Why You Should Visit The Very Much Alive – Calico Ghost Town
To all my fellow ghost town lovers, have you seen any of the various ghost towns of California? Spread across the state are all kinds of abandoned locations each filled with rich history and a unique past.
Generally, most think “creepy” when they hear the phrase ghost town. While some definitely may be, not all give off a frightening appearance. “But why would you want to go there?!” says my mom every time I mention visiting a ghost town.
Well unlike other desolate locations, Calico Ghost Town in Southern California is actually more alive than you would think. Making this one of California’s more popular ghost towns to visit in the state.
As much as I love the eerie-ness of abandoned ghost towns, like Bodie Ghost Town, I still love to explore more lively ones such as these. If you’re traveling through California and looking for some western fun, don’t be afraid to add Calico Ghost Town to your list.
What’s The Story of Calico?
So what did happen to the once populated town of Calico? This once bustling mining town arose in 1881 around the time of the largest silver strike in California. With a high demand for silver, Calico constructed over 500 mines and produced over $20 million in silver ore. And all in just 12 years!
Obviously there was huge opportunity for those working in this mining town, but unfortunately success would not last long.
As with all mining towns in history, its foundation is built from the wealth of materials mined from the earth. Sadly, most towns rapidly decline once demand for a product has diminished. Eventually leaving a town so unprosperous that it becomes abandoned.
Well, this is exactly what happened! In the mid 1890’s, Calico began it’s downhill spiral when silver lost its value. In turn, the town quickly lost residents as miners packed up their belongings and moved away. Leaving the once busy town empty and completely abandoned.
If it weren’t for Walter Knott (creator of popular theme park Knotts Berry Farm), we wouldn’t have the chance to see Calico the way we do today. In 1950, Knott purchased the abandoned town and restored all but 5 of the original buildings. The goal was to have them look as they once did back in the 1880s.
Later in 2005, Calico received a State Historic Landmark and was proclaimed as “California’s Silver Rush Ghost Town” by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Today, visitors can roam the re-created streets of Calico and experience for themselves the history of what was once here.
🌻 Our content may contain affiliate links. If clicked through to make a purchase, the price remains the same for you and we will earn a small commission. This helps us to continue creating useful and valuable content for you and other visitors. 💜How To Get to Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town is located about 15 minutes from the city of Barstow off the Interstate 15. Exit the 15 freeway from Ghost Town Road and head north, following the signs for Calico. After about 3.5 miles you will see signs for the ghost town on the left. Not hard to miss!
Especially since it’s the only thing out here along with the giant name “Calico” spelled out in the mountains above.
For those traveling from out of town, we recommend staying in the city of Barstow. It’s not the most glamorous city, but remember you are located in the middle of the desert. While you’re there, be sure to eat at the Original Del Taco! My favorite fast food chain.
Hours/Admission – prices subject to change
- Open Daily from 9am-5pm except Christmas Day
- Entrance fee –
- $8 – adults
- $5 – Youth (4-11)
- Children 3 & Under – Free
- Annual Family Pass: $50.00. (Valid for 12 months from date of purchase)
6 THINGS TO DO IN CALICO GHOST TOWN
For a ghost town, there’s actually a lot to do at Calico. Enough to easily fill about 2 hours or more of your time. For starters, simply wander the historic main street and take in the beautiful desert surroundings. This was enough to have me fall in love with the place. Well, if you’re a desert lover like myself that is.
Calico definitely still holds that old west charm that I love finding in any old ghost town. Even though the buildings are not technically original structures, it’s still exciting to imagine what this town was so many years ago.
Calico Ghost Town is built on a small hill. The town entrance is at the bottom with the end resting higher up. Expect a miner climb (pun intended) as you walk through the town. What’s great about being nestled on a hill top are the gorgeous views of the desert valley below. A surprise reward once you reach the far end of the town.
Outside of general roaming, there are a bunch of other things to do and attractions to see.
1. Check Out the Many Shops & Historic Sites
Scattered throughout Calico are numerous shops and historic sites to visit. Shops selling all kinds of trinkets, antiques, candy, western clothing, and more. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s still fun to cruise and window shop, seeing all the unique items for sale.
But you never know, you just might find yourself walking out with a new hat or random donkey plushie like we did.
Besides shops, make sure you see the Calico Jail, blacksmith shop, the bottle house, and school house (which I talk more about later).
2. Grab Food and a Beer at The Saloon or Cafe
You can’t visit a ghost town without visiting one of the rustic saloons. And you definitely can’t visit a saloon without grabbing a beer. Right?
Pop in to Lil’s Saloon which has beer on tap, pizza, hot dogs, and nachos if you’re looking for a quick bite.
