Go Time Traveling at Goldfield Ghost Town
There used to be about 50 working mines in Goldfield back in 1890s. It was, no doubt, a perfect picture of the Wild Wild West. But, its heydays are gone and the place is booming of gold no more.
Today, it is appropriately called, Goldfield Ghost Town. Yes, it might be a ghost town now but a small area is preserved and protected to serve as the window to America’s Western history. They’re actually doing pretty good in keeping the old houses and shops to look like what they were before. They look rustic and unsophisticated, making every visitor feel like he’s time traveling. The only sign of the future there is the presence of cars. They should move the parking area outside the enclosed village itself.
Goldfield Ghost Town isn’t really that big of a town. There are shops, restaurants, tinsmith, ice cream parlour, bars, church, salon, train station and a gold mine. So, while you are inside the ghost town, be sure to do these 11 things:
1. Go for a train ride
Experience what its like to take a train that is as old as the train itself. It goes around the village and it takes 30-45 minutes with complete narration of the Goldfield’s history.
This is the view of Goldfield from a train.
2. Go down into the old gold mine
After taking the train, take a Gold Mine Tour.
Yes, it will bring you down to the pit where gold mining excavation where done. The escalator going down is another story. 😉
3. Get inside the Mystery Shack
The picture below explains why you should. Nope! No one is really holding that broomstick! 😉
4. Listen to some western songs inside The Saloon
Like western songs or you’ve never heard one before? Get inside The Saloon and be entertained while eating your lunch or drinking your beer.
5. Meet John Wayne
Inside The Saloon, you’ll meet the body double of John Wayne! He’s got a colourful life being and with John Wayne. See him here.
6. Drink in the view of Superstition Mountain
If you’re into a patio with the best view of the Superstition Mountain, bring your drink outside the Mammoth Steak House and Saloon. It’s the same spot where Hollywood A-list actress, Rita Moreno (and other Hollywood western actors) sat during their filming.
7. Get your name immortalized
Just in case you want your name carved somewhere in your house. 🙂
8. Say your prayers inside a chapel
9. Read the Ten Commandments of Cowboys
Outside the chapel door, these commandments are visibly hanging for all to see.
10. Go antique / art shopping
There are few shops selling antiques and handcrafted arts.
11. Get your selfie with a giant cactus
There are many giant cactuses around the village.
12. Walk around and discover things
You can walk the whole village in less than 30 minutes.
13. Try the zipline
I didn’t try this because we didn’t have much time left.
14. Witness a gunfighters show
According to the website, they have this show. But, when we went there, there was no such show.
15. Visit Goldfield’s History Museum
Small museum but interesting.
16. Pan for Gold
At Prospector’s Palace, you’ll be guided by a gold expert on how to pan for gold. If you find a gold, it’s yours to keep. Forever!
17. Go horseback riding
Yes, you can. Just visit the Livery.
No, you can’t find ghosts inside Goldfield Ghost Town! 😀 Check their website for more information.
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