Ghost Towns in Minnesota
11 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Minnesota.
All Ghost Towns
Banning
Banning supplied distinctive pink sandstone for buildings across Minnesota. When the quarry closed in 1905 (and later survived the 1918 fires), the to...
Dorset
Dorset bills itself as the 'Restaurant Capital of the World' with 4 restaurants and only 22 residents (more restaurants per capita than anywhere). A 3...
Elcor
Elcor was one of many mining towns that dotted Minnesota's Iron Range. When the ore was exhausted, the town was abandoned. Today, foundations and slag...
Forestville
Forestville was a farm town that became a company town when Thomas Meighen bought all the buildings. When the railroad bypassed it, everyone left. Tod...
Milford
Milford was a small German-American settlement in southwestern Minnesota. In August 1862, during the U.S.-Dakota War, the town was attacked and many r...
Old Frontenac
Old Frontenac was a fashionable Mississippi River resort. When the railroad bypassed it, the town froze in time. Victorian buildings remain....
Soudan
Soudan Mine was Minnesota's first and deepest iron mine (2,341 feet). Now a state park, it also houses a particle physics lab half a mile underground....
Split Rock
Split Rock Lighthouse was built after a 1905 storm wrecked 29 ships. Keeper families lived in houses at the base of the cliff. After automation in 196...
Sunrise
Sunrise was a Finnish socialist commune founded in 1894. The community published the newspaper 'Toveri' (Comrade). Internal disputes killed the commun...
Taconite Harbor
Taconite Harbor was a purpose-built community for workers at the Erie Mining Company's loading dock and power plant. As technology advanced, the workf...
Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes was a logging camp that became a small town as workers brought families. When the timber was gone, so was the reason for Twin Lakes. The fo...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Minnesota?
We have documented 11 ghost towns in Minnesota. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.