Posted in Idaho September 16, 2019 by

Step Inside The Creepy, Abandoned Town Of Atomic City In Idaho

Atomic City, Idaho, what many consider to be the creepiest abandoned town in Idaho: Sitting forlorn at the edge of the sprawling 890-square mile Idaho National Laboratory complex, this modern-day ghost town has a shocking nuclear history that drove residents away in the ’50s and continues to keep visitors at a distance. Here, in 1961, the country’s first fatal nuclear explosion took place – not even a decade after a dangerous reactor meltdown left the town paralyzed with fear. Today, while not fully abandoned, Atomic City stands desolate and scarred by the radioactive fatalities of the past with only a handful of residents remaining as a living legacy of the tragic events.

But while most people stay far, far away from this nuclear town, the haunting remnants of the community do draw a few brave souls every year – one of whom recently documented these bleak modern ruins in his book Wilderness to Wasteland. The book captures the chilling, dystopian afterlife of America’s most polluted and contaminated places via poignant photography. But perhaps even more humbling than the photos is an in-depth look at the history of this forgotten town itself. It’s easy to see why this is the creepiest abandoned town in Idaho.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Welcome to Atomic City, Idaho. Population: 25.
Atomic City - Idaho's Nuclear Wasteland
Matt Lavin/Flickr
The town is a mere shell of its former self and the product of the long-gone Atomic Age of the 50s. A venture down the main road will reveal a once-booming community eerily devoid of life.
Set in the heart of Idaho's most desolate, uninhabited desert landscape, only a few dozen residents remain.
Atomic City - Idaho's Nuclear Wasteland
Matt Lavin/Flickr
The obscure desert town is now a collection of dilapidated houses, a solitary store, and the Atomic City Raceway. Little else remains besides a never-ending expanse of high desert terrain.
But Atomic City isn't alone in the desert; it's also located just a few miles away from the sprawling Idaho National Laboratory nuclear complex.
Atomic City - Idaho's Nuclear Wasteland
Idaho National Laboratory/Flickr
Originally called Midway, the building of the INL nearby - a nuclear waste treatment and research complex - inspired the name change.
Before the world's first functional nuclear power plant, the Experimental Breeder Reactor-1, was built onsite, the town boomed - a product of the optimistic but ill-fated Atomic Age.
Atomic City - Idaho's Nuclear Wasteland
Chris Dodds/Flickr
The era was marked by the groundbreaking unraveling of the atom puzzle in the early 40s and was quickly followed by the dropping of the first atomic bomb in 1945, ending WWII.
But after a series of radioactive disasters and the country's first fatal nuclear disaster took place here, townspeople abandoned the area just as quickly.
Atomic City - Idaho's Nuclear Wasteland
Scott O'Dell/Flickr
The highway was also rerouted to go around Atomic City, an economic blow that drove all but the last stubborn homeowners out. Nearby Arco suffered a similar fate.
In 1955, the EBR-1 suffered the world's first partial meltdown.
Atomic City - Idaho's Nuclear Wasteland
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Self-guided tours of the EBR-1 are available. Here, you can see "the hot cell," which is sealed from the outside world and protected by multiple layers of thick glass. A historical marker at a nearby pull-off boasts: "Since 1949, more nuclear reactors -- over 50 of them -- have been built on this plain than anywhere else in the world."
Six years later, an ill-fated event took place at the nearby SL-1 reactor. It was fatal.
Atomic City - Idaho's Nuclear Wasteland
Todd Kopriva/Flickr
So devastating was the incident that the victims had to be buried in lead coffins encased with concrete. While no more fatal incidents have occurred to date at the INL, multiple radioactive accidents continue to wreak havoc.
But despite attempts at restoration, the area has yet to fully recover from the environmental and energy errors of the past.
Atomic City - Idaho's Nuclear Wasteland
Tom Kelly/Flickr
Author of Wilderness to Wasteland, David Hanson, writes, "It seems frightening yet somehow appropriate that the most enduring monuments America will leave for future generations will be the hazardous remains of our industry and technology."

Atomic City is just one of the dozens of sites covered in the book.

Where were you when the SL-1 explosion rocked this town? Have you ever visited the area around the INL?

For another hauntingly abandoned place, check out this eerie historic site. It’s one of the scariest places in Idaho!

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Address: Atomic City, ID 83221, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

creepiest abandoned town in Idaho

September 30, 2019
Elisa Regulski

What other abandoned places are there in Idaho?

There are so many fascinating abandoned places in Idaho. If you’re feeling brave, take a visit to the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. This spooky spot, located in Boise, has seen thousands of inmates. The prison closed in the early ‘70s, but some claim it still buzzes with paranormal activity. Visitors can take a guided tour through the property and hear stories from its terrifying past. For another bone-chilling adventure, visit Pioneer Boothill Cemetery. Over 3,000 bodies have been buried here, but only 300 gravestones are still legible. People say you can still feel the energy of the deceased all around you.

Are there any hiking trails to abandoned places in Idaho?

The Pulaski Tunnel Trail, located inside the Panhandle National Forest, leads to one of the most unique abandoned places in Idaho. This 2-mile hike is full of breathtaking views. Vibrant forests and crisp breezes will greet you everywhere you go. Continue along the path, and you’ll soon reach the remnants of an abandoned silver mine. The story surrounding this place is tragic. To learn more, read our feature article here.

What ghost towns can you find in Idaho?

There are several unique ghost towns in Idaho. Wickahoney, located in Owhyee County, is one of the most fascinating. This town was once a popular spot along the stagecoach route to Nevada. Today, all that remains are the ruins of buildings. Some of the partial dwellings date all the way back to the 1880s. If you loved this excursion, you should pay a visit to Gilmore in Lemhi County. This quiet place was abandoned during the Great Depression, and people rarely come to visit. The area is full of rotting old wooden buildings. It will really make your imagination run wild.

Address: Atomic City, ID 83221, USA