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Oatman, ghost town not far from... - Oatman Stables

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• Oatman Stables

We enjoyed the unique charm of Oatman! The burros, of course, the fun tourist shops, and an... read more

We left Laughlin and drove about a half hour to get here since we wanted to see the burros. We... read more

Oatman, ghost town not far from Laughlin, NV

We came to Oatman on our way from Laughlin, NV to Sedona, AZ. The donkeys are a trip! The little mock shoot out they do is entertaining. The bar that's in the old hotel with all the dollar bills is fun to stop and get a drink at. Route 66 that you continue on out of the town is beautiful but windy and a little scary in the rental car but worth it! When we got back to MN I heard on the history channel that Oatman does a fried egg competition in which they fry eggs on the sidewalk cause it's so fricken hot there. Ha! Worth a visit!

We came back from Las Vegas to drive the Oatman part of Route 66 and we weren't disappointed. The drive to Oatman is spectacular and when we arrived they were just about to stage a gun fight. A bit kitsch but great fun and the burros walking the streets were so chilled out, it was a great stop, well worth making.

We took a long ride in order to go to Oatman. But everything was paid off. They have amazing shops full of souvenirs and the amazing thing is you will see donkeys all over thins place. Literally everywhere. They will follow you expecially when you have carrots in on your hands. You can buy carrots in this place to attract the cute donkeys as well. There was also a cowboys show which was very interesting. On your way there, you can see lots of rock mountain which is beautiful! One of a great journey of all time!

Oatman Ghost Town, AZ little shops and burros walk the street.Gift so shops, and more one of the places you just have too see!

What a terrific ride, we had to go for two days! The horses are beautiful, the cowboys are wonderful and the views are absolutely breathtaking! I highly recommend a stop at the Oatman Stables! :)

I enjoy this attraction but it is not my favorite. It is neat that the burros are free range animals and your able to feed them and have photo opportunities. There are numerous eateries and alot of souvenir shops. However, there is one antique store. I almost missed it but while waiting form my wife, I notice the antiques on the boardwalk around the building and went inside to walk around. In the back of the building their is 1.5 smaller rooms set aside with shop and house hold antiques. I found out the owner has 2 or 3 stores located in AZ and the North Dakota. He travels around the united states buying these goods from alot of different sources. He is consider a "picker" like the cable TV show with Frank and Mike?. I found a toy tractor like the one I had as a youngster, wood ash buckets, wrenches, jacks, corn sheller s, etc... I thought they was reasonably priced and authenticate. I could only purchase a couple items because I was returning by air:(.

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Four things you may not know about laughlin.

Those who fall in love with Laughlin as a great getaway share a common phrase – “I never knew I could do that here, too!” This place has always embraced a somewhat low-key image, which has won the destination its share of loyal followers.

However, there are certainly hidden gems in the Laughlin experience that go beyond a gaming resort that can’t be found anywhere else. Visit the area today and you might find yourself exploring the Colorado River, enjoying a morning hike, exploring petroglyphs, or petting a wild burro in a nearby ghost town.

Yes, there’s no shortage of historic charm and exciting recreational and outdoor adventures that, when added up, make the Laughlin experience the perfect getaway. You’ll find that it’s sophisticated but relaxed, high quality, not high priced, approachable, and certainly not stuffy.

Here are four things about Laughlin that make it one of the unique recreation destinations in the nation.

Water takes center stage.

Drive into Laughlin for the first time and it’s hard not to notice watercrafts bouncing along the Colorado, and boat tours in full swing. But it’s easy to underestimate how much of an attraction the river really is here.

• Enjoy a romantic sunset  dinner cruise  or a scenic cruise where you relax and learn about the area’s history. If you’re into personal watercrafts , you’ll find the best selection of equipment in the business. If fishing is more your thing, a professional guide can help you scout out the best location for striper, trout and bass.
• For those who don’t want to venture out onto the water, take a stroll along the River Walk and enjoy meals at the many  restaurants  offering great menu options along with amazing water views.

Adventure is calling.

• Beyond Casino Drive and the famous River Walk, enjoy the  Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park and Trails that offers several miles of hiking along the North Reach trail system, complete with parks, fishing nodes, pedestrian bridges, and fully developed trailheads.
• If fast and furious is more your speed, rent one of the Slingshots three-wheeled roadsters from 220 Tours , or go freeform on one of OUI Experiences’ UTVs while zipping across the open desert.
• Of course, there’s the more laid-back approach … playing a round or two or three of golf , with seven stellar desert courses in the surrounding area to test your skills.

Many new looks

Laughlin quietly underwent a transformation in the last few years, as every resort property along Casino Drive invested in updates, upgrades and new offerings. These enhancements have made the Laughlin experience all the more exciting and enjoyable.

• For example, the Riverside Resort features newly renovated rooms, Don’s Celebrity Theater, a state-of-the-art movie theater and a new resort pool .
• There’s an exciting new William Hill Sportsbook inside Harrah’s Laughlin so you can play a few hands and place your bets at the time.
• The  Aquarius Casino Resort ’s newest dining option is the River Rock Pizza and Pasta, featuring classic pasta dishes, pizza and sandwiches, all made fresh in-house. 
• Tropicana Laughlin  has a new watering hole, the Brew Brothers Tap House , featuring 16 bar taps, a variety of brews and a delightful menu with appetizers, burgers, salads and sandwiches, plus 20 big screen TV’s to catch the game.
• How about catching the 50s’ vibe of Strike! Bowl, inside the Laughlin River Lodge . It’s a new ten-lane bowling alley and diner serving up food, fountain drinks, and ice cream.
• The Golden Nugget Laughlin and New Pioneer hotels both have newly remodeled rooms redesign with your comfort in mind.

• About 30 miles southeast of Laughlin is the mining ghost town of Oatman on the old Route 66 . The Gold Road Mine opened there in the early 1900s and was home to a $10 million find that put the town on the map.
• Nowadays, Oatman is home to staged gunfights, local food and gift shops, and stories about the town’s history. About two dozen wild burros also make their way into town each day. Visitors can pet and feed them, but expect to stop your vehicle once or twice as the burros cross Oatman’s historic streets.
• The Lil’ Red Schoolhouse, built in 1947 for the children of Hoover Dam’s construction workers, is now located in the Colorado River Museum, just 2.3 miles south of the Laughlin Bridge. Visitors can view historical memorabilia depicting early life on the Colorado River, as well as ancient artifacts from the local Mojave Indian tribe.

