Fodor's Expert Review Calico Ghost Town

This former silver-mining boom town was founded in 1881, and, within a few years, it boasted 500 mines and 22 saloons. Its reconstruction by Walter Knott of Knott’s Berry Farm makes it more about G-rated family entertainment than the town’s gritty past, but that doesn’t seem to take away from the fun of panning for (fool’s) gold, touring the original tunnels of Maggie Mine, or taking a leisurely ride on the Calico Odessa Railroad. Five of the original buildings are still standing, such as the impressive Lane’s General Store, and its setting among the stark beauty of the Calico Hills can make a stroll along this once-bustling Main Street downright peaceful. Calico also has ghost tours and regular events such as the yearly bluegrass festival on Mother's Day weekend.