DAY TRIP Calico Ghost Town

The Calico ghost town in the Mojave Desert was originally formed around the area’s silver mining industry; more than 500 mines dotted the local landscape. Today, it’s a living, breathing example of life in the Old West.

The area is a 480-acre county regional park that offers gunfight stunt shows and mine tours, in addition to more traditional offerings like exploring a blacksmith’s shop and school house.

Calico’s onsite railroad is popular for tourists, who also participate in gold panning.

The park celebrates Calico Days Oct. 10 to 12; the event features a parade, burro run, gunfight competition and live music.

The town is said to be named for the number of colors found in King Mountain, its neighbor, which resembled the calico fabrics that were so popular at the time.

After the town’s founding in March 1881 during the state’s largest silver strike, it peaked at about 1,200 people, and had 22 saloons.

The Calico Mining District produced some $86 million in silver, until the precious metal plummeted in price by 1896. Calico’s population then dropped just as sharply.

The only remaining industry in the area was the mining of borax; when huge quantities were found in Death Valley, the town was nearly abandoned.

Walter Knott, founder of Knott’s Berry Farm, bought the town in 1951 to restore it to its original condition. He was related to the owner of the Silver King mine.

Knott donated it to San Bernardino County 15 years later. Today, it’s a county regional park.

The town’s main museum was established in the home of its last original inhabitant, Lucy Bell Lane, who died about 40 years ago.

In addition to artifacts and exhibits about the town and mining districts, the Lane Museum also includes information on the natural history of the regional park.

The rammed-earth adobe building features transom windows and 1930s electrical wiring.

GETTING THERE

Take the 55 Freeway north and merge onto the 91 Freeway east about 16 miles. Take exit I-15 North toward Barstow. Take the 15 Freeway about 94 miles east, passing Barstow, and exit at Ghost Town Road. Turn left on Ghost Town Road.

HOURS

The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed Christmas Day.

ADMISSION

Admission to Calico Days is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6 to 15 years and free for kids ages 5 and under.

Standard adult admission is $6.

Children ages 6 to 15 are $3, and children ages 5 and younger get in free. Camping is available onsite from $20.

— Candice Baker