Visit These 5 Creepy Ghost Towns In Kansas At Your Own Risk
What is it about ghost towns that is so beautiful, yet disturbing at the same time? Maybe it is the abandoned homes that are no longer loved and cared for? Or the deserted schools that used to be filled with the sounds of laughter and learning? Or maybe it’s the empty churches that haven’t heard a prayer in decades? Whatever it is, there is something unique about places where people no longer live. Below are five really creepy ghost towns in Kansas that you’ll definitely want to visit at your risk.
Note: Some of the following locations may not be open for public access, and we recommend asking permission from local law enforcement before entering any properties.
Once considered the "Diamond of the Plains," Diamond Springs was an oasis for those traveling along the Santa Fe Trail. During the Civil War, the town's stage station was attacked and robbed by Quantrill confederate Dick Yeager, who killed the station manager and severely injured his wife. The station, one of the few operating town businesses, was moved down the road to Six Mile Creek, and the town eventually folded due to the lack of traffic along the Santa Fe Trail.
Founded in 1869 by Joseph Dunlap (an Indian agent for the Kanza tribe), Dunlap was a prime relocation spot for hundreds of recently freed slaves. During its prime, Dunlap was home to hundreds of residents and dozens of businesses, including a blacksmith shop, hardware store, grocery store, ice cream parlor, flour mill, butter and cheese factory, restaurant, bank, hotel, and churches. During the Great Depression, the town began to decline and the once healthy economy was no more. The town is now home to only a handful of residents and several abandoned buildings, including the school (pictured).
Allegedly haunted, LeHunt was a small town that thrived on the United Kansas Portland Cement Company. The old cement plant, which closed its doors after the Great Depression, is said to be haunted by one of the ghosts of a former employee who died in a tragic accident at the plant. The employee, known only as Bohr, fell into a vat of concrete and was never seen again. After the accident, his co-workers encapsulated his wheelbarrow, pick, and shovel into a wall of concrete that can still be seen today.
Named for legendary St. Louis Browns catcher Albert J. "Doc" Bushong, the once-thriving town of 150 residents was a prosperous economy with its two grocery stores, hardware store, post office, garage, bank, and high school. However, after a fire devastated the town, residents left and buildings were left to deteriorate. Today, Bushong is one of the smallest towns in Kansas.
This Chase County town celebrated its heyday in the early 20th century with several homes, churches, businesses, and schools. After major flooding in the early 1950s, several residents packed up and moved, leaving the town in decline and despair. Today, only a handful of people call Elmdale home.
Have you visited any of these Kansas ghost towns? What are some of your favorite ghost towns to visit in Kansas? Tell us all about them in the comments!
Address: Diamond Springs, Township 8, KS 66838, USA
Address: Dunlap, KS 66846, USA
Address: Le Hunt, Sycamore, KS 67301, USA
Address: Bushong, KS 66833, USA
Address: Elmdale, KS 66850, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Ghost towns in Kansas
June 06, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some of the best ghost towns to visit in Kansas?
If you love to visit Kansas ghost towns, head to Dubuque, in Russell County, Kansas. This tiny ghost town may not look like much, but you will certainly feel a bit spooked during your visit. On your way, you will see a dirt road, barren trees, and old, abandoned buildings — almost like they came straight from a movie set. One of the abandoned buildings you need to check out is the old church. This is one of the few remaining structures in this town and it is certainly quite a sight. Just make sure you are cautious and avoid entering the property as the remaining structures are quite dangerous.
How can I see many of the creepy and spooky attractions in Kansas?
If you love to be spooked and you enjoy a creepy and haunted attraction, you are in luck! We have created a creepy road trip in Kansas that will take you to many deserted and creepy places in Kansas history. This trip starts in the small town of Stull and will take you to Silkville.
What if I don’t love visiting Kansas ghost towns? Are there other small towns I should visit?
Of course! In fact, we have many small towns in Kansas that are perfect for a weekend escape or even just for a unique day trip. One of our favorite small towns in the Sunflower State is Lindsborg, also known as Little Sweden U.S.A. This delightful small town is known for its Swedish heritage and you’ll find traces of it all throughout the city with its incredible food, unique architecture, fun festivals, and more.
Address: Diamond Springs, Township 8, KS 66838, USA
Address: Dunlap, KS 66846, USA
Address: Le Hunt, Sycamore, KS 67301, USA
Address: Bushong, KS 66833, USA
Address: Elmdale, KS 66850, USA
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