Ghost Town Tourism: Exploring Abandoned Places

For sure, no once you caught the idea of visiting abandoned places and ghost towns where time stopped. These mysterious and mystical places appeal to tourists with their appearance, as well as with the legends and myths. If you are going to travel like this, it is important to be prepared for the surprises and ensure your safety. In this context, phone number tracker apps play a key role in assisting explorers to stay connected and avoid potential risks. So here we would like to discover interesting places and see how technology can make your travel easier.

An abandoned ghost town with well-preserved wooden buildings and old fashioned cars, weathered and aged by time.

Ghost Town Legends and Places for Tourists

Ghost towns often come with their own legends and folklore. These stories undoubtedly add a touch of intrigue to your visit. Here we collected the top places and interesting legends about ghost places that might pique your interest.

Bodie, California

Bodie is famous not just for its well-preserved state but also for the local legend about the curse of the town. Visitors are warned that taking souvenirs from Bodie will bring bad luck. This superstition is reinforced by stories of misfortune befalling people who removed souvenirs from the place.

Pripyat, Ukraine

After the Chernobyl disaster, Pripyat was abandoned in a hurry. According to one legend, ghostly figures resembling firefighters can sometimes be seen in the ruins, who long after their deaths continued their attempts to localize the disaster. This adds to the eerie atmosphere of the city.

Hashima Island, Japan

Hashima Island, known as Battleship Island, was once a thriving coal mining site but was abandoned after the coal ran out. Legend says that the island is haunted by the spirits of those who died in the harsh conditions or during World War II. Visitors sometimes report hearing strange sounds or feeling a disturbing presence of someone.

Rhyolite, Nevada

Rhyolite is known for the remains of once majestic buildings. Among the legends of the place is the story of a ghostly figure (a woman in old-fashioned clothes) who dances around the ruins by moonlight. It is believed to be a former resident who died in a tragic accident.

Garroway, Idaho

Garroway was once a bustling railroad town but was abandoned when the tracks were rerouted. Legend has it that the ghost of a railroad worker who died in an accident can still be seen at the old tracks, and eerie sounds of a train can sometimes be heard.

Eldorado Canyon, Nevada

In Eldorado Canyon, home to the Techatticup Mine, there is a legend of a ghostly miner who is still searching for lost treasure. It is said that the ghost appears at dusk to guide people daring to search for the hidden riches.

St. Elmo, Colorado

St. Elmo is a well-preserved ghost town with a reputation for paranormal activity. Residents and visitors have reported the appearance of ghostly figures such as old miners and townspeople, as well as mysterious lights appearing in abandoned buildings.

Tombstone, Arizona

Known for the infamous shootout at the OK Corral, Tombstone has its share of ghost stories. Legend has it that the spirits of the people who died in the shootout still wander around the city, especially near the scene of the shootout.

Mason, Texas

The old Mason schoolhouse, now a ghostly ruin, is said to be haunted by the spirit of a schoolteacher who died tragically. Visitors report hearing children's laughter and ghostly footsteps echoing through the empty halls.

These legends give ghost town tourism a mystical and sometimes eerie touch, adding to the experience of exploring these fascinating abandoned places. Just  keep in mind that while the stories can be fascinating, they are often based on local folklore and should be considered with a sense of curiosity and respect.

An abandoned ghost town with decaying brick buildings. The scene is set in the early morning with a misty atmosphere, creating an eerie mood.

Location Tracking: Effective and Efficient Way to Explore Ghost Sites

Location tracking apps are digital applications for constant monitoring of geographic positioning of the device based on GPS, cellular signals, and Wi-Fi. These apps usually suggest useful features for personal safety, e.g., real-time tracking, historical location data, and other additional location-based services. They aimed to allow users to share their whereabouts, receive navigational assistance, and set up virtual boundaries for enhanced safety and coordination.


The brightest examples of location tracking apps are Number Tracker (for safety), Google Maps (for navigation and orientation), Yelp (searching for entertainments and reviews), etc.


Let's see in detail how the main features of location tracking apps can improve your ghost places exploration experience.

