Bodie, California was designated as a National Historic Site and a State Historic Park in
1962. The remains of Bodie are being preserved in a state of "arrested decay". Interiors remain as they were left
- stocked with goods. In 1880 the town had nearly 8000 residents.
There's a story about a little girl whose family moved from San Francisco to
Bodie. Depending on who tells you, or where you read it, she wrote either:
"Good, by God, I'm going to Bodie" or "Goodbye God, I'm going to
Bodie". Today this once thriving mining camp is visited by tourists, howling winds and an occasional
ghost.
Bodie is a ghost town. Today it looks
much the same as it did over 50 years ago when the last residents left. A self
guiding brochure describing a brief history of each building is available at the
park or by mail. A museum is open from Memorial Day weekend through the end of
September, 10 am to 5 pm.
HOURS: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend: 9 am
to 7 pm. The remainder of the year the park is open from 9 am to 4 pm or as
posted. Hours may vary due to weather or season and are posted at all
entrances. CLOSURE HOURS ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED FOR THE PROTECTION OF
STRUCTURES AND ARTIFACTS.
ENTRANCE FEES: $2 per adult, $1 children ages 6 &
under (subject to change). Dogs are welcome to accompany park visitors into the park, but MUST
BE ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES.
FACILITIES: To preserve the ghost town atmosphere, there are
no commercial facilities at Bodie. Restrooms are located at the parking lot.
Primitive pit toilets are available in the town site and in the picnic area.
SOUVENIRS AND COLLECTING: Everything in Bodie is part of the
historic scene and is fully protected. NOTHING may be collected or removed from
the park. Metal detectors are not allowed. (In fact, rumor has it that a curse
is put upon those who take items from the town).
CLOSED AREAS: For public protection, certain unstable
sections of the park are posted as prohibited areas, and are closed to entry by
park visitors.
HOW TO GET THERE: From U.S. 395 seven miles south of
Bridgeport, take State Route 270. Go east 10 miles to the end of the pavement
and continue 3 miles on an unsurfaced road to Bodie. The last 3 miles can at
times be rough. Reduced speeds are necessary. You are encouraged to call the
park if there are any questions on road conditions. Phone: (760) 647-6445
CAMPING: There is no camping at Bodie. U.S. Forest Service
campgrounds are located near Bridgeport and Lee Vining. For information call:
Bridgeport Ranger Station at (760) 932-7070 or Lee Vining Ranger Station at
(760) 647-6525.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BODIE CONTACT: Bodie State
Historic Park, P.O. Box 515, Bridgeport, CA 93517 or California Department of
Parks and Recreation, Sierra District, P.O. Drawer D, Tahoma, CA 96142.
Bodie is now listed as one of the worlds 100 most endangered
sites by the World Monuments Watch. Read more about this listing at World
Monuments Watch
DIRECTIONS
to Bodie, California

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