Randsburg - California Ghost Towns | California Travel Tips

California Travel Tips host Veronica Hill heads into the Mojave Desert to check out Randsburg Ghost Town.

Located in Kern County along scenic Highway 395, Randsburg is one of California's few "living" ghost towns, home to approximately 80 residents.

The Rand Mining District was established in 1895, when gold was discovered in the Rand mountains. It's estimated that Randsburg produced more than $60 million in gold during its boom. There also was plenty of tungsten ore and silver. One of the most productive gold mines was the Yellow Aster, which yielded $25 million between 1895 and 1933.

Be sure to check out the Randsburg Jail, located at the entrance to Randsburg, then head inside the Rand Desert Museum, where you'll find mining exhibits, memorabilia and artifacts from the Rand Mining District. Be sure to say hi to curator J. Bart Parker, and tell him we said hello!

Most of Randsburg's surviving Old West buildings are located along Butte Avenue. The Santa Barbara Catholic Church dates back to 1904, but the first church was built here in 1897. The Randsburg Post Office dates back to 1896. On holidays, local thespians don period costumes for plays and melodramas at the Randsburg Opera House.

The Randsburg General Store is the hub of action in Randsburg, especially during the fall when the weather cools off and ATV riders arrive. You have to order the Black Bart. It's a signature item here! Built in 1896 as the Jones Drug Store, this popular hangout is a huge draw for tourists who fuel up on burgers and sandwiches, washed down with a phosphate soda. The building still has its original tin ceilings, light fixtures and soda fountain dating back to 1904.

For a bit of wild west nostalgia, head into the White House Saloon, which hosted miners, cowboys, Indians and clampers during the boom years; or check out The Joint, a local watering hole that's been here since the 1950s.

If you want to stay the night, Goat's Sky Ranch is a B&B with miner's cabin rentals, or you can check into the Randsburg Inn , which sits on the former site of the Orpheum Theater, My Place Dance Hall and Commercial Hotel.

One thing to consider — Randsburg literally becomes a ghost town during the week. The best time to visit is on the weekend, when most businesses are operating.

Thanks for joining us in Randsburg. I'll see you next time!

SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj
LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips