Of the many times that I have driven out to Vegas I have always wanted to stop by here but never had a chance, so this time my wife and I decided to stop by.
First if you come here in the summer it can be extremely hot, I think our car said it was 104 out when we pulled in the parking lot, and there really is not any AC around so it can be a little rough. The cost to get in is 8 dollars per person and then another 2 dollars a person on top of that if you want to walk through the mine.
I have always been curious about visiting a ghost town, but this one was just not done that well. First one of the points is to see the buildings and walk in and see them abandoned, instead here most of the buildings have stores selling various knick knacks in them. There are a few buildings that have been left alone but they have a bunch of stuff thrown in them like a mannequin in a shaving chair combined with other themes. Some of the interesting buildings that looked untouched like the sheriffs office or the school house were locked and could not be explored.
One thing that was neat was the saloon, the bartender had his beard grown to look like a resident might look, and one of the tables to eat at was a poker table, that was pretty cool, other then that I wish they would have left the rest of the buildings alone.
So if you are interested in checking it out, its not too expensive and I think it's worth a look at least once, just try to come when its not so hot.
This was my first time here in years, this was my husband's first time here. It's funny, every time we asked someone about Calico, we get the same response, "Haven't been there in ____ years", well anyway, We both enjoyed Calico, and yes, it took us more than 15 minutes to see most of Calico. We rode the train, loved the history behind this place. Had a pretzel, It was good. Had lunch at the Calico Saloon, my husband loved the ranch mashed potatoes, I loved the fire brigade grilled cheese, it was good-er! had my first sarsaparilla, felt like I should see Charles Ingalls come through the door. Had a great time, will come back and see the horses and the shows.
Review Source:This place ticked me off. First, I do not remember the qualifications of a ghost town as being surrounded by a city as well as neighborhoods leading to the "ghost town". Second, I do not remember the ghost town qualifications making you pay to get into a supposedly deserted town. This is a total taking-advantage-of-those-traveling-to-and-from-ÂLA-and-Vegas kind of place. A roadside tourist trap. I had seen Calico on Google Earth and was excited to add it to our road trip because it seemed like a big ghost town. Awesome, right? Wrong. It is big, but totally restored and gimmicky. We drove out of our way to get to Calico. As we drove up the road leading to the place, we saw it was in a totally populated area. Then we saw they had a "toll booth" at the entrance. We have to pay to get in? Yes, I get it, you have to have funds to upkeep an ENTIRELY RESTORED place. But don't advertise it as a ghost town. How about a Wild West Town? Like they do in the Midwest for places that are like this. Yes, the Midwest has your "Calico Ghost Town" too. Maybe I'm spoiled because we had just returned from Death Valley where there were actual ghost towns (deserted, dilapidated buildings not manned by anyone allowing you to enjoy and explore what's before you and mind their authenticity and age), but I certainly didn't have to pay $7 per person to visit them.
Review Source:For a history buff like me, the town of Calico was an awesome place to visit. Sure, it doesn't have a ton of things to do, but there's plenty to see if you're into history and the story of what a place used to be. I especially loved how you can see the holes in the mountains still from where miners used to go into.
When I went last time, I didn't realize how much there was to see. I literally thought it was an abandoned town and didn't know it was restored and was a working site. I definitely want to go back and spend more time. I think there's even a train that brings you around, so I wanna check that out!
Totally cool place to visit as a side trip to Vegas. Gives you a feel for what it was like back in the 1880's. Â It's not a big town and can be viewed in about an hour so it won't take up too much of your time if your heading to Vegas. Lots of photo opportunity if your into photography. The workers can be a little more friendlier though.
Review Source:I've explored so much of this as a kid! Tunnels and what not! This place is a blast, but now that I'm older.. Watch ur children.. I spoke to a local and he said that frequently people fall into the mines and some drop over 4 stories.. This place has so much history and silliness to it! Everyone Californian should go
Review Source:Still a fun place to go but not was as cool as I remember it was as a kid. Â It ain't cheap, don't remember how much it was but at least $5 or $10 a person....
