Desert Discoveries: Calico Ghost Town

Step back into the time of silver mines and raucous desert life.

Step back to the 1880s, when silver mining was the business to be in, and Calico was the place to be. Scene of the largest silver strike in California's history, this remote desert town supported nearly two dozen hotels and businesses, and had its own post office and newspaper. When silver prices plummeted, the town's population dwindled too until all that remained by the early 1900s were the lonely remnants of the once booming town. But today, life has breathed back into ole Calico, with efforts to preserve the remaining adobes and other buildings as a fascinating ghost town, where visitors can learn more about this important chapter in California's history.

Visitors can explore Maggie's Mine, the Lane House Museum with historic photos and memorabilia, and the Chinese section where Asian laborers once lived. Stop in at the old school house where lessons were taught during the week and preachers held services on Sundays. Take a ride in a narrow gauge mining train along the outskirts of the park, and see how the miners lived. Calico also has a variety of shops and restaurants, many in original buildings and others in structures built to fit into the ghost town theme. Camping, cabins, and bunkhouses are available.