Silver City Ghost Town: Complete Guide to Visiting Lake Isabella’s Hidden Gem
Looking for a unique stop in the southern Sierra Nevada? Silver City Ghost Town near Lake Isabella is a fascinating Central California destination where you can step back in time and explore the rich history of the Kern River Valley.
If you’re looking for unique places to visit in Central California or the Southern Sierra Nevada, make your way to Silver City Ghost Town! This quirky destination is part museum and part time capsule, giving visitors a fascinating peek into the Wild West history of the Kern River Valley.
Located in the quiet town of Bodfish (just minutes from Lake Isabella), Silver City makes for an easy day trip from Bakersfield (about 1 hour), Fresno (around 2.5 hours), or even Los Angeles (about 3 hours for ambitious road-trippers). It’s a fun stop along Highway 178 for anyone exploring Kern River Canyon, or if you’re looking for things to do near Lake Isabella or Kernville.
A Brief History of Silver City Ghost Town
Silver City Ghost Town is more than just a roadside attraction — it’s a living museum that preserves the rich history of the Kern River Valley and California’s gold-mining past. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Dave and Arvilla Mills began hauling in historic buildings from around the valley — many of which were set to be demolished — and relocated them to Bodfish, just outside Lake Isabella.
Today, more than 20 original structures from local mining camps including Keyesville, Whiskey Flat, Old Isabella, Claraville, Hot Springs, Miracle, and Southfork have found a permanent home here. Scattered throughout the property, you’ll also find thousands of authentic artifacts that help tell the story of the area’s Wild West heritage.
Like the famous Bodie Ghost Town in Eastern California, Silver City follows a policy of “arrested decay.” The buildings are carefully maintained to keep them standing, but not restored to look brand new — offering visitors an authentic glimpse of what these old gold outposts might have looked like after the miners moved on.
What to Expect When You Visit Silver City Ghost Town
When you first pull up to Silver City Ghost Town, you’ll be greeted by a row of weathered, slightly dilapidated façades facing the street and parking lot. Don’t be fooled — this isn’t the ghost town itself but the antique store, and it’s worth stepping inside even if you’re just passing through.
Everything in the shop is for sale, from vintage books and lamps to quirky old trinkets that feel straight out of another era. This is also where you’ll buy your tickets to enter the ghost town — currently $7 per person.
Once you’ve got your ticket, a friendly guide will lead you through the entrance and share a quick rundown of Silver City’s history and lore — from gold mining tales to ghostly legends.
After that, you’re free to wander and explore at your own pace. Each building has a small sign explaining its history, so you can learn as you go on a self-guided tour.
Step inside the old jail at Silver City
Most of the buildings can’t be entered, but you can peek through the doors and windows for a glimpse into the past. The exception is the old jail, where you can actually step inside and snap that obligatory “help, I’m in jail!” photo.
Inside the jail, you’ll find a single rusty bedframe, a set of shackles on the floor, and — if you look closely — scratch marks etched into the floorboards from former prisoners. It’s a little eerie for sure.
What makes this jail even more fascinating is its history. The original jail site now sits underwater at Lake Isabella, a ghostly reminder of the old towns and mining camps that were flooded when the reservoir was created.
Take a peek inside the old church
Of course, even the most lawless mining camps needed a church — and Silver City Ghost Town has one, brought in from Scovern Hot Springs. While it’s a little creepy, especially with a casket taking center stage, there is something hauntingly beautiful about it.
Apparently, it’s also a hotspot for ghost hunters, who often visit at night hoping to catch a glimpse of paranormal activity.
Other buildings to see at Silver City Ghost Town
All of the buildings at Silver City Ghost Town are over 100 years old, and with the mountains as a backdrop, the whole place is surprisingly scenic. As you wander through the dusty boardwalks and weathered façades, it’s easy to imagine what life was like here during the Gold Rush era.
At times, we felt like we’d stepped onto the set of an old Western — which makes sense, since parts of Silver City have actually been used for movie and TV shoots over the years.
Here’s a look at some of the other historic buildings and scenes I captured during my visit, hopefully they inspire you to visit Silver City Ghost Town!
Need to Know Before You Go
- Open year-round. Silver City Ghost Town is open 7 days a week, no matter the season.
- Hours: 10:00am to 4:00pm daily.
- The museum is small. You’ll only need about 30 to 60 minutes to explore the entire ghost town.
- Ticket prices are $7 per adult. All proceeds go toward ongoing restoration efforts. (No tax dollars are used to operate Silver City.)
- Watch your step. The wooden boardwalks are uneven and sometimes broken, so walk carefully, especially if you’re bringing kids.
- There is limited cell service. Don’t rely on your phone’s GPS here. We had no service during our visit, so it’s a good idea to memorize directions or download a map ahead of time.
Where is Silver City Ghost Town?
Silver City Ghost Town is located in the small town of Bodfish, California, just a few minutes south of Lake Isabella in the Kern River Valley. It’s situated just off Highway 178, making it an easy stop for anyone road-tripping along the scenic Kern River Canyon Highway. Take Exit 42 toward Bodfish, then right on Elizabeth Norris Road, and another right on Lake Isabella Blvd.
Looking for a place to stay in Lake Isabella? Use the interactive map below to find hotels, motels, and other lodging in Lake Isabella, California. Recommended hotels and other points of interest are also marked on the map.
