Calico — Attraction in Yermo

This is an absolutely unique and unforgettable place — nothing like Disneyland, because this isn’t a theme park — it’s a real historic town built during the California Gold and Silver Rush era. 🏜️⛏️

Silver was discovered here, and for many years the town thrived — until silver lost its value after a decision by the U.S. Congress. From that moment, life slowly left the town, but what’s truly incredible is how much of it still remains today.

You can still walk through original homes, visit the old saloon, explore an actual mine (yes, you can go inside!), and even ride the historic railroad. The entire place feels alive with history — you can almost sense the stories of the people who once lived and worked here.

Let me repeat — this is not Disneyland. It’s a real town, preserved in time, and it offers an experience unlike anything else in California. We were absolutely amazed by it and highly recommend it to: 🎥 fans of Westerns, 📜 history lovers, 📸 and anyone looking for a truly authentic and cinematic location for photography.

Another special thing about this place — you can actually stay overnight here! They offer camping, RV spots, and small cabins, but here’s the catch: they don’t have a page on Booking or Airbnb. You have to contact them directly through their website, and you need to do it in advance. Unfortunately, that’s why we couldn’t stay — it’s not something you can arrange just a day before.

If you’re lucky enough to plan ahead, try to arrive early in the morning at sunrise or stay until sunset. When the tourists are gone, the atmosphere becomes absolutely magical — quiet, golden light over the desert, and a feeling that you’ve truly stepped back in time.

We stayed nearby and were lucky to see the town in the early morning light — it was pure magic. ✨ Highly, highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience a genuine piece of American...

Calico Ghost Town is an adorable real-life ghost town once sponsored by Walter Knott of Knotts Berry Farm, within the limits of San Bernadino County. Although the mine no longer runs this is a well maintained spot to stop and get a feel for the western, cowboy, and miner lifestyles. (Cowboys encouraged!)

💰 Entry $5/ kid and $8/adult (fee rate changes often)

⛏️ Pay for Maggie Mine to walk through

🏕 Camping $75/ night to $160+/night (much less for RV)

🚗 Lots of Parking space

🚂 Pay to ride the Train available

⏱️ Plan for at least 3 hours

Small chotchky shops along the town where you can find old fashioned candies and games and other trinkets or souvenirs. Dining options are limited. Soda shop and more. Credit cards accepted.

There were many scattered benches, some tables, other various places to sit and shaded areas to help escape the heat but plan accordingly. This part of the desert can get high temperatures so be sure to check.

The campgrounds are available with hookups for RVs or prepped for tent camping and with glamping amenities. The area is definitely spacious and has the full desert-camp-feel.

Come here for the day, or stay overnight. You...

I came here in the 1990s as a kid. Took my wife and daughter for their first time in 2022. A lot has changed since the 90s, but the general town is pretty much the same. They lost a lot of funding when the Knott family sold it to San Bernardino County Parks. As such, there are some attractions and exhibits that are long broken or dilapidated with no means to fix them. The biggest disappointment is the closing of the funicular that brought you from the lower parking lot to the town. It looks like it hasn’t been operated in a few decades. Other things are In similar disrepair, like prop wagons and things like that. Overall, most of the stores have changed hands since the 90s, but you still have several restaurants, gift shops and of course the Mystery Shack, Maggie Mine, panning for gold and a train ride. It’s also great to see the old bottle house still standing. Make sure to visit all of the history museums throughout the town as you will get to read about actual people that lived and worked in the town. Kids today might get a little bored with it, as the town is very low tech, but maybe that’s a good thing! Preserve non-screen related...