Mining towns are a huge part of Idaho’s history. Our state simply wouldn’t be the state it is today without the dozens of mining towns that cropped up during the 1800s. Several of these towns experienced booms as silver was discovered in the area, only for the riches to eventually dwindle and the town to become abandoned. These towns suffered a tragic fate but you can still visit many of them today. If you’re the type of person who likes to seek out the supernatural, you’ll definitely want to visit the creepiest, best ghost towns in Idaho. Who knows what you’ll come across!

1. Wickahoney

Wickahoney, ID, USA
Nicholas D./Flickr
Wickahoney isn't much of a town anymore. This ghost town in Owyhee County is mainly comprised of a few crumbling buildings. The most prominent structure is the remnants of the Wickahoney Stage Shop which was built in 1887. It's hard to believe this small town was once a popular stop on a well-ridden stage coach route to Nevada.

2. Burke

Burke, ID 83873, USA
Tjflex2/Flickr
Burke is an especially creepy Idaho ghost town because many of the town's towering buildings are still standing. The only thing that signals that this is a ghost town is the lack of people. You can stroll through this incredibly preserved mining town and look at all the different structures yourself. You might get a little chill as you explore the ghost town, since this place was most well-known for the terrible confrontations that erupted between the miners and the mining companies. Many of these confrontations ultimately ended up in violence and death.

3. Gilmore

Gilmore, ID 83464, USA
Robert/Flickr
Located in Lemhi County on Highway 28, Gilmore has been abandoned since the mines officially closed during the Great Depression. There are actually several structures still standing throughout the town, although they've seen much better days. Many of the structures haven't housed a single soul in almost a century. This town is the quintessential reflection of what became of many mining towns during the 1920s.

4. Leesburg

Leesburg, ID 83469, USA
Lee Johnson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Leesburg is another mining town that came to be when gold was discovered in the region in 1866. During the town's heyday, it was home to a whopping 7,000 people. Much of the town was composed of Civil War soldiers, hence the name of Leesburg (named after General Lee). Leesburg was one of the most prosperous towns in the Gem State. It's estimated that the town was responsible for about 40 million dollars worth of gold. Not much remains of this little town, considering it was once so prosperous. Just a few dilapidated structures that serve as a creepy reminder of the town's past.

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5. De Lamar

De Lamar, ID 97910, USA
Christopher White/Flickr
De Lamar (sometimes spelled Delamar), is located near the Oregon and Idaho border. With several structures still standing, the town is another fantastic representation of Idaho's old mining towns. Established in 1888, De Lamar saw a quick boom and an even quicker decline. The town's population began dwindling soon after 1890.

6. Bonanza

Bonanza, ID 83278, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Bonanza is one of the most well-known of Idaho's ghost towns, and it's definitely worth a visit. This ghost town is part of the Land of Yankee Fork and is a popular attraction for ghost town hunters. Located along the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River, many of Bonanza's original buildings remain. If you're up for it, check out the Bonanza Cemetery located approximately a mile west of the town.

7. Custer

Custer, ID 83278, USA
goochrules/Flickr
Custer is considered a "sister city" to Bonanza. Their histories are connected and it's common for people to visit both at the same time. A lot of care has gone into preserving this magnificent town. Many of the buildings including the saloon and the schoolhouse have been restored to their original state. Strolling through Custer, you feel as if you've been transported back to the 19th century. It's a fascinating look at Idaho's incredible mining past.

8. Placerville

Placerville, ID, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Despite being considered a ghost town, Placerville is still home to a handful of people. Located north of Boise, the town was once home to approximately 3,000 people and several original structures still remain in the town. Today, an eerie stillness pervades the town. This living ghost town is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Have you been to any of these Idaho ghost towns? What are some creepy, haunted places you’ve explored in the Gem State? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments. And, if you want to explore ghost towns even more, check out our abandoned places in Idaho road trip. But, before you go, make sure you have all the right gear and delicious snacks for a spooky, fun, and exciting journey!

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More to Explore

Best Ghost Towns In Idaho

Courtnie Erickson | October 10, 2023

What are some other Idaho ghost towns to visit?

Did you know that Idaho has more than 100 documented ghost towns? There are so many incredible abandoned places to visit that it is hard to narrow down just a few like in our article above. However, if you are searching for ghost towns in Idaho, consider the following locations:

  • Rocky Bar
  • Ulysses
  • Ragtown
  • Roosevelt
  • Reynold’s Creek

 

If you love exploring ghost towns in Idaho, how about an Idaho ghost town road trip? You’ll travel to several abandoned towns in Idaho. It’s one trip that is a bit chilling.

What are some haunted and creepy places in Idaho?

Idaho is a wonderful place to explore, but it also has some areas that are sure to give you a fright. In fact, there are some downright terrifying, haunted, and creepy places in the Gem State that you should only visit if you dare. Some of these haunted places in Idaho include:

 

What are some hidden gems in Idaho worth checking out?

Okay, if you don’t love a good fright, we have you covered as well. There are so many hidden gems that are sure to put a smile on your face and put you in a happy mood. Some of our favorite hidden gems in Idaho include the following:

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