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. Historical ghost towns around Las Vegas offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, where visitors can explore abandoned buildings, old mines, and remnants of once-thriving communities.

These ghost towns tell the story of the region’s boom-and-bust cycles, particularly during the gold and silver rushes of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Nelson Ghost Town

One of the most popular ghost towns near Las Vegas is Nelson, located about 45 miles southeast of the city. This town, originally known as Eldorado, was established in the 1860s during the gold rush. Nelson is famous for its Techatticup Mine, which was one of the richest gold mines in Nevada. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the mine and explore the town’s well-preserved buildings and artifacts.

• The Techatticup Mine offers tours that delve into the history of mining in the area.
• Nelson is also a popular spot for photography and film shoots due to its picturesque setting.
• The nearby Colorado River provides opportunities for kayaking and other water activities.

Rhyolite Ghost Town

Located near Death Valley National Park, Rhyolite is one of Nevada's most famous ghost towns. Founded in 1904 during the gold rush, Rhyolite quickly grew into a bustling community with a population of over 5,000. However, by 1916, the town was abandoned as the gold ran out. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the town, including the remains of the three-story Cook Bank building, the old jail, and the Bottle House, which is made entirely of glass bottles.

• Rhyolite is home to an outdoor sculpture park called the Goldwell Open Air Museum.
• The town’s train depot and old schoolhouse are also notable remnants.
• The nearby National park from Las Vegas makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the region.

Calico Ghost Town

Calico Ghost Town, located in the Mojave Desert near Barstow, California, is a well-preserved silver mining town. Established in 1881, Calico was once a bustling community with over 500 mines. When the price of silver dropped in the late 1800s, the town was abandoned. In the 1950s, Walter Knott, founder of Knott's Berry Farm, restored the town, and it now operates as a historical park.

• Calico offers guided tours of its mines and historic buildings.
• The town hosts regular events, including ghost tours and reenactments.
• There are shops, restaurants, and campgrounds available for visitors.

Boulder City and Hoover Dam

While not a ghost town, Boulder City is steeped in history and is closely linked to the construction of the Hoover Dam. Established in the 1930s to house workers building the dam, Boulder City offers a unique glimpse into this monumental project. A Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas often includes a stop in Boulder City, where visitors can explore the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum and learn about the town’s role in the dam’s construction.

• Boulder City is one of only two cities in Nevada where gambling is prohibited.
• The town hosts an annual Dam Short Film Festival.
• The Historic District is filled with charming shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Related Reading: Is Hoover Dam a National Park?

Goldfield Ghost Town

Goldfield, located about halfway between Las Vegas and Reno, was one of Nevada’s richest gold mining towns in the early 1900s. At its peak, Goldfield had a population of over 20,000 people. Today, the town is much quieter, but it still boasts several historic buildings, including the Goldfield Hotel, the old high school, and the courthouse. Visitors can take walking tours to learn about the town’s history and see the remaining structures.

• The Goldfield Hotel is rumored to be haunted and offers ghost tours.
• The International Car Forest of the Last Church is an art installation near the town.
• Goldfield Days, an annual event, celebrates the town’s history with parades, vendors, and reenactments.

Conclusion

Exploring historical ghost towns around Las Vegas provides a unique and educational experience, taking you back to the days of the gold and silver rushes. Whether you’re wandering through the remains of Rhyolite, taking a mine tour in Nelson, or visiting the restored buildings in Calico, each town offers a fascinating glimpse into Nevada’s rich history. Adding a Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas or a joining a National park tour from Las Vegas can further enrich your trip, making it a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. So, pack your camera, bring some sturdy walking shoes, and get ready to step back in time as you explore these captivating ghost towns.