Texas is full of history, and one of the most intriguing aspects of the state's past is its ghost towns. These once-thriving communities now lie abandoned, offering a glimpse into Texas' pioneering days. This blog will highlight some of the state's most fascinating ghost towns and offer insights into their history and current condition. If you're a history buff or enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, Texas' ghost towns are worth visiting.
Terlingua:
Terlingua was a significant producer of cinnabar, the primary ore of mercury, during the early 1900s. Visitors can explore the remains of the mining operations, including several old mine buildings and the ruins of the Chisos Mining Company. The Terlingua cemetery is also famous, featuring unique grave markers and memorials.
Calvert:
Calvert was established in the mid-1800s and quickly became a central railroad town due to its location on the Houston and Texas Central Railway. Today, visitors can explore the historic downtown area and its well-preserved Victorian-era buildings, including the Calvert Hotel and the Robertson County Courthouse.
Shafter:
Shafter was established in the 1880s and became a significant producer of silver during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Visitors can explore the town's cemetery, which is the final resting location of many of the town's former residents, including some of the miners who worked in the area. The ruins of several of the town's former buildings, including the old schoolhouse, can also be seen.
St. Elmo
Located in Chaffee County, St. Elmo is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Texas. Visitors can explore the town's well-preserved buildings, including several historic homes and the old general store.
Thurber
Located in Erath County, Thurber was once a thriving coal mining town. Today, visitors can explore the town's historic downtown area and its former buildings, including the power plant and the company store.
Texas' ghost towns are a fascinating and sometimes eerie reminder of the state's past. While some of these towns have been well-preserved, others lie in ruins, slowly being reclaimed by nature. If you're interested in exploring Texas' ghost towns, be sure to do your research and come prepared with plenty of water and sunscreen, as many of these towns are located in remote areas with limited facilities.
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More Texas Ghost Towns Worth Exploring
Beyond Terlingua, Calvert, and the other towns already covered, Texas is home to dozens of additional abandoned communities that offer equally compelling glimpses into the state's frontier past. According to travel resources, this guide dives into the list of 10 of the best ghost towns in Texas to visit, carefully selected for their history, atmosphere, and accessibility. Whether you're interested in railroad history, Hurricane-battered coastlines, or Route 66 nostalgia, these additional destinations deserve a spot on your Texas bucket list.
Indianola: A Port Town Claimed by Hurricanes
Sitting quietly along the Matagorda Bay, this once-thriving port town was battered by two devastating hurricanes in 1875 and 1886, wiping out most of its infrastructure and ending its ambitions as a major trade hub. Before its decline, Indianola was actually considered a serious competitor to Galveston as the primary Gulf Coast port in Texas. Visitors can still explore the ruins and visit the Indianola Cemetery, where marble headstones from the 1800s still stand, serving as silent witnesses to the community's former prominence.
Getting There: Indianola is located in Calhoun County, about 2 hours and 45 minutes from San Antonio and 2 hours from Houston. Take Highway 185 south from Victoria to reach this coastal ghost town.
Lobo: An Artist-Community on Route 90
Located along Route 90 between Van Horn and Marfa, this forgotten West Texas ghost town once had a post office, gas station, grocery store, and motel serving travelers crossing the vast desert landscape. A group of artists purchased it in the early 2000s and occasionally host experimental events and art installations on site, making it a sort of outdoor museum meets vanishing Texas relic. This unique blend of abandonment and artistic renewal makes Lobo particularly interesting for visitors seeking something beyond traditional ghost town exploration.
Getting There: Lobo is roughly 3.5 hours southeast of El Paso, or about 2 hours from Marfa. The town sits just south of Interstate 10, so it's technically accessible, but there's no gas or lodging within 30 miles, so plan accordingly.
Glenrio: A Route 66 Time Capsule
Straddling the Texas-New Mexico border, Glenrio is one of the best-preserved ghost towns along the historic Route 66 corridor. Once a lively stop for travelers making the westward journey, Glenrio began its slow fade after the opening of Interstate 40, which rerouted traffic and business away from the old highway. Look for the 1950s-style gas station and old café with original signage still intact—it's a real-life time capsule that captures the golden age of American road travel.
Getting There: Glenrio is located just off I-40, about 1.5 hours west of Amarillo. It's easy to reach but still feels incredibly isolated, especially if you're driving the old Route 66 alignment instead of the freeway.
Pro Tip: Pair your visit with a stop at the Route 66 Museum in Shamrock, or continue west to see abandoned sites along the original highway.
Toyah: A Slowly Crumbling Rail Town
Just west of Pecos along Interstate 20, you'll find Toyah, a hauntingly quiet place that feels more like a memory than a town. Once a modest railroad stop and ranching hub, Toyah began fading in the mid-20th century as train traffic dwindled and younger generations moved on. The town's decline mirrors that of many rural Texas communities that depended on the railroad for survival.
Getting There: Toyah is about 1 hour west of Odessa, just off I-20. The town sits near the intersection of Interstate 20 and Highway 285, making it accessible for a quick stop if you're traveling through West Texas.
Barstow: West Texas Irrigation History
In the 1890s, Barstow thrived thanks to early irrigation projects drawing from the Pecos River, creating an agricultural oasis in the otherwise arid West Texas landscape. By the 1930s, Barstow was well on its way to ghost town status as water rights disputes and the Great Depression took their toll. Today, visitors can wander the empty streets and imagine what life was like when cotton and alfalfa fields dominated the area.
