The Texas Ghost Town That’s Perfect For An Autumn Day Trip

Ghost towns are always a tad spooky, but they don’t necessarily have to be terrifying. Terlingua showcases the quirky charm forgotten cities can possess, and it’s is the perfect autumn road trip destination to take this season.

Named after the mineral terlinguaite discovered here long ago, this quintessential ghost town was once a thriving community of over 2,000 residents.

Several mines, now capped and abandoned, sit below-ground and harbor over a century of history within their walls. Even more so than its very namesake, Terlingua's boom was thanks to large amounts of cinnabar attracting hundreds of workers in the mid-1880s.

Looking at the sprawling acres of overgrown desert land and dilapidated buildings, it's nearly impossible to picture a bustling town.

With a current population of right around 50, you're more likely to encounter a tumbleweed on the road than another vehicle. Tourists do visit in fairly large numbers because of how close it is to Big Bend National Park, but there's still no mistaking that what exists here today is a shell of its past.

Adding to the eerie vibe is one of our state's most photographed cemeteries, filled with makeshift graves for dozens of miners who died either in tragic accidents or of influenza.

No giant mausoleums or custom headstones can be found here, but instead simple wooden crosses with rosaries dangling from their necks. A somber energy adds a certain heaviness to the graveyard, likely because its remote location insists these forgotten souls receive little to no visitation. That being said, an entirely different ambiance exists during Day of the Dead, when colorful streamers, flowers, and candles bring the grim burial ground to life.

Creepiness aside, Terlingua is an incredibly quirky town.

Several sculptures, including this adorable dragonfly made from all sorts of shrapnel, are dotted along the roadside. Perhaps the art is an overflow of ideas from nearby Marfa, but it makes a great family photo-op regardless of its purpose.

One of the few places in town to get human interaction is Starlight Theatre, a restaurant + saloon with live entertainment.

From country music to off-the-wall art shows, you never quite know what you'll walk into. The menu features items like cheeseburgers with a scoop of famous Terlingua chili on top, hand-cut steaks, and decadent desserts like chocolate bourbon pecan pie. Come for the food, but stay for the porch - the best sunsets in Texas can be seen from this very spot.

Speaking of chili, it's almost time for the annual cook-off!

Actually, make that two. Both the Chili Appreciation Society International and Frank X. Tolbert/Wick Fowler Work Chili Championship competitions are held here on the first Saturday of November. Over 10,000 self-proclaimed "chiliheads" flock to Terlingua in hopes of earning the bragging rights (and generous cash prize) that a first place finish brings.

For those looking for a more traditional dining experience, la Kiva is a must-visit.

This little hole-in-the-wall has a prehistoric theme complete with rock walls and dinosaur decor, taking you back to times when monolithic beasts roamed the earth. Serving up BBQ, pizza, and other mouthwatering dishes with a side of live music, get ready for one of the most unique meals you've ever eaten.

No amount of words would suffice to fully describe the beauty of a Terlingua sunset; it's just something that has to be seen firsthand.

End the day with a view like this and it'll be difficult to find anything to stress about.

Have you ever been to Terlingua? Are there any other quirky ghost towns in Texas that are perfect road trip destinations? Tell us your favorite hidden gems!