Really nice scenery and really quiet to just get away. Â Some decent stores to spend your hard earned money on and some little cafe's here and there. Â
If you aren't the touristy type, skip this place cause you can easily finish it in 15 minutes or less if you wanted to. Â
I think it's still a cool place to take people who have never been to the desert type areas of california/nevada.
Come here once for the experience, and once is enough.
Hubby and I came here on our way to Vegas from California. Â Price is reasonable, but yes, the weather can be scorching in the Nevada heat. It is tolerable, however. We enjoyed all the sites and history. Â Walked all the way up to the school house and opened the cemetery gates and had a quick walk around. It is very touristy but fun if you like history.
I would have given it four stars but I have a strong belief in how a product is sold or how a place conducts itself.
All of the employees were extremely rude. I do not think we got one friendly smile. They made us feel like we were wasting their time and you know that feeling you get when someone just wants you out of their store-yeah, that's the one.
I suppose I'd be unfriendly too if I worked in an unconditioned building for 8 hours, but still its no excuse. If you don't like your job then find another.
Calico needs to train their employees in better customer service and install a few air conditioners for morale.
Didn't think much of the town as I entered it but my daughter (6 yrs old) and I ended up spending a few hours there.
While most buildings are now gift shops, the minimal entrance fee of $7/adult $4/child is worth it to peer into the school house, walk the wooden bridges and climb the little hills around Main Street where miners w/o families once just stacked rocks and mortar on the sides of hills to create their shacks.
For just under $20 we rode their little train and walked the mine. A nice chance to get out of the car & stretch your legs on the trip b/t LA and Vegas.
Probably dull for just adults and older kids but well worth it for us.
A fun family day trip, a must see for people new to the desert or traveling through.
I plan on taking my family from Germany and Miami here, it is different than anything you have seen, beautiful landscapes and insight in a whole different world.
Its a shame all the stores and houses are all about retail and just sell you souveniers but they have great gifts for yourself and family.
I bought a beautiful large desert rose, my first new accessorie for my new home in California!
My son got fossils and shark teeth, postcards for the family.
It;s a steep but easy and short walk, so also ideal for elders.
I am so glad they could preserve this!
When I walked into the town I did feel that I was walking the streets of a bustling silver mining town of the 21st century. Â It's very commercial and almost all the restored buildings have businesses in them catering to tourist. There is a short train ride, and shootouts on the main street. It is a very busy ghost town. We talked to a group of people who were visiting from France. There were a lot of tour buses in the parking area. We stopped here early on a weekday and it was pretty busy. Â I suspect that more people visit this park on a weekend than lived here in its heyday.
But there were a two places that made me really think I was in this hot dusty town when the only people here were the ones who lived, worked, and died here. The one-room school house that is off the main street, although rebuilt, was one building that seemed frozen in time.The other spot was the cemetery. The gates were locked, but I could see the tombstones and it was here that I really experienced Calico as it was in the 19th century.
Calico is an easy drive off the main road and there seems to be ample parking. It is in the desert and it is hot. It was over 100 degrees before noon in mid September when we visited. Keep in mind that you do have to walk from the town to the parking in the heat
Cool Ghost Town to visit On the way to Vegas. Â A bit creepy cause people once lived there and died there. Â but its a great place if youre into learning about American Settlers back in the late 1800's. Â Cool old steam train ride that goes around the park. Â Just beyond the Ghost town you can drive off road and see these old deep caves that go about 50-100 feet underground. Â Looks just like from the movie Hills have eyes. Â Would definitely recommend checking this place out if you're passing through.
Review Source:Holy F**k, it's hot there. Of course we went in the summer... PLEASE WEAR SUNBLOCK AND KEEP COOL. IT'S HOT AS F**K.
Really great photo op place tho. It reminds me of Paramount Ranch in CA (Paramount Ranch is a LOT cooler in temperature). The structures are really nice.
This place has a lot of history. It's hard to find this place because it's in the middle of no where - hence GHOST. But it is pretty cool.
ENTRANCE: $7 per person
BATHROOMS: Surprisingly not bad.
PHOTO OPS:
A lot of them. If you love taking photos, this is a great place. It has a lot of historical look to it. Western theme.