Location Sharing

If you’re exploring ghost towns and want to use the location tracking and sharing features of the app, below you can find our tips on how to use these features effectively.

Your adventure through ghost towns promises many surprises, oddities, and perhaps a little bit scares you. Thus, before heading out, use the location sharing feature of the app to inform your travel mates or fiend about current location and planned routes. Make sure they know where you’re at the moment and can track your progress if needed.

Connect your imagination and use the feature wisely. For example, you can schedule check-ins intervals and check their location at predetermined times to make sure they are okay and successfully reach specific points of interest in case you decide to divide and explore the place separately (but we do not recommend doing this). This adds an extra layer of safety in such a restless atmosphere of an abandoned place.


And finally, this feature presents a sense of protection for you and long-awaited peace of mind for your loved ones. Your family members can constantly see your current location on an interactive map of the app while you are wandering through the ruins and be sure they help you in case of emergency even if they are far away.

Setting Up Safe Places

Setting up safe places in location tracking apps can be incredibly useful to boost your safety and overall experience of your travel.

You can use the app to set up virtual boundaries around safe zones within some places in the ghost town to receive notifications when your friends visit or leave them. These places or zones might include parking areas, main roads, or designated safe spots to rest.

Using this feature you will be able to monitor your movement relative to the determined zones to ensure you’re on the right path. This can be particularly useful in sprawling or confusing layouts typical of many ghost towns.

Also remember, if you need to quickly return to a safe zone, the app can guide you back using the set boundaries. And if you face unexpected issues or need to leave the area quickly, this feature can be a real lifesaver.

Routes Bilding and Sharing

The route sharing feature of location tracking apps can be highly beneficial for exploring ghost towns. 

How to use this feature effectively? Create and share your planned route with others before your trip to allow them see your intended path and provide feedback or suggestions for better routes.

Use route sharing features to plan your path within the ghost town. Mark key points such as entrances, landmarks, and safe rest areas. Now you will be able to navigate efficiently and avoid getting lost.

Before exploring a ghost place with a group, share your way with everyone to stay in touch and be able to monitor the directions and to arrange check-ins. Due to this feature you will be able to maintain coordination and ensure no one is left behind.

Location History

The location history feature of location tracking apps can be utilized by the users primarily after the ghost places exploration to analyze the received experience.

Keep a record of the safe places, boundaries and routes you’ve set for future reference or for other explorers. This can be helpful for logging changes in the ghost town’s condition or for providing advice to future visitors.


Due to this feature you will be able to share your location history and any relevant details with friends or on social media after your visit. So this option of the apps is useful for providing valuable ideas and insights for other travelers who might be interested in visiting the same ghost towns.

Thanks to using location tracking apps and their main features you can significantly boost your exploration of abandoned cities. Be it a solo exploration or a group, strategic use of these apps can help you confidently uncover the mysteries of abandoned cities.

Additional Advice on Exploring Abandoned Places

Traveling and exploring abandoned places is truly an exciting and unusual adventure. But you need to remember it also comes with its own set of challenges and risks. Refer to our additional advice to experience safe, enjoyable, and respectful travel.

  1. Do your homework and research the history of the site you plan to visit. Understand its background, potential dangers.

  2. Dress appropriately for the environment. Wear sturdy boots, gloves, and protective clothing. Have a flashlight or headlamp, especially if you plan to explore dark or poorly lit areas.

  3. Be prepared for unexpected situations. If conditions change or the site becomes unsafe, be ready to leave and seek alternative plans.

  4. Be mindful of potential health risks, e.g., mold, asbestos, or other toxic substances. If you have allergies or respiratory issues, take necessary precautions.

  5. Follow all published rules or recommendations. Some sites may have special provisions to protect both visitors and the integrity of the site.


Unveiling the Magic of The Ghost Places

Gain a special unforgettable experience, feel the atmosphere of the past and get familiar with mystical legends due to traveling through abandoned cities. Consider using modern technology to increase safety and make the process as organized and comfortable as possible when it comes to such an experience. However, please follow our advice and remember that despite technological advances, respect for history and caution remain important aspects of traveling to abandoned places.