Are you itching for an adventure that will give you chills down your spine? Look no further than the US ghost towns that tell tales of abandoned buildings, forgotten memories, and tragic history. Solo travel can be a powerful way to discover new horizons and learn about one’s inner self. If you crave a unique and spooky experience, visit one of these ten ghost towns from across the United States. Each town has its own unique charm and stories to tell. Happy haunting!
Haunted History Awaits in Bodie, California
If you’re seeking the ultimate old-western experience, then you can’t miss out on Bodie, California. Located near the Nevada state line, Bodie is a ghost town that has been preserved in time since the Gold Rush era. As the sun sets, ghostly apparitions are said to roam the streets of this notoriously haunted town. Make sure to take a guided tour to understand its captivating past, and stop by the cemetery, where many of the former residents of Bodie were laid to rest.
During your stay, you can also explore the interiors of around 100 buildings that are still in great condition. Walking down Main Street, the old saloons, bakeries, and post offices will transport you back to the Wild West days. The museum is an excellent place to learn about the history of the town and its residents. To get the best experience at Bodie, visit in the fall when the foliage in the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains changes into a beautiful golden hue.
If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, make sure to book a ghost tour of Bodie – a popular activity run by local tour guides searching for the unexplained phenomena. Exploring the streets and buildings with an experienced guide can make the trip even more memorable.
Discover the Abandoned Beauty of Terlingua, Texas
Terlingua, Texas located in the West Texas desert, is a remote former mining town that has stood still since the 1940s. It’s the last resting place of cemeteries and wooden ruins, where coyotes and roadrunners run rampant. This abandoned town is a perfect stop for solo travelers looking to get away from civilization and enjoy some peace and solitude. The landscape is stunningly beautiful – mountain ranges, dry arroyos, and cactus flats offer an exciting outdoor experience.
Terlingua is the perfect base camp for a unique desert adventure. The nearby Big Bend National Park is a perfect place to go camping, hiking, and indulge in stargazing. You can also visit the nearby historic cemetery, which is the final resting place for the miners and their families, along with former residents of the town.
When you’re done exploring the outdoors, visit Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Saloon, the only restaurant in town. Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Saloon is known for its delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, cold beer, and mixed drinks, making it a perfect spot to relax and chat with locals.
Explore the Eerie Charm of Centralia, Pennsylvania
South of Scranton, in the dense forest of Pennsylvania, Centralia is a unique ghost town, which has been abandoned since the early 60s. The story behind the town’s demise begins with a massive coal mine fire, and ever since, the town has been smoldering. Despite its eerie past, Centralia has become a popular tourist attraction, and the ghost town is full of things to see and do.
It’s imperative to be careful when visiting Centralia because the town sits atop a dormant volcano with flames and steam rising from the ground. The flames and smoke rise through cracks in the ground and floorboards in most homes. As a result, many of the town’s buildings are condemned, and visiting is risky. Nevertheless, dodging the smoke plumes is an adventure in itself, and you get to explore and witness the tragic transformation of a burnt-out mining town. The few residents left in Centralia have taken to painting the remaining houses with eerie and morbid murals, adding interest to the already spooky atmosphere.
During your visit, be sure to visit the Graffiti Highway, where tourists have spray-painted messages for decades. It offers a unique insight into how people have interacted with this eerie and abandoned place over the years. By visiting Centralia, you’ll be part of a group of people exploring one of America’s most unique and dangerous ghost towns.
Uncover the Mysterious Past of St. Elmo, Colorado
If you’re seeking an adventure in the Rocky Mountains, you can’t pass up on a visit to St. Elmo, a ghost town located in Colorado. St. Elmo was established in 1880 as a gold and silver mining town, and it thrived until the early 1920s. Although St. Elmo is relatively modern compared to other ghost towns, it’s got a charm of its own, and the carefully restored buildings are worth exploring.
Be sure to visit the general store, which was once the town’s social and commercial center. It’s delightfully well-preserved with its wooden floorboards, period shelving stocked with old-fashioned products, and an antique cash register. While exploring the town, you might feel the eerie presence of the former residents, and you might want to keep your camera on hand in case you spot something unusual.
If you’re interested in the history of the town, be sure to stop at the Gold Coin Club & Saloon, now a museum. Inside, you’ll find old mining equipment, original St. Elmo photographs, and some old saloon exhibits. You can also hike the nearby Mount Princeton Trail that leads to some superb scenery, forest trails, and beautiful streams.
Journey to the Past in Ruby, Arizona
Ruby, Arizona, is the perfect place to go if you’re looking to step back in time and witness a real historical gem. The town was established in 1912, and for several decades, it was a prosperous mining town. The Ruby ghost town is a fascinating visit, and it’s an excellent place for solo travelers who enjoy remote locales and beautiful landscapes.
