Who doesn’t love ghost towns? There is one in Arizona, just a short drive away, near Apache Junction.

Goldfield Ghost Town is an authentic 1890’s ghost town with reconstructed buildings and underground mine tours. One can even take a helicopter or jeep tour of the Superstition Mountains.

Goldfield Jail. photo courtesy Goldfield Ghost Town.

Goldfield was created when gold was discovered in the area in 1892, and the community eventually reached a population of about 4,000 residents. The Goldfield Post Office was established on Oct. 7, 1893, and the town boasted three saloons, a boarding house, general store, blacksmith shop, brewery, meat market and a school house. Just when it looked like the town would outgrow Mesa, the vein faulted, the grade of ore dropped, and the town died a slow, painful death.

After several unsuccessful attempts to reopen the mines, the town did come to life again from 1910 on and off until 1926. After more than 115 years, travelers from all over the world still visit this gold mining town located on the historic Apache Trail and enjoy the excitement and grandeur of Arizona’s wild west.

Today, Goldfield has a history museum, Old West gunfights and gold mine tours. A popular exhibit is the one featuring the Lost Dutchman Mine.

Courtesy Goldfield Ghost Town.

Walk down Main Street and explore the many shops and historic buildings. There is a recreated brothel, a leatherworks shop, bakery, saloon, an ice cream parlor, and many other shops, in addition to museums and a reptile exhibit. The Goldfield Livery also offers horseback riding activities and carriage rides. Enjoy a steak dinner at the Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon. Tour the historic Mammoth Gold Mine, pan for gold, then take a ride on Arizona’s only narrow gauge train in operation. Spend a fun-filled day, rich in wild west history. Camping is also available.

Goldfield is located 4.5 miles N/E of Apache Junction, Arizona on the historic Apache Trail (SR-88), a 4650 N. Mammoth Mine Road. The town is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The saloon is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 480-983-0333 for more info.

Photos with permission from http://goldfieldghosttown.com/