10 of America’s Best-Preserved Abandoned Towns You Can Actually Visit

Custer, Idaho

Custer is one of the oldest abandoned towns on this list. Founded in 1879, it quickly became a must-visit place for gold speculators and eventually turned into the home of the Black and Lucky Boy Mines, which employed many of the town’s residents.

According to Visit Idaho, the community reached its peak in 1896 when 600 people were living there. However, in less than 20 years, the place was left abandoned. Fortunately, many of its buildings were preserved, and in 1966, the Challis National Forest decided to take ownership. The community was ultimately added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Now, people can come to see and explore this abandoned town during the summer with free guided tours.