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Oatman Ghost Town Arizona Day Trip

06/13/2023 by DayTrippen 14 Comments

Oatman is a boom town with a history dating back to the 1860s. The Discovery of rich ore body ore in 1915 brought on a gold rush that lasted ten years. The town attracted miners and prospectors from far and wide and grew to over 3,500 residents. In 1924 the town’s primary mine shut down. Some mining continued until 1944, when the last mines closed.

Today, the town thrives on tourism and burros. You can be sure to enjoy wild west fun, replete with wild donkeys, wooden sidewalks, staged gunfights, unique souvenir shops, and quirky annual events when you visit Oatman. An easy drive from Laughlin, Nevada, or Bullhead City, Arizona, Oatman Ghost Town is a fun place to spend the day.

Things to do in Oatman Ghost Town

Burros of Oatman Ghost Town

When driving into Oatman Ghost Town, you notice the wild burros; they are everywhere. Descendants of the pack animals used by prospectors in the 1800s, the wild burros of Arizona have found a home in Oatman. Feeding is discouraged even though most of the donkeys are friendly. The townfolk has given many names, but caution is advised when approaching the burros they have been known to nip.

Oatman Outlaw Shootout

Oatman Ghost Town is known for being a wild west town, and what better way to experience the Wild West than to witness a shootout in the middle of the street? Held at noon and 3:30 pm most days, these fun cowboy gunfights are not to be missed. The shows are free, but the actors collect donations from local charities. Watch out, and don’t get in the way of these cowboys who take their job seriously.

Glory Hole Museum

On Main Street, the Glory Hole Museum is chock full of antiques, memorabilia, and artifacts from Oatman’s past. Displays include a bed from the ghost town’s redlight district, desks from the Oatman School, bottles, and mining equipment. Built-in 1915, the museum building was originally the town’s drugstore.

Souvenir Stores & T-Shirts

During the boomtown years, Oatman’s street was lined with saloons. Today there are quirky Souvenir Stores with just as strange names. Jackass Junction, Outlaw Willies, The Classy Ass, Oatman General Store, Yellow Hammers Place, Bucktooth Burro, Jack Ass Treasures, Fast Fannys, and Saving Your Ass. Souvenir T-shirts can be found in every store. Tip. We discovered that the further up the main street you go, the cheaper the shirts get.

Oatman Hotel

Oatman boasts a thrilling attraction in the form of the renowned 1902 Oatman Hotel. In addition to serving a delicious buffalo burger, the hotel is renowned for the honeymoon suite of famous actors Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, whose stay in 1939 propelled the hotel to new heights.

The suite is on the second floor, and you can check it out through a window in the door. There is also a large gift shop upstairs. Don’t forget to sign a dollar bill and tape it to the bar’s ceiling at the hotel.

Making Memories Old Time Photos

Making Memories is a photo studio that lets you dress up like a cowboy or cowgirl. Choose a Western outfit and a background, and get an Old Time Photo from this studio. What’s more, if you suddenly need to get married, the owners are licensed ministers and can get you hitched up. 88 Main Street Oatman, AZ.

Route 66 Cool Springs Station

The main road through the town, Oatman Road, the old Route 66. The two-lane highway is a 42-mile stretch that climbs Sitgreaves Pass at 3,550 feet and passes through the gorgeous Arizona desert. One must-see spot along Route 66 is Cool Springs Station. This one-time service station is now a Route 66 museum. Built in the 1920s, there was originally a gas station, cabins, and restaurant. Learn more about Cool Springs Camp .

What’s cooking in Oatman Ghost Town

If you are craving southwestern comfort food, the town has a few eateries with you covered. Try out Olive Oatman Restaurant for some great chili and peach fry bread. For prickly pear candy, visit the Oatman Candy Shop. Judy’s Saloon and the Oatman Hotel serve breakfast and lunch for a relaxed drink visit.

Getting to Oatman

Oatman Ghost Town is located on historic Route 66, 25 miles from Needles, California, 30 miles from Laughlin, Nevada, and 28 miles from Kingman, Arizona.

Arizona Day Trip Ideas

Northern nevada railroad museum, chloride arizona.

01/30/2023 at 6:29 pm

I travel with my two small dogs ( in leashes of course!) is this a problem in Oatman ? I know Donkeys and mikes hate dogs so of course would keep them away

01/30/2023 at 7:15 pm

Some of the shops might not like dogs inside, but the street is public (Old Highway 66), so I do not think they would be a problem. The gunfight is noisy, and the donkeys can be mean. So keep the pups close.

08/05/2021 at 11:26 am

Going back very soon love this place

08/05/2021 at 12:09 pm

Have a great trip.

08/01/2021 at 11:58 pm

Oatman was the best of my whole trip. Everyone should visit this place. Loved it .

07/29/2021 at 7:47 am

My 27 year old daughter and I were traveling home to S.F. Area from a family visit in GA and took Historic Rte. 66 on a recommendation from friends – Ortman was a specific call by my sister. What a terrific spot – slow but fun curvy drive up into town – met along the way and entering town by some friendly of persistent donkeys – cold beer – friendly people – interesting and quirky afractions – followed by an easy and beautiful drive down into Needles

07/29/2021 at 9:15 am

Sounds like a fun trip. Thanks for sharing.

07/28/2021 at 1:51 pm

Would like more information on a trip to Laughlin &, a day at Oatmen there would be 4 of us on this trip

07/28/2021 at 2:22 pm

Oatman is about a 45-minute drive from Laughlin. you will need to cross over the river to Bullhead City and follow Highway 95 South. Turn left at Boundary Cone Rd in Fort Mohave to Oatman. In Laughlin there is plenty of hotels to stay, all of them have casinos.

07/24/2021 at 3:21 am

We took our first family trip to Oatman, AZ trip in 2012 and loved it!! Since then, me and my husband take trips out West and have visited Oatman, AZ several times. We have watched the shootout show, gone through the museum, had our old time photos taken, and visited the shops. We look forward to our next visit in 2022!!

07/18/2021 at 6:25 am

I am planning to go to Oatman

07/18/2021 at 6:57 am

Be sure to see the “western shoot-out” and remember that the further the main street you go, the cheaper the souvenirs are.

07/21/2021 at 3:16 pm

Went to Oatman last November! Fun place with great people! Drove back to Laughlin and really enjoyed the break!

