ghost towns kentucky

13 Ghost Towns In Kentucky [MAP]

If you’re searching for ghost towns in Kentucky, we’ve got you covered! Below are 12 different ghost towns you can explore across the great state of Kentucky along with their status and exact GPS coordinates.

We rate ghost towns in Kentucky based on their status. Here’s how our system works:

• Abandoned: Is abandoned with ruins and structures in a decayed state. Great for urban explorers .
• Historic: Preservation efforts have been made and sometimes plaques installed. Great for everyone .
• Barren: Almost nothing remains of the town. Ideal for metal detectorists.
• Commercial: Is commercially owned with amenities, restaurants, and stores. Great for families .
• Semi-Abandoned : Abandoned areas with a small population in the area.
• Privately Owned: Tours might be available but not open to the general public.

1. Barthell

2. blue heron, 3. paradise, 5. bells mine, 6. golden pond, 7. scuffletown, 9. blandville, 10. calloway town, 11. creelsboro, 12. birmingham, the anarchist’s guide to exploration.

If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of urban exploration, this book is for you. Learn how to uncover more abandoned places and the techniques used to capture their beauty.

36.6836, -84.52842 Status: Historic

In 1902, a coal mining company established an area near Barthell, which became one of 18 mining camps. By the 1930s, the town had grown into a thriving company town where 100,000 tons of coal were extracted each month. By the 1950s, the mining industry had peaked, and the town’s prosperity waned.

The town was once home to hundreds of coal miners, and the area’s main street was a bustling trade center. However, as coal prices fell and the town’s economy sank, coal mining became a problem and the town was abandoned

What’s Left?

The coal camp sits on the Cumberland Plateau and features a moonshine still, reconstructed bathhouse, and displays of vintage automobiles.

36.66897, -84.54765 Status: Abandoned

The Blue Heron mining town was once a bustling center of the coal and lumber industry in Kentucky. The Stearns Coal and Lumber Company closed the town in 1962, and the structures were either razed or allowed to decay. But in the 1980s, the abandoned town was brought back to life as an outdoor museum.

The abandoned community is a great day trip, and you can tour the mine by taking the Big South Fork Ghost Train. You can also take a tour of the abandoned buildings, which includes audio tours. This is one of the ghost towns in Kentucky that is a must-see. It is a fascinating place to visit, and it will give you a true sense of what life was like in this part of the country.

37.26687, -86.98484 Status: Barren

The town of Paradise is located in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, about 10 miles east of Greenville. Originally known as Stom’s Landing, it was settled in the early nineteenth century. The town received its name from Leonard Stom, who owned a ferry. 

The town’s post office opened on March 1, 1852, and operated until 1967. The town was frequently flooded by the Green River, which ultimately led to its demise.

Today almost nothing remains of the town. Currently, the TVA operates a natural gas plant in the shadow of it’s old coal plant on the property.

37.26327, -86.2575 Status: Abandoned

Kyrock was a company town built in 1918 by the Kentucky Rock Asphalt Company, hence ‘Kyrock’ was born. For the next 40 years the company and town would thrive, exporting hundreds of tons of asphalt for construction projects throughout the region. Kyrock asphalt even reached as far as Havana Cuba to pave their local streets.

Ultimately, higher costs to pave and a decrease in demand shuttered the town. The company was shut down in 1957 which led to the rapid decline of Kyrock.

Today, all that’s left is several old foundations, the original water tower, and an old wining bridge over Pigeon Creek. While Kyrock isn’t one of the most exciting ghost towns in Kentucky, it’s still a cool place to check out if you’re nearby.

37.5093, -88.02318 Status: Barren

The Bells Mine Ghost Town in New Kentucky is a quaint, historic community located in Crittenden County, Kentucky. 

The town was first settled in the early 1800s by settlers from Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as English and German miners. In 1796, John Bells established the Bells coal company to exploit the local coal deposits. During the 1860s, a number of miners died in the area, and the town’s population dropped to a mere few hundred.

Today nothing is left of Bells Mine, other than the memories and stories passed down from former residents. Its unknown if the mine is still accessible.

