Alright, this is part 5 and it’s time to take a road trip to Oklahoma’s ghost towns! These places are abandoned, eerie, and perfect for exploring Oklahoma’s forgotten history. Here’s where you can find them if you’re ready to step into the past. Pack up some blunts, your camera, and your sense of adventure—these ghost towns have stories to tell.
Once a booming mining town, Picher was abandoned due to toxic waste left from lead and zinc mining. The environmental hazard led to the town’s complete evacuation in the early 2000s. Picher is located in Ottawa County near the Kansas border, along Highway 69. While much of the area is closed for safety, some of the abandoned structures, including remnants of schools and homes, are still visible from the road.
Known for the Doolin-Dalton gang shootout in 1893, Ingalls is a ghost town near Stillwater. The townsite and its replica buildings are located just off US-64. There’s a memorial for the shootout victims, and visitors can explore replica structures of the original saloon and jail, making it a fascinating stop for Wild West history buffs.
Boggy Depot was once a bustling trade stop and later became a small ghost town. Now preserved as Boggy Depot Park in Atoka County, you’ll find remnants like a small cemetery and some foundation ruins. The park is located at 47314 OK-7, Tushka, OK. It’s peaceful, with beautiful scenery and a slightly eerie feel, perfect for an afternoon of exploring.
Foss sits near Route 66 in Washita County and was once a busy stopover town for travelers. Today, you can explore remnants of buildings, like an old gas station and church. Foss is just off I-40, near Clinton, OK, and offers an easy glimpse into a quiet, forgotten town along the Mother Road.
Deep in Choctaw County near Fort Towson, Doaksville was once a major trading center and the capital of the Choctaw Nation. The ghost town can be found within the Fort Towson Historic Site, near Fort Towson, OK, on the eastern side of the state. It’s an archaeological site now, with trails leading through building foundations and a cemetery with headstones from the 1800s.
Located at the edge of Oklahoma, right on the Texas border, Texola is another Route 66 ghost town. This town has classic Western vibes with iconic spots like the old Magnolia gas station. Texola is on Route 66 near Erick, OK, and is perfect for capturing photos of abandoned buildings, rusty signs, and that unmistakable feel of Route 66 history.
Each of these ghost towns offers a unique glimpse into Oklahoma’s past. With real locations to visit, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time. So grab your gear, roll a blunt, and head out to explore the eerie, quiet places that history left behind. Stay tuned for part 6—our journey through Oklahoma’s haunted and mysterious spots continues!