07/21/2021 at 4:01 pm

Yes, Oatman is a fun place to visit. I have been half a dozen times and still enjoy having a look around.

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Ghost Towns Guide

26 Must-See Nevada Ghost Towns & How to Find ‘Em

From abandoned boomtowns-gone-bust to old relic-strewn mining camps to “living ghost towns” with charming old-school B&Bs and real-deal, still-servin’ saloons, Nevada’s 600-odd ghost towns ( that’s more than actual populated ones )—make Nevada an unbeatable destination for those looking to literally walk through history.

Find out where to go, what to make sure you see, when to venture out, and how to get there.

Paradise Valley Nelson Blair Austin Fish Lake Valley Fort Churchill Aurora Belmont

Tybo Unionville Candelaria Berlin Gold Mountain Midas Delamar Sand Springs Gold Point Ione

Pioche Jarbidge Goodsprings Manhattan Goldfield Metropolis Rhyolite Nivloc

1. Ghostly street scenes in Paradise Valley

1 hour north of winnemucca.

With mountains on three sides, ensconcing multiple rivers and creeks that nourish verdant farms and ranch lands, Paradise Valley is aptly named. It’s also a classic example of what Nevadans call a “living ghost town,” as around 100 people call the surrounding area home—just not in any of “downtown’s” buildings… except the saloon.

Although it truly looks and feels like a movie set, this building pictured above was once the Micca House—a historic home built in 1885 that went on to be a department store, post office, and government office. At one point, a horse broke into the building and got stuck for multiple days; its happy and healthy condition when it was rescued is attributed to the care it received from a long-gone former employee, who was said to still reside there in spectral form.

But seriously, hit up the Paradise Valley Saloon & Bar G . If you like (or haven’t yet experienced) Basque chorizo burgers washed down with ice-cold domestic beers, this is your jam.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? NORTHERN Distance from Reno: 205 MILES or about 3.5 HOURS Roads: PAVED ENTIRELY, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: ANY TIME, THOUGH YOU MAY RUN INTO SNOW IN WINTER MONTHS Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: WINNEMUCCA

2. Techatticup’s Modern Day Prop City

45 mins south of boulder city.

During the mid-1880s, the Techatticup gold mine in Eldorado Canyon was movin’ and shakin’ in biggest of ways. In addition to pumping out actual millions of dollars in gold, silver, and copper—in values that made it the richest and most famous gold mine in southern Nevada—this mining camp was known for lawlessness of the kind Hollywood couldn’t even come close to depicting on-screen.

The town itself—now known as Nelson Ghost Town—was founded by deserters of the Civil War, who assumed this isolated location would be the last place military would come searching for them. In true boomtown fashion, the mine dried up, and a flash flood wiped the area out. Some of the buildings remain, in ways that have attracted the eyes of countless cinematographers. Today, you can tour the Techatticup Mine , as well as what has grown into a leftover grounds of movie, TV, and magazine shoots—with props like the plane crash above, a permanent souvenir from the cult film 3,000 Miles to Graceland.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? SOUTHERN Distance from Vegas: 45 MILES, OR 50 MINUTES Roads: PAVED ENTIRELY, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SPRING OR FALL, SUMMER MAY BE A BIT TOASTY Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: BOULDER CITY

3. A super saucy triple window effect in Blair

1 hour south of tonopah.

Blair got its shot at being a boomtown, attracting gold-hungry prospectors from near and far, but hers was a bit more short-lived. Mining took serious root in nearby Tonopah and spread throughout the region as a result… to places like Blair and Silver Peak. A giant 100-stamp mill was built in 1907, which just so happened to be the largest of its kind in the whole state. By the year 1920 rolled around, the mine had dried up and Blair’s 700 residents moved on to bigger and better things. Today, a few eroded buildings still stand, like the stamp mill pictured, with a Nevada view that’s dang near impossible to rival.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? SOUTHERN Distance from Reno: 223 MILES, OR 3.75 HOURS Roads: PAVED EXCEPT THE LAST TINY STRETCH, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SUMMER Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: TONOPAH

4. A desert castle sure to instigate a little travel stoke in Austin

Towering over the Reese River Valley at Austin’s western edge, Stokes Castle was modeled after a real Roman tower for well-heeled railroad magnate, Anson Phelps Stokes, in the late 1890s.

Today it stands as a solid monument to the town’s mining-era grandeur. More than 10,000 people were living in Austin , chasing a serious silver vein, but by the time this tower was completed, the mine had dried up and everyone was off to the next place. He and his family lived in his castle for less than a year, and it has been unoccupied since.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? CENTRAL Distance from Reno: 173 MILES, OR 3 HOURS DOOR TO DOOR Roads : PAVED EXCEPT THE LAST TINY STRETCH, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SUMMER Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: AUSTIN , BUT RELY ON REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS ONLY

5. Fish Lake Valley’s fully intact 1881 Post Office Building

This California-Nevada-straddling White Mountains boast Boundary Peak —Nevada’s highest summit at 13,146 feet. Just below it, on the Nevada side, is the quiet community of Dyer and nearby Fish Lake Valley. There are amenities, like a gas station, store, restaurant, and a couple bars, plus, a pretty sweet little B&B .

When the community realized that original settlement— Fish Lake Valley —was falling victim to time and weather, they scrambled to save many of the original buildings and relocated all of them to one handy spot for you to check out. That place is the Fish Lake Valley Heritage Center . Like a beautifully curated, mini ghost town, everything here is nothing short of sensational, particularly the town’s original switchboard, the fueling station itself, and the post office you see pictured above.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? SOUTHERN Distance from Vegas: 229 MILES, OR 3.5 HOURS Roads: 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SPRING, SUMMER OR FALL Closest LIVING town to snag amenities : DYER

6. An old army fort’s picture-perfect adobe brick ruins

45 mins south of fallon.

By the time Nevada State Parks stepped in to manage this property, the ruins were in a perfect state of what ghost town aficionados call “a state of arrested decay.” Not overly eroded to the point of being unable to appreciate them… but not flawlessly preserved either. The whole feeling of this old military fort exudes a Wild West vibe, allowing the rough-and-tumble qualities of Nevada’s past come to life before you.

