Despite its name, Calico Ghost Town is not scary and has no ghosts–at least we think. Scroll to the last question to find out the real answer…bwa hahahaha!
Calico Ghost Town is a very unique attraction and must-stop visit for families located in the Mojave Desert, about an hour from Las Vegas, and two hours from Los Angeles.
This former silver mining town is now a living museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. The town was founded in 1881 during the silver rush, and by the mid-1890s, it had become a bustling community with a population of over 1,200 people.
Today, Calico Ghost Town has been restored to its former glory and features original buildings, artifacts, and exhibits. Visitors can take a tour of the Maggie Mine, a former silver mine that has been preserved and is now open for tours. They can also visit the town’s schoolhouse, where they can learn about what education was like in the 1800s.
In addition to historical exhibits, Calico Ghost Town also offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. Families can pan for gold, take a ride on a narrow-gauge train, or explore the town on horseback. During the summer months, the town also hosts a variety of events and festivals, including live music and western gunfight reenactments.
I hope to answer all of your questions about traveling to Calico Ghost Town with your family, for a wonderful family adventure. Happy travels!
What is there to do in Calico Ghost Town?
- Explore the historic town: Visitors can explore the old buildings and historic sites in the town, including the old schoolhouse, post office, and various other buildings that have been restored to their original state.
- Take a train ride: The Calico & Odessa Railroad offers visitors the opportunity to take a scenic ride on a narrow-gauge railroad through the historic town and surrounding area. The train ride allows you to experience the old-fashioned charm of a steam locomotive or vintage diesel train as you journey through the desert landscape. It’s a popular attraction for both kids and adults, providing a unique perspective on the town’s history and offering a fun and nostalgic experience.
- Pan for gold: Visitors can pan for gold at the Calico Mining Company.
- Visit the Maggie Mine: This is a real silver mine that is open for tours, giving visitors an idea of what life was like for the miners in the area.
- Enjoy outdoor activities: There are various outdoor activities available, including hiking trails, camping, and picnic areas.
- Shop for souvenirs: There are a number of gift shops and stores selling souvenirs, such as rocks, minerals, and mining equipment.
- Attend events: The town hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as bluegrass festivals, ghost tours, and holiday celebrations.
- Visit the museum: The Lucy Lane Museum showcases the history of the town and the surrounding area, including artifacts from the silver mining era.
- Walk around the cemetery: The cemetery is located on a hillside overlooking the town, adding to the historical and ghostly ambiance of the area. The graves in the cemetery date back to the town’s heyday in the late 1800s when it was a bustling silver mining town. Visitors can explore the cemetery and see the weathered headstones and markers, some of which bear the names of early settlers and miners who lived and worked in Calico.
- Enjoy live entertainment: Visitors can enjoy live music, gunfight shows, and other forms of entertainment throughout the year.
Where is Calico Ghost Town located?
Calico Ghost Town is located on Ghost Town Rd. just off the Interstate 15 (I-15) in San Bernardino County, Southern California. It’s located about 10 miles northeast of Barstow, California and 2 hours west of Las Vegas, near the town of Yermo, which has a cute little diner Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner that also makes a really fun place to eat on the way in or out of Calico Ghost Town.
How much does it cost to enter Calico Ghost Town?
As of May 2023, general admission is:
- $10 for adults
- $6 for children ages 4-11
- Free for children 3 and under
When is the best time to visit Calico Ghost Town?
The best time to visit Calico Ghost Town is during the spring or fall when the temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. The weather in the summer can be hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F (37.8°C), making it uncomfortable for many visitors. Winter can also be chilly, with occasional snowfall. We have been in October and saw the Ghost Town decorated for Halloween, and we’ve also been there in April when it was warm, but not too hot. If you do go in the summer, bring hats, sunscreen, and bring lots of water and electrolytes.
So, the best times to visit are March to May and September to November. However, it’s important to check the weather forecast before visiting as temperatures can be unpredictable.
Is Calico Ghost Town appropriate for young kids?
Yes, Calico Ghost Town is a very family-friendly destination that can be a great experience for young kids. There are several attractions that are suitable for children, including a train ride, gold panning, and a mystery shack. The town also hosts several events throughout the year, including ghost tours during Halloween season, and a Christmas festival.
However, parents should note that some of the attractions, such as the mine tour, may not be suitable for very young children because it can be dark, narrow, and potentially scary for some children. The tour involves walking through the narrow tunnels of a real mine, and while it is safe, it can be a bit claustrophobic and intimidating for young children. Additionally, there is a height requirement for the mine tour, and children who are not tall enough may not be able to participate.
We did the mine tour with my littles and it was fine. There are similar tunnels at Disneyland, such as the ones on Tom Sawyer’s Island, so if your little ones were brave for those they should be ok at Calico Ghost Town.
What are the hours of operation for Calico Ghost Town?
Calico Ghost Town is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for Christmas Day.
Is there parking available at Calico Ghost Town?
Yes, there is free parking available near the entrance. Note, it can get dusty!
Are pets allowed at Calico Ghost Town?
Yes, pets are allowed in outdoor areas of Calico Ghost Town, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
Can you go inside the buildings at Calico Ghost Town?
Yes, visitors are allowed to enter some of the historic buildings in the town:
- Lucy Lane House: This historic home gives visitors a glimpse into the daily life of residents during the mining boom. It is furnished with period-appropriate items and offers a fascinating look at the past.