The Ruby Museum is a must-see for visitors interested in learning about the life and history of the previous residents. You’ll be astonished by the artifacts and exhibits that highlight the mining industry and look at the town’s historic importance. You can also explore the surrounding desert scenery and take a walking tour of the town’s various abandoned buildings, including old stores, cafes, and gas stations.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then Ruby, Arizona, is the perfect destination. It’s an oasis of calm in the Sonoran Desert, and every moment spent here feels like a journey into the past.
Experience the Sights and Sounds of Rhyolite, Nevada
Rhyolite, Nevada, was once a successful mining town during the early 1900s, but abandonment led to the town’s slow decay. Today, the town has been transformed to a tourist destination for solo travelers, photographers, and filmmakers. Visitors can relive the town’s history while wandering through the ruins of numerous businesses, including a schoolhouse, a bank, a jail, and a train depot.
The Bottle House is another attraction that you won’t want to miss. The structure was built in 1906, using over 30,000 beer and liquor bottles. The quartz and bottle shard masonry offer a glowing light that emphasizes the town’s crispy air after sunset. Strangely enough, the house still stands to this day, making it a must-see for tourists who visit the area.
At night, the ambience of the desert landscape and the ruins in Rhyolite is especially impressive. The lack of light pollution means star-gazing is an unforgettable experience. Sunsets are also an attraction in themselves. The area is secluded, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to escape modern day-to-day life and relish the solitude that comes with exploring a ghost town.
Get Lost in the Wilderness of Animas Forks, Colorado
The Animas Forks mining town, located in the San Juan Mountains near Silverton, Colorado, is a perfect place to experience the Wild West history of the state. There’s a sense of timelessness in this ghost town, as the unpaved road, building ruins, and mine structures have stood still since the late 19th century. At an elevation of 11,200 feet, it’s a must-visit place for hikers, photographers, or anyone who’s interested in Colorado’s mining history.
The snow-capped mountains, the canyon views, and the forest trails are awe-inspiring on the hike throughout. While walking the ghost town’s streets, you’ll pass old buildings and mines, which were abandoned long ago, but still seem almost completely intact. The cries of former residents and miners are said to echo in the wind, and if you listen closely, you might be able to hear the clanking of tools used to dig precious ores.
Visitors should make sure to bring extra layers of clothing, as temperatures can lower down rapidly with the elevation. The out-of-the-way and forgotten Animas Forks offers life-threatening beauty and solitude, and it’s a perfect novel experience for history buffs and solo travelers alike.
Step Back in Time in Virginia City, Montana
If you’re searching for a well-preserved ghost town that won’t scare you, then Virginia City, Montana, is a perfect destination. Virginia City was built in the 1860s during the gold rush and is considered one of the most historically preserved mining towns in America. Tourists can take a walking tour of the town and learn about the area’s rich history.
Visiting Virginia City is like stepping back in time as many buildings have been preserved, including old hotels, bars, and even a comedy theater. The Virginia City Narrow Gauge Railroad offers scenic transportation that passes through beautiful landscape and mountains. The train runs seasonally, and it’s a perfect opportunity to see part of Montana’s untamed countryside that isn’t reachable by car.
The Way We Were museum is another tourist attraction that you won’t want to miss. The museum tells the story of the town using interactive exhibits and demonstrations, and it offers a unique insight into Montana’s gold rush era. Be sure to visit the Brewery Follies show and enjoy a night of laughs, delightful drinks, and music.
Discover the Legends of Tombstone, Arizona
No list of ghost towns would be complete without mentioning Tombstone, Arizona. Tombstone is probably one of the most remarkable ghost towns in America, and it’s famous for its history and legends, including the shootout at the O.K. Corral.
Tombstone is a real-life Wild West town, with cowboys, saloons, and plenty of stories of gun-fights and courageous cowboys. Visitors can take a guided tour of the town on horse-drawn carriage and visit the historic Court House, where numerous notorious gun-slingers were tried. If you’re interested in strolling around yourself, make sure to visit Boot Hill Cemetery, where many of the original gunfighters are buried.
Don’t forget to visit Big Nose Kate’s Saloon and enjoy a cold drink, soak up the atmosphere and pretend that you’re a cowboy. Tombstone is probably one of the most genuine, remarkable, and iconic ghost towns in America that you need to visit at least once in a lifetime.
Find Peace in the Beauty of Chloride, New Mexico
Chloride, New Mexico is the place to go if you’re seeking peace and liberation from everyday life. The town was abandoned long ago but provides picturesque charm and beauty. It’s incredibly remote and perfect for those seeking profound solitude.
The town’s most significant attraction is the Pioneer Store Museum, which retains its spirit from the earlier 20th century. Chloride’s small site also has a café with great food and an excellent selection of beer. Besides, winding streams, arroyos, and desert terrain surround it, making it a perfect destination for the solo traveler who loves outdoor activities.
Climb the nearby Monte Cristo Mountains, where you can experience panoramic views of the landscape all around or go hiking in the nearby Black Range, which boasts diverse wildlife and scenic views. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular show of stars that blanket the sky while strolling silently around the town.
You might also be interested in those articles related to solo traveling