The long and short of it is this: Fort Churchill was built to “protect” early settlers, explorers, and Pony Express riders from “hostile” American Indians. As with most places in Nevada, that proved virtually unnecessary, and the fort was totally abandoned in 1869—a mere eight years after it was built. Supposedly, Fort Churchill is an active paranormal hot spot, but the most out-of-this-world vision we can always guarantee is summertime visages of the Milky Way.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? CENTRAL Distance from Reno: 57 MILES, OR 1 HOUR Roads: PAVED ENTIRELY,   2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: LATE SUMMER OR FALL Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: FALLON

7. Aurora’s well-heeled historic cemetery and intact 1860s furnace

1 hour southwest of hawthorne.

The Nevada ghost town of Aurora isn’t much today, but it certainly wasn’t always that way. Ever heard of California’s totally impressive Bodie Ghost Town? Aurora was basically its “sister ghost town”—just a dozen or so miles across the border. If you’ve ever spent any time in Bodie, you’ll know that it looks like its occupants picked up and moved on only days before. Everything is in complete pristine condition beyond your wildest imagination—the day’s lesson plan written on the chalkboard, beds made, pantries stocked, you name it.

Aurora was just like that, until the 1950s when someone illegally dozed it to steal the locally hewn bricks the buildings were made of. Luckily, it’s still home to one of the coolest historical cemeteries in the state—a permanent home to senators and famed prospectors of the time—as well as one of the most intriguing furnace and stack structures in the entire state. A slew of noteworthy prospectors were drawn to Aurora, including Mark Twain , but that’s another tale, and not just of the tall variety.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? CENTRAL Distance from Reno: 160 MILES, OR 2.75 HOURS Roads: 30ISH MILES OF DIRT ROAD DRIVIN’. 2WD IN SUMMER OR FALL, 4WD IN WINTER MONTHS Best time of year to swing through: SUMMER OR FALL Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: HAWTHORNE

8. A legendary courthouse, structures galore, and one helluva Sagebrush Saloon in Belmont

1 hour northeast of tonopah.

Of all the ghost towns clinging to Nevada’s 300+ mountain ranges, Belmont is one of our favorites. As with many bygone boomtowns, Belmont was at one point a county seat—in this case, of Nye County—during its mining heyday. Thanks to plentiful silver in the surrounding hills, Belmont once boasted a population of 15,000 residents. Hence a whole lot of amazing ruins, including a bank, miner’s cabins, the storied Belmont Courthouse , mine shafts, 100-foot-tall brick chimneys, and the picture-perfect combination stamp mill ruins shown above. The best part? Belmont is positioned in such a way that standing in the very threshold of the stamp mill’s ruins affords 60-mile vantage points of the valley below. 

Travel Nevada Pro Tip

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? CENTRAL Distance from Reno: 271 MILES, OR 5 HOURS Roads: SERIOUS DIRT ROAD DRIVING. 2WD IN SUMMER OR FALL, 4WD IN WINTER MONTHS. BE SURE YOU’VE GOT GOOD TREAD ON THAT TIRE… Best time of year to swing through: SUMMER OR FALL AFTER SNOW HAS MELTED Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: TONOPAH , BUT RELY ON REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS ONLY

9. Intact head frames and a hoise house in Tybo

Tybo has one of the best-preserved head frames in the state. The mine shaft went into the earth, and the “head frame” towered above it, hoisting ore (and people) out of the earth. From there, the miners transported the big, raw chunks of rock to stamp mills in order to break them down and extract the precious minerals they sought.

Luckily, Tybo’s boasts a solid structure and many remaining features, including some you don’t always still get to see, like the original ladder, the winch wheel crank mechanism pictured here, and even the entire hoist house itself—the control room that helped control and guide the head frame’s power.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? CENTRAL Distance from Reno: 305 MILES, OR 5 HOURS Roads: PAVED EXCEPT LAST TINY STRETCH, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SUMMER Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: TONOPAH

10. Mark Twain’s Unionville cabin

1.5 hours northeast of lovelock.

In 1861, a young Missourian named Samuel Langhorne Clemens tagged along with his older brother to Nevada Territory. It was here that Clemens would discover his distaste of office work, become “allergic” to shovels and gold mining, adopt the pen name “ Mark Twain ,” and train his ears on the colorful language, fanciful yarns, and bombastic characters that would later inform a life of writing—one that would shape American literature and humor forever.

Twain visited and wrote about many places throughout the Silver State, but it is here in Unionville where he first learned the hard way, as he observes in Roughing It , that “all that glitters is not gold.” Fortunately for lovers of history and Twain’s literature alike, it is also here in Unionville that the cabin where that episode unfolds still stands. You’d enjoy sleeping in it about as much as he did; but luckily, just down the dirt road, you’ll find the charming Old Pioneer Garden , where you can add a lovely, idyllic overnight stay to your pilgrimage.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? NORTHERN Distance from Reno: 155 MILES, OR 2.5 HOURS Roads: PAVED UNTIL LAST TINY STRETCH, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SUMMER OR FALL Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: LOVELOCK

11. Candelaria’s very picturesque original mercantile building

45 mins south of hawthorne.

If you’re looking for a great place to stretch your legs and take in some history on the road between Reno and Vegas , ease off the gas and point those tires towards Candelaria. Silver was noticed here by Spaniards in the 1860s, but it wasn’t until the 1880s that its wild potential was discovered. Despite its lucrative prospects, the mining camp was incredibly far from any kind of water. Many Candelarians also suffered from “miner’s consumption”—AKA too much dust in the lungs. Then, on top of it all, the far-from-water mine “dried up” in an even more damning way. And that was that.

Although Candelaria is just about ten minutes off of modern-day US-95 , its relatively off-the-beaten-path location helped it remain mostly undisturbed for decades. By the 1980s, a mining company swooped in to test out the old mine tailings here, which, thanks modern-day sophisticated mining techniques, turned out to still be profitable. The mine’s tight security led to even further preservation of the area. Today, not much mining is still taking place, which means you can roll right up to this sweet little mercantile building in its splendid state of decay. Keep an eye out for the original metal storm windows; you don’t see many of those anymore.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? SOUTHERN Distance from Reno:   190 MILES, OR 3.5 HOURS Roads: PAVED EXCEPT THE LAST TINY STRETCH, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: ANY TIME, THOUGH YOU MAY RUN INTO SNOW IN WINTER MONTHS Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: HAWTHORNE OR TONOPAH DEPENDING ON DIRECTION

12. 60-Mile views from Berlin’s machine shop

1.5 hours from fallon.

