Calico Ghost Town: A Guide to California’s Silver Mining Past

Calico Ghost Town in San Bernardino County, Southern California, is one of the most family-friendly ghost towns in the West. Once a booming silver mining town, today it’s a lively historic park with mines to explore, shops, reenactments, and fun activities for all ages. Kids especially love the train ride and mine tours, while adults can enjoy the history and Old West atmosphere. In this guide, you’ll find tips, photos, and everything you need to plan a perfect visit to Calico Ghost Town.

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What is Calico Ghost Town?

Brief History of Calico

Calico is a historic ghost town located near Barstow in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. Founded in 1881 after silver was discovered in the surrounding hills, it quickly grew into one of California’s richest mining districts.

By 1886, Calico reached its peak population of about 1,200 residents. The bustling town had everything a booming mining community needed—general stores, hotels, saloons, a jail, a Chinatown, and even a red-light district. At its height, Calico operated more than 500 mines and produced over $20 million worth of silver ore in just 12 years.

But prosperity didn’t last long. When the price of silver dropped in the mid-1890s, Calico’s mines became unprofitable. By 1907, the town was almost completely abandoned and turned into a true ghost town. Decades later, the area gained attention again after controversial discoveries at the Calico Early Man Site in 1942.

Calico Today

In the 1950s, Walter Knott (the founder of Knott’s Berry Farm) purchased Calico and began restoring many of its buildings to resemble the 1880s boomtown era.

Thanks to his efforts, Calico was designated a California State Historical Landmark, and in 2005, then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger officially declared it California’s Silver Rush Ghost Town.

Today, Calico is part of the San Bernardino County Regional Parks system. Unlike more preserved ghost towns such as Bodie in California or Shaniko in Oregon, Calico is developed as a tourist attraction.

It has shops, guided tours, campgrounds, and family-friendly activities. While some visitors find it over-commercialized, it remains a fun stop—especially for kids who can experience a lively version of the Old West.

Agnes’ Advice: If you’re exploring the Southwest, you might also enjoy visiting Goldfield Ghost Town in Nevada, another fascinating stop connected to the region’s mining history.

Where is Calico Ghost Town?

Calico sits in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, just 3 miles from Barstow and 3 miles from Yermo. It’s perfectly located off Interstate 15, the main route between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, making it an easy stop on a California or Route 66 road trip. To see how this stop fits into a bigger plan, check our full California trip planning guide.

Because of its convenient location, Calico attracts thousands of travelers each year. The site now features a museum, shops, a campground, and exhibits showcasing life in the Old West.

Agnes’ Advice: Before your trip, check the official Calico Ghost Town website for current hours, events, and ticket information. More about history and ghosts of Calico, you can read on Legends of America.

How to Get to Calico Ghost Town

Calico Ghost Town is easy to reach, whether you’re coming from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or even Death Valley.

• From Las Vegas: It’s about 149 miles via I-15 S, with a driving time of roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• From Los Angeles: Head north on I-15 N for about 126 miles. The drive takes around 2 hours.
• From Death Valley National Park: Calico makes a great day trip from Death Valley. The drive is about 169 miles via CA-127 S and I-15 S, and takes close to 3 hours.

Road Trip Tip: If you’re coming from Death Valley or planning a Route 66 adventure, make time for two classic stops:

• Roy’s Motel & Café in Amboy – an iconic Route 66 landmark, about 79 miles from Calico via I-40 E and National Trails Hwy.
• Bagdad Café in Newberry Springs – a quirky and famous roadside stop just 20 miles from Calico via Minneola Rd and National Trails Hwy.

Is Calico Ghost Town open?

Yes, Calico Ghost Town is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, except on Christmas Day.
To be safe, check the official Calico Ghost Town website or Facebook page before your visit, especially for special events and seasonal hours.

Is Calico Ghost Town Worth Visiting?

In our opinion—yes, it’s worth a stop!

Calico is one of the most family-friendly and well-restored ghost towns in California. Unlike Bodie or Shaniko, where you explore crumbling historic buildings in silence, Calico feels more like a lively Wild West park with shops, attractions, and activities. Kids especially love it because there’s so much to see and do.

That said, don’t expect to have the place to yourself. Calico is popular thanks to its prime location between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, so there will always be other visitors. It’s not a completely “wild” ghost town experience—it’s more about education, fun, and Old West charm.

Agnes’ Advice: Calico is the perfect place for themed pictures. Bring a cowboy hat, boots, or a flannel shirt for yourself and your kids—you’ll end up with some unforgettable photos.