36.7856, -88.02419 Status: Barren

The Tennessee Valley Authority evacuated the residents in the late 1960s after two fires devastated the town. From that point, the town never really recovered. Recently, a memorial was unveiled depicting the abandoned community. The ghost town remains a symbol of the history of western Kentucky.

Travelers can pull off of Route 68 to see the memorial sign of Golden Pond. Other than that, nothing remains.

37.91957, -87.37326 Status: Barren

In 1895, the Rand McNally Corporation published an atlas stating the town had a population of 71. The community also had a post office and school.

However, the area was badly damaged by the 1913 flood, and the post office closed permanently in January 1914. The town has remained almost entirely deserted ever since. Native Americans also inhabited the area before white settlers moved in.

Today, the area around Scuffletown is known as Scuffletown Bottoms. Its a flat patch of land right on the edge of the Ohio River.

36.66445, -84.05548 Status: Barren

The ghost town of Packard, Kentucky, was once a prosperous mining community in the late 1800s. During the 1930s, a manmade lake flooded the area and forced the residents to relocate.

The ghost town was named after a local school teacher named Amelia Packard. It once had a post office and railway station on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. If you’re interested in more about the history of Packard, check out novanumismatics write-up on the town.

 Today, it is completely deserted and remains one of the most isolated ghost towns in Kentucky.

36.94366, -88.96395 Status: Semi-Abandoned

The history of Blandville goes back to the 1840s, when the town was incorporated. It was chosen to serve as the county seat for several decades, although some residents felt dissatisfied with the location. Blandville is on the Mississippi River, which is the most important shipping artery in the United States, and many residents wanted the county seat to be in Fort Jefferson, a fort built in the 1780s to protect the western border of the country.

Today, Blandville has a population of 69, nice. Explorers can visit some of the historic buildings and find a few abandoned homes in the area. While this town is still inhabited, it very well could be a ghost town in the coming years.

36.78341, -83.56324 Status: Underwater

Calloway was established in 1837 by Isham Charles Wells and a small group of surveyors. Located right on the Tennesee River the town had fertile land, but suffered from flooding during heavy rain. The town dwindled during the 1850s and was ultimately deserted by 1870. In 1930 the land was flooded by the TVA Kentucky Lake Project, destroying any trace of the town.

Today any remnants of the original Calloway Town are either underwater or completely gone.

36.88506, -85.19745 Status: Semi-Abandoned

Its small, rural community was founded in the early 1800s and became the center of life for the communities in and around the nearby Cumberland River bottoms. In the early 1900s, the arrival of steamboats made the town even more popular. With this newfound popularity, the town began to grow in size and thrive.

However the construction of modern highways in the 1930s shifted the public to automobiles, and the steamboats along with Creelsboro were largely forgotten.

Today the town still has a small store, a church, and a handful of residents who live in the area to keep their town just barely alive.

36.90541, -88.21942 Status: Underwater

Settled in 1849, Birmingham prospered after the Civil War by providing timer and stave mill services across the region. Over 200 people worked in Birmingham and by 1894 the town boasted five churches, two hotels, two blacksmith shops, and four general stores.

Sadly, when the TVA announced the construction of the Kentucky Dam in 1938, Birmingham was told their residents had to move. The town was flooded in 1942 leaving no trace of this historic community. Birmingham is one of many ghost towns in Kentucky that now rest underwater.

Any trace of Birmingham is now sunken underwater. However, when water levels are low, old foundations can still be seen from Birmingham Point.

Go out and explore!

That concludes our list of ghost towns in Kentucky, but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to find. Take the back roads, follow train tracks, and find some places for yourself. There are plenty of places I kept off this list so get out there and explore.

If you’re having trouble finding ghost towns be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Finding Abandoned Places , or explore other ghost towns across the country .

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What You'll Discover In These 11 Deserted Kentucky Towns Is Truly Grim

Jenn Shockley

I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky. I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.

More by this Author

Since we gained statehood, quite a few places have blinked in and out of existence. Thriving communities seemingly disappeared, in some cases, almost overnight, and we’ve covered a few of ghost towns previously. There were no truly exceptional circumstances surrounding these deserted towns in Kentucky. The people weren’t abducted, and no mass disappearances that remain a mystery are known. For the most part, the vanishing or destruction of these communities was due to corporate buy-outs, the demise of an industry (primarily coal), or the creation of a lake.