The combination of crowdless highways and solid dirt road ramblin’ it takes to get to Berlin—part of Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park —is an iconic Nevada haul that delivers serious bang for your buck. Perched on a high mountainside overlooking a sweeping valley below, Berlin’s buildings remain some of the most plentiful and best-preserved in the entire state—thanks to Nevada’s climate and the painstaking protective efforts of Nevada State Parks staff. There are buildings, mining structures, and relics galore, as well as one of the most immersive and authentic mine tunnel experiences, at the Diana Mine. Highlights include a camera-hogging Model T, genuine Westinghouse winch, homes filled with belongings of the original 1890s owners, and one of the best surviving examples of a 30-stamp mill in the West. As you make your self-guided walking tour around the townsite, wander into the machine shop and gaze out for that incredible 60-mile vista.

And then there’s the paleontological bonus: despite hundreds of people helping pull nearly a million dollars worth of gold out of the ground, what they didn’t dig up was the most abundant concentration and largest-known ever discovered fossils of ichthyosaurs —massive Paleozoic swimming dinosaur-esque marine reptiles. Yep, at 6,700 feet of elevation, thanks to the fact that these mountainsides were once the banks of ancient seas. You can catch a glimpse of the dig site through the windows of the Fossil House, pose next to a massive to-scale mural, and camp, before you say auf wiedersehen to Berlin. 

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? CENTRAL Distance from Reno: 158 MILES, OR 2.75 HOURS Roads : PAVED ENTIRELY, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SPRING, SUMMER OR FALL Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: FALLON, OR AUSTIN . DEPEND ON REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS ONLY

13. Gold Mountain’s magnificent masonry

1 hour south of goldfield.

Turns out, prospectors could really build stuff. Imagine traveling 2,000 miles across the nation through all manner of unforgiving landscapes, showing up at a mining camp, knocking out 15 hours of manual labor… then building a house out of rocks—a good one, too. Because that’s what they did out here. As well as stores, social halls, saloons, you name it—and with whatever materials they could find.

When you spot an old miner’s cabin that still stands, like the ones here do, pay attention to the fireplaces; these things are so airtight that you’ll expect to see a modern day construction crew around the next turn, but most are over 150 years old. What you’ll rarely notice is a roof; most were made of what scarce lumber there was around (especially after the railroad came through these regions), which was the first thing miners would take with them when a mine went bust and they set off for the next big boomtown. However, even roofless, many of these buildings have withstood the test of time and harsh Nevada elements all these years.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? SOUTHERN Distance from Vegas: 190 MILES, OR 3 HOURS Roads: PAVED EXCEPT THE LAST 25 MILES OR SO, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SUMMER OR FALL Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: TONOPAH

14. A 100+ year old Sarsaparilla sign, proclaiming its blood purifying prowess in Midas

1 hour east of winnemucca.

If you’re wondering how many Nevada ghost towns have the word “gold” in their name, the answer is… well, a lot. But not this one, thanks to a—shall we say—more linguistically inclined postmaster. This northern Nevada locale boomed in the early 1900s and, although the resident ore was in fact gold, and, although the townsfolk did in fact want to call it Gold-something, the postmaster declared that enough was enough. So in order to stand out from all the Gold-everythings—and, likely, to sprinkle in a little inspiration—they named the town Midas, after the famous king in Greek mythology whose touch turned everything to gold.

The miners who had that Midas touch inevitably took their ore to be tested for purity at the local assay office, which still stands in all its glory, along with the Benneson’s Drug Store, where one of our favorite old signs still hangs, advertising the apparent miracle drink that was sarsaparilla. If you think we struggle with truth in advertising today, read that thing. You be the judge. Then head into the Midas Saloon for a cold brew and a delicious, honest meal.

A re we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? NORTHERN Distance from Reno: 227 MILES, OR 3.75 HOURS Roads: 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SUMMER OR FALL, DO NOT ATTEMPT DURING WINTER MONTHS Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: WINNEMUCCA

15. The entire town of Delamar, because there are too many spectacular finds to choose just one 

45 mins from caliente.

We’re generally in the business of pointing out “must-sees,” but the entire ghost town of Delamar is just so mesmerizing that it’s an impossible task to highlight just one building or thing. Remarkably, the still-standing structures are almost too many to count—dozens of buildings, milling remains, two graveyards, miner’s cabins, a brick archway, and several mine shafts can be found here—and are all built out of a kaleidoscopic range of colored stone.

Luckily, eyes are the the only way to “take in” Delamar today. The gold discovered here was a bit more complicated than that of other mines, due to the quartzite embedded in it, which, when crushed up and processed, created fine dust that snuck into miners’ lungs, often with lethal consequences. In fact, before long, Delamar earned itself a nickname: the “widow maker” camp, as many of its prospectors contracted silicosis and “bit the dust.” If you’re into the paranormal thing (and want to meet some permanent residents), we’d recommend combining your otherworldly interests with some out-of-this-world fun, by cruising down the nearby, legendary ET Highway .

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? SOUTHERN Distance from Las Vegas: 145 MILES, OR 2.5 HOURS Roads: 4WD ONLY—PLAN TO NAVIGATE ROUGH, ONE LANE ROADS Best time of year to swing through: SPRING OR FALL Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: CALIENTE

16. A Pony Express Station at the base of a 6-Story Mountain Of Sand 

20 mins from fallon.

Westernophiles know that anything Pony Express packs some serious horsepower. Despite the fact that this ambitious operation—of young, strapping, orphaned bachelors racing mail across the western United States on mustang-back—lasted less than two years (thanks to implementation of the telegraph), it sure left an impression. Out of 157 stations from California to Missouri, Nevada was home to 30 Pony Express Stations, like the one pictured above. These stations, positioned between five and 20 miles apart, were places where weary riders could take a breather and exchange their ran-out horses for a more re-energized steed.

This particular one, located at Sand Springs, was completely hidden for over 100 years… buried in sand, like that of nearby off-road mecca Sand Mountain Recreation Area . The remaining foundation was literally uncovered by a team of archaeologists in 1977 and is now a pretty nifty spot to literally step into this short but fascinating chapter in American history.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? CENTRAL Distance from Reno: 90 MILES, OR 1.5 HOURS Roads: PAVED ENTIRELY, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SPRING OR FALL, SUMMER MAY BE A BIT TOASTY Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: FALLON

17. A Real-deal Old-school Wild West Saloon At Gold Point

30 mins south of goldfield.

