The Coolest Abandoned Places in Wyoming
From ghost towns to abandoned military forts and prisons, these are Wyoming’s coolest abandoned places.
Written by Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
From historic ghost towns to haunted underground tunnels, these are the coolest (and creepiest) abandoned places in Wyoming.
Wyoming didn’t earn its nickname as “the Cowboy State” for nothing—and between its sprawling plains and sunkissed bluffs, the historical origins of such a nickname can still be found in the abandoned mining towns, military forts, and trading posts. For history buffs and road trip lovers alike, these eight abandoned locales in Wyoming are such to chill and thrill.
Here to guide you through them is
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison super app. Read on to discover your next adventure, including how you can stay safe and get the most out of your trip along the way!RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Abandoned towns in Wyoming
South Pass City
Location: Southwest of Lander, on WYO-28
Abandoned since: 1872
Is it legal to go in? Yes
With Western expansion came the gold rush—and South Pass City is one such town that saw incredible success in mining gold ore. The city quickly sprung up as a central location for the mining industry, and it saw incredible prosperity from both its mines and its array of local businesses.
Eventually, the local Clarissa mine gave out, and the town was abandoned in favor of a new and more prosperous frontier. Today, visitors can enjoy the carefully-preserved deserted town, which boasts over 20 restored buildings and offers visitors opportunities to participate in themed activities, including gold panning and shopping at the town’s general store.
Atlantic City
Location: Southwest of Lander, off WYO-2
Abandoned since: Mid-1800s
Is it legal to go in? Yes
As South Pass City’s neighbor, Atlantic City shared similar prosperity in the mining industry. Whereas South Pass saw primarily miner residents, Atlantic City entertained vacationers and prospectors, making it a popular place for drinking, dancing, and experiencing contemporary arts and culture.
Although its dance hall and opera house have long since collapsed, several former residences and a historic church remain and are open to visitor exploration. Additionally, the nearby Atlantic City Mercantile offers food and drink for hungry travelers—and it's one site listed on the National Register of Historic Places that you won’t want to miss.
Kirwin
Location: Near Meeteetse
Abandoned since: The 1930s
Is it legal to go in? Yes
All that remains of the town of Kirwin is its mining machinery and the spectral remnants of former residencies. Once a mining town known for silver and ore, Kirwin fell into economic decline in the 1930s and was subsequently abandoned. Located on U.S. Forest Service land, the tall wooden overlooks and rusted metal structures—heralds of a once-prosperous mining economy—rise up before the Absaroka Mountains like phantom fingers.
The ghost town of Kirwin is unique for one structure in particular: the (incomplete) cabin of Amelia Earhart. It was intended for her use following her around-the-world flight in the 1930s, but her subsequent disappearance meant the cabin never saw completion. Today, visitors can still view its ruins.
Abandoned houses, forts, and tunnels in Wyoming
Smith Mansion
Location: Wapiti Valley
Abandoned since: 1992
Is it legal to go in? No
Fans of the Studio Ghibli film, Howl’s Moving Castle, may appreciate the psychedelic-looking vibe of Smith Mansion, a multi-story monstrosity of lumber that perches on a hillside in the Wapiti Valley near Cody, Wyoming.
Builder Lee Smith, from whom the house derives its namesake, constructed his home as a labor of unending love—until it cost him his life. Smith is said to have fallen from an upper balcony while working, plummeting to his untimely death.
Today, the mansion sits on private property, but visitors can enjoy its stunning (if not spooky) architecture (and share the chilling story of its origin) from the nearby roadside.
Fort Laramie
Location: Eastern Wyoming
Abandoned since: 1890
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Once a primary trading post along the Oregon Trail, and later an active military base, the ruins of Fort Laramie now stand tall and sunbleached at the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers. The fort was occupied until the turn of the twentieth century, after which its many buildings fell into disarray. Since its purchase by the state in 1937, the property has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can admire the ruins of the old hospital, located north of the fort proper amidst a century-old cemetery. With its pale concrete walls and roofless sanctuary, the old hospital imposes a hauntingly beautiful silhouette against the wide, grassy plain of this once-historic outpost.
The Underground Tunnels of Cheyenne
Location: Cheyenne
Abandoned since: The 1900s
Is it legal to go in? No
Did you know Cheyenne residents walk around on top of a haunted tunnel system? Or so the legend goes…In efforts to accommodate growing reliance on railway transportation, Cheyenne city officials approved a series of underground tunnels, which were constructed to connect existing railways more directly with the city’s downtown depots.