Here are 11 deserted towns in Kentucky that were once thriving communities:

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The history of these deserted towns in Kentucky is quite grim when you think about it. Many originally flourished, only to be left decaying in dust, or soaking up gallons of water. My heart goes out to those individuals that lost their homes and land against their wishes. The history of these vacant spots can be fascinating and disturbing. What deserted towns do you know of that weren’t mentioned in these articles?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

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What is the story of Barthell?

What makes barthell special.

• Points of interest in the coal camp include a moonshine still , a reconstructed bathhouse , and a display of antique cars and trucks from the 1930s . 
• Private tours, offered from May to October , will take you hundreds of feet into the abandoned mine. 
• You can also tour the ghost reconstruction of the Blue Heron complex (Mine 18). 
• Listen to interviews with former residents created by the Barthell Coal Company Oral History Project .

How to visit Barthell

• Turn right onto Kentucky 741
• Turn right again onto Kentucky 742 at First Hickory Grove United Baptist Church
• Continue along 742 until you reach Blue Heron Road , which will take you to Barthell

Pro Tip : Call ahead to check the prices for lodging and tours at the coal camp. 

What is the story of Scuffletown?

What makes scuffletown special.

• You can listen to oral history recordings with former Scuffletown residents at the Henderson County Public Library. 
• In 2001, the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed creating a nature preserve in the Scuffletown Bottoms , as the surrounding area on the banks of the Ohio is known. 
• Famous ornithologist John James Audubon once lived near Scuffletown. You can visit John James Audubon State Park nearby in Henderson County. 

How to visit Scuffletown

Pro Tip: Floods destroyed Scuffletown in the early 20th century, so it’s a good idea to check the forecast if you’re planning to head out to Scuffletown Bottoms. 

What is the story of Lawton?

What makes lawton special.

• Local rumors claim that a strange, pale man sometimes chases explorers out of the mines. 
• The mine dug by the Tygart Limestone Company in the 1920s included an underground lake in addition to millions of square feet of tunnels. 
• In 2004, the bodies of a married couple were discovered inside the mushroom mine. Gary and Cheryl Young’s son was later charged with their murders . 
• Two years later, in 2006, a California tech storage company called Global Data Corporation tried to start the “Stone Mountain Ultra-Secure Data Complex” inside the mushroom mines—but charges of fraud and embezzlement doomed the project. 

How to visit Lawton

Pro Tip: Be cautious while exploring the mines. Although they’re structurally safe, they’re also a site for drug deals and other extralegal activities. 

What is the story of Rocky Hill?

What makes rocky hill special.

• Locals say a woman’s ghost haunts the water under a bridge just off Rocky Hill Road. If you stop there and put your car in neutral , she might push you off the bridge! 
• Every year, the town of Rocky Hill holds a “Rocky Hill Days” festival to try to keep the town’s memory alive. 

How to visit Rocky Hill

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America's 15 coolest ghost towns to visit.

From Kentucky to California, the U.S. is filled with eerie abandoned cities.

(Courtesy of Travel South Dakota)

Take a step back in time while visiting these historic – and slightly spooky – ghost towns.

(Courtesy of Scott Peterson)

St. Elmo, Colorado

(Courtesy of Visit Montana)

Nevada City, Montana

Spokane, South Dakota

(Sydney Martinez/Courtesy of Travel Nevada)

Goodsprings, Nevada

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Goldfield, Arizona

Blue Heron, Kentucky

South Pass City, Wyoming

Independence, Colorado

Calico, California

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Frisco, Utah

White Oaks, New Mexico

(Courtesy of Aspen Historical Society)

Ashcroft, Colorado

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Ruby, Arizona

Bodie, California

Grafton, Utah

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Spooky Traveler

Sharing the haunted history of scary sites around the world

18 Most Haunted Places in Kentucky

spookytraveler · January 25, 2022

Kentucky is known for its bourbon and bluegrass, but it is also the burial ground for many lost souls. 

In Kentucky, hospitals once housed tuberculosis patients, victims from the confederate war died defending their side, and strange disappearances occurred on wealthy estates. 