After gold and silver was discovered in Tonopah and Goldfield in the early 1900s, prospectors flooded in to try for their piece of the pie. While those two towns drew the largest influx, many other mining camps sprang up around the region, including Gold Point , where (somewhat ironically) a boom was sparked by Silver. However, while plenty of people never struck it rich in Nevada, the oh-so-Nevadan story of Gold Point features a man who did, in a much different way.

During the 1970s, Herb Robbins, not yet a Nevadan, came to the Silver State to explore ghost towns whenever he could. He eventually moved to Las Vegas, professionally installing wallpaper in all the big casinos, but not for long. One night, while playing slots, he hit the jackpot and immediately used his newfound fortune to BUY AN ENTIRE GHOST TOWN: this one. There, he started Gold Point Ghost Town Bed & Breakfast , with rooms converted from original miner’s cabins, a gallows-turned-matrimonial-pulpit, and delicious steak meals. The picturesque, relic-packed town spans multiple blocks, but its centerpiece, hands down, is the working saloon. When you go, check out that whiskey selection. 

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? SOUTHERN Distance from Vegas: 184 MILES, OR 2.75 HOURS Roads: PAVED EXCEPT THE LAST FEW MILES, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SUMMER OR FALL Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: TONOPAH

18. The welcome sign declaring Ione’s staunch refusal to “Die”

1.5 hours southeast of fallon.

By now, we would be willing to bet you’re starting to figure out that each of these towns earned their own importance by generating millions and millions of dollars in gold and silver profit…scoring their own opp as county seat. Ione was no different; this community’s shot at county seat went down in 1863, and experienced not only one but TWO major booms. Belmont would eventually steal Ione’s thunder, luring its occupants over the hill… but Ione refused to die then, and it still hasn’t totally given up. A few ride-or-die residents pledged their allegiance to Ione over any other newer, more profitable boomtown, even after the post office closed for good… a sure kiss of death for any community. Today, a few hardy residents have managed to hang on, and made a pretty sweet sign to commemorate their audacious pride. Ione or bust, baby .

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? CENTRAL Distance from Reno: 162 MILES, OR 2.75 HOURS Roads: PAVED UP UNTIL THE LAST 20 OR SO MILES, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: ANY TIME, THOUGH YOU MAY RUN INTO SNOW IN WINTER MONTHS Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: FALLON

19. Murderer’s Row at Boot Hill Cemetery in Pioche

What’s the most rough-and-tumble Western town you can think of. Dodge City? Tombstone? Deadwood? We’re sure you see where this is going. Certainly, all of these boisterous spots exuded their own level of toughness. But a lesser-known little gunslinging Nevada town called Pioche swiftly beats out all the others by a country mile. A giant silver boom drew people to this southeastern Nevada spot, and a mind-numbing 72 of ’em were laid to rest before someone actually bit the big one from any natural causes. To put in perspective, Tombstone only had a couple murders each year, while Pioche found itself with dozens on its hands, not to mention plenty of literal shootouts in the street, on the regular.

Almost all of them are now permanent residents of Boot Hill Cemetery , which is photogenically positioned under the only lasting aerial tramway in the state. But why the name? Murderers were buried so quickly that the tips of their boots allegedly stuck out of the ground. Pay attention to the grave inscriptions; you’ll find stuff like “died in dispute over a dog” and “feared by some, detested by others… shot in the back five times from AMBUSH.”

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? SOUTHERN Distance from Vegas: 176 MILES, OR 2.75 HOURS Roads: PAVED ENTIRELY, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: ANY SEASON IS PRIMETIME Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: PIOCHE

20. A 19th Century jail in at the last gold rush in the American West

Many places claim “firsts.” Well, the tiny, mega-remote “living ghost town” of Jarbidge claims two major “lasts.” Jarbidge prides itself on being the the site of the last legitimate gold rush in the American West, after the shiny stuff was discovered in this breathtakingly beautiful, modern-day wilderness area in 1909. Not entirely unrelatedly, it later hosted that last stagecoach robbery. The perp was eventually caught “red-handed” after his bloody handprint was discovered on the coach, which did mark a first: the use of fingerprinting technology to catch a criminal. As this would-be thief was far from the only nefarious individual to lurk about the canyon, the town had itself a jail—a pretty sturdy one, too. If only the rock-masoned walls of the storied Historic Jarbidge Jail could talk, you can bet they’d have some colorful tails to tell. Today you can walk right in off the main drag (and thankfully right back out) to its cold cell and check out its original prisoner cot, as well as thumb through old mining records.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? NORTHERN Distance from Elko: 104 MILES, OR 3.25 HOURS Roads: 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SUMMER ONLY. DO NOT ATTEMPT IN WINTER, SPRING OR FALL… ROADS ARE ASSUREDLY CLOSED Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: ELKO

21. Impressively intact Miner’s Cabins in Goodsprings

45 mins south of las vegas.

Heading into southern Nevada from LA? Do yourself a favor and shake things up a bit by taking the slight detour into Goodsprings, less than 15 minutes off of I-15 (at the Jean exit), take the historic walking tour, and slurp back one of the best Bloody Marys in the Silver State. This community might be quiet now, but when its early 1900s boom was enough to rival Nelson , the not-too-far-away spot that put southern Nevada on the mining map. While plenty of other mining towns produced more in actual dollars, Goodsprings was known for the unusually wide variety of precious minerals hiding down below, including lead, sivler, copper, zinc, and good ol’ gold. Self-guided touring maps and killer “Ghost Burgers” and knock-your-socks-off libations can all be found at one of our favorite southern Sagebrush Saloons, The Goodsprings Pioneer Saloon , possibly the last stamped-tin bars of its kind in existence. (We recommend taking your tour before you settle in… we have a habit of not wanting to leave.) And don’t miss the Cottonwood Cabin.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? SOUTHERN Distance from Vegas: 38.5 MILES OR 40 MINUTES Roads: PAVED ENTIRELY, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SPRING OR FALL, SUMMER MAY BE A BIT TOASTY Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: JEAN

22. Manhattan’s still-standing stone bank and original vault 

1 hour north of tonopah.

When a town was pulling insurmountable wealth out of the ground, people needed a secure place to store it. In short, mining meant banks. So as you make your way around Nevada’s many ghost towns, you’re bound to encounter some pretty cool ones, still standing because, oftentimes, they were the strongest structures built. One of the best cases in point: Manhattan . (Yep! Manhattan, Nevada .)

