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Ghost Towns to Photograph in the USA

1,000 ghost towns in 47 states, each with computed light, night-sky and weather data for planning. Pick a state, or start with the most documented locations below.

Top ghost towns

By state

Map

How to photograph ghost towns

Weathered wood and rusted metal show texture best in low-angle light; overcast skies suit interiors and moody black-and-white work.

Respect private property and closures: many ghost towns are on private land or protected historic sites — never enter unstable buildings.
For interiors with windows, blend two exposures (one for inside, one for the view) instead of relying on HDR alone.
Old buildings under the Milky Way make strong night images in dark rural skies.
Look for details: door hinges, faded signs, square nails and window frames tell the story.
Leave everything as you found it; removing artifacts from public land is illegal.

Season: High-elevation mining towns are reachable mostly from June to October; desert ghost towns are best in spring and autumn.

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