United States California Bodie

Bodie

A historic gold-mining ghost town in California, now a preserved state park known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings.

Tips from the community

Bodie, California is the most well-preserved ghost town in California. Here, visitors are transported back in time to the Wild West era. Founded in 1859 during the California Gold Rush, Bodie's boom lasted until the early 20th century when it became a ghost town. Today, visitors can explore the town's abandoned buildings and learn about its history through interpretive displays, making it a must-see destination for any traveler interested in the American West.

chiefseeker 1 year ago

Bodie offers visitors the chance to step into the high-stakes age of the California gold rush. With preserved authenticity, Bodie is home to hundreds of old wooden houses, buildings in “arrested decay”, and powerful memory of old Americana to uncover.

seeker 3 years ago

Bodie Guides

  • California Road Trip 2020

    chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff)
    This summer we are hitting the open road in an RV and exploring California’s National Parks and the coast.
  • America's Abandoned Ghost Towns

    seeker (Seeker Editors)
    Ghost towns in America have long intrigued people old and young. Moments are frozen in time at these uncanny towns; ranches in the Old West, coal mining towns, and modern toxic cities, any explorer or history nerd is sure to discover something new at these historical destinations. Experience the California gold rush, or witness the decaying beauty of archival architecture. As the world rushes for “new, new, new” we love taking a moment to reflect on the history that echoes in old structures, and these preserved ghost towns across the country are a passage into ages past, continuously overlooking our modern achievements in antique silence. Let’s try time traveling today Seekers, and take a look into the mysterious and fascinating world of America’s ghost towns.
  • Ghost Towns in the Wild West

    chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff)
    Ghost Town hunting is one of my favorite activities in the west. There are so many abandoned towns with endless stories to tell from times past. Of course, ghost towns aren't just a source of historical curiosity; they can also be the centerpiece of an unforgettable road trip. Many ghost towns are located in close proximity to one another, making it easy to plan a multi-day tour that takes you from one town to the next. Along the way, you can soak up the stunning natural scenery of the West, from the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the sweeping vistas of the Mojave Desert.
  • Ghost Towns in the US

    stillontheroad (Giada Matera)
    As spooky season is approaching, here is a list of ghost towns in America I visited or plan to visit. Boo!
  • Summer 2020 Roadtrip

    chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff)
    This summer we are hitting the road in an RV and exploring the National and State parks of California.