Just a short drive from Las Vegas lies the eerie and desolate Goodsprings Ghost Town. Located in the heart of the Mojave Desert, this once-thriving mining community is now home to only a handful of residents and an abundance of ghostly legends.
Visitors to Goodsprings can reach the town by taking I-15 south from Las Vegas and exiting at Jean. From there, follow NV-161 west for about 6 miles until you reach the town.
But beware, the spirits of Goodsprings may not welcome you with open arms. The town has a long and dark history, filled with tales of murder, tragedy, and ghostly apparitions.
One of the most infamous legends surrounding Goodsprings is that of the Pioneer Saloon. This historic saloon dates back to the early 1900s and was once a popular gathering place for miners and cowboys. However, tragedy struck in 1915 when a dispute between two men ended in a fatal shootout. It is said that the ghost of one of the men, named Paul Coski, still haunts the saloon to this day. Visitors have reported seeing his ghostly figure sitting at the bar or wandering through the halls.
But Coski is not the only ghost that is said to haunt the Pioneer Saloon. The ghost of a young woman, believed to have died in a car accident outside the saloon, has also been reported. Visitors have reported hearing her ghostly laughter and seeing her apparition in the mirror behind the bar.
Another popular legend surrounding Goodsprings is that of the Yellow Jacket Mine. This mine, which is now closed to the public, was once the site of a deadly accident that claimed the lives of several miners. Visitors have reported feeling a cold chill in the air and hearing the sounds of ghostly pickaxes and shovels when they venture near the mine.
But the ghostly legends of Goodsprings don’t end there. Visitors have also reported seeing the ghostly apparitions of miners wandering through the streets, hearing the ghostly screams of women who died in tragic accidents, and feeling an unexplainable presence that seems to follow them throughout the town.
Despite the town’s haunted reputation, visitors can still explore the remains of the historic buildings that once housed the miners and their families. The Goodsprings Schoolhouse, which was built in 1913 and served as the town’s only school until it closed in the 1960s, is now a museum where visitors can learn more about the town’s history and the lives of its residents.
But exploring the town’s haunted past can be dangerous. Many of the buildings in Goodsprings are in a state of disrepair and can be hazardous to visitors. Additionally, the town is located in a remote area, and there are no services nearby. Visitors should bring plenty of water, food, and supplies to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Despite the risks, visitors to Goodsprings are drawn to the town’s haunting beauty and ghostly legends. The town’s desolate streets and abandoned buildings serve as a reminder of a time long gone, and the spirits that linger within them are a testament to the tragedies and hardships that befell the residents of this once-thriving community.
So if you’re looking for a spine-tingling adventure and a glimpse into the past, head to Goodsprings. But be warned: the ghosts of the past are waiting for you, and they’re not ready to rest in peace just yet.