10 American places that take you back to the Old West

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10 American places that take you back to the Old West

Long before highways and airports brought the country together, the American Old West experience was defined by dusty railroads and wide-open landscapes that seemed to stretch forever. Much of that era has faded into legend, but some iconic places still preserve its spirit remarkably well. From frontier towns that reject modernity by embracing their roots, to cinematic landscapes that capture that timeless Western look, here are 10 American destinations that offer a glimpse into what the Old West once was.

Tombstone, Arizona

Image: Ruth Bourke

Few cities embrace their Wild West reputation as much as Tombstone, Arizona. The Town Too Tough to Die began its life as one of the richest mining camps in the Southwest, founded by prospector Ed Schieffelin in 1879. Tombstone grew rapidly, and within two years, it already had a bowling alley, four churches, and two banks. Today, it leans into tourism, with preserved boardwalks, saloons, and staged reenactments of famous gunfights that keep the frontier atmosphere alive.

Monument Valley, Utah-Arizona

Image: Nicolai Krämer

Along the Utah-Arizona border, within the Navajo Nation reservation, lies an iconic red-sand valley with towering rock formations. If you ever pictured the Old West in your mind, chances are you were thinking about Monument Valley. Classic Western films cemented Monument Valley as the visual shorthand for the American frontier, and the scenery is as stunning as it was back then.

Deadwood, South Dakota

Image: Jon Sailer

Once a lawless gold rush town notorious for its long list of bandits and gunslingers, and famous for its Old West legends such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, Deadwood still preserves the feel of a rough-and-tumble boomtown that stood the test of time. Its Western-era buildings, historic saloons, and hillside cemeteries are a sight to behold for any adventure-seeking tourist.

Dodge City, Kansas

Image: Lithistman, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Today, Dodge City embraces its heritage with museums, historic districts, and reenactments that keep its legendary reputation alive and kicking. Back in the 1800s, the town was synonymous with rough cowboys and perilous cattle drives. For the more historically inclined, the Boot Hill Museum is a must to catch a glimpse into Dodge City's past as a lawless "cow town."

Bodie, California

Image: Eniko Polgar

Take one step into Bodie, California, and you will feel as if time itself has stopped. Once a booming mining town in Mono County, Bodie now survives as a ghost town preserved in a state of "arrested decay" as a State Historic Site. Both professional and amateur photographers covet its eerie atmosphere, and it is a popular destination for those who seek to capture the uncanny nature of abandoned places.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado

Image: Floyd Cox

Active since 1881, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the few places in the United States that has seen continuous use of steam locomotives, with some rolling stock dating back to the 1880s. A living piece of history, the railroad originally transported gold and silver mined from the San Juan Mountains. Today, it serves as a tourist and heritage line that takes passengers through cinematic sceneries between Durango and Silverton.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Image: Wendy Shervington

Santa Fe, the capital city of New Mexico, was founded in 1620 as a Spanish colony. While the city predates the Old West era, its adobe buildings and role as a trading hub tie it closely to frontier history. The city's old trails and preserved Spanish colonial architecture serve as a reminder of the diversity that defined that time in American history, long before Hollywood cemented the way we imagine the Old West.

Virginia City, Nevada

Image: Tucker Riggins

Virginia City, southeast of Reno, Nevada, developed as a boomtown (rapidly growing settlements) thanks to the discovery of the nearby Comstock Lode, one of the first major silver deposits found in the United States. Today, its population is nowhere close to its peak in the 1870s, and the residents of Virginia City rely on tourism to drive the economy.

The famous writer Mark Twain lived and worked in Virginia City from 1862 to 1864. His 1872 book Roughing It includes several anecdotes about the city.

Fort Worth, Texas

Image: Yash Mannepalli

If you're ever in Fort Worth, Texas, then visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District is a must. The district's landmarks include the entrance sign, the Livestock Exchange Building, the Armour & Swift plaza, and the Cowtown Coliseum. If you can endure the numerous entertainment and shopping venues trying to capitalize on the "Cowtown" image of Fort Worth, you will find the Stockyards offer a unique blend of living tradition and urban history.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Image: Ben Emrick

In close proximity to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Jackson Hole is a scenic valley teeming with abundant wildlife and outdoor recreation. During the 17th century, the valley was prominently used for cattle grazing and the establishment of ranches.

In the Jackson Hole valley lies the town of Jackson. While today it serves as a gateway to the National Parks nearby, its wooden sidewalks, evocative architecture, and mountain landscape still hearken back to the isolation and self-reliance of the Old West.