So for those doing a Western engagement shoot, this is a good spot - WHEN IT'S NOT SUMMER.
It's honestly UNBEARABLE in the summer.
Good luck.
We stopped on our journey from Vegas to San Diego.
Being tourists from Quebec, Canada, we needed novelty. Why not stop in the middle of the desert at an old mining town ? 8$ to go in for one car, not too bad. It was very hot , we're not used to so much sun, but still, we managed to survive with the bar open, we got ourselves refreshments. Nice old little town, with a lot of history. Too bad they managed to change everything into a paying attraction. We didn't stay long, just enough to see what it was like. Old firetruck, old school, old church, old mine, old bank. That's about it !
Nice pit stop in the middle of the road :)
Snooze.
We didn't have to pay to get in; I'm not sure why not. Â Maybe because it was the middle of the week? Â Or maybe because it discouraged people from actually going?
Anyway, they charge for everything, and none of it really seems worth it. Â We walked the mine ($1, boring, although the malfunctioning motion-sensor-activated audio program was sort of entertaining), used the bathroom, looked at some creepy mannequin setups in the barbershop, and left. Â About half the attractions/food stands didn't even have anyone staffing them. Â Most of the buildings are rebuilt, and aren't originals anyway.
Not sure what the appeal is here, but honestly, unless you have an irrepressible desire to sweat, spend money on stupid crap, and eat cafeteria food, I'd suggest you pass this place by. Â No authenticity or historical value left here. Â Just cheap promotional items and tourist crap.
Aww c'mon, you know you're a little interested.
Driving back home from Utah, I got off the highway to get some food and fuel. Saw the sign pointing to Calico Ghost Town (three miles off highway) and figured, "Heck! Why not?" I needed to stretch my legs something fierce!
It was hot as all get out, which Doc (see photos) totally enjoyed, but alas my skin was without sunblock, so I didn't stay too long.
From what I saw, definitley a cute attraction. A lot of TOURISTS. A bit cheesy, but it does have a history to it and that gives it a thumbs up in my book. I also think it's something children would enjoy.
You should stop by at least once if you're taking the 15 through the Barstow area.
Having been to Bodie Ghost Town, I expected Calico to be quite similar when spotting their sign on the freeway, and decided to stop by. Â
There were about 6-7 busses full of japanese and korean tourists all dressed in heavy jackets, pants, hats, and umbrellas in 97 degree temperatures, bumping into me and my family with no respect and taking pictures of everything (ex: their  family shot was by the trash can next to the restrooms as I'm coming out). Â
It turned out to be a big touristy atmosphere with even a Starbucks in the middle of the "ghost town." Â The entire town had been renovated into hot dog stands, souvenir shops, cafes, and nothing had been preserved as it was like a ghost town should be. Â
Not recommended.
My husband grew up in the Barstow area, and went to Calico Ghost Town many times as a child. He took me there once, years ago, but it was a ridiculously hot August day and some of the buildings were closed due to the excessive heat as there is no air conditioning there. Remember, it's a ghost town, not to be confused with a tourist attraction, like some reviewers mistakenly assumed...
Walter Knott, of Knotts Berry Farm, refurbished this abandoned mining town (with the exception of 5 buildings which remain original) back in the 50s and then donated it to San Bernardino County. It is now considered a historical landmark. Â
On one of our recent road trips to California we decided to stop and check it out again, and let him relive his youth a bit... The admission fee is $6 per adult, cheaper for children. Some of the attractions cost an additional fee but none more then a couple bucks, and that's better then forcing everyone to pay a higher admission fee in my opinion. You can also have an area for camping, if you desire.
We noticed a few of the shops seemed to be lacking in stock. One of the shopkeepers told my husband it was because the store was in the process of being sold to new owners and wouldn't be getting new stock until that was finished up. It was a little disappointing, but hopefully the new owners will make it better then ever.
We bought some candy in the sweet shop and had lunch at Old Miners Cafe. The attractions that were closed on our last visit were reopened, including the Mystery Shack. It's an additional $2 to take the tour, which is pocket change for some laughs and a little history lesson. There is also a train you can take around the property for a few dollars.
