Bodie State Historic Park

Bodie, California is named after Waterman S. Body who discovered gold in the hills north of Mono Lake. In 1875, a mine cave-in revealed a massive amount of gold and silver ore. Over the next few years, the population of Bodie boomed from a few dozen to 10,000 as people from all over flocked to the region. There was even a small population of Chinese immegrants who came and set up a small Chinatown within Bodie.

However, only a small amount of original buildings remain in this Old West ghost town, due in no small part to a massive fire in 1932.

Best Preserved Ghost Town in California

Bodie, California is named after Waterman S. Body who discovered gold in the hills north of Mono Lake. In 1875, a mine cave-in revealed a massive amount of gold and silver ore. Over the next few years, the population of Bodie boomed from a few dozen to 10,000 as people from all over flocked to the region. There was even a small population of Chinese immIgrants who came and set up a small Chinatown within Bodie.

However, only a small amount of original buildings remain in this Old West ghost town, due in no small part to a massive fire in 1932.

State and National Historic Landmark

In 1962, what remained of Bodie, California was designated as both a State Historic Park and a National Historic Landmark. The ghost town is now being preserved in a ‘state of arrested decay’. This means that the interiors of the buildings are maintained in the same state that the last residents left them. The exteriors are maintained in a similar fashion.

Tours and Events

Bodie, CA is filled with preserved buildings that give visitors an authentic glimpse of the past. There are several ways to experience the ghost town. You can opt for a self-guided tour, exploring the area at your own pace. 

From late May to early September, the Bodie State Historic Park staff conduct daily public tours. Visitors can enjoy Free History Talks at the Entrance Station, or the on site Museum. The Stamp Mill Tour remains one of the most popular attractions, as you can get an in-depth look at the Standard Mill, which processed over $14 million worth of gold and silver over 25 years.

Bodie Foundation Tours

The Bodie Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides tours and other public events at Bodie. Each of the tours they provide requires you to reserve your spot two weeks in advance.

The foundation offers a number of tour options, including:

• Private Town Tours, a personalized two hour affair revealing Bodie’s history
• Twilight Tours, a nighttime trek allowing you to experience Bodie after closing
• Mining District Driving Tour, where you will discover the normally off limits Bodie Mining District, allowing you a unique opportunity to learn about the residents of Bodie.
  

Bodie Foundation Events

In addition to providing a number of tour opportunities, the Bodie Foundation hosts events in Bodie State Historic Park that offer fun for the entire family. The biggest event is Friend of Bodie Day, an annual celebration that offers dinner, activities, and games to visitors, including

•  a Kids Corner 
• Junior Ranger booths
• Crafting opportunities 
• And more!

The Foundation also hosts Ghost Walks, Photography Workshops and other events aimed at preserving the history of this Old West ghost town. You can learn more by visiting their website.

Willow Springs Resort

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure in the Eastern Sierra Mountains, there is no better place to stay than Willow Springs Resort. 

Our facilities include a renovated 50’s era motel and RV Park with all the amenities you need for a great stay. Willow Springs Resort is and has been family owned and operated for more than 60 years, and we pride ourselves on providing a quiet, clean destination that your whole family will love.

Book your stay today and embark on your adventure!