When things started to slow down in Belmont, located just over the pass, thousands of fortune-seekers beelined it here to get a piece of the hot new boom. For a decade it was one of Nevada’s largest gold districts, necessitating this tough stone building—the only stone building in town. The building itself is a sight to behold, but venture inside for a glimpse of the original 1906 Nye & Ormsby County Bank vault, still anchoring things down in back, with its safe still doing its job. Keeping things locked down was definitely a priority for Nevada Manhattanites—because they knew themselves. Rumor has it that neighboring Belmont is still miffed at Manhattan for sneaking over that one night in 1908 and stealing its church—by dragging it 18 miles over the mountains. (Luckily, the thieves haven’t gone back for Dirty Dick’s Belmont Saloon … yet.)

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? CENTRAL Distance from Reno: 254 MILES, OR 4 HOURS Roads: PAVED ENTIRELY, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: ANY TIME, THOUGH YOU MAY RUN INTO SNOW IN WINTER MONTHS Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: TONOPAH

23. Oddball old-meets-new in Goldfield

You may be familiar with the whole boom-then-bust-and/or-devastating-fire routine that so many ghost towns got so good at. Well, Goldfield , never to be outdone, cranked up the heat with TWO giant fires and a freak flash flood. However, partially owing to its position on the main route between Reno and Las Vegas, “The World’s Greatest Gold Camp” has soldiered on as one of the Silver State’s more oddball “living ghost town” communities. If it’s mining-era action you’re after, check out the Goldfield Consolidated Mine Company’s photogenic relics, like train engines, old cars, and tiny cabins; the Goldfield Historic High School (allegedly one of the most haunted places in the U.S.); the Esmerelda County Courthouse , still adorned with original Tiffany lamps; the imposing (and also haunted) Goldfield Hotel ; and the Historic Goldfield Cemetery , home to some morbidly intriguing epitaphs, and the camera-hogging Brown-Parker Auto Co. Garage, shown above.

Be sure to take the edge off at the Santa Fe Saloon , one of Nevada’s oldest continually operating elixir emporiums (and home to the “Meanest Bartender in Nevada”), and the nearby Mozart Tavern , which, in an earlier iteration staffed Virgil Earp as a bouncer. Oh, and if you’re looking to get a little weird, peruse Rocket Bob’s art cars on the main drag, and then swing by the International Car Forest of the Last Church on your way out of town, an installation of vehicles stacked and sticking out of the ground, ever-changing with the paint jobs visitors tend to give it. For tasty homemade grub, hit up the Dinky Diner .

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? SOUTHERN Distance from Vegas: 184 MILES, OR 2.75 HOURS Roads: PAVED ENTIRELY, 2WD ALL DAY B est time of year to swing through: ANY SEASON IS PRIMETIME Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: TONOPAH

24. The Iconic freestanding Metropolis arch

20 mins north of wells.

Historical markers tell of the “killer” jack rabbits and Mormon crickets that helped bring about the demise of this now-ironically named community . In reality, the ferocious bun-buns were really just the result of people killing off the entire coyote population, letting the critters procreate at rabbit-like speed and munch all the crops, predator-free; then, whatever agricultural remains they left on their plates, the crickets swarmed in and licked clean. Pair this with a shifty water rights scandal and a failed dam attempt and voila! We had ourselves a future ghost town. While the elements may not have been kind to these Metropolitans, they’ve left us with the bones of the old hotel, complete with one of the first elevator shafts in the region, and one of our favorite photogenic structures, the freestanding brick arch at the entrance to the local two-story school. We don’t recommend traipsing about the decrepit structure behind it, but if you peek in, you may spy the original chalkboard.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? NORTHERN Distance from Elko: 60 MILES, OR 1.25 HOURS Roads: PAVED UNTIL LAST TINY STRETCH, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: SPRING, SUMMER OR FALL Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: WELLS

25. Nevada’s Most Photographed Ghost Town 

10 mins outside beatty.

Once home to 5,000 fortune-seekers, Rhyolite was abandoned more than 100 years ago, but its iconic buildings still dazzle film crews, more photographers than any other Nevada ghost town, and anyone craving one of the state’s best vestigial glimpses of the boomtown era. Its location at the edge of Death Valley certainly helps, but once you get there—especially at golden hour, you instantly get why. With so many fascinating buildings, some fully intact—like the train station… and brothel—others in a nearly perfect state of cracked and crumbling, like the iconic Cook Bank building, shown above.

Another stubborn remnant is the famed Tom Kelly Bottle House, constructed of nearly 50,000 medicine and booze bottles (there wasn’t much wood, but with all those saloons, there were plenty of those)—the oldest and largest of its kind in the nation. And then there’s the ghosts . Not of any haunted buildings (that we know of), but of the Goldwell Open Air Museum , a sculpture-filled installation started by Belgian artists in the 1970s, which is now home to a ghostly depiction of the Last Supper, a LEGO-esque woman, a 24-foot-tall miner (and his trusty penguin), and other surrealist visions rising from the desert, not to mention a free visitor center.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? SOUTHERN Distance from Vegas: 120 MILES, OR 2 HOURS Roads: PAVED ENTIRELY, 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: ANY SEASON IS PRIMETIME Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: BEATTY

26. The last wooden train trestle standing

1 hour southwest of tonopah.

Nivloc, another boomtown in the 1900s heyday around Tonopah and Goldfield , emerged after a Shoshone Indian discovered gold here in 1907, swinging into full force by the 1930s. Like Midas, instead of establishing yet another Gold-Something, its founder, Colvin, named it after himself, except in reverse: N-I-V-L-O-C. While this ghost town’s mining exploits don’t rise high above the rest, what does is the last standing original wooden train trestle in Nevada. Two-ish stories tall, the thing was probably last traveled over around the 1940s—and that’s how it should be; do not climb or attempt to drive a steam train over that rickety old sucker. Instead, if you’re feeling rockhoundy, you can dig through core samples from some latter-day 1980s prospecting.

Are we talkin’ northern or southern Nevada? CENTRAL Distance from RENO: 232 MILES, OR 4 HOURS Roads: 2WD ALL DAY Best time of year to swing through: ANY TIME, THOUGH YOU MAY RUN INTO SNOW IN WINTER MONTHS Closest LIVING town to snag amenities: TONOPAH

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Journey to Jarbidge

How Far Is Oatman Ghost Town From Laughlin?