And what a beautiful property it is!! Fans of Quentin Tarantino's movie Kill Bill 2 may recognize the red rocks surrounding the area from where Budd lived in his trailer.
Calico isn't a place you go to ride crazy rides, but rather a mellow little ghost town where you can see some interesting things and perhaps even learn something. If you have a couple hours to kill when driving between LA and Vegas check it out.. Just remember it's the desert so it'll be hot in the summer, wear sunscreen and hydrate!!
Calico reminds me of being a child and my beloved Daddy and all the times he would bring me here on the way to or from Vegas. He loved Western history, and I loved history in general, so it made us both happy.
Sad that many informational plaques and signs are all worn out and can't be read. Original buildings are not prominently marked or displayed so unless its an adobe building which is obvious, its hard to tell new from original.
The general store was so empty it was depressing. Glass cases and shelves barren.
The street is paved now. Made it look more like a theme park than the actual ghost town that it is. Â There is a picture library or town hall that has a bunch of photos. At first I was exicted thinking it was old photos of the actual old town and oringal dwellers. But it is pictures of the recent actors and workers with a few original old photos kinda mixed in so you miss them. The mail dog, Dorsey, is real and should be more prominent. Or have a special separeate section of historical photos. Â
The town needs some TLC. It has room for improvement, but it's still a great historical site to check out at least once in your life. The Lucy Lane house has a lot of plaques, photos, and historical info, so don't skip that one.
Obviously, don't go when its a million degrees outside. It's a DESERT GHOST TOWN so don't expect a forest of trees for SHADE or AIR CONDITIONING. Â Or even palm trees, swimming pools or roller coasters.
It's NOT a tourist trap as some have stated. It's an actual historical site of the old silver mining town of Calico. Â ??
I've past the Calico Ghost Town on many trips to and from Vegas but never had time to stop. This time we made it a point to drop by and check it out! I was expecting something like  when the Griswalds in the  Vacation movie stopped in that old western town. It's a little more low key but still fun!  The ghost town was restored back in 1951 by Walter Knott (founder of Knotts Berry Farm) . You will not find rides here except for a train at the Odessa railroad.
We had a nice meal at the Calico House restaurant, dropped by the Mystery shack , Lane House Museum, and Maggie's mine. It was nice to walk around and absorb some history. I would love to come back and do things I didn't have a chance to do like gold pan or go on the train!
This place never gets old for me. I used to come here as a kid with my family and stay a couple of nights in their cabins. They are air conditioned, heated, and have their own fire pits, There are showers and restrooms (unattached) which are pretty clean. The cemetery overlooks the campground which makes for a spooky night, but it is awesome.
The town itself is also awesome, as I am a sucker for anything historical. The small shops are full of knickknacks and one-of-a-kind gifts to bring back for your friends and family. The food at the main restaurant is good but not great. There are lots of picture opportunities and plenty of places to hike and do some exploring. The train ride is rather rickety but if you don't mind the thrill it's worth it. Maggie's Mine is interesting to walk through for a small fee.
All in all it's a cheap, fun place to visit if you're into that sort of thing. It costs about $6 to get in if you're not staying in the campgrounds.
Calico Ghost Town was one of those road side attractions that I saw every time when I drove to Vegas, but never made the pit stop. Â
The last time I drove to Vegas, my roommate and I decided to try it out. Â I am glad that we did so, just to say that I have been here, and to get the word out so no one else has to go through the same experience. Â
First of all, I would like to point out that it was 111* when we were there. Â There are about 3 trees for shade, and no air conditioning in any of the buildings. Â Second, I honestly think that if this was a legitimate tourist destination, and not a trap I would probably enjoy it a lot more. Â
Calico is supposedly a real historical mining town that is now a mini theme park. Â However, I could not find which buildings were original and which were re done and that was upsetting to me. Â
The biggest problem I had with this place was that it was a TRAP! Â (insert Admiral Ackbar meme here). Â You have to pay to get in, and every activity is another charge. Â We paid to see the mystery shack, hoping it would be like the old one at Knott's Berry Farm. Â Unfortunately the person giving us a tour was horrible. Â He had no sense of story telling, and let everyone try everything for as long as they wanted, didn't organize anyone so we couldn't see from behind the people in front of us and just went on and on. Â We busted out early because it was so boring.
