About Us
All you need to know about Calico Ghost Town!
Calico is an old west mining town that has been around since 1881 during the largest silver strike in California. With its 500 mines, Calico produced over $20 million in silver ore over a 12-year span. When silver lost its value in the mid 1890's Calico lost its population. The miners packed up, loaded their mules and moved away abandoning the town that once gave them a good living. It became a "ghost" town.
Walter Knott purchased Calico in the 1950's architecturally restoring all but the 5 original building to look at as they did in the 1880's. Calico received State historical Landmark 782 and in 2005 was proclaimed by then Arnold Schwarzenegger to be California's Silver Rush Ghost Town.
Today Calico is a part of the San Bernardino County Regional Park System visited by people around the country and all over the world. The park offers visitors an opportunity to share in its rich history and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding dessert environment. Along with its history and attractions, Calico Ghost Town has shops, restaurants and offers camping and outdoor recreation not available at most of our other park facilities. Due to the historic nature of the town, not all area are ADA accessible.
CAUTION: Mines in the Calico are extremely hazardous and must not be approached for any reason!
Walter Knott purchased Calico in the 1950's architecturally restoring all but the 5 original building to look at as they did in the 1880's. Calico received State historical Landmark 782 and in 2005 was proclaimed by then Arnold Schwarzenegger to be California's Silver Rush Ghost Town.
Today Calico is a part of the San Bernardino County Regional Park System visited by people around the country and all over the world. The park offers visitors an opportunity to share in its rich history and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding dessert environment. Along with its history and attractions, Calico Ghost Town has shops, restaurants and offers camping and outdoor recreation not available at most of our other park facilities. Due to the historic nature of the town, not all area are ADA accessible.
CAUTION: Mines in the Calico are extremely hazardous and must not be approached for any reason!