Calico Ghost Town is an old West mining town that has been around since 1881 during the largest silver strike in California. With its 500 mines, Calico produced over $20 million in silver ore over a 12-year span. When silver lost its value in the mid-1890s, Calico lost its population. The miners packed up, loaded their mules and moved away abandoning the town that once gave them a good living. It became a “ghost town.”

Walter Knott purchased Calico in the 1950s architecturally restoring all but the five original buildings to look as they did in the 1880s. Calico received State Historical Landmark 782 and in 2005 was proclaimed by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to be California’s Silver Rush Ghost Town. Today Calico is part of the San Bernardino County Regional Parks system visited by people from around the country and all over the world.

The park offers visitors an opportunity to share in its rich history and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding desert environment. Walking through the preserved structures gives you a genuine sense of what life was like during the silver boom and the rapid decline that followed. You’ll see period buildings, artifacts, and displays that tell the real story of the miners and their families who once called this place home.

Along with its history and attractions, Calico Ghost Town has shops and restaurants where you can grab lunch between exploring. The park also offers camping, cabin and bunkhouse rentals, and outdoor recreation not available at most other park facilities. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the grounds, so you can bring your dog along to experience the history with you. The desert landscape and open space make it a comfortable setting for walking around with your dog in tow. Check Calico Ghost Town’s website for current fees and additional information. One important note: mines in the Calico area are extremely hazardous and must not be approached for any reason.