Ghost Towns in Kansas
11 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Kansas.
All Ghost Towns
Coronado Heights
The original Swedish farming settlement around Coronado Heights is gone, but a WPA-built stone castle now crowns the hilltop. Legend says Coronado him...
Council Grove
Council Grove was the last chance to stock up before entering Indian Territory on the Santa Fe Trail. Historic buildings including the Last Chance Sto...
Diamond Springs
Diamond Springs was an important Santa Fe Trail stop with a famous spring. When the railroad bypassed it, the town died....
Elk Falls
Elk Falls promotes itself as the 'World's Largest Living Ghost Town' to attract tourists. With a population of around 100, it features a historic iron...
Elmira
Elmira was an early Kansas settlement in the Flint Hills that lost out when the railroad chose a different route. Like many Kansas ghost towns, it sim...
Englevale
Englevale boomed when the railroad came but vanished when the tracks were relocated. Only foundations remain....
Faulkner
Faulkner was a railroad town on the Union Pacific line in western Kansas. Grain elevators, merchants, and farmers depended on the railroad. When truck...
Fort Hays
Fort Hays protected railroad workers and settlers from Indian attacks. Wild Bill Hickok served as scout and lawman here. Buffalo Bill Cody got his nam...
Medicine Lodge
Medicine Lodge was where the 1867 Medicine Lodge Treaty was signed with Comanche, Kiowa, and other Plains tribes. Carry Nation, the axe-wielding tempe...
Nicodemus
Nicodemus was founded by formerly enslaved African Americans in 1877. It is the only remaining western town established by Black Americans during Reco...
Strong City
Strong City was a cattle shipping center in the Flint Hills. As the cattle industry diminished, the town declined. Today, it serves as the gateway to ...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Kansas?
We have documented 11 ghost towns in Kansas. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Kansas safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Kansas?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.