Nevada, famous for its glittering casinos and vast deserts, also hides a rich and fascinating history. It’s home to ancient ghost towns, where time seems to stand still, offering visitors the chance to explore a captivating part of the American West’s past. Join “Discovery To Wonders” as we uncover these hidden gems and experience a unique adventure in Nevada.
Ruins of a building in Rhyolite ghost town, Nevada
Nevada: Land of Fascinating Ghost Towns
Nevada boasts more ghost towns than populated cities. Many are home to or near other Silver State icons, like the Sagebrush Saloon. Nevada’s over 600 intriguing ghost towns make it a must-visit destination for history buffs and adventure seekers. Dedicate a day to explore these Nevada landmarks under the desert sun!
Explore Nevada’s Most Famous Historic Towns
From crumbling ruins and scattered remnants to old mills and mines, Nevada offers an impressive journey back in time. Some ghost towns have revived with charming B&Bs and quiet saloons, creating a unique blend of past and present.
1. Paradise Valley: A Green Oasis in the Desert
Paradise Valley is one of the rare “living” ghost towns in Nevada. With about 100 residents, mainly ranchers on vast farms, the area offers a slow and authentic pace of life.
Paradise Valley town, Nevada
Prominent in the town center is The Micca House, a historic building built in 1885. This building once served as a department store, post office, and government office. An interesting story tells of a horse that broke into the building and was trapped for days. Thanks to the care of a long-deceased former employee (who is believed to still reside there), the horse was rescued in good health.
2. Berlin: Where Dinosaurs and Miners Meet
Remote Berlin is home to many kinds of “ghosts.” Before being occupied by miners in the late 1800s, Berlin was inhabited by the carnivorous marine reptile Ichthyosaur 225 million years ago. The first Ichthyosaur fossil was discovered in the 1950s, and excavations have found colossal remains of these ancient animals, up to 50 feet long.
Berlin ghost town, Nevada
Founded in 1897, Berlin was once a small mining camp with a peak population of 300. However, its decline began in 1907 when miners demanded higher wages and were refused. Today, 13 historic wooden buildings still stand and are incorporated into Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, which features extensive trail systems and guided tours to see Ichthyosaur fossils.
3. Rhyolite: Nevada’s Most Photographed Ghost Town
Located on the edge of Death Valley, Rhyolite is one of the most famous and photographed ghost towns in Nevada. Founded in 1905, the town became part of the Bullfrog Mining District.
Rhyolite ghost town, Nevada landscape
At its peak, Rhyolite was home to 10,000 people, with over 30 eateries, 20 lodging houses, a hospital, schools, a train depot, and all the amenities of a bustling town. However, like many “gold rush” towns, Rhyolite’s wealth was short-lived. The town was deserted by 1916. Today, Rhyolite has only one resident: caretaker Carl Olson.
Visitors can walk along dusty roads, gazing at the crumbling walls and foundations of the town, with the majestic Death Valley serving as a vast backdrop. Don’t miss the Tom T. Kelly Bottle House, a mansion built entirely of glass bottles collected from saloons during its heyday.
Goldwell Open Air Museum in Rhyolite ghost town, Nevada
Rhyolite is also famous for the Goldwell Open Air Museum, where art and history intersect. In the 1980s, a group of artists created some of the most haunting installations in the American West. Szukalski’s “Last Supper” features a series of ghostly plaster figures draped in flowing white robes.
4. Gold Point: The Ghost Town Reborn
Gold Point is a dream destination for history buffs. This silver mining town was settled in the 1860s, enduring the Great Depression until World War II. Mining operations then ceased due to government orders.
Gold Point ghost town, Nevada
The town got a second life after Herb Robbins, a Las Vegas local, decided to buy property in Gold Point in the late 1970s. He and his friend bought almost every building and overhauled the town, also serving as sheriff and fire chief.
Located on the Nevada-California border, this ghost town is also one of the state’s darkest sky areas.
5. Goldfield: Where Old and New Meet
Goldfield is a “living ghost town,” a rural Nevada community scattered with crumbling landmarks from the town’s heyday. At its peak, Goldfield was home to 20,000 people and the largest town in the state.
A historic house in Goldfield ghost town, Nevada
Preservation of the town’s long history is maintained by the mayor, with many unused buildings dating back to its early days. People still live in Goldfield, but many large buildings (like the old high school) are completely unused.
When visiting Goldfield, take a self-guided historic walking tour, picking up a map and tour at the Goldfield Visitor Center to learn all the stories behind the town’s historic sites. If you’re looking for a taste of the supernatural, peer into the windows of the historic Goldfield Hotel.
Santa Fe Saloon in Goldfield ghost town, Nevada
Don’t forget to visit the Santa Fe, the state’s longest continuously operating Sagebrush Saloon, opened in 1905 and still running today.
6. Ghost Towns of Big Smoky Valley
Head north on Highway 376 out of Tonopah, and you’ll find stunning rural Nevada. This route takes you through the Big Smoky Valley, bordered by the Toiyabe and Toquima ranges, home to ghost towns ready for exploration.
Big Smoky Valley landscape, Nevada ghost towns region
If you dream of sipping a cold drink in a place with nothing but land and sky, visit the Lucky Spur. This cozy saloon is located at the entrance to Kingston and is dubbed the best bar in the middle of nowhere.
Panoramic view of Nevada ghost town landscape
Conclusion: A Journey to Discover Nevada’s History
Nevada is more than casinos and bright lights. These historic towns offer a deep dive into the turbulent and fascinating past of the American West. Plan your trip and explore these hidden gems, where you can feel the slow pace of life, learn captivating stories, and admire the raw beauty of the Nevada desert. Are you ready for an adventure exploring Nevada’s historic towns?