So all in all, I would never go back to this place, and I hope that you never have to deal with it either.
My brothers and I have been going on family vacations to Lake Mead twice or three times yearly since we were born. On a few occasions, we'd stop at Calico. We haven't been in at least fifteen years, so we decided to stop since our parents weren't along on this trip with us.
Calico is different from what I remember as far as layout goes, but that last time I saw it was years ago. The main dirt path through town is now paved and the mining car that took you from the parking lot to the town is gone (we parked up by the town this time).
It's a great little attraction with lots to do. We kept laughing at the modern things, saying stuff like, "Oh, Calico has wifi. I didn't know they had wifi in the old west!" For twenty-somethings, Calico was fun but not too exciting. I imagine families with little ones will have a blast as we did oh so long ago.
Boo!
You have to visit here at least once. My little one loved it. This little town is a great historical reminder of the dedication and the contributions the Chinese made during the old west. Little is spoken of it in history books.
The little one enjoyed it. We got here early and there were no fees whatsoever except for the snacks we purchased and the train ride. An excellent living history experience.
When is a "ghost town" not a ghost town? When it's paved, full of tourists and is actually a theme park!
I kid, I kid...
Calico Ghost Town is an attraction built on the site of the mining town of Calico which prospered in the late 1800s and was abandoned by 1907. There's rich history to be found there: the struggle of the miners and their families, the bustling "red light" district, the influence of immigrants in one of the areas only early Chinatowns.
In the 1950s the founder of Knott's Berry Farm bought the land and started reconstructing the town as a tourist attraction and old-west theme park. Today, there are some very authentic-looking buildings, a collection of disappointing gift-shops and some entertaining costumed actors bringing flavor to the streets and storefronts.
As a piece of road-side nostalgia, Calico doesn't quite know what to make of itself in the 21st century. The mining exhibit and many of the buildings have displays and information that hasn't changed probably since the Knotts designed the place. I'm into old theme parks, and this definitely struck a chord with me. The shops and restaurants kind of run the gamut from tacky to strange to boring. I think what this place is missing is either a full embrace of its retro appeal as a theme park or a much more honest revamp as a piece of American history. I'd still enjoy it either way, it's just that in its current state, there's not a good grasp of what it should be.
My biggest disappointment was in trying to find the *real* history about Calico from my visit. The authentic buildings are mixed in with the (numerous) reproductions without much distinction. The signage is mostly fading and hard to read if you do want to stop and learn about the town. Any genuine experience of the town is often overwhelmed by gaudy knick-knacks and tacky touristy baubles for sale in the many shops. The history that is to be found is sort of glazed over in quick bursts without much direction on how to find more.
OK, with all that said, why did I give this 4 stars? Because I am a "fan." Calico is a fun, inexpensive diversion, and I'm sure I'll go back again. I want to see it thrive in some state whether it's full-on retro theme park or something that does manage to mix in a little more thoughtful educational value. I'm a person who enjoys the pure entertainment of something, but I often want to know more, and I'm absolutely sure there are fascinating stories about the *real* Calico that are just waiting to be re-told.
Something to look into at least ONCE if you happen to be driving through the area and you have time on your hands. Admission for Adults is $6, kids under 15yrs old $3, and kids under 5 yrs old is free. Its an old mining town that was developed in 1881 during the "silver rush" and when it ended in 1896, it became a "ghost town".
Its interesting. The first thing I noticed when I entered Calico Ghost Town was that it had that Knott's Berry Farm "Western" feel to it. The look of it, the gold panning, the clothing some of the worker women were wearing and then I read the fine print. AHA! The Knott's Berry Farm company was the one that revamped Calico Ghost Town to how it looks right now. If you've been to Knott's Berry Farm, then you'll know what I am talking about.
