Calico is an old West mining town that has been around since
1881 during the largest silver strike in California. With its 500 mines, Calico
produced over $20 million in silver ore over a 12-year span. When silver lost
its value in the mid-1890's, Calico lost its population. The miner's packed up,
loaded their mules and moved away abandoning the town that once gave them a good
living. It became a "ghost town."
Walter Knott purchased Calico in the 1950's architecturally restoring all but
the five original buildings to look as they did in the 1880's. Calico received
State Historical Landmark 782 and in 2005 was proclaimed by then Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger to be California's Silver Rush Ghost Town.
Today Calico is part of the San Bernardino County Regional Parks system visited
by people from around the country and all over the world. The park offers
visitors an opportunity to share in its rich history and enjoy the natural
beauty of the surrounding desert environment. Along with its history and
attractions, Calico Ghost Town has shops, restaurants and offers camping and
outdoor recreation not available at most of our other park facilities. www.calicotown.com
36600 Ghost Town Road
Yermo, CA 92398
I-15 at Ghost Town Road Exit
Open daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. except Christmas Day
Phone: 800-86-CALICO
Fax: (760) 254-2047
email: calicotown@parks.sbcounty.gov
Online Camping Reservations: www.sbcountyparks.com
Central Reservation 1-877-38-PARKS (1-877-387-2757)
ANNUAL EVENTS:
- February
~ Civil War Reenactment - President's Day Weekend
The North battles the South as cannons roar and bugles trumpet.
- May
~ Bluegrass In The Spring Festival - The finest acts in Bluegrass and
Country music, with games and activities for the entire
family.
- September ~ Calico Film Festival - Showcasing the finest in
Western films.
- October ~ Calico Days - Re-live Calico’s rich mining
history! Activities include a burro race, miner’s triathlon, music and more
- October ~ Ghost Haunt - Ghosts and goblins and plenty
of fun for two back-to-back weekends.
- November ~ Holiday Fest - Festive fun to begin the
holiday season! Entertaining activities, performances and tree lighting,
too!
- December ~ New Years at Calico - Entertainment and
activities to welcome in the New Year.