You do not have to travel far to find haunted places in Kentucky. Ghost hunters and paranormal experts throughout the state find haunted Kentucky hotels, bourbon distilleries, and cemeteries. Here are the top 18 most haunted places in Kentucky that will raise the hair on your neck. 

1. Liberty Hall, Frankfort, Kentucky

2. sleepy hollow road, prospect, kentucky , 3. kentucky state penitentiary, eddyville, kentucky , 4. bobby mackey’s music world, wilder, kentucky , 5. camp taylor, louisville, kentucky , 6. mammoth cave national park​​ , 7. talbott tavern, bardstown, kentucky , 8. nada tunnel, powell county, kentucky, 9. hayswood hospital, maysville, kentucky , 10. waverly hills sanatorium, louisville, kentucky , 11. seelbach hotel, louisville, kentucky , 12. soule’s chapel & cemetery, somerset, kentucky , 13. red dog road, harlan, kentucky , 14. maple hill manor, springfield, kentucky , 15. sauerkraut cave, louisville, kentucky , 16. kasey cemetery, elizabethtown, kentucky , 17. buffalo trace distillery, frankfort, kentucky, 18. wickland mansion, bardstown, kentucky , related posts to haunted places in ky.

Address: 202-218 Wilkinson St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

Liberty Hall consists of two historic homes built in 1796 by Senator John Brown. This red brick building looks eerie at first glance, with tall shuttered windows and large trees casting shadows over the four-acre lot. 

Once, Senator John Brown and his wife hosted many prominent members of society, including political figures, opera singers, and army generals. Now, it is a museum that is haunted by several spirits. 

The Gray Lady Ghost is said to be the spirit of Margaretta Varick, the aunt of John Brown’s wife. Margaretta Varick died on the property three days after arriving in 1817, most likely due to a heart attack. 

Several generations after her death, the great-granddaughter of John Brown and Margaretta Brown began to see an apparition of a lady in a gray gown in her bedroom for nights on end. Her heart racing, she screamed to her brother, who then ran into the room. But the apparition was gone, only to appear again the next night. 

Liberty Hall suffered damage from a fire in 1965. Frances Coleman took photos of the residence the same year, and after developing the film, one of the photos revealed a blurry form that raised the hair on his neck. There, in the image, was what appeared to be a figure wearing a long grey gown.  

Reports of the Gray Lady being seen from the Palladian window and roaming the house have been made as recently as 2018. 

Another ghost found at Liberty Hall has a mysterious story. In 1805, a Spanish opera singer was one of the guests attending a party at the residence. She was seen walking amidst the gardens, headed towards the river, and then was never seen again. 

There have been reports of a dark-haired woman running through the gardens with a look of terror frozen to her face, shrieking but silent. 

Address: Route 1694, Prospect, Kentucky 

On the border of Jefferson and Oldham counties lies Sleepy Hollow Road. It is a stretch of road engulfed in trees that holds ominous lore, especially for those who travel it by night. Sleepy Hollow Road has two harrowing tales of strange and unexplainable activities. 

Some, who dare to travel this road in the dark, report a hearse appearing out of nowhere. Reports even mention this hears attempting to run the driver off the road. 

Approach the small wooden bridge that overlooks Harrods Creek, and chills may crawl up your spine. Nicknamed the crybaby bridge, locals tell stories of how women would toss sickly or unwanted babies from the bridge. Passerbys nowadays have reported hearing the cries of babies as well as the wails of their mourning mothers at this spot. 

Address: 266 Water St, Eddyville, KY 42038, United States

The Kentucky State Penitentiary, also called the Castle on Cumberland, was built in 1886. This facility was constructed to house death row inmates and remains functional today. This prison facility is the home of the first electric chair, Old Sparky. 

The land on which this penitentiary stands today was once a town that was flooded to create electrical dams. Inmates working under grueling conditions that resulted in many lost lives in limbs constructed the prison. 

Steve Asher, worked for the Kentucky State Penitentiary for seven years and openly talks about many of the strange occurrences he witnessed during his time there. From seeing inmates wearing old-school uniforms to hearing disembodied voices, Steve Asher has compiled his supernatural encounters in his book Hauntings of the Kentucky State Penitentiary. 

