Ghost towns aren’t exactly few and far between here in Arizona, but not all of them are as notoriously haunted as Vulture City. This former mining town near Wickenburg is crawling with so many ghosts, it has its own paranormal investigation team! You can join them in an overnight ghost hunt lockdown on October 9 — if you’re brave enough, that is.

Nestled deep within the remote Sonoran Desert, Vulture City was built in 1863 around Arizona’s most fruitful gold mine.

Facebook/Vulture Mine Ghost Town The town boasted a population of nearly 5,000 during its heyday, a number that steadily dwindled after the War Production Board forced the mine to shutter circa 1942. Almost as quickly as it boomed, Vulture City became a ghost town.

Rather than let what remained of the town turn to dust, restoration efforts were undertaken beginning several years ago. This photo is dated, but as of today, 12 historic buildings have been successfully reimagined.

Flickr/John Menard Despite being comprised of new material, the structures have retained every ounce of their original intention. History buffs, rejoice, as you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better-preserved example of the American Southwest mining culture.

Vulture City is open seven days per week for self-guided tours. A 0.5-mile path winds through the town, showcasing the cookhouse, post office, infamous hanging tree, and several other buildings.

Flickr/Midnight Believer You can visit anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. beginning in October, and 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. during the summer months. Two-hour guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. from late October through mid-May.

As with any mining town, Vulture City saw its fair share of death. Sure, much of it was due to tragic accidents, but as many as 18 men were supposedly hung for stealing rich gold ore, among other crimes.

Flickr/Midnight Believer Given such a gruesome history, it only makes sense that Vulture City would be haunted. In fact, the ghost town is crawling with so many spirits, it’s been featured on the Travel Channel’s Haunted Case Files.

Overnight ghost hunt lockdowns are held on a regular basis, the next one taking place on October 9.

Facebook/Vulture City Ghost Town You’ll use state-of-the-art ghost hunting equipment and make contact with entities from beyond the grave as trained paranormal investigators stand by to assist. The lockdown is from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, with dinner and breakfast provided.

The property sits on a sprawling 15 acres, which leaves plenty of room for things that go bump in the night.

Flickr/Midnight Believer Is that rusty, overgrown swingset just creaking in the wind? Or is someone… or something… pushing it? If you’re brave enough, tickets for the ghost hunt are $125 per person. Each group gets their own campsite, but you’ll need to bring a tent, sleeping bags, and flashlights. RV space is limited.

Ghost hunts that only last a few hours are held throughout the year. Upcoming dates are November 13 and November 20.

Facebook/Vulture City Ghost Town You can even book Vulture City for private events such as weddings, photoshoots, or even your very own overnight ghost hunt. How epic does that sound? Click here to learn more.

Tickets must be purchased online or with exact cash onsite. Visit the Vulture City website or Facebook page to learn more.

Facebook/Vulture Mine Ghost Town

The town boasted a population of nearly 5,000 during its heyday, a number that steadily dwindled after the War Production Board forced the mine to shutter circa 1942. Almost as quickly as it boomed, Vulture City became a ghost town.

Flickr/John Menard

Despite being comprised of new material, the structures have retained every ounce of their original intention. History buffs, rejoice, as you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better-preserved example of the American Southwest mining culture.

Flickr/Midnight Believer

You can visit anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. beginning in October, and 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. during the summer months. Two-hour guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. from late October through mid-May.

Flickr/Midnight Believer

Given such a gruesome history, it only makes sense that Vulture City would be haunted. In fact, the ghost town is crawling with so many spirits, it’s been featured on the Travel Channel’s Haunted Case Files.

Facebook/Vulture City Ghost Town

You’ll use state-of-the-art ghost hunting equipment and make contact with entities from beyond the grave as trained paranormal investigators stand by to assist. The lockdown is from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, with dinner and breakfast provided.

Is that rusty, overgrown swingset just creaking in the wind? Or is someone… or something… pushing it? If you’re brave enough, tickets for the ghost hunt are $125 per person. Each group gets their own campsite, but you’ll need to bring a tent, sleeping bags, and flashlights. RV space is limited.

You can even book Vulture City for private events such as weddings, photoshoots, or even your very own overnight ghost hunt. How epic does that sound? Click here to learn more.

Have you ever done an overnight ghost hunt at Vulture Mine? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Let us know, and check out our previous article for more Arizona ghost towns you wouldn’t want to be caught alone in.

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Address: Vulture City Ghost Town, 36610 355th Ave, Wickenburg, AZ 85390, USA