There are so many Idaho ghost towns that it can get overwhelming just thinking about visiting them all. Well, we've got you covered. This haunted road trip is the perfect place to start if you're thinking about exploring the abandoned cities of Idaho. On the itinerary are some "classic" Idaho ghost towns (think of them as required reading) mixed in with some lesser-known towns (suggested reading). Ready for the most haunted weekend road trip of your life? For the complete interactive Google Map of the entire trip, click here.
1. Wickahoney
Wickahoney is a ghost town in Owhyee County. It's hard to believe this place once had its own post office which doubled as a stagecoach shop. It's not much of a town anymore, just a pile of barely standing ruins. Still, the eeriness is still there. As the first stop on your road trip, this is a subtly spooky introduction to the trip you're about to embark on.
2. Silver City
After Wickahoney, you'll continue on to one of the most well-known ghost towns in Idaho. The number of buildings that are still standing in Silver City makes it one of the best ghost town experiences in the state. Silver City suffered the same fate as most Idaho mining towns in the late 19th century. At the time of its initial decline, the town had two hotels, six general stores, some lumber yards, and even a newspaper. You'll find an eeriness in the fact that this quiet, abandoned town was once bustling and lively. It's also home to the Idaho Hotel, one of the most haunted hotels in the state!
3. Dewey
The town of Dewey had a hopeful beginning. However, a fire destroyed the highlight of the town, a huge three story hotel, and it was all downhill from there. The town is named after Colonel Dewey who bought the town's mine and attempted to rebuild it, and even reconstructed the hotel. Still, the damage was done and Dewey went down with the rest of the mining towns. Only a few structures remain today.
4. DeLamar
The next stop on the road trip is another mining town named after the man who founded it, Joseph R. DeLamar. DeLamar was actually quite successful as a town, and it earned itself about $8 million in silver ore. During its heyday, DeLamar had several stores, a hotel, a mill, and a school.
5. Placerville
During its prime, Placerville had a population of over 5,000 people. Located 17 miles east of Horseshoe Bend in the Boise Basin, this town was once home to over 300 buildings! Although Placerville was the victim of many fires as is the case for many mining towns, several original structures are still standing today. Placerville fared better than most mining cities, and a few residents actually currently reside there. However, it still retains a ghostly feeling that serves as a reminder of its tumultuous past.
6. Atlanta
Atlanta is located on the Middle Fork of the Boise River. Back when it was discovered, the town was only accessible by steep trails from the surrounding mountains. It produced millions of dollars worth of gold during its time as a mining town. Currently, Atlanta is a popular summer location because of the nearby campgrounds and fishing spots. A look at the original buildings from the town's pinnacle is the perfect closer to this haunted road trip. Recently, a drone few over Atlanta and captured the most hauntingly beautiful footage.
What do you think? Think you will add this road trip to your adventure to-do list?
Looking for more spooky places to visit in Idaho? Check out this Haunted Road Trip To The Scariest Places In Idaho!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
