This Abandoned Town In Idaho Is One Of The Eeriest Places In America
By Courtnie Erickson|Published September 09, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Idaho is no stranger to haunted places, spooky legends, and fascinating ghost towns. In fact, we have created road trips that take you to many haunted and creepy destinations in the Gem State. But there is one well-known ghost town in Idaho that is more than just an abandoned town — it is also one of the eeriest places in Idaho … or even America! With an interesting history, abandoned buildings, and proximity to other creepy abandoned towns, Custer is more than just a reminder of days gone by.
Welcome to Custer! This is one of the more well-known ghost towns in Idaho. You’ll find this abandoned town in the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Custer is actually part of the Land of Yankee Fork State Park, near the small town of Challis.
Custer began as a mining town in the late 1870s. It was founded by gold speculators, and many people who lived in the town worked out of the Lucky Boy and Black Mines.
This mining town hit its peak in 1896, and approximately 600 people called this town home. However, in just over a decade, the town's population began to dwindle. It became a ghost town by 1910.
Today as you explore, you’ll find an incredible number of abandoned structures that are still standing. Because this ghost town is part of a state park, many of the structures are well preserved, giving you a better glimpse into years gone by.
Many people claim this is the spookiest and creepiest state park in Idaho. Not only is Custer found within its borders, but two other ghost towns are here as well – Bonanza and Bayhorse.
While there are all types of stories about Custer and the other nearby ghost towns, as you walk around this state park, we recommend you keep your eyes open! While there is no single spirit that tends to roam this town, you never know what unexplained things you may see, hear, or feel during your visit!
Have you been to the abandoned town of Custer? What about the other ghost towns in the area? Let us know in the comments! And, if you want to learn more about Yankee Fork State Park, check out our feature article.
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