Gold, guns, and ghost towns- three essential ingredients to old Americana and the wild, wild west. Cowboys really did ride wild horses, stomp their spur-clad boots into saloons, and have deadly shootouts with enemies over a hundred and fifty years ago in America’s wild west.Today, some of these legendary towns still exist. Some are even preserved in their entirety- eerie frozen moments in time, untouched by technology or modern businesses. One of these ghost towns, Bodie, California, is especially spooky, and it would make a fantastic destination during the Halloween season.

A Brief History Of Bodie, California

After the discovery of precious gold in 1859, the small mining town of Bodie was born. The meager population of Bodie quickly exploded, booming up into the thousands in only just a decade. People from all over the country wanted to hurry west in order to settle and try their luck in one of Bodie’s many gold mines.

Near Bridgeport, California, the town of Bodie flourished for decades, reaping plenty of financial benefits for all of its gold-obsessed citizens. However, mining profits began steadily declining after just thirty years. Mines in Bodie ran dry and other, more successful towns lured people away. Only three decades after its inception, the once-flourishing town of Bodie was already headed toward ghost town levels by the end of the 19th century.

Rapidly, population levels plummeted. Sadly, the town was completely abandoned by the 1950s, leaving behind original homes, stores, and streets that all remain intact.

Today, Bodie serves as a spooky reminder to modern visitors that things change, dreams flourish and fade, and American history is always changing in unpredictable ways.

A State Historic Park, Bodie, California still attracts visitors from all over the country- not for gold, anymore, but for ghosts, ghouls, and American wild west history!

Things To Do In Bodie

Daily Public Historical Tours

  • Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, most days
  • Price: Free!

Stamp Mill Tour

  • Tour Schedule: 11:00, 1:00, 3:00, most days
  • Price: $6.00 per person

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Bodie Tours And The Museum

The Bodie Foundation, comprised of a group of people dedicated to protecting and preserving the area, offers various tours in and around Bodie State Historic Park for visitors. All the proceeds go directly toward fundraising efforts to keep the park in good condition.

Twilight Tours

This spooky tour provides a history lesson about Bodie’s various inhabitants, including a trip through the ghost town’s cemetery. It is a relatively easy walking tour- perfect for all ages!

  • Duration: Two hours

Ridge Tour

On the Ridge Tour, guests can tour the rounded overhanging cliffs of Bodie with a professional guide. This tour features fairly difficult hiking elements, so guests with any physical ailments should be wary. Additionally, an age minimum of ten years old is implemented.

  • Duration: Two hours

Old Marina Tour

In this scenic tour of the Old Marina, visitors can travel throughout the land (with a guide), and see Mono Lake and its wildlife just north of Lee Vining. Knowledgeable guides will educate guests about the early ranches, farms, and homes that occupied this area and supported the mining town of Bodie.

  • Duration: Two hours

2021 Tour Pricing:

  • One to four visitors: $200
  • Each additional visitor: $50.00 per person

Miners’ Union Hall and Museum

Located in the original 1878 union building, this fabulous museum offers tour information, a small gift shop, and many ways to donate to the Bodie Foundation.

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General Information and Frequently Asked Questions

  • Prices: Adults: $8.00 per person (18+) Children: $5.00 per child (ages 4 to 17) | Infant: Free (ages 0-3)
  • Self-Guided Tour Booklet: $3.00

Note: online reservations are not available at this time for Bodie State Historical Park

  • Bodie’s Park Hours: March 14th through November 6th, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Are Dogs Allowed?

Yes, in the park, but dogs are prohibited inside historic buildings. This includes the museum and the Stamp Mill.

  • Park Address: Highway 270, Bridgeport CA 93517

Places to Stay

Bridgeport Inn

An inn from the 1800s, this would be a great place to stay for people looking to add just a little bit more spookiness to their trip.

  • Amenities: Wi-Fi, restaurant, free breakfast
  • Address: 205 Main St, Bridgeport, CA 93517, United States

Virginia Creek Settlement

A modern resort with a laid-back ambiance, Virginia Creek Settlement offers rustic-themed rooms and cabins.

  • Amenities: Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, free breakfast
  • Address: 70847 US-395, Bridgeport, CA 93517, United States

Ruby Inn Bridgeport

Ruby Inn Bridgeport is basically just a standard hotel, with clean rooms, plenty of amenity options, and reasonable rates.

Amenities: Wi-Fi, pool and hot tub, pet-friendly, option for all-inclusive

Address: 333 Main St, Bridgeport, CA 93517, United States

In conclusion, Bodie State Historic Park (and its ghost town), would make an excellent vacation spot this spooky season. With tours and a museum to educate guests on all of Bodie’s fascinating American wild-west history, a trip to Bodie would not only be educational, but super fun as well!

Remember to be on the lookout for ghosts, and keep a camera ready just in case any ghoulish friends decide to make an appearance!

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