Ghost Towns in Minnesota

Beyond the famous names lies a deeper map: Minnesota holds 66 documented ghost towns. The Midwest's ghost towns grew around lead and coal mining, river trade, and early railroads, then emptied as industry consolidated. Standouts include Elcor, Forestville, Old Crow Wing.

The heaviest concentrations sit in St. Louis County, Goodhue County, Fillmore County, where settlements rose — and fell — in quick succession. Among towns with verified conditions, you'll find 1 demolished, 1 preserved, 1 foundations only sites.

1 town is known to be publicly accessible — the rest require checking land ownership and access rules before you go. Use the status and access filters below to narrow the list, or search for a specific town by name.