As a result of the Gold Rush, areas with only a handful of settlers grew to become booming mining towns during the latter part of the 1800s. While such places are now a thing of the past, there are actually several abandoned mining towns in the state that are still standing. Bodie State Historic Park in NorCal, however, is perhaps one of the coolest to visit.

Located in Bridgeport, California, Bodie is an actual mining town located in a State Park.
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In the late 1800s, the town grew from a few dozen residents to a thriving community.
Today, visitors can wander the deserted roads of Bodie.
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Bodie is designated as a National Historic Site, and to preserve the authenticity of the town, the area has no modern facilities.
The town was once home to 10,000 people- perhaps this is why it's believed that the area is haunted.
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Back in its heyday, gun fights were frequent and the streets were noisy- the abandoned remains of Bodie have seen all kinds of events.

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One of the most spellbinding aspects of the park is the interior of the buildings.
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It's like everyone just got up and left one day.
With fully stocked goods, the historical site is intended to be in a state of "arrested decay".
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The items you'll find in the town may look as though they were thoughtfully placed to create a themed environment, but everything is genuinely from the 1800s!
Like many ghost towns, tales of the paranormal run wild. There's also an ongoing rumor of a "curse" that befalls anyone who takes something from the town.
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To this day, park staff receives envelopes that return pieces taken as souvenirs. They also receive apology letters from those who claim to have had terrible luck as a result of stealing from the town.
Bodie is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows you to walk through a piece of history.
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Just don't take any history home with you.

Exploring the quiet streets of a genuine California ghost town is typically not something that can be experienced in a typical state park, so if you have the opportunity, check it out! For more information, visit the official Parks and Recreation website for Bodie. You can also see this list of more State Parks in NorCal if you’re planning to explore the area.

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