There’s something hauntingly fascinating about ghost towns. They offer a glimpse into the past, frozen in time, where bustling communities once thrived but have faded away. These abandoned spots are perfect for history buffs, urban explorers, or anyone who loves a good mystery. Ghost towns can range from eerie mining settlements to desolate farming villages, each with a story. Some still have intact buildings and artifacts, while others are ruins. The best part? You can visit many of these places and get a firsthand look at their creepy yet captivating charm. Here are some of the most notable ghost towns across America waiting to be explored.
1. Bodie, California
High in the Sierra Nevada mountains lies Bodie, one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the country. Once a booming gold mining town with over 10,000 residents, this place went silent by the early 1900s after the gold ran out and fires ravaged parts of the settlement. Today, Bodie is a state historic park, and its eerie atmosphere is hard to miss. Dusty streets remain lined with weathered wooden buildings, with saloons, homes, and even a schoolhouse. Inside, remnants of the past, like desks, canned food, and other everyday items, still sit untouched, as though the residents vanished overnight.
2. Rhyolite, Nevada
Located near Death Valley, Rhyolite is the perfect place to experience the desolate beauty of the desert while uncovering a rich history. During its heyday in the early 1900s, this boomtown attracted miners and prospectors eager to strike it rich. It even had modern things like electricity and a train station. But when the local mines dried up, the population quickly dwindled. Today, you can see the ruins of the bank, parts of the train depot, and the iconic Bottle House, a home built entirely out of glass bottles. The surrounding desert gives the town an otherworldly vibe, especially during sunrise or sunset.
3. St. Elmo, Colorado
Tucked in the Rockies, St. Elmo is a classic Colorado ghost town that feels like stepping into the Old West. At its peak in the 1880s, St. Elmo was a bustling mining town with general stores, hotels, and saloons. When mining operations ended, so did this town’s livelihood. What sets St. Elmo apart is how well it’s been preserved. Many buildings are still standing, including the post office, which remains operational. It’s also known for ghostly tales, as some visitors report eerie feelings or unexplained noises in the area. The surrounding scenery of evergreen forests and towering peaks add to its charm.
4. Thurmond, West Virginia
Once an important railroad town, Thurmond is hidden in the mountains of southern West Virginia. This remote spot boomed in the early 20th century thanks to the coal industry but began to decline as trains became less important for transportation. Today, it looks like a small village pulled straight out of a movie set. The old train depot is now a visitor center, while the empty storefronts and houses along the main street stand as quiet reminders of a once-thriving community. Surrounded by green hills, Thurmond is both beautiful and forlorn, making it a must-see destination for ghost town enthusiasts.
5. Centralia, Pennsylvania
Centralia might be the creepiest ghost town in America. Its story is unlike any other on this list. Located in Pennsylvania, this coal mining town fell victim to an underground mine fire in 1962 that has been burning ever since. That’s right, the fire still smolders below the surface to this day. Most Centralia residents left due to toxic gases and safety concerns, leaving behind empty streets and overgrown lots. A few holdouts still call the area home, but it feels entirely deserted. Graffiti covers the remains of what used to be roads, and steam rising from the ground adds to the town’s eerie atmosphere.
6. Garnet, Montana
Tucked in the pine-covered hills of western Montana, Garnet is one of the state’s best-preserved ghost towns. Once a lively mining town in the late 1800s, it featured shops, saloons, and family homes. Garnet was unique in that it catered to families, not just rowdy miners. When the gold dried up, people deserted the town almost overnight. Today, Garnet’s wooden buildings stand as silent witnesses to its history. Visitors can explore homes with furniture still intact and check out an old general store stocked with turn-of-the-century goods. The remoteness of this town makes it even more hauntingly beautiful.
7. Kennecott, Alaska
For a super remote ghost town experience, head to Kennecott in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. This once-thriving copper mining town sprang to life in the early 1900s but was abandoned by the late 1930s when the mines closed. What makes Kennecott stand out is the striking red buildings that seem to cling to the mountainside. The old mill and other structures are still standing, creating a surreal scene against the backdrop of glaciers and rugged Alaskan wilderness. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the history and the engineering that made this town possible.
8. Calico, California
Calico might be the perfect spot if you’re looking for a ghost town with a touch of whimsy. This mining town in the Mojave Desert thrived in the late 1800s during California’s silver rush. After the silver ran out, the town quickly emptied. Today, Calico has been turned into a tourist-friendly ghost town with restored buildings and reenactments that bring its wild history to life. It’s a bit more commercialized than other ghost towns on this list, but it’s still worth a visit to see its quirky vibe and learn about its silver-mining past.
9. Jerome, Arizona
Jerome doesn’t fit the mold of a completely abandoned ghost town, but it’s still loaded with spooky charm. Perched on the side of Cleopatra Hill in Arizona, this town once buzzed with activity thanks to its copper mines. When the mines stopped producing, Jerome’s population plummeted. Today, it’s a thriving tourist destination that embraces its eerie, semi-abandoned feel. Visitors can explore unique shops, tour the old mine, and even stay in the Jerome Grand Hotel, which is said to be haunted. The mix of ghostly vibes and vibrant small-town culture makes Jerome a standout.
10. Cahawba, Alabama
Cahawba holds the title of Alabama’s original state capital but is now a hauntingly beautiful ghost town. Located at the Cahaba and Alabama rivers' meeting point, this settlement thrived in the early 1800s. Flooding, disease, and the Civil War led to its decline, and it was eventually abandoned. Today, you can wander through the ruins of buildings, including a church and cemetery, while imagining what life was like in this once-prominent town. The peaceful atmosphere and Southern charm give Cahawba a unique character that sets it apart from other ghost towns.
11. Bannack, Montana
Bannack is a must-visit for anyone who loves history and the Old West. This Montana ghost town was once a gold rush hotspot in the 1860s, but as the mining activity dwindled, so did its population. Now a state park, Bannack’s dusty streets and log structures like saloons, homes, and even a hotel remain impressively preserved. Visitors can tour the old buildings and learn about the town’s fascinating past, including tales of vigilante justice and gold-fever greed. Bannack is so well-preserved that it often feels like walking through a living history book.