Anyways, there is a bit of interesting historical tidbits here and there. There's Maggie's Mine, the Mystery Shack, gold panning, and mining train ride if you want to kill time. You'll probably be finished with this place within 2 hours. The shops are the typical tourist shops you seen in other places. Overpriced and bland service but the customer service from the lady at the Pottery shop was great. She was the only that genuinely liked her job, chatted freely to visiting patrons like me, and she has an old black poodle dog that was just as chill as her. I forgot her name! Ugh. The Pottery lady has some unique creations of her own worth looking into if you're there. Bought some one of a kind Calico coasters from her that was really cute.
Growing up, my parents were divorced and my dad lived in Vegas while we lived in southern CA. Every time we drove to Vegas, we would beg our mom to take us to Calico. She would always promise to take us on the ride back, which she never did.
Finally, when I was 22, we got to go! You now have to pay to get in - $6/Adult, $3/Kids 6-12, Free-5 & Under. It seemed weird to pay to get in, but it was worth it to support the town. It's mostly a lot of shops. They also have a general store with candy and snacks, both modern and vintage-themed.
We did not take the train ride because it was about 100 degrees and it seemed to hot to ride around in a metal train. They had a staged gunfight in the middle of the town, which was cool.
I really wanted to find and photograph the cemetery but I couldn't find it. I hope to make a separate trip just for that.
In all, it's a great place to stop and stretch your legs. It's less crowded (and less expensive) than the outlets or Primm. I would definitely suggest everyone stop here at least once!
On the way to Vegas and in no particular hurry, we made a detour and headed 4 miles off the I-15 freeway into the town of Calico to tour this ghost town.
The town of Calico originated in 1881 with a population of 40. Prospectors came to Calico in search of its rich minerals and to mine for Silver. At the time, the town had over 500 mines which produced $86 million in silver and $45 million in borax.
Today, it remains one of the few original mining towns of the western United States and thanks to the help of Mr. Walter Knott, founder of Knott's Berry Farm, it was restored in 1951 and donated to the county of San Bernardino in 1966 and exists as a tourist attraction. Â
For a $10 admission fee, you can tour the town and check out the various craft shops, cafes, ride a train, tour the mystery shack, check out a house made entirely of glass bottles, and also check out an authentic mine. Â
If you really want to have fun at this town, come in October during Calico days for a ghost hunt and gun show. We spent about an hour walking around and climbing up the various lookout points. Â The town was decorated for Christmas and several stores were promoting the Calico teddy bears which you could get for free if you spent $75 in town. Â We spent $2 to get a bottle of water and head back out to Vegas. Â It's not really much of a ghost town as it is a tourist attraction but it's fun to stop and check out if you have some time on your way to Vegas or wherever the I-15 may be taking you.
Calico is a strange tourist attraction that isn't quite a tourist attraction, a ghost town that isn't a ghost town, but with a unique history unlike any other.
In 1875, prospectors discovered the first silver lodes in the area. Five years later, with additional discoveries, the town of Calico (named for the variety of colors seen on the surrounding mountains) was born, as fortune-seekers rushed in to claim their share of fortune.
The town's population swelled and ebbed as each silver discovery was made and played out, before finally stabilizing around 1884, with the discovery of Borax in the surrounding area. At its peak, the small hillside boomtown boasted more than two dozen saloons, gambling halls, and a red-light district, all of which never closed, and all for the rough and tumble population of 2,500. Â In its time, Calico was one of the richest districts in the state, producing more than eighty-six million in Silver and forty-five million in Borax. Â
But the good times were not to last.
In 1890, the price for silver nose-dived from a buck thirty one to a mere sixty-three cents an ounce, making the mining of silver in the area highly unprofitable (costing a dollar to get at six cents worth of silver). Almost overnight, most of the population of Calico vanished. Finally, in 1907, Borax mining also ended, marking the death of the desert boom-town. There was a brief, but small, resurrection in 1917 with a cyanide salvage operation setting up shop to recover the missed silver found in the area mine wastes. Â However, by 1935, Calico was officially a ghost town.
But this was not the end.
In 1950, Walter Knott of Knott's Berry Farm fame bought the town and surrounding area. Walter, armed with photographs of the town, set out to meticulously restore Calico to its former glory. In 1966, Mr. Knott donated Calico to San Bernardino County, who now operate Calico as a regional park to this day.
