11 "Living Ghost Towns" Where History Buffs Can Spend the Night

3. Rhyolite, Nevada: A Desert Mirage

Rhyolite, Nevada, offers a hauntingly beautiful landscape of ruins set against the stark backdrop of the Nevada desert. Established in 1905 during the gold rush, Rhyolite quickly grew to a population of over 5,000 before its fortunes faded just as rapidly. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this once-prosperous town, including the famous Bottle House, constructed entirely from glass bottles, and the skeletal remains of the three-story bank building. The nearby Goldwell Open Air Museum adds a surreal artistic element to the experience, with outdoor sculptures that complement the ghostly ambiance. Camping under the vast desert sky provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the fleeting nature of prosperity and human endeavor.