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since 1995
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An international group with members in AZ, CA, CO, FL, IN, NM, OK, OR, SC, United Kingdom and Canada
Dedicated to the lives and times of the men and women of the Old West, and to the spirit of the era, 1860 through 1890
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Bodie Ghost Town, CA
"My family and I just happened to be visiting Bodie (for our first time) on August 18th -- we had no idea that your group was going to be at the park that day. The period dress and reenactment made for a stellar visit -- our seven year-old son was especially thrilled when your members took the time to speak to him both in- and out-of-character. You have an outstanding organization!"
~ B.Q. Gold River, CA ©2003
Bodie Ghost Town
California
"Good-bye God, I'm going to Bodie."
Road Trip: August 18, 2003
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.
Park Information
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: $ per adult, $ children ages 6 & under. 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
