The last two times we have traveled to Idaho we have tried to go to Bodie, one of California’s famous ghost towns turned state historic park. One year there was an earthquake and the park was closed to inspect for damage, and next time there was still too much snow to allow us to drive up to the sprawling old mining town. But this time we finally made it!

In 1859, ten years after gold was first discovered in California, William Bodey found gold near the town that would eventually bear his name, although with a different spelling. News of the strike spread, a town sprung up across the grassy hills, including a stamp mill, and by 1880 the town had roughly 10,000 people, and with it supposedly 65 bars, two churches, and of course brothels. It was the epitome of a wild west town. But just one year later the gold started to dry up. Two fires swept through, destroying many of the buildings, and by 1942 mining ended. Thankfully California saw the value in the buildings that remained and the rich history of the area, making the entire town a park in 1962.

Bodie is quite large, and offers multiple tours. Sadly our timeline for getting home, and the heat cut our visit short. We chose just to wander the town and museum. I would love to return and explore more, including a guided tour of the stamp mill.

Get some dust on your boots and explore the old mining town of Bodie located near the California-Nevada border just north of Mono Lake. Please visit the park’s website for details on hours and more prior to your visit.