Chris and I had a blast here. We even dressed up a bit and took stylized Western photos, which made us feel like we were in an old cowboy movie. It’s a little touristy, yes, but still a lot of fun.

Calico Ghost Town Attractions and Top Things to Do

Calico isn’t just a ghost town—it’s a lively Old West-style park packed with attractions, tours, and special events. You can explore the town on your own (entrance fee applies) or join a guided experience for extra insight.

One of the most popular options is the Calico Ghost Tour, where you’ll hear fascinating stories about the town’s past. These tours often sell out during peak season, so booking in advance is a smart idea. You’ll find details and prices on the official Calico Ghost Town website.

Annual Events in Calico

Calico hosts a variety of fun and family-friendly events throughout the year. Here are a few highlights:

• Calico Bluegrass Festival (May) – Enjoy live Bluegrass music performed by regional bands while exploring the historic streets.
• California Days (February) – A living-history event celebrating California’s statehood (September 9, 1850). It includes reenactments, family activities, and ties in with National California Day on February 22.
• Halloween in Calico (October) – The ghost town goes all-out with trick-or-treating, costume contests, haunted attractions, pumpkin carving, and live entertainment. It’s one of the most popular times to visit.
• Trout Derby (March) – Perfect for anglers, this fishing competition adds something unique to Calico’s annual calendar.

Checking the event calendar before your trip is always a good idea.

Top Attractions in Calico Ghost Town

• Calico Odessa Railroad. Installed in 1958, this working narrow-gauge railroad takes you on a 10-minute ride around the hill, past historic mining equipment and old structures. It’s short but fun, especially for kids.

• Mystery Shack Tour. At the quirky Mystery Shack, you’ll see water appear to flow uphill and experience optical illusions that will leave you scratching your head. Kids love this attraction.

• Maggie’s Mine Tour. Step into a reconstructed 1880s silver mine and see what life was like underground. Exhibits showcase minerals and mining history.

• Lane House & Museum. One of only five surviving adobe buildings from the 1880s, this museum offers a glimpse into the Calico Mining District. Inside, you’ll find transom windows, 1930s wiring, and furnishings from the Lane family, who lived here from the 1920s to the 1960s.

• Old School House. A replica of Calico’s original school, this building sits at the top of town. With mountains as its backdrop, it’s a great spot for photographs.

• Shops & Restaurants. Calico has several souvenir shops and craft stores, where you can pick up Western-style clothing, gifts, and handmade goods. For food, try the Calico House Restaurant (serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner) or the Old Miner’s Café, which offers hearty American meals.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Calico Ghost Town?

Calico offers a wide range of attractions, so it’s best to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing.

• Daily Admission:
  • Adults: $8
  • Youth (ages 4–11): $5
  • Children under 4: Free

This admission lets you explore the town at your own pace.

If you’re visiting with kids, it’s worth adding some of the extra experiences for an additional fee. Popular options include:

• Maggie Mine Tour – step into a recreated silver mine
• Mystery Shack Tour – fun optical illusions
• Calico Odessa Railroad Ride – a 10-minute train trip
• Gold Panning Adventure – hands-on fun for families

Is Calico Ghost Town Pet-Friendly?

Yes! Dogs are welcome in Calico Ghost Town as long as they’re on a leash. There’s a $1 pet admission fee, and you’ll need to clean up after your furry friend.

RV Park and Camping at Calico

If you’d like to extend your stay, there’s a campground and RV park right next to the ghost town. It’s beautifully located and makes a great base for exploring not only Calico but also the Mojave Desert and Southern California.

• RV sites start at $35 per night
• 10 cabins are available (each sleeps 4, with heating and air conditioning; $75/night)
• Mini-Bunkhouse – sleeps 6, includes a private bathroom, shower, and kitchenette ($160/night)

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during weekends and special events. You can book online in advance. There are also hiking trails and fishing spots nearby, making it a good place to stay for a couple of days.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Calico Ghost Town

Calico Ghost Town may not have the untouched, frozen-in-time feel of Bodie, but it offers something different—and equally worthwhile. With restored buildings, fun attractions, and seasonal events, it’s a place where families can step into the Wild West and enjoy a mix of history and entertainment.

If you’re traveling between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Calico makes a perfect stop to break up the drive. Kids will love the mine tours, train rides, and quirky Mystery Shack, while adults can appreciate the town’s rich Silver Rush history. And if you want a longer stay, the campground and cabins make it easy to turn your visit into a mini getaway.

For us, Calico was more than just a tourist stop—it was a chance to play with Old West history, take stylized photos, and imagine life in a booming silver town. Whether you’re planning a family road trip or just love ghost towns, Calico deserves a spot on your Southern California itinerary.

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