- Maggie Mine: A guided tour takes visitors inside the Maggie Mine, an authentic silver mine that operated during Calico’s heyday. You can explore the underground tunnels and learn about the mining process.
- Lil’s Saloon: Step inside Lil’s Saloon, a recreation of an old-time saloon, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Wild West. You can grab a drink, relax, and imagine what it was like to be a patron in the town’s early days.
- Schoolhouse: The Schoolhouse is a one-room school that showcases what education was like for children in the late 1800s. Inside, you can see desks, chalkboards, and other educational artifacts.
- Blacksmith Shop: Visit the Blacksmith Shop to see demonstrations of traditional blacksmithing techniques. You can witness skilled blacksmiths at work and learn about the importance of this trade in the town’s history.
- Jail: The Jail is a fascinating building where you can experience what it was like to be behind bars in the Old West. Step inside the historic jail cells and learn about the town’s law enforcement and the colorful characters who were once incarcerated there.
Is there food available at Calico Ghost Town?
Yes, there are several dining options at Calico Ghost Town:
- Calico House Restaurant: Located in a historic building, Calico House Restaurant offers a variety of American comfort food dishes. It’s a great spot to sit down, relax, and enjoy a meal in a rustic setting.
- Calico Saloon & Grill: This casual eatery serves up classic American fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Grab a bite to eat at the Calico Saloon & Grill while soaking in the Old West ambiance.
- Lil’s Deli: Lil’s Deli is a convenient spot to grab a quick snack or sandwich during your visit to Calico Ghost Town. It offers a selection of deli-style sandwiches, beverages, and other grab-and-go items.
Can we bring our own food into Calico Ghost Town?
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring in their own food and drinks. There are picnic areas available throughout the park where visitors can enjoy their meals. However, the website also notes that grills and open fires are not permitted. Additionally, there are several dining options available within the park for those who prefer to purchase food and drinks on site.
Are there guided tours available at Calico Ghost Town?
Yes, guided tours are available for an additional fee. The tour takes visitors through some of the historic buildings and provides information about the town’s history.
Is Calico Ghost Town accessible for people with disabilities?
The town is partially accessible for people with disabilities, but some of the historic buildings may be difficult to navigate. The park offers accessibility information on its website, and visitors with specific questions are encouraged to contact the park for assistance.
What is the history of Calico Ghost Town?
The town of Calico was founded in 1881 after silver was discovered in the nearby mountains, and quickly grew to a population of over 1,200 people.
The town was named “Calico” due to the striped rock formations in the nearby mountains, which were reminiscent of the pattern of a calico fabric. At its peak, Calico was home to several mines, a school, a post office, and even its own newspaper.
However, the boom times didn’t last, and by the turn of the 20th century, the silver mines had played out and most of the residents had moved away. The town was essentially abandoned until the 1950s, when it was purchased by Walter Knott, the founder of Knott’s Berry Farm.
Knott restored many of the buildings and turned Calico into a tourist attraction, complete with gunfights, stagecoach rides, and other Wild West-themed activities. Today, Calico Ghost Town is part of San Bernardino County Regional Parks, and visitors can tour the old mines, explore the historic buildings, and learn about the history of the Old West.
What lodging is close to Calico Ghost Town?
Calico Ghost town is about 2 hours outside of Las Vegas to the west, so it’s a great stop on your way to Vegas, if you’re coming to or from California. If you are in a pinch and need to stay near Calico, here are some accommodations nearby:
- Calico Ghost Town Campground – Located right in the park, this campground offers tent and RV sites, as well as cabins and bunkhouses for rent.
- The Rodeway Inn – This hotel is located in Barstow, just a 15-minute drive from Calico Ghost Town. It offers clean, comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast.
- Best Western Desert Villa Inn – Also located in Barstow, this hotel is a bit more upscale than the Rodeway Inn, offering amenities like an outdoor pool, fitness center, and hot tub.
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Barstow – This hotel is located in Barstow, about a 20-minute drive from Calico Ghost Town. It offers comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Barstow – Another hotel located in Barstow, this one offers a fitness center, outdoor pool, and hot tub, as well as complimentary breakfast.
Are there any real ghosts at Calico Ghost Town?
While the existence of actual ghosts is a matter of belief and personal experience, there have been numerous reports of paranormal activity and encounters at Calico Ghost Town. Some popular stories and legends include:
- Maggie Mine: One of the most famous ghost stories revolves around the Maggie Mine. Visitors have reported hearing strange noises, disembodied voices, and feeling an eerie presence while exploring the mine shafts.
- Lucy Lane Museum: The Lucy Lane Museum is said to be haunted by a ghost named Lucy. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions, feeling cold spots, and experiencing unexplained phenomena within the museum.
- Schoolhouse Ghost: The schoolhouse in Calico Ghost Town is believed to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl. People claim to have seen her ghostly figure in the windows and heard laughter and footsteps when the building is empty.
- The Lady in White: Some visitors have reported encounters with a ghostly lady dressed in white wandering through the town. She is said to appear near the cemetery and vanish when approached.
As you can see, Calico Ghost Town is a fun (and educational) destination that offers super cool opportunities for exploring, taking memorably photos, and learning about the past. Visitors can step back in time and experience what life was like in the Old West while also enjoying a variety of recreational activities and events. Because of it’s easy location off the 15 Freeway, it’s a must-stop visit for travelers.