Ghost Towns in Wyoming
13 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Wyoming.
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Ames Monument
Ames Monument is a 60-foot granite pyramid built in 1882 to honor Oakes and Oliver Ames, who helped finance the transcontinental railroad. The nearby ...
Atlantic City
Atlantic City is Wyoming's oldest continuously inhabited town. Women voted here in 1870 - the first in America. The Mercantile still operates. About 5...
Buford
Buford bills itself as 'America's Smallest Town'—population 1. Founded as a Union Pacific railroad stop, it was sold at auction in 2012 for $900,000 t...
Carbon
Carbon was so important that Carbon County was named for it. The coal ran out and the town vanished, but the county name remains....
Encampment
Encampment boomed when copper was discovered. The North American Copper Company built a 16-mile aerial tramway - the world's longest at the time - to ...
Fort Laramie
Fort Laramie was a major trading post and military fort on the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Mormon Trail. Treaties with Native American nations...
Horse Creek Station
Horse Creek was the site of the 1851 Fort Laramie Treaty, the largest gathering of Native American nations in history (10,000+ attendees). Tribes agre...
Jeffrey City
Jeffrey City boomed during the Cold War uranium rush ('yellowcake'). It had a high school, swimming pool, and thousands of residents. When the uranium...
Kirwin
Kirwin was a gold mining town abandoned after a deadly 1907 avalanche. Amelia Earhart planned to build a summer cabin here in the 1930s. Buildings rem...
Miner's Delight
Miner's Delight (originally Hamilton City) was a rough gold camp. It was a frequent haunt of Calamity Jane. The BLM preserves the site, which includes...
Piedmont
Piedmont supplied charcoal for the Union Pacific Railroad smelters. Three impressive stone charcoal kilns survive....
South Pass City
South Pass City is where Esther Morris lobbied for women's suffrage. Wyoming granted women the right to vote in 1869 - first in the nation. The gold t...
Superior
Superior was a Union Pacific Coal Company town. It was known for its diverse immigrant population. When the mines mechanized and then closed, the popu...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Wyoming?
We have documented 13 ghost towns in Wyoming. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Wyoming 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 Wyoming?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.