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By Doug, June 25, 2009 07:21

Silver City, Idaho

Around the turn of the last century, Silver City, Idaho was the county seat of Owyhee County with 75 businesses, a population of 2,500 people and 300 homes. Although most similar mining towns of the era either grew up or burned down, for whatever reason Silver City remains the same; a true ghost town, high up in the Owyhee Mountains. Some of the remaining buildings include a church, hotel, schoolhouse and over 70 other structures. There are also four burial areas with some fascinating gravestones.

As run down as it is, there’s a museum in the schoolhouse, some of the houses are available to rent as cabins and hot food is available in the hotel/bar. The town itself is about 65 miles from Boise, near the Idaho/Oregon border.

Today people come to see the abandoned buildings, go horseback riding, collect rocks and arrowheads or otherwise enjoy the surrounding mountains. Outfitters and guides are available to help you find your way around. Note, although you’re welcome to walk around and see the sights, much of the area is still private property so treat the area with respect. Believe it or not, some people still live there.