Ghost towns are abandoned settlements that are fascinating remnants of history. Marked by deserted locations and little to no inhabitants, such towns offer visitors a unique glimpse into the past that history books cannot capture or recreate. Such zones provide unique perspectives of a bygone era and communities that no longer exist. The best ghost towns to visit in the US comprise several historical revelations, making them enticing destinations for curious travelers and photographers alike.
1. Silver City, Bodfish
This is one of the top ghost towns in America and is known for its mining-era buildings. Located in Bodfish, California, this zone’s ramshackle structures date back to the 1850s. Silver City Ghost Town is known for being affected by gold fever in the centuries gone by. During that phase, the towns in this location quickly became abandoned as gold deposits dried up. This ghost town has been accessible to the public for various periods, most recently after its reopening in 1992.
An eerie highlight of this town is its town jail, which has been rumored to be the site of paranormal activity. Sites like this have made Silver City one of the most popular haunted ghost towns to visit in the US. Each building in this city has notices posted on premises that date decades back, serving as a record of important historical events and actions.
2. Ardmore, South Dakota
Travelers who wish to visit a city that is eternally frozen in time can check out this zone located in Ardmore, South Dakota. Frequently listed among the top ghost towns in America, this stopover location is famous for its homes, abandoned businesses, and rusting vehicles. Travelers can cruise down Highway 71 to visit a few decaying homes and other barren, forlorn sites that offer stunning photography opportunities to tourists. This town was founded in 1889 and was a classic 19th-century frontier town that mainly served as a stopping point for the New Burlington Railroad. A known fact about this place is that President Calvin Coolidge visited Ardmore for a picnic.
3. St. Elmo, Colorado
This is one of the most popular abandoned towns in the US worth visiting. This historic mining town was formed in 1880, and its final residents took the last train out in 1922, but they never returned. Today, tourists visit St. Elmo by car or all-terrain vehicle to witness one of its many wooden storefronts, including the town’s famous general store. Some of the highlights of this place include the infamous Tincup Pass (which connects St. Elmo with Tin Cup town) and the spooky town cemetery. Tin Cup was known for its ties to Wild West outlaws.
This place is also a great destination for lovers of mountain getaways. Enthusiasts have the option to rent a log cabin.
4. Terlingua, Texas
This belongs to the list of several historic mining towns that were the center of industrial activity in regions where valuable minerals were extracted. Terlingua was one of the country’s largest mercury producers during the 1930s. Unfortunately, by the 1940s, the company leading the mining operation went bankrupt, leading to the town’s decline. In the wake of that, most residents of this town relocated, leaving behind centuries-old architecture and abandoned mines. For tourists planning to visit this place, there are various art galleries, gift shops, and restaurants to check out.
5. Bannack, Montana
Many people believe Bannack to be one of the best-haunted ghost towns to visit in the US. The Hotel Meade in this town is particularly notorious for its paranormal activities. The fascinating stories of Bannack can be traced back to a few centuries earlier.
During the 1860s, Bannack’s gold wealth provoked greed and lawlessness in this zone. For this reason, this town earned the nickname of the “Toughest Town in the West.” The infamous old stagecoach route connecting Bannack with the nearby Virginia City was a special target for bandits. Many locals believe that the ghosts of their victims can still be seen around this town’s remaining pre-historic structures.
6. Custer, Idaho
Most tourists visiting ghost towns seek a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. For people seeking quiet, this Idaho town is the perfect destination. The population of this gold-mining town peaked in 1896. Custer was home to a massive stamp mill, eight saloons, and even a small Chinatown. Around 1910, this town’s mills shut down, and business slumped. Subsequently, the inhabitants of this place left their remote mountain home and moved to other prosperous towns and cities. Key attractions to check out when visiting this ghost town include the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge, Custer Motorway, various museums, and more.
7. Flagstaff, Maine
This is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in America. It is certainly the most unique entry on this list, as it is underwater. In 1950, the administrators of this town flooded it intentionally to create the Flagstaff Lake Reservoir. While technically, one can visit this place, there is not much to see most of the time here. At certain phases, the church steeple of Flagstaff’s old chapel peeks up above the waterline for observers.
Some other famous ghost towns in the US are Crystal City ghost town, Colorado, Auraria ghost town, Georgia, and Bayhorse ghost town, Idaho.