Ghost Towns in Missouri
9 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Missouri.
All Ghost Towns
Arrow Rock
Arrow Rock was a major stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Artist George Caleb Bingham lived here. The 1872 Lyceum Theatre is the oldest continuously operatin...
Arrow Rock
Arrow Rock was the gateway to the Santa Fe Trail—where William Becknell crossed in 1821 to open the West. The 1834 J. Huston Tavern still serves food ...
Defiance
Defiance was a railroad stop on the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) line. When the railroad died, the town faded. Today, the Katy Trail (bike path) passe...
Old Iron Town
Old Iron Town was so important to Missouri's iron industry that the county was named for it. Charcoal iron furnaces operated here before and after the...
Old Mines
Old Mines is one of the oldest settlements in Missouri, founded by French lead miners in the 1720s. It was one of the last places in the US where 'Paw...
Rush
Rush was a zinc mining boomtown on the Buffalo River. At its peak, 300 people worked the mines and lived in company housing. When zinc prices crashed,...
Times Beach
Times Beach was evacuated in 1983 after EPA discovered the roads had been sprayed with dioxin-contaminated waste oil. The government bought out all 2,...
Times Beach
Times Beach was a Route 66 vacation community until 1982, when the EPA discovered deadly dioxin levels 300 times above safe limits. The contamination ...
Wittenberg
Wittenberg was the landing spot for the Saxon Lutheran immigration of 1839. It became a river and rail hub. However, repeated disastrous floods in 192...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Missouri?
We have documented 9 ghost towns in Missouri. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Missouri 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 Missouri?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.