Today, the tunnels are firmly closed to the public—but those who have braved the tunnels in the past have returned with spooky stories.
Most common are reports of loud footsteps—which many attribute to the heavy boots of former railway workers—and sometimes sounds of distant voices. Despite the lure of a paranormal experience in a tunnel system, it’s best to keep your distance on this one. The tunnels haven’t been maintained since their closure at the turn of the century, and are also full of asbestos—yuck!
MORE: Wyoming road closures
Interesting abandoned places in Wyoming
Point of Rocks Stage Station
Location: Sweetwater County
Abandoned since: 1910
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Originally constructed in 1862, this decrepit stone lodging once served as a freight station, a stage stop, a school, a ranch, and a home—today, it’s one of the last structures intact on the historic Overland Trail. The station’s sandstone walls rise up between the sagebrush along the south bank of the Bitter Creek, about 25 miles east of Rock Springs.
The property was purchased by the state over 20 years after its abandonment, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Walking between its high, roofless walls or entering the station proper is forbidden—but passersby can still admire this sturdy piece of Wyoming pioneer history from afar.
Wyoming Frontier Prison
Location: Rawlins, Wyoming
Abandoned since: 1907
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Wyoming’s first prison saw nearly 14,000 prisoners in its 80 years of operation—before its eventual abandonment at the beginning of the 1980s. In its years of desertion, the property’s three cell blocks fell into disrepair. It was reclaimed and restored as a museum in the early ‘90s.
Today, visitors can experience guided tours of the prison, from peeks into its original cell blocks to its dungeons, “death house,” and gas chamber. If the knowledge that 14 death sentences were carried out here isn’t enough to scare you, the chilling halls and historic aura are sure to leave you with goosebumps.
Tips for exploring Wyoming’s abandoned places
Exploring Wyoming’s abandoned places can get wild—from rutted roads to spotty cell service, expect the unexpected on your adventures, and follow these tips to help prepare and stay safe:
- Research the ownership and regulation of the area before you go—and ask permission if necessary. Planning your trip ahead of time can help familiarize you with the local area and avoid accidentally trespassing.
- Dress comfortably! Wear clothing that keeps you cool and comfy both in the car and outside–including closed-toed shoes!—and don’t forget to pack the sunscreen.
- Never take souvenirs. It’s always tempting to pocket a local artifact as a way to commemorate a special visit—but do your best to resist the temptation! Disturbing the landscape can negatively impact the experiences of other visitors.
- Bring a buddy or let a friend know your location. Anything can happen when you travel off the beaten path, so it’s important to stay safe and let people know of your plans beforehand.
- Consider bringing protective gear, such as a face mask, gloves, or other equipment if you’re visiting areas with possible contamination from outdated building materials. Snacks and water never hurt to have on hand, either!
Most importantly, keep safety and respect in mind when entering abandoned areas. Running unnecessary risks could result in harm to yourself and others, or make these historic places inhospitable to future visitors.
How to find affordable car insurance in Wyoming
It’s important to keep safety in mind when traveling to abandoned places—and that includes your car, too! Whether you’re looking to add towing and labor coverage to your policy, or are just interested in finding cheaper rates, let
Jerry
keep you covered for less. A licensed insurance broker, Jerry delivers cheap, customized quotes to your fingertips in seconds! Shop and compare rates from over 50+ name-brand providers like Geico, Progressive, and Travelers, and when you’re ready to make the switch, let Jerry take care of the rest. We handle the phone calls and paperwork, and can even help you cancel your old policy!
So don’t sacrifice coverage—find savings with Jerry. The average Jerry user saves over $800 a year in car insurance!
“A seamless process and a fantastic app!Jerrysaved me over $2000 on car insurance. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.” —Osvaldo B., satisfied Jerry customer
Compare quotes from 50+ insurers with Jerry in under 45 seconds?
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversFAQs
Is it illegal to visit abandoned places?
While most of the abandoned places on this list are open to public exploration, some reside on private property—so it’s important to do your research on the abandoned place you’re visiting, including any regulations on exploring the area to avoid trespassing.
Why are there abandoned houses in Nebraska?
People may be forced to move or abandon their properties following natural disasters, or in some cases, may have their homes repossessed by the government. Whatever the circumstances, abandoned houses aren’t necessarily uncommon—although the mystery behind each one certainly is.
