Posted in Kansas October 10, 2021 by

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 may be just one of many ghost towns in Kansas, 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 just 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.

There's plenty to see here, including the beautiful falls that Elk Falls was named after.
The Vestiges
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.
Elk Falls Pottery/Facebook
...well, if you like old bridges, of course. We think it's pretty cool.
The weekend before Thanksgiving is a great time to come down and check out the town's other claim to fame.
Steven Rodriquez/Flickr
It has 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. They pride themselves in being just a little weird, and we are totally here for it.
After all the tours and local businesses, the Falls is the most popular reason to visit this "living ghost town."
Get Elk Falls/Facebook
The beautiful falls rushes a lot faster after spring rains, and peaks in April and 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.
Steven Rodriquez/Flickr
It may be a ghost town, but it 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 useful if you need it to be. Have an offbeat attraction in Kansas you’d like to see us feature someday? Tell us about it by filling out this form – we love hearing from you!

Address: Elk Falls, KS 67345, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Living Ghost Town in Kansas

October 15, 2021
Tori Jane

What are some interesting Kansas ghost towns?  

Kansas is a great state for those of us who are into ghost towns – after all, there’s plenty. It’s also like you can’t drive anywhere in the state without passing through at least one or two suspiciously empty, spooky towns, or abandoned homes and farms. Some of the most interesting Kansas ghost towns include places like Black Wolf, Elk Falls, and Diamond Springs. There are truly too many to try and list in this short paragraph, but if you look up “Kansas ghost towns”, you’ll see for yourself – there might just be more ghost towns in Kansas than there are bigger cities! Some other great ones include Dunlap (which actually still has some residents, so it’s not yet a “true ghost town”) and Elmdale, which is awesome especially during fall. For more information about these places and then some, take a look at this list of five creepy ghost towns in Kansas! Visit them all…if you dare. 

Where is Elk Falls Kansas?  

Elk Falls is a ghost town located in Elk County, which is in southeastern Kansas. It’s known as the world’s largest living ghost town, and despite its ghostly status, it’s actually a pretty interesting place (especially during summer, when seasonal shops and galleries are open). Of course, if you ever find yourself in Elk Falls, you have to check out the waterfalls the town was named for! If you find the 1893 Iron Truss Bridge and then follow the river upward, you’ll run into the falls. They’re pretty photogenic after a good rain, so make sure to try and time your visit to be during spring or summer for the ultimate experience.  

Address: Elk Falls, KS 67345, USA