Silver Reef Museum / Ghost Town — Attraction in Leeds

Are you interested in seeing, and learning about how the most rare and richest silver was discovered, and mined? Want to see examples of the tools, and machinery that was used, learn about the challenges that were overcome, and the quality of life in place once named Bonanza Town where land value was the highest in the country? Now known as Silver Reef Utah; The Bonanza Town Silver mines are the richest silver producing mines to date in America. However special that may be in and of itself. What makes these mines amazing is found in the rare, unlikely, and unbelievable ore the silver was extracted from. Even the Smithsonian Institute rejected a sample that was sent to them claiming that "the source was impossible, and the sample was a good fake"! The museum is inside a 19th century Wells Fargo Bank; one of a few that are not only still standing, but remains in use. While banking; and silver are no longer the business of the day, the original safe remains amongst other items used in the 1800s. If in the area; take a break from the mundane, and step into the past with the people, of the Historic Silver Reef Museum! It's truly a fantastic experience...

I’m really glad we took the time to stop here while the museum was open. We were greeted kindly and the kids were given a neat rock prize for completing the visual scavenger hunt! It’s only a few dollars for entry per person, but please give them a bit extra. The money is well used to document and help promote/protect the history of the area. We were lucky enough to run into a docent(?) that was dressed as a cowboy. I had a great conversation with him about the area and items on display. I also met other locals in the museum with whom I shared conversations with. We walked the entire trail system (Get the free guide!) and read the pamphlet describing each landmark. We expected a quick stop to see a ruin, jail cell, and maybe a few things in a museum. We ended up spending a relatively relaxing almost couple hours between our walk and the time in the museum. This is one of those locations that is what YOU make it! Enjoy and engage with...

The Silver Reef Museum and Ghost Town is currently in the making. It's coming along pretty good. We were welcome once in the office by the attendant but she was on the phone troubleshooting with someone and couldn't dedicate a couple of minutes to us for a proper welcome or to simply guide us on how this particular museum actually works. Fine, we turned around and out of the office we went to simply see what's up by ourselves. Lucky us, a volunteer worker walked right to us outside the office and said "hi" but guess what? his phone rung, he went ahead and started talking on the phone and "hey, hey" we lost him to the phone too. We laughed. I guess we now know why they call it a "Ghost Town", maybe those people really were not there? 😃 😃 😃... Photos of the Welcome Sign, Old Jailhouse and a few other signs and items that we...