How Far Is Oatman Ghost Town From Laughlin: A Comprehensive Guide

Oatman Ghost Town, a remarkable historical site in Arizona, is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the Wild West era. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the details of Oatman Ghost Town, its fascinating history, and the unique experiences it offers to its visitors. So, how far is Oatman Ghost Town from Laughlin, Nevada?

This captivating location is just a 30-mile (48.28 km) drive, making it a perfect day trip option for those in the Laughlin area.

The History of Oatman Ghost Town

The birth of a mining town.

Oatman Ghost Town’s history dates back to the 1860s when gold was discovered in the area. The town blossomed during the gold rush in 1915 and attracted miners and prospectors from all corners. Oatman’s population grew to over 3,500 residents during this boom period. However, the town’s main mine closed in 1924, and the last mines shut down in 1944, leading to a decline in mining activities.

Today, Oatman thrives on tourism and its wild burros, attracting visitors with its wooden sidewalks, staged gunfights, unique souvenir shops, and quirky annual events. Situated at an easy driving distance from Laughlin, Nevada, and Bullhead City, Arizona, Oatman Ghost Town promises a fun and memorable day trip.

Olive Oatman: The Town’s Namesake

The town was named after Olive Oatman, a girl who was allegedly kidnapped by the Yavapai tribe and later lived with the Mohave people for three years. Her family resided in the area that eventually became Oatman.

Exploring the Oatman Ghost Town

Burros of oatman ghost town.

As you drive into Oatman Ghost Town, wild burros are the first sight to welcome you. These descendants of the pack animals used by the 1800s prospectors have made Oatman their home. Although most of the burros are friendly, feeding is discouraged, and caution is advised when approaching them, as they have been known to nip.

Oatman Outlaw Shootout

Experience the Wild West firsthand by witnessing a shootout in the middle of the street. The Oatman Outlaw Shootout takes place at noon and 3:30 pm most days. These entertaining cowboy gunfights are not to be missed, and while the shows are free, the actors do collect donations for local charities.

Glory Hole Museum

Located on Main Street, the Glory Hole Museum is filled with antiques, memorabilia, and artifacts from Oatman’s past. The museum, built in 1915, was initially the town’s drugstore. Its displays include a bed from the ghost town’s red-light district, desks from the Oatman School, bottles, and mining equipment.

Souvenir Stores & T-Shirts

During Oatman’s boomtown years, the streets were lined with saloons. Today, the town features quirky souvenir stores with equally quirky names, such as Jackass Junction, Outlaw Willies, The Classy Ass, Oatman General Store, Yellow Hammers Place, Bucktooth Burro, Jack Ass Treasures, Fast Fannys, and Saving Your Ass. Souvenir T-shirts are available in every store, and prices tend to be lower the further up the main street you go.

Oatman Hotel

Built in 1902, the Oatman Hotel is one of the town’s most interesting attractions. The hotel is famous for being the honeymoon suite of actors Clark Gable and Carole Lombard in 1939 and serves delicious buffalo burgers. The honeymoon suite is on the second floor, and visitors can peek through the door’s window.

Making Memories Old Time Photos

At Making Memories, visitors can dress up as cowboys or cowgirls and have an Old Time Photo taken with a selected western background. Additionally, if you feel the sudden urge to tie the knot, the studio’s owners are licensed ministers and can perform a wedding ceremony.

Route 66 Cool Springs Station

Oatman Road, the old Route 66, is a 42-mile stretch that climbs Sitgreaves Pass at an elevation of 3,550 feet and passes through the stunning Arizona desert. One must-visit spot along Route 66 is Cool Springs Station, a former service station that has been transformed into a Route 66 museum.

What’s Cooking in Oatman Ghost Town

Satisfy your southwestern comfort food cravings at one of Oatman’s eateries. The Olive Oatman Restaurant is known for its tasty chili and peach fry bread, while the Oatman Candy Shop offers prickly pear candy. For a refreshing drink, head to Judy’s Saloon or the Oatman Hotel, which serves breakfast and lunch.

Getting to Oatman Ghost Town

Oatman Ghost Town is situated on historic Route 66, 25 miles from Needles, California, 30 miles from Laughlin, Nevada, and 28 miles from Kingman, Arizona. The drive between Laughlin and Oatman takes approximately 42 minutes, making it a convenient day trip destination for those staying in the area.

Where to Stay Near Oatman Ghost Town

While Oatman has no hotels, nearby cities like Kingman, Bullhead City, and Laughlin offer plenty of accommodation options. The Best Western in Kingman is a family-friendly option with an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast.

More Fun on Historic Route 66

The route 66 museum in kingman, arizona.

Learn about the fascinating history of the “Mother Road” at the Route 66 Museum in Kingman, Arizona. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is an amazing college town with plenty of activities, restaurants, shopping, and lodging options. It’s worth exploring on a day trip or as a base for your Arizona adventures.

Rock Art Ranch

Located in Joseph City, Rock Art Ranch is a privately owned canyon and ranch featuring one of the most extensive petroglyph collections in the world.

Additional Must-See Attractions Near Oatman Ghost Town

Grand canyon.

No trip to Arizona would be complete without visiting the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. This natural wonder is just a few hours away from Oatman and offers breathtaking views and numerous outdoor activities.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley is another iconic attraction in Arizona, with its majestic sandstone buttes and spectacular landscapes. This destination is perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Horseshoe Bend

One of the most stunning natural formations in the area is Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River takes a dramatic turn, creating a horseshoe-shaped bend. This picturesque spot is not to be missed.

Antelope Canyon

For those seeking a more unique and mystical experience, Antelope Canyon offers a maze of narrow, winding passageways with enchanting light beams and colorful sandstone walls.

Tips for Visiting Oatman Ghost Town

• Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water, as the Arizona heat can be intense.
• Be cautious when approaching the wild burros, as they may nip or kick if they feel threatened.
• If you plan on attending the Oatman Outlaw Shootout, be prepared for loud noises and large crowds.
• Avoid visiting Oatman during the hottest months of the year (June-August) due to extreme temperatures.
• Remember to bring cash for donations and purchases, as some establishments may not accept credit cards.

In summary, Oatman Ghost Town is a hidden gem that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors looking to explore the Wild West’s history and charm. Located just 30 miles from Laughlin, Nevada, this quaint town is a perfect day trip destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.

So, pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on a journey to Oatman Ghost Town – a fascinating and captivating piece of American history awaits you!

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