Posted in Kansas
October 07, 2017
The Largest Living Ghost Town In America Is Right Here In Kansas
Located in Elk County in southeast Kansas, this tiny town has been hiding right in plain sight. It’s just one of Kansas’ many ghost towns, but it still has plenty of life left to keep on ticking. The population’s been on a steady decline… since 1880. In 1880, the census listed 513 residents, but that soon dropped to 350 in 1890 before dwindling down to the 2010 census of 107 residents. These days, the town calls itself the “World’s Largest Living Ghost Town” which may just be a rumor, but it’s a fun rumor either way.
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/
They also have a bed & breakfast, a pottery store, the Tannery, and some local landmarks that keep people coming back.
Speaking of landmarks, this 1893 Iron Truss Bridge over the falls is a great reason to visit. If you like old bridges, of course.
Otherwise, the weekend before Thanksgiving is a great time to come down and check out the town's other claim to fame. They have an Open House and outhouse tour and competition, where you can vote for the winning outhouse theme every year. This event is also what makes Elk Falls refer to itself as "The Outhouse Capital of Kansas" as well as their ghost town claim.
After all the tours and local businesses, the Falls is the most popular reason to visit this "living ghost town." The beautiful falls rushes a lot faster after spring rains, and peaks in April/May, so be sure to keep coming back for different sights and sounds. Hopefully none are outhouse related.
You can find Elk Falls on the map below, but the town itself is small enough to find these businesses by sight alone! It may be a ghost town, but they ain't dead yet!
Afterwards, why not check out another town that has a special toilet for you to view? Don’t worry, this one is usable if you need to.
