gold rush in 1905 and quickly grew into a lively community. At its peak around 1909, the town had three train lines, multiple newspapers, and even an opera house. It was a bustling place with plenty of entertainment and services. By 1914 however the gold dried up, and the town began to decline.
Due to its picturesque scenery, it would be the perfect place to shoot old movies. Did you know that Alanis Morissette used this location to shoot her “You Oughta Know” video? Take a look for yourself, and you’ll get to see some of those iconic buildings.
8. Terlingua, Texas
In the Terlingua ghost town, this isn’t some tourist trap or an abandoned old movie set. This was once a well-known mining town that folded, leaving miners to abandon their homes. Today, you’ll find ruins, tall tales, mine shafts, many cacti, and decaying buildings.
Once a bustling mining town in the late 1800s, it drew people in due to mercury discoveries. Eventually, the mine began to run dry, until it eventually closed in the 1940s. With no mine the town quickly became abandoned and stayed that way for years.
It’s has since received slight improvements with a popular restaurant, rustic lodging, and, of course, a fully operational bar. While here, you can explore the ruins, stop by the Chisos Mine store, and visit the Starlight Theatre. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in the old jail because that’s where the restrooms are!
7. St. Elmo, Colorado
St. Elmo is one of the best-preserved and most accessible ghost towns in the West. Situated to the south of Buena Vista, it’s a short 30-minute drive from town. With 43 scattered buildings that remain, it’s one of the few that you’ll enjoy visiting, even during the winter.
Founded in 1880, it once buzzed with miners looking for gold and silver. At its peak, around 2,000 people called this place home.
While venturing the town, you’ll see private homes, a mercantile, a jail/courthouse, and a saloon. You can tour this historic ghost town on horseback, ATV, or foot.
If you’re a nature enthusiast, you’ll also enjoy feeding the chipmunks, which is one of the most popular activities in St. Elmo.
6. Virginia City, Montana
Virginia City a town frozen in time, is a fascinating preserved Victorian gold mining town situated only 50 miles from the infamous Yellowstone National Park. As the gold dwindled, there wasn’t enough left to upgrade the buildings, so the city froze.
As a true gem, it’s located in an affluent area filled with recreation, history, and natural beauty. While visiting, you can take a train ride on the Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad to enjoy the scenery.
You also can’t leave without exploring the River of Gold, a free outdoor museum that pays tribute to the rush days. While here, you can find rock sand panning supplies and unique gifts at the gift shop.
5. Cahawba, Alabama
Throughout the state of Alabama, you’ll find several ghost towns, but Cahawba is probably the most famous one being. An abandoned town situated in Dallas County it once was Alabama’s state capital from 1819 to 1826. Today, the city is run as Cahawba Archaeological Park, with many people visiting because of its rich history.
However, some people steer clear of this town because they think it’s haunted. While walking through the city, it’s easy to see why people would think this because of its decaying buildings. You’ll also see a few ruins, one of the most haunting being the slave burial ground.
Many people don’t have headstones here, so you’ll probably walk over graves without knowing it!
4. Nevada City, Montana
Located in Madison County, you’ll find Nevada City, an abandoned mining town which was restored over 30 years in the 1950s-1970s. Viewed as a historical museum, it has many tourist attractions with original buildings made of lots and old music boxes.
You’ll have a fun time exploring this town with the whole family. Visiting the city will give you a feel of what it was like to live during the 1860s in the Alder Gulch area.
In the back streets of Nevada City, you’ll see the original barber shop and Sullivan’s Saddlery. Today, this ghost town is owned by the state of Montana and has more than 90 historic buildings for viewing.
3. Kennecott, Alaska
Located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, this old ghost town is now an abandoned mining camp and historical landmark in Alaska. Once a bustling copper mine, it reached its peak in the early 1900s but shut down in the 1930s.
When visiting, you’ll get to see its iconic red mill structure that stands approximately 14 stories over the Kennecott glacier. If you want to explore the ghost town alone, grab a map from the National Park Service.
However, many tourists choose to do a guided tour using St. Elias Alpine Guides, who have permission to guide you through the town and inside historic buildings.
2. Centralia, PA
Founded in 1866 is a unique ghost town in Pennsylvania. This town once had around 2,800 residents with 14 grocery stores, several hotels, and two movie theaters.
It became infamous for an underground coal fire that has been burning since 1962. This drove many of the mines to close because there were high levels of carbon monoxide. Initially many residents stayed; however, the burning started underneath their homes and made the town mostly uninhabitable.
When exploring Centralia, you’ll now see a church, graveyard, and a few homes that remain. You can also see some smoke that comes through the ground on certain days.
1. Bodie, California
Once a town with 8,000 residents and producing over $30 million in gold with gold mining, it is a distant memory; it now has around 200 abandoned buildings in decay that tourists can explore and photograph.
While exploring this famous ghost town, you’ll see a saloon, barbershop, schoolhouse, and church, where all that remains are desks and bottles. Bodie is open all year round but closes due to weather at times.
While in town, you can swing by the Mercantile store in Bridgeport to purchase unique souvenirs and gifts. The funds from these purchases go directly to the ghost town.
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