Getting There: Barstow is just 10 miles west of Pecos on U.S. Highway 285. While you're in the area, consider detouring to Balmorhea State Park (about 45 minutes away) for a swim in the spring-fed pool, especially if your ghost town hunt leaves you dusty and sunbaked.
Clairemont: The Forgotten County Seat
Founded in the 1890s, Clairemont briefly flourished as the county seat of Kent County, with a grand courthouse, jail, and ranching hub serving the surrounding agricultural community. As roads improved and other towns became more accessible, the county seat was moved, taking with it the government business that had sustained the community. Today, the ruins of Clairemont stand as a testament to how quickly Texas towns could rise and fall depending on the decisions of county officials and the changing patterns of commerce.
Planning Your Ghost Town Adventure
Best Time to Visit: For most Texas ghost towns, the ideal visiting window is between October and March, when daytime temperatures hover between 55°F and 75°F. Summers are brutal in much of the state, regularly topping 105°F in West Texas, and the dry heat can quickly drain your energy. The spring months offer wildflower blooms in some areas, making photography particularly rewarding.
Essential Supplies: No matter which ghost towns you plan to visit, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks. Cell phone service is unreliable in many remote areas, so download offline maps and let someone know your itinerary. Sturdy walking shoes are a must, as many streets are unpaved and littered with debris. A camera with extra batteries is highly recommended, as cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly in winter months.
Texas Ghost Towns Comparison: Accessibility and Atmosphere
Not all ghost towns offer the same experience. Some are well-preserved and easily accessible, while others require serious off-road capability and a tolerance for adventure. Use this comparison table to plan your visit based on your comfort level and available time.
| Ghost Town | Location | Accessibility | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terlingua | Big Bend Area | About 7.5 hours from San Antonio; nearest major airport is Midland International (3.5 hours away) | Active tourism; ruins of mining operations; historic cemetery with unique markers |
| Indianola | Calhoun County | 2 hours 45 minutes from San Antonio; 2 hours from Houston via Highway 185 | Eerie coastal ruins; historic cemetery with 1800s marble headstones |
| Lobo | Route 90, West Texas | 3.5 hours southeast of El Paso; 2 hours from Marfa; no services within 30 miles | Artistic installations; mix of ruin and creative preservation |
| Glenrio | Near Texas-New Mexico Border | 1.5 hours west of Amarillo, just off I-40 | 1950s Route 66 architecture preserved; gas station and café still standing |
| Toyah | Near Pecos, West Texas | 1 hour west of Odessa, just off I-20 | Quiet and haunting; railroad history evident |
| Barstow | Near Pecos, West Texas | 10 miles west of Pecos on U.S. 285 | Desert ruins; agricultural history from irrigation projects |
| Clairemont | Kent County | Remote West Texas; check local road conditions | Forgotten county seat; courthouse ruins |
| Bluffton (Old Bluffton) | Lake Texoma Area | Submerged town now under lake; access varies by water levels | Unique underwater or shoreline exploration when lake levels are low |
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Ghost Towns
Are Texas ghost towns safe to visit?
Most Texas ghost towns are generally safe to visit during daylight hours, but visitors should exercise caution. Many structures are unstable and may have weakened floors, broken glass, or falling debris. It's best to view buildings from the outside rather than attempting to enter. Some properties may be privately owned, so respect posted signs and boundaries.
Do I need special vehicles to reach these ghost towns?
It depends entirely on which towns you plan to visit. Towns along major highways like Glenrio (near I-40) and Toyah (near I-20) are easily accessible with any vehicle. However, remote locations like Terlingua in the Big Bend area may require high-clearance vehicles, and some sites off FM roads demand four-wheel drive, especially after rain. Always check road conditions before heading out.
What should I bring when exploring Texas ghost towns?
Essential items include plenty of water (at least one gallon per person), sunscreen with high SPF, snacks, a first-aid kit, a fully charged phone with offline maps downloaded, a camera, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. If you're visiting during winter, warm layers are important as temperatures can drop significantly after sunset. A basic tool kit and spare tire are wise additions for remote areas.
Can I camp overnight at Texas ghost towns?
Camping regulations vary by location. Some sites are on public land managed by county or state agencies, while others are on private property. BLM lands in West Texas may allow dispersed camping, but always verify before setting up camp. Many visitors prefer day trips to avoid complications with overnight stays in remote areas without facilities.
What is the best time of year to visit Texas ghost towns?
Late fall through early spring (October through March) offers the most comfortable temperatures for ghost town exploration, especially in South and West Texas where summer heat regularly exceeds 100°F. Spring can bring beautiful wildflower displays in some regions, making photography particularly rewarding. Avoid summer months if you're sensitive to extreme heat.
Are there guided tours available for Texas ghost towns?
Some popular ghost towns like Terlingua offer informal guided walks led by local residents or business owners, particularly during peak tourist seasons. However, many Texas ghost towns remain unguided, allowing visitors to explore independently at their own pace. Check with local visitor centers or historical societies in nearby towns for current tour availability.
What historical information is available at these sites?
Historical markers and informational plaques are found at some ghost towns, particularly those managed by historical associations. Terlingua and some Route 66 sites like Glenrio have interpretive signage explaining their significance. For deeper historical context, visit local museums and county historical societies before or after your ghost town visits. The Texas Historical Commission website offers information on registered historic markers throughout the state.