Address: 44 Licking Pike, Wilder, KY 41071, United States

The ghost stories and lore surrounding Bobby Mackey’s Music World originate from it being a slaughterhouse in the 1850s. After killing the animals, the waste was tossed into a well. 

When the slaughterhouse closed in the late 1800s, this site hosted secret satanic rituals where blood sacrifices were made. 

In 1896, there was a murder near the site where a young girl, Pearl Bryan, was beheaded. Her body and the murderers were found, but her head never was. One of the two murderers vowed to haunt the site as he awaited the death penalty for his crime. 

A series of murders and fatal shootings have taken place in the building that became a casino and then a nightclub. Today it remains a nightclub, but some believe that its basement contains a portal to Hell. 

Many staff, clients, and even Bobby Mackey’s wife have reported various odd happenings. From seeing the headless ghost of Pearl and returning to all of the lights turned on to the unplugged jukebox playing a song not listed.

If you’re in the area you can book a tour directly with the Bobb y Mackey team here!

Address: Neighborhood in Louisville 

Camp Taylor is an entire neighborhood where hauntings and ghost sightings happen regularly. It was once farmland that became a World War I military base. The training camp suffered an influenza outbreak within its first year. Hundreds of deaths occurred each day, and soldiers had to stack bodies in piles.

After the war, it became a residential neighborhood where strange ghostly sightings occurred. People report seeing soldiers marching in military formation and hearing the sounds of cannons. 

You might also catch a glimpse of a victorian-era woman wandering about at night. Some say she lingers looking for her lover who died of influenza. She had died from influenza days before. Book a tour through the ghostly sites of Old Louisville today . 

Address: Green River Ferry Road, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, 42259

Mammoth Cave is part of a native burial ground, so it is no surprise that strange shadows lurk here. Before it became a National Park in 1941, a doctor used the cave to treat Tuberculosis patients.

A group of patients moved into a hut built inside the cave, hoping that the cool cave temperatures could cure the disease. Two patients died and were placed onto rock slabs, now called the corpse rock.

Meanwhile, the other patients got worse. There have been reports of hearing coughing near the corpse rock, the feeling of being touched, cold spots, and voices of men and women speaking. 

Address: 107 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States

The Old Talbott Tavern is a small five-room hotel and tavern built in 1779 that is one of the most haunted places in Kentucky worth visiting. It is one of the oldest buildings in Bardstown and full of stories of rugged bar fights.

The outlaw Jesse James is reported to have stayed here, even putting a few bullet holes in the walls. His ghost is said to remain here. 

Visitors have reported being shaken awake by housekeepers who disappear, strange sounds, furniture moving. The most hair-raising is a video of a shadow figure crawling down the hallway. 

Do you dare to spend the night?  Book a room here !

Address: Kentucky Route 77

The Nada Tunnel is a 900-foot long one-lane tunnel on Route 77 that is one of the haunted places in Kentucky. Green lights have been reported floating inside the unlit tunnel. Cars can only go through one at a time, with their headlights on!

The surrounding scenery is lush and green, but the tunnel is made of limestone…a top conductor for spirits to enter the living world.

Inside the limestone tunnel lies darkness and stories of a climber falling to his death. Another tale tells of a worker dying from an accidental dynamite explosion. It is said that both of their spirits still haunt this stretch. 

Address: 2-98 W 4th St, Maysville, KY 41056, United States

The abandoned Hayswood Hospital is one of the most haunted places in Kentucky for paranormal explorers to visit. Since the 1800s, this plot of land has been the grounds for various hospitals and an all-girls school. 

People have reported hearing crying babies from inside, seeing faces in windows, and seeing shadow figures walking through the hallways of this now seemingly empty hospital. 

Address: 4400 Paralee Dr, Louisville, KY 40272, United States

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium opened in 1909 to treat patients with Tuberculosis. Before discovering the cure, over 8,000 patients died on the grounds. 

Visiting Louisville? Book this walking ghost tour for all the best sites.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium is one of the most haunted places in Kentucky. The building hosts paranormal tours and overnight stays where many have reported high EMF levels, food smells coming from the empty kitchen, loud banging, orbs, and cold spots. 

