If you’re looking for a truly eerie and abandoned place to visit in the United States, you don’t have to go far. Many ghost towns dot the American landscape, waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re interested in exploring a forgotten mining town or an abandoned village, there’s sure to be a ghost town that will pique your interest.
Keep reading to find out the top 10 ghost towns in America that are definitely worth a visit.
1. Calico, California.
Calico, California is an abandoned ghost town in the US. The town was once a thriving mining town with over 500 mines.
It was abandoned in 1907 when the mines ran out of silver. The town has been preserved as a state park, and visitors can learn about its history at the Calico Ghost Town Museum.
Given its location in the desert, Calico is also a popular spot for hiking and camping.
There are also many shops and restaurants in Calico, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two.
So if you’re ever in the mood for a little adventure, be sure to check out Calico, California.
2. Bodie, California.
Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there was a town called Bodie. Founded in 1859, Bodie was a thriving mining town with a population of over 10,000 people.
But then the mines ran out and the people gradually left, until Bodie became a ghost town.
Today, Bodie is a popular tourist destination, known for its eerily well-preserved buildings and spacious streets.
Visitors can almost imagine the sound of laughter and music floating in the wind, and the ghosts of Bodie’s past seem to linger in the air.
So if you’re ever feeling adventurous, or just want to experience a little bit of history, pay a visit to this abandoned town in the middle of nowhere.
3. St. Elmo, Colorado.
St. Elmo, Colorado is an abandoned ghost town in the US. Once a thriving mining town, St. Elmo is now a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy visiting spooky abandoned places.
Thanks to its well-preserved buildings and eerie atmosphere, St. Elmo has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies, including an episode of the hit series “Supernatural.”
Despite its creepy reputation, St. Elmo is actually a pretty fascinating place with a rich history. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to check it out…if you’re feeling brave enough!
4. Belmont, Nevada
Belmont, Nevada is a ghost town located in the Mojave Desert in the United States.
The town was originally established in the late 19th century, and at its peak had a population of over 1,000 people.
The town began to decline in the early 20th century, and by the 1950s it was completely abandoned.
Today, Belmont is a popular tourist destination for those interested in exploring abandoned places. Visitors can see the remains of old buildings and mining equipment, and can even camp overnight in the desert.
Belmont is a fascinating glimpse into the past and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience life in a ghost town.
5. Jerome, Arizona.
Once a bustling mining town, Jerome, Arizona is now a ghost town. The mines have long since been abandoned, and the only residents are the spirits of those who died there.
The town is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman named Sadie Burt, who was killed by her husband in a fit of rage.
Visitors to Jerome often report feeling her presence, as well as seeing strange lights and hearing strange noises. If you’re brave enough to visit this ghost town, be prepared for a truly spooky experience.
There are also restaurants and cafes in Jerome, making it the perfect place to spend a different weekend.
6. Rhyolite, Nevada.
Rhyolite, Nevada is one of the many ghost towns in the American West. This one has a particularly interesting history.
Rhyolite was founded in 1904 after the discovery of gold in the area. It quickly grew into a booming mining town with a population of over 10,000 people.
However, by 1908 the gold had run out and the town began to decline. By 1920, it was completely abandoned.
Today, all that remains of Rhyolite are a few stone buildings and ruins. The ghostly atmosphere in the town makes it now a popular tourist destination.
Visitors can explore the ruins and imagine what life was like in this once-thriving mining town. There is also a museum in Rhyolite that covers the town’s history.
7. Kennecott, Alaska
Kennecott, Alaska is a ghost town that was once a thriving mining community. The town was founded in 1903 and grew rapidly as miners flocked to the area in search of gold and copper.
Kennecott was an isolated community, located in a remote corner of Alaska, and it depended entirely on the mine for its survival. When the ore ran out, the mine closed, and the town quickly became deserted.
Today, Kennecott is a ghost town, with only a few abandoned buildings remaining.
Despite its eerie atmosphere, the town is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the abandoned buildings and learn about the history of this once-thriving community.
There are also several hiking trails in the area, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring.
8. Terlingua, Texas
Terlingua, Texas was once, home to over 2,000 people. However, the mines eventually ran dry, and the population began to dwindle.
By the 1970s, Terlingua had become a ghost town, with only a handful of residents remaining. Today, Terlingua is a popular tourist destination, known for its abandoned buildings and its Wild West vibe.
Visitors can explore the abandoned mines, visit the old cemetery, or take a ride on the Terlingua Ghost Town Railway.
Despite its eerie atmosphere, Terlingua is a place full of history and charm, and it’s well worth a visit for anyone interested in the American West.
9. Goldfield, Arizona.
Goldfield, Arizona was once a thriving mining town, but today it is nothing more than a ghost town.
The last residents left years ago, and the only people who ever come here now are tourists. Even so, Goldfield is still an interesting place to visit.
The deserted streets and abandoned buildings give off a feeling of a ghost town in the US melancholy, and it’s easy to imagine what life must have been like here during the gold rush.
Visitors can explore the many well-preserved buildings, take a ride on the vintage narrow gauge railroad, and learn about the town’s history at the local museum.
If you’re ever in the area, Goldfield definitely worth taking a detour to check out.
10. St. Deroin, Nebraska
St. Deroin, Nebraska is a ghost town. Once a thriving community, it is now abandoned.
The buildings are all boarded up, the streets are empty, and the only sound is the wind blowing through the deserted streets. It’s as if the town was never there. But it was…and its story is a spooky one.
According to legend, St. Deroin was cursed by a witch who lived on the outskirts of town. No one knows why she did it, but ever since she placed her curse on the town, everyone who has tried to live there has met with misfortune.
Families have mysteriously disappeared, crops have withered and died, and animals have been found slaughtered in the streets. No one has been able to break the curse…until now.
If you’re looking for a ghost town to explore, these are some of the best in the country. Have you visited any of them?
If not, be sure to add one (or all!) of them to your bucket list – you won’t regret it! So pack your bags and get ready for some spooky fun!
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