Gold
Point Nevada Living Ghost Town |
| Gold Point
Nevada has gone from about bustling mining town to just a
few residents these days. If you love the idea of living out
in a deserted location free from the constraints of the urban
sprawl and want the chance to hear nature around you as you
lay and stare at the stars, then the old ghost town of Gold
Point Nevada is the spot for you.
The town was first settled by ranchers and miners during the
1880s, but it wasn’t until gold was discovered by miner
J.W. Dunfee in the 1920’s that the town would thrive
and be aptly renamed Gold Point. Two thousand people once
thronged the streets, which provided the usual saloons, hotels,
and stores. Over $ 1'000'000 in gold and silver was extracted
from the mines. Today the population is seven, but does reach
as high as 400 for special events, such as the annual Chili
Cook-Off held every Memorial Day Weekend, or the annual Day
after Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner that occurs as you guessed,
the day after Thanksgiving.
Gold Point's seven residents are all dedicated to sharing
the rich history and genuinely welcome visitors as a guest
into their homes. All money the town earns from tourism is
used to continue the restoration and preservation of the Nevada
landmark. The town has a true ghost town feel, with about
50 buildings still standing from its previous life. The post
office now serves as a museum and is open on weekends, while
the mercantile store is the local gift shop, offering gifts
and hats as well as local history books to take a piece of
your visit home with you. |
|
|
Gold Point Nevada |
| Gold
Point is also the home base of the High Desert Drifters Western
Historical Society. The club performs western themed reenactments
and gunfights in the town plaza. One can also take a guided
tour of the town itself, or venture out on your own as many
as 16 old mining camps and hundreds of mines are all within
a short drive.
Everyone in Gold Point treats you as a guest and the locals
offer a nice itinerary, so you don’t miss anything the
area has to offer. That usually starts with a Gold Point Museum
tour, followed by a story telling session and history lesson
by Sheriff Stone. If you real crave some local knowledge, they
provide access to hundreds of books and articles about mining
and history, including over 8,000 pictures of ghost towns and
mining camps.
Evenings are reserved for a round of table shuffleboard or pool
on a 1909 Brunswick pool table in the local saloon. Gold Point
offers rustic accommodations within cabin style lodging. Though
simple, they provide the necessities after a tiring day of exploring.
Each cabin has an antique TV but stations are limited due to
the remote location. Trust me you will be too busy to miss television.
If business calls, the rooms do offer free Wi-Fi Internet for
your laptop. In addition, you will leave with a full belly,
as they is plenty of food. |
| |
|
| Guest services
for RV travelers are available year-round including several
sites with electric hook-ups. Always call ahead for reservations,
as spaces are limited.
Wildlife runs freely in the area, and nature sites are everywhere
including waterfalls and watering holes frequented by wild horses
and burrows. Indian petro glyphs decorate the rocks, while tourists
often discover fossils and petrified woods. One can also get
a good view of Death Valley National Park from Big Molly.
Gold Point Nevada is located about a six-hour drive from downtown
Los Angeles California. It’s about seven hours from Sacramento.
Tonopah, Nevada is about an hour away. When visiting, please
call ahead for reservations, the friendly residents will be
more than happy to help plan your visit.By
Matthew Martz |
| |
Las
Vegas Day Trips |
Half
Price Family Deals |
Reno
Day Trips |
California
Day Trips |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