Your heart will quicken as you look into reflections because people have been known to see faces in them. Some of the spirits here have been reported to be unfriendly, even pushing curious explorers. 

Address: 500 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States

The Seelbach Hotel is one of many haunted hotels in Kentucky. The hotel is haunted by a female ghost named the Lady in Blue. The hotel staff believes the ghost to be Patricia Wilson, a 24-year-old woman who was waiting at the hotel bar for her husband to join her. 

As Patricia Wilson sipped her drink, she received word that her husband had died. The next day, staff found her body at the bottom of the hotel elevator shaft. Some 50 years later, a chef and a housekeeper saw a female wearing a blue chiffon dress walking through the hotel. When they tried to approach her, she disappeared. 

Guests now report smelling lilac perfume or feeling a presence nearby when inside the elevator. Do you have the guys to stay the night? Book here.

Address: Somerset, KY 42501, United States

Soule’s Chapel was once a prominent church for the local community. The civil war divided the congregation, leading to the building of Bradley’s Chapel nearby. Half the congregation moved to this church.  

Once the war was over, the remaining Soule’s Chapel churchgoers moved to Bradley’s Chapel. 

The abandoned Soule’s Chapel then fell into disrepair. Locals believe that it became a place for satanic rituals. Some believe murders took place here as well as gruesome acts that have caused this land to become one of the most haunted places in Kentucky. 

Address: Red Dog Road, Kentucky 40831, USA

Investigators went to Red Dog Road to exhume the body of Mountain Jane Doe, murdered in 1969. Imagine their surprise when, instead, they dug up the body of another murder victim. 

Red Dog Road has since been a place that brings panic to visitors. People have reported seeing shadowy figures, strange lights, and the sounds of someone walking nearby. 

Address: 2941 Perryville Rd, Springfield, KY 40069, United States

The Maple Hill Manor is an estate built on 15 acres of land. It was a Greek revival plantation built from hand-cut wood by slaves in 1851. 

Four of the owners’ children died on the premises throughout the houses’ history. One of the sons fell to his death from the stairwell and is said to still haunt the manor today. 

The family cemetery is on the land and the resting place of many soldiers who died nearby after the civil war. 

Footsteps can be heard throughout the house when no one else is near. Some have reported smelling perfume and feeling cold spots. 

You can book a room to stay here on their website !

Address: 3000 Freys Hill Rd, Louisville KY 40241

Located in the E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park, Sauerkraut Cave is one of the haunted places in Kentucky you need to visit. It is the only remaining remnant of the old Lakeland Asylum where horrific early experimentations on the mentally ill took place. 

Sauerkraut Cave was used as a storage unit for goods, including sauerkraut. Patients from the Lakeland Asylum were known to attempt to escape the facility via the underground network of caves that eventually exited through Sauerkraut Cave. Many never made it out.

Today it is a state park, the Lakeland Asylum has been demolished, but its dark history still haunts the area. 

Address: Old Hardinsburg Rd Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Also known as the Grandview Cemetery or the Gates of Hell, the Kasey Cemetery is one of the most haunted places in Kentucky. This 300-year-old family graveyard goes through dark forest pathways. Many of the graves have been vandalized and it is suspected that occult activity and sacrifices have taken place on the land. 

Visitors have reported sudden nosebleeds, cars not starting, hearing voices and footsteps, and orbs appearing in photos. There is no cell phone service here, so it makes the experience that much more bone-chilling. 

Address: 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

The Buffalo Trace Distillery has been producing bourbon for over 250 years. But it also is frequented by ghosts.

The staff has reported hearing footsteps and voices when no one is around, seeing lights on that had been turned off, and even seeing an apparition walking amongst the barrels. 

Address: 550 Bloomfield Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States

The Wickland Mansion is a historic home that once housed three Kentucky governors, giving it the second name, the Home of the Three Governors. The staff has reported various ghostly phenomena like doors opening, hearing music, and feeling a presence. 

Various paranormal teams have entered the mansion and encountered the three main spirits of former employees. A former cook, groundskeeper, and carpenter reside in the house and communicate with the living in various ways.