If not here, you can find more beer and food at the Old Miner’s Cafe up near the top of the town. The food here is a little more suited for lunch with burgers, deli sandwiches, and ice cream. All while enjoying the desert view from the outdoor patio deck. If you’re lucky, you’ll see one of the local kitties roaming about!
For a more legit dining experience, you can eat at the Calico House Restaurant towards the front of the town. This sit down restaurant offers buffalo burgers, smoked tri-tip, gourmet sandwiches, and a wide variety of homemade pastries.
3. Pay A Bit Extra for some of Calico’s Top Attractions
For a more immersive experience of Calico Ghost Town, you can pay extra to partake in 4 of the activities of the town. We’ve done a couple of these activities while we were here, but it’s not necessarily needed to have a good time in Calico.
- Maggie Mine – a once working silver mine in the 1880’s is safe and open to the public to walk through. Take a quick self-guided tour through the mine and see the blacklight display showcasing some of the minerals found locally. This was neat since it’s the closest to exploring one of the mines of Calico. A little creepy to walk through and probably not the best for those who are claustrophobic.
- Mystery Shack – a guided tour through the famous Calico Mystery Shack where you can see water running uphill, a broom standing by itself and the history of Harry Dover who created the shack
- Calico Odessa Railroad – this small working railroad was installed in the town in 1958 and runs on a regular basis for visitors each day. The tour is about 8 minutes long and takes you on a short trip around the hill to see the historical sites, some of the mining equipment, as well as learning some of the history of the general area. $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 5-10.
- Gold Panning Adventure – learn first hand how the miners panned for gold in a stream by mining your own “gold” (Fools Gold or Iron Pyrite). Participants take home any gold they collect
4. Don’t Forget to See The School House
Those who visit Calico Ghost Town might just miss this incredible spot at top of the town. Once you hit the end of the road, head left and cross a small bridge which takes you to my favorite spot – the replica School House.
While you cannot go inside the school house, you can still see inside from one of the windows in the front. This secluded school house is my favorite part of Calico as it resides next to one of the best views on the grounds. Technically called “The Point,” you can basically see all the way to Barstow from here.
Not only is the view killer, but the school house makes a great place to snap some photos as it’s one of the more unique historic markers of the area.
5. Explore the Rocky Area Behind Maggie’s Mine
If you’re feeling adventurous, get off the main road and explore the rugged area behind Maggie’s Mine and the Calico Railroad. (within permitted boundaries of course)
Word of Caution: The mines in the area are extremely hazardous and are forbidden to enter or approach for any reason.
Outside of off-limit mining areas, this area has some interesting rock structures you can climb into. Kind of like little houses embedded into the mountain.
Around here is where you can also find an incredible scenic view. Accessible by most if you can manage a short rocky trek up to the top of the hill. Railings are included for those who need the extra help.
From up here you have an even better view of the desert below compared to The Point near the school house. Although, it’s generally more crowded, which is why I still favorite the view and more peaceful area around the school house much more.
6. Take A Ghost Tour
Yes, you heard that right. Take a GHOST tour of Calico Ghost Town! Go figure. None of these tours are a theatrical show but more so a historical and educational tour about the true stories and hauntings that have taken place at Calico.
There are 3 ghost tours to choose from:
- Main Street – walk up main street while learning about the town from its origin in 1880 to today
- Maggie Mine – the same mine you can walk through in the day, this tour takes you through the mine with the lights turned down low. Expect to hear stories of hauntings and other strange occurrences from inside the mine
- School House – hear stories of the children who went here and get the chance to go inside the school house at night
We have yet to do a ghost tour at Calico but this is something I have always wanted to try. Anything haunted or ghost related always catches my attention.
Why All Desert Lovers and History Buffs Should Experience Calico Ghost Town
As you can see, there is loads to do at this living ghost town. Calico Ghost Town offers an enjoyable experience for all ages and has numerous options for fun during your visit here.
Maybe you’re looking to just wander and visit the local shops. Or perhaps you’re feeling more adventurous and want to take up some of the immersive tours and activities.
For us, we simply enjoy roaming through old west areas, enjoying a couple beers, and ultimately, taking in that epic desert scenery. There’s just something special about this old western town that always has us coming back.
We hope you can spend the day or even just a couple hours exploring one of California’s most popular ghost towns! We’re sure you will take something away from it, maybe even a ghost.
If you’re looking for more living ghost towns such as these, you’ll love Oatman and Jerome, the largest ghost town in America. Both are full of life and filled with fun things to do just like Calico. You can find these ghost towns in the beautiful desert state of Arizona.
Have you been to Calico Ghost Town? What was your favorite thing to do here? Share with us in the comments below!
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