Historical Ghost Towns to Explore Around Las Vegas

Las Vegas is famous for its bright lights and bustling nightlife, but just beyond the city’s glow lies a different kind of adventure. Historic ghost towns to explore around Las Vegas offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past, where visitors can discover abandoned buildings, old mines, and remnants of once-thriving communities.

In short, these ghost towns tell the story of Nevada’s boom-and-bust cycles, especially during the gold and silver rush eras.

Many of these ghost towns are well-preserved, making them perfect day trips from the city. Whether you're interested in history, photography, or just a unique experience, the ghost towns around Las Vegas offer something special for everyone.

Nelson Ghost Town

Nelson, located about 45 miles southeast of Las Vegas, is one of the most popular historic ghost towns to explore around Las Vegas. Originally called Eldorado, the town was established in the 1860s during the gold rush and is famous for the Techatticup Mine. Today, Nelson is a favorite spot for photographers, history buffs, and those looking to explore its fascinating past.

Visitors can take guided tours of the mine and explore the town’s well-preserved buildings and artifacts.

• The Techatticup Mine was one of the richest gold mines in Nevada.
• Nelson is often used for photoshoots and film projects due to its scenic backdrop.
• The nearby Colorado River offers opportunities for kayaking and water sports.

Rhyolite Ghost Town

Rhyolite, located near Death Valley National Park, is one of Nevada's most famous ghost towns. Founded during the gold rush in 1904, Rhyolite grew rapidly, but by 1916 it was abandoned when the gold ran out. Visitors can explore the remnants of the town, including the ruins of the three-story Cook Bank building and the Bottle House, made entirely of glass bottles.

If you're taking a National Park tour from Las Vegas, a stop in Rhyolite is a great way to explore both natural beauty and history in one trip.

• The Goldwell Open Air Museum, near Rhyolite, features unique outdoor sculptures.
• The Bottle House, made from over 50,000 glass bottles, is one of the town’s most iconic structures.
• The nearby National Park offers stunning desert scenery and wildlife.

Calico Ghost Town

Calico, located in the Mojave Desert near Barstow, California, was once a bustling silver mining town established in 1881. It thrived for years but was abandoned when silver prices plummeted.

In the 1950s, Walter Knott (of Knott’s Berry Farm fame) restored the town, and today it operates as a historical park where visitors can step back in time. Calico offers mine tours, reenactments, and special events, making it a fun and educational stop for all ages.

• Calico’s restored buildings give visitors a real sense of life during the silver rush.
• The town hosts regular events, including ghost tours and Western-style reenactments.
• Visitors can camp, shop, and enjoy old-fashioned meals at the town’s restaurants.

Boulder City and Hoover Dam

While Boulder City is not a ghost town, it’s deeply connected to the history of the Hoover Dam. Established in the 1930s to house workers during the dam’s construction, Boulder City offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. A Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas often includes a visit to Boulder City, where visitors can explore the Hoover Dam Museum and learn about the town's role in building one of the most impressive engineering feats of the 20th century.

• Boulder City is one of the only cities in Nevada where gambling is illegal.
• The town hosts the annual Dam Short Film Festival, showcasing independent films.
• Boulder City’s historic district is full of charming shops, art galleries, and cafes.

Goldfield Ghost Town

Goldfield, halfway between Las Vegas and Reno, was once Nevada's richest gold mining town. At its peak in the early 1900s, it had over 20,000 residents. Today, the town is much quieter, but visitors can still explore several historic buildings, including the old Goldfield Hotel and the courthouse.

Walking tours are available, offering insight into the town’s history and legends of hauntings in the area.

• The Goldfield Hotel is rumored to be one of the most haunted buildings in Nevada.
• The International Car Forest of the Last Church, near Goldfield, features quirky car sculptures.
• Goldfield Days is an annual event celebrating the town's mining history with parades and reenactments.

Conclusion

Exploring historic ghost towns to explore around Las Vegas offers a unique and educational experience, bringing to life the rich history of Nevada’s mining era. Whether you're wandering through the ruins of Rhyolite, exploring the mines of Nelson, or enjoying the restored buildings of Calico, each town has its own story to tell.

Add a Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas or a National Park tour from Las Vegas to your itinerary for a complete experience that blends history with the natural beauty of the region. So, grab your camera and take a trip back in time as you discover these fascinating ghost towns.

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