12 Railroad Towns That Time Forgot — And You Can Visit
Have you ever driven through a quiet town and felt like you’d stepped into a forgotten piece of history? Scattered across the United States are small railroad towns that once thrived during the golden age of steam. These places were buzzing with life—full of workers, whistles, and the hum of locomotives. While the trains no longer stop like they used to, many of these towns still stand, frozen in time and open to curious visitors. Let’s journey through the past and discover where tracks once led lives.
1. Thurmond, West Virginia
Tucked within the New River Gorge, Thurmond feels like a movie set that never got torn down. Once a booming coal town with more freight traffic than Richmond, its historic depot still greets Amtrak riders. While only a few residents remain, visitors can walk through original buildings and imagine the clatter of boots on boardwalks. Even the rusting tracks whisper tales from the early 1900s. And with surrounding national parkland, there’s something serene about how nature reclaims what history left behind. Time stands still here—beautifully so.
2. Cairo, Illinois
At the meeting point of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, Cairo once dreamed of becoming another St. Louis. It was a key junction for steamboats and trains alike, bursting with Victorian buildings and ambition. But as industry declined and rail lines shifted, the town faded into silence. Walking through downtown today is like flipping through a sepia-toned photo album. Abandoned mansions and shuttered storefronts line streets, but there’s a haunting charm in its decay. Moreover, history buffs and urban explorers find Cairo oddly captivating—a ghost of grandeur.
3. Garnet, Montana
If you ever wondered what a perfectly preserved ghost town looks like, Garnet has you covered. Nestled high in Montana’s mountains, this once-busy mining and railroad town was left untouched when residents vanished. Today, it’s one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the country, with wooden storefronts and cabins still standing. The silence here feels sacred, broken only by wind through trees. Visitors can tour original homes and even stay overnight in a cabin. Who knows—you might hear the echo of a blacksmith’s hammer.
4. Bodie, California
Perched in the dusty hills east of the Sierra Nevadas, Bodie is a town that boomed, busted, and froze in time. Gold brought the railroad, which brought the people—and chaos. At its peak, Bodie had nearly 10,000 residents and more than 60 saloons. Now? It’s a California State Historic Park, maintained in a state of “arrested decay.” You’ll find rusted railcars, crumbling buildings, and dusty interiors still set as if someone just walked out. Even the schoolhouse sits frozen mid-lesson. It’s eerie, captivating, and unforgettable all at once.
5. Cass, West Virginia
Cass is more than a town—it’s an immersive experience. Once the heart of a booming logging operation, its railroad was built to haul timber down Cheat Mountain. Today, visitors can actually ride that same steam train, now part of the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. The ride offers sweeping mountain views and a taste of locomotive life. The town itself, with restored company houses and a classic company store, invites you to step into early 20th-century Appalachia. Plus, everything smells faintly like coal smoke and history—nostalgia never felt so alive.
6. Silverton, Colorado
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Silverton looks like a painting come to life. Once a booming silver mining town linked by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, it now welcomes adventurers with colorful wooden buildings and snow-capped views. You can still ride the original train through mountain passes, listening to the rhythmic chug and whistle echoing off cliffs. Downtown, time slows down with old-fashioned saloons and general stores. And as the train pulls in each day, you’re reminded that some places never stop feeling like the Wild West—just with better coffee.
7. Ely, Nevada
Ely is where railroads and ruggedness meet. Tucked away in eastern Nevada, it was once a hub for copper mining and home to the Nevada Northern Railway. Today, it’s a living museum on wheels. You can hop aboard a century-old steam locomotive and even sign up to drive one yourself. The rail yard remains nearly untouched—tools, tracks, and timeworn locomotives all left just as they were. Yet, the town has adapted, mixing its frontier spirit with charming small-town vibes. For those seeking authenticity, Ely doesn’t just show history—it lets you live it.
8. Chama, New Mexico
Chama’s roots run deep into the high desert soil, where the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad still steams through towering canyons and pine forests. This narrow-gauge train was once essential for moving goods across the Rockies, and now it offers one of the most scenic rides in the country. The town itself is tiny but proud, filled with Old West charm, friendly locals, and a pace that invites you to breathe deeper. Chama doesn’t just preserve history—it embraces it with open arms, offering visitors both wonder and welcome in equal measure.
9. Dunsmuir, California
If you’re chasing a town with railroad soul and mountain scenery, Dunsmuir delivers. This Northern California gem sits beneath Mount Shasta and was once a major refueling spot for steam engines. Trains still run through, and the town’s historic depot now serves as a museum. Dunsmuir’s downtown boasts old-timey storefronts, vintage lamp posts, and murals that celebrate its locomotive legacy. You can even sleep in a restored railcar at the local railroad resort. Besides, the nearby waterfalls and trout-filled rivers make it a place where history and nature live side by side.
10. Winslow, Arizona
Immortalized by the Eagles’ “Take It Easy,” Winslow was once a vital stop along the Santa Fe Railway. Today, it’s a quirky blend of nostalgia and revival. You’ll find train whistles echoing past classic Route 66 diners and gift shops. The restored La Posada Hotel, once a luxury stop for rail travelers, stands proudly as a working hotel and art gallery. Meanwhile, the town square invites visitors to “stand on the corner” and relive music history. While time moved on, Winslow held tight to its rhythm—and kept tapping its boots to the beat.
11. Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Often called the “Switzerland of America,” Jim Thorpe is a picturesque town with roots deep in railroad history. Once a coal-shipping hub along the Lehigh Valley Railroad, it now welcomes tourists with Victorian charm and mountain views. You can ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway through stunning valleys, especially dazzling in fall. Strolling its narrow streets, you’ll find colorful row houses, antique shops, and historic inns. Although trains no longer dominate the economy, their legacy breathes life into every rail spike and cobblestone.
12. Wallace, Idaho
Wallace may be tiny, but its spirit is anything but small. Once a booming mining town with a thriving rail system, Wallace embraced its wild roots and refused to be erased. Even when the interstate threatened to bulldoze it, locals fought to list the entire town on the National Register of Historic Places—and won. Today, Wallace feels like a living time capsule with vintage storefronts, a quirky bordello museum, and a rail depot that anchors the past. The surrounding mountains offer hikes connecting history to adventure.
