The atmospheric, unrestored buildings of Silver City, Idaho, make it one of the West's legendary mining towns. It's not a ghost town, exactly—some people do live there—but it's not in any danger of overcrowding either. The only way to get there is on a 23-mi/37-km winding dirt road that connects to Highway 78 out of Murphy, and the road is closed from Thanksgiving to Memorial Day.
Located 50 mi/80 km southwest of Boise, Silver City's Historic District contains old buildings such as the barbershop and assay office, which survive in gloriously dilapidated condition. Take a look around the old Idaho Hotel: It was the scene of a gunfight in 1868, one of many violent battles between rival mine operators. Visit with the owner in the dining room or at the bar—he'll fill you in.
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