Today, Calico operates as a tourist attraction park, complete with dining facilities, walking historical tours, train rides, period re-enactments, and camping facilities for those who would like to stay overnight. It's also reported that the old-west hillside village has its own set of ghosts, with many volunteers, staff, and tourists reporting sightings and interactions with Calico's last residents: Â playful ghosts of children, miners, the town Marshall, and even an angry cowboy just to name a few.
So while Calico is not as authentic a ghost town as, say, Virginia City, Nevada or Oatman, Arizona, it does make for an interesting day-trip for those looking for family entertainment, history buffs, or anyone just wanting to get away for a day trip, or a weekend of camping. And who knows, perhaps you'll have your own paranormal encounter.
Let me just start off by saying, I love ghost towns. I have always wanted to go to this place but we are always in a hurry to get to Vegas or in a hurry to get home. So we found ourselves with the day after Thanksgiving and nothing to do, so this place popped into my head. They were having a special holiday weekend rate and it was only $10/carload - score!
Then we get there and the panning for gold was free - score! (normally $1/each); then the mystery shack was free - score! (normally $1/each), Maggies Mine tour was free - score! (normally $1/each); then the train was regular cost ($3/adult, $1.50/kids) - but allright I can deal with that.
The town had lots of great people acting out skits in the street and on the stages, people playing music, popcorn popping, the sweet shoppe filled to the brim with yummy smells.
Looks like it is busier in the winter, then the summer - because of the weather. They had lots of dirt bike riders camping there. We drive about 2 hrs to get there and we stayed for five hours!. Very worth it to me. It wasn't horribly crowded and it was filled with families. It had a very relaxed atmosphere. The bathrooms are in decent shape but they seemed to be very far away when you need one.
Overall, stop and check this place out. It is only about a 5 min drive from the freeway and totally worth it.
The Calico Ghost Town is a weird place. Â It's supposed to be some old mining town but it looks more like a tourist destination someone built, while trying really hard to make it look old. Â There's a lot of strange shops selling various useless stuff like antiques and leather jackets. Â There's also a decent looking restaurant that has a giant BBQ pit out back.
Lots of stuff seemed to be closed when I was there and I didn't do any of the rides or other things people have mentioned in their reviews. Â Regardless, although it's kinda cheesey, this place made a nice little diversion on the drive back to Los Angeles after a weekend in Vegas.
If you've ever driven to Vegas you've seen it. In the hills off highway 15 as your drive through Yermo. I wasn't quite sure what to expect out of Calico Ghost Town. Until, that is, I watched an episode of Road Trip with Heull Howser. He visited Calico with his usual child like enthusiasm, even if he was only in Barstow. So if Heull likes it, I gotta check it out.
On a recent trip to Vegas I did just that. We decided to go on our return trip, hopefully we wouldn't be too exhausted to stop.
Calico was born in 1881 when a couple of prospectors located claims on Calico Mountain. They named their discovery the Silver King Mine. A total of 20 million dollars worth of silver has been mined here. With rumor that there is about 6 million dollars still located on the mountain. But at a cost of 10 million to mine it, no one has bothered.
At its height, the town boasted a population of 1,200, 22 saloons, a "Chinatown," and a well-known red light district.
The town of Calico has burned down to the ground twice and rebuilt. The town was abandoned in the 1930's and in the 50's was bought and revived into Calico Ghost Town by Walter Knott, owner of Knotts Berry Farm, and has remained a tourist destination ever since.
I could have done without all the cheesy gift shops with items completely unrelated to the mines. But it had its charm for the parents and their kids. I was more interested in the miles of closed off mines that you couldn't access than I was with the amethyst geodes in the gift shop.
October is a busy month for Calico with "Calico Days" which features a western parade, burro run, gunfight competition and live music. Then in late October the "Ghost Haunt" takes over the town with costume contests, pumpkin carving, ghost stories and trick-or-treating. And, if you dare, take a bone chilling tour through Maggie's Haunted Mine!
There is a candy store and a snack bar with pizza and hotdogs. At one point there was a restaurant, but I'm not sure if it's open. It wasn't on this Sunday. You can get married here if you want, camp if you wish, pan for gold and make your own candles just like at Knotts Berry Farm.
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