35 Mysterious Abandoned Places Around the World You Can Still Visit

5. Bodie, California, USA: A Wild West Ghost Town

Bodie, California, is a quintessential Wild West ghost town, preserved in a state of "arrested decay." Once a bustling gold mining town in the late 1800s, Bodie was notorious for its lawlessness and rough-and-tumble lifestyle. At its peak, it boasted a population of around 10,000 and was home to saloons, brothels, and a thriving community. However, as the gold dwindled, so did the population, and by the early 20th century, Bodie was abandoned. Today, it stands as a State Historic Park, with over 100 structures still intact. Visitors can wander through the dusty streets, peering into homes and businesses frozen in time, and imagine the lives of those who once called Bodie home. The town's preservation offers a unique glimpse into the rugged history of the American West.