Visit These 8 Creepy Ghost Towns In Idaho At Your Own Risk
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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