With hundreds of tiny towns dotting the state, it should come as no surprise that ghost towns are a relatively common occurrence in Minnesota. Not all towns were destined for huge populations, and some of the towns that were once bustling dwindled to nothing but memories (memories that likely died with some of our long-gone residents). It can be fun to go exploring through Minnesota's past, if you can handle the quiet solitude of these empty, overgrown areas. Here are just nine of our once-lively ghost towns in Minnesota that we think are worth the journey.

1. Dorothy

Established in 1898 with a post office, Dorothy was a railroad station when the Northern Pacific Railway expanded.

The church stuck around after the railroad was abandoned in the early 1970s, but in 2014 it burned down. Going through the town, now without the church, is fascinating. While there are still a few buildings, the once lively small town has definitely disappeared. Ironically, it was this eventually doomed town, that turned #2 into a ghost town.

2. Huot

This beautiful town over the Red Lake River was already in decline when nearby Dorothy sucked away the last of its remaining population and business. The Old Crossing is on the town site, and is where the Oijbwe were going to cede northwestern Minnesota to the US, until the Dakota War of 1862 intervened.

The treaty was eventually signed at the Old Crossing, and was followed by the immigration of French-Canadian settlers to the area. One of the settlers, Louis Huot, established a ferry and the town was named after him. But, when the railroad bypassed the town, everything was relocated to Dorothy. However,you can still visit Old Crossing Treaty Park where the the Old Crossing Treaty Monument is located. Hiking the Red River Trails is a popular activity here.

3. Elcor

This area, that is now part of the city of Gilbert, was once its own unincorporated community with mining company housing. It was originally called Elba after the mine, and was developed as the mine grew.

When the pit was shut down, Minnesota residents were forced to vacate the area, and it fell into disrepair. Now, the Minorca mine sits directly over the site.You can explore the surrounding area to see what's left on the outskirts of Elcor.

4. Lewiston

Northeast of Northfield, this abandoned town near the Cannon River was once larger than its neighbor. It didn't last long, but was home to Edward J. Thye, Pierce Butler, and Loren W. Collins.

It didn't last long, but was home to Edward J. Thye, Pierce Butler, and Loren W. Collins. It had a horse racing track and hotel, and used to be just farmland and dirt roads, but it is experiencing a bit of a resurgence.

5. Leaf River

Now reduced to around 50 nearby residents, all that remains of the town that once had a post office and station of the Great Northern Railway is a golf course, and small residential area.

It's actually quite a fun place to explore, and surrounded by beautiful countryside. The town was never huge, with the post office shut down in 1882, and then reopened in 1902, to be shut down again only 6 years later.

6. Pelan

Named for a wealthy Englishman, Pelan was incorporated in 1903, but dwindled away by 1909.

With only a few houses and buildings left, there is only a bit of parkland and residential area where the town once was. When a railroad could not be secured in the area, most of the 175 settlers moved away.

7. Radium

Along the Soo Line Railroad, it has slowly dwindled away in the past thirty years, and is now mostly farmland.

Named for the element, Radium had a post office from 1905 to 1984. There is a small nearby church as well. Pictured here is the former home of the Warren Sheaf Newspaper in Warren County.

8. Vicksburg

Near the Minnesota River, this town on a hill is long abandoned. It is mostly farmland, as the town was bypassed by railroads in 1905.

All that remains is the cemetery. A drive through Vicksburg won't take long, but exploring the overgrown area and cemetery is fascinating albeit a little creepy. This image is of the Renville County Courthouse, which is the county in which Vicksburg is situated.

9. Nininger

Nininger had high hopes for this city, but by 1889 the post office was closed and most residents were gone.

Founded by the brother-in-law of Governor Alexander Ramsey, John Nininger, this town only ever reached about 1,000 residents. The most famous resident was author Ignatius Donnelly, and the plaques left that commemorate the city describe his home, and Good Templars Hall.

What ghost towns have you discovered throughout Minnesota? Which are your favorites? Tell us about them in the comments; we love to hear from you!

If you like a small town ambiance, be sure to read 9 Slow-Paced Small Towns Near Minneapolis Where Life Is Still Simple.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty more hikes around these towns. You can get more information by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Minnesota adventures, take a look at this video about the Gunflint Trail & Scenic Byway: