Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Dirt Road Diary: Calico Ghost Town


After off-roading in the Calico Mountains we headed over to Calico Ghost Town. Since Phi is studying the mining era of California history we knew this would be a great place to experience a mining town. 



Calico, Ca was a real life mining town in the late 1800's, At its peak there were over 80 houses and mines were producing $10 million in silver. After the mines were tapped out, the town was all but abandoned. Mr. Knotts, of Knotts Berry Farm fame, bought the town and took most of the original buildings to Knotts Berry Farm. What was left at Calico were a few buildings and he built replicas around them. Today it is a cute little touristy place with some great California history.


The cost to enter is $8.00 per adults and $5.00 per kid. I thought the attractions were worth the price. There were other little things the kids could do like pan for gold. This cost $1.50 for Phi and Louie was free and the got to keep the "gold" they panned.



We took the little train tour ($6.00 total for me and the girls). They guys sat and waited for us.


The tour gave us a lot of facts about the town and throughout there were lots of original items from the mining days. 











We had a really great time and stayed until the saloon doors were closing.


7 comments:

  1. I grew up in the Mojave Desert (Hesperia) as a kid. We went to Calico many times. It's a fun, historical place. I didn't know all the history about Knott's though. Super cool!

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    1. I had never been there before and I really loved it!

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  2. My kids will love this, thanks for the recommendation

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    1. No problem. My kids had a great time!

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  3. What a cute place. I had forgotten about it...I have never been to it but have heard about it. This will be a great place to take my best friend's kids. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. My son loved the Mystery Shack, and it was a welcome break on a long drive. I do wish they would just let you do one package up front that includes it all. It would be simpler than paying for it all separately.

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  5. I remember Calico. It hasn't changed one bit. Great pics!

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