We spent Sunday exploring the little tourist trap of Goldfield Ghost Town nestled at the foot of the Superstition Mountains. Goldfield is fairly small. There are only about 4-5 shops, all of which were quirky, 1 tiny museum, 1 sit down restaurant, but there are some pretty fun things to do if you're into cheesy activities. Which we are!

Goldfield Ghost Town is actually the site of a real ghost town. I was originally under the impression that it was built for the sole purpose of entertainment but in actuality Goldfield was created in 1892 by the rush that followed the discovery of gold in the vicinity. By late 1897 the gold mines had played out and the population moved out leaving a ghost town. After several years a small community called Youngsberg evolved on the site of the old ghost town. The town had its revival when mines were opened nearby and a mill and cyanide plant was installed. Unfortunately it was all short lived as the mines played out again and the town was deserted.

Superstition Mountains

Gold was founded in 1893 and the area very quickly turned into a bustling mining town called Goldfield.  At the height of its hey-day, it boasted of a population of 1,500. By 1898 though, the town became a ghost town as the finding of gold trickled down.  The town had a sort of rebirth in the early 1920's but only lasted about 5 years --until all of the gold was gone.  It reopened in the late 1980's --not for mining this time, but basically for what it is today.

In front of the train station.

Souvenir shop.

Making new friends...

A very small museum. We did discover a very interesting picture inside.

Best looking house in town... it turned out to be a bordello.  It was closed when we went but visitors can tour the inside for a fee.

Church that was holding service.

Getting fresh with the new friend...

What's in the outhouse?

Another new friend! We were on really good terms....

For $8/adult, we took the train ride tour and got a very good history lesson on the town.

An open mine.

Check out that wicked mustache riding the white horse.

View of the town from the train ride.

The Mystery Shack was our favorite feature! For $5/adult, visitors get taken into what is supposedly a vortex. Between the 6 of us though, we did figure out a few things about the.... mystery.

Not yet in the "vortex"... just being silly.

And down we go into the vortex.

Water defying gravity! Ooooh, ahhhh!

I definitely had a case of vertigo in this place! Good thing we didn't eat lunch before going in here!

"What the heck is going on?!"

Going up the ramp felt like you were going down, going down felt like you were going up.

This is... awkward...

Gravity defying broom!

Auditioning for Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal music video?

We were challenged to sit down on the chair with our hands on our knees and to stand up without using our hands for aid.  It took me 2 tries... The 1st time took me by surprise. It was surprisingly a challenge. I did better than the others who tried though.... thanks to Crossfit. :D

Standing over a bottomless mine.

Gangnam style. Or maybe it should be called Goldfield style.

We lunched at the only restaurant in the town, Mammoth Restaurant and Saloon:

Can you spot the saw hanging right over him?

Hanging boots adorning the ceiling of the restaurant.