I hope you liked my post on the most haunted places in Kentucky. Check out these other top haunted places:

• Haunted Places in Ohio
• Haunted Places in Wisconsin
• Haunted Places in Illinois

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Kentucky’s creepy ghost towns

While “ghost town” often conjures images of out West, Kentucky has several eerie ghost towns of its own:

• Barthell – a once booming coal mining town launched in 1902, but was abandoned by 1961 after fires devastated the community.

• Bells Mine – this 18th century settlement became partially deserted after a huge Civil War battle; its graveyard is the only thing that remains today.

• Golden Pond – a 19th century town known for moonshiners during prohibition, it was abandoned in 1969.

• Creelsboro – several buildings and a rock house are all that remains of this once thriving 19th century trade center along the Cumberland River.

– Margaret Willard, The 100 Companies

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Ghost Towns

13+ Ghost Towns In Kentucky – Abandoned Places To Explore

September 5, 2023

Step into a forgotten world, where echoes of the past linger in the air and abandoned buildings stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era.

Kentucky, known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes, is home to a number of ghost towns just waiting to be explored. From the rise and fall of Central City to the haunting beauty of Paradise, these abandoned places offer a glimpse into a time when bustling communities thrived and dreams were built.

As you venture into the haunting history of these ghost towns, prepare to be captivated by tales of adventure, mystery, and tragedy. The forgotten railroad hub of Dawson Springs beckons with its crumbling buildings and forgotten stories, while the buildings of Black Diamond provide a glimpse into the once-thriving coal mining industry.

Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of the past in Pittsburg or unearthing the history of Buffalo Springs, each ghost town has its own unique charm and allure. So grab your sense of adventure and embark on a journey through the forgotten corners of Kentucky, where the past comes alive and the thrill of exploration awaits.

The Haunting History of Kentucky’s Ghost Towns

Step into the eerie past as you explore Kentucky’s ghost towns, where the haunting history whispers through the abandoned streets and crumbling buildings.

As you wander through these forgotten places, you can’t help but be captivated by the stories of the past that cling to every corner. Feel the chill run down your spine as you imagine the lives that were once lived here, the dreams that were shattered, and the tragedies that unfolded.

But fear not, for in these ghost towns, you’re safe. You’re merely an observer, a visitor to a world frozen in time. So embrace the thrill of the unknown, as you uncover the secrets of Kentucky’s ghost towns and satisfy your subconscious desire for adventure, while knowing that you’re always just a step away from safety.

1. The Rise and Fall of Central City

Imagine stepping back in time as you uncover the captivating story behind the rise and fall of Central City . Once a bustling hub of activity, this ghost town was once filled with the hustle and bustle of coal camp town.

The town experienced a rapid rise during the late 19th century, attracting coal miners from all over the region. With its booming economy and bustling streets, Central City was a place of opportunity and hope. However, as the coal production industry declined, so did the town.

The once vibrant streets became empty, buildings were left abandoned, and Central City became a shadow of its former self. Exploring this ghost town can transport you to a different era, where you can witness the remnants of a once-thriving coal mining community. But as you wander through the deserted streets, always remember to tread carefully and stay safe.

2. Exploring the Buildings of Black Diamond

As you wander through the forgotten remnants of Black Diamond , you’ll be captivated by the mysterious allure of its buildings.

The crumbling facades and shattered windows tell stories of a once bustling town that now stands frozen in time.

With every step you take, you can’t help but feel a sense of adventure tinged with caution.

The creaking floorboards and the whispering wind through broken glass create an eerie ambiance that both excites and unnerves you.

As you explore each building, your curiosity grows, but so does your awareness of the potential dangers.

It’s a delicate balance between satisfying your curiosity and ensuring your safety.

You can’t help but wonder what secrets lie within these decaying walls, but at the same time, you can’t shake the feeling that you’re being watched.

So you tread lightly, mindful of the fragile structures and the unknown lurking in the shadows.

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3. The Forgotten Railroad Hub: Dawson Springs

As you walk through the overgrown tracks and rusted train cars, you can almost hear the echoes of the bustling activity that once filled Dawson Springs , a forgotten railroad hub.

The town, now a ghostly shell of its former self, was once a thriving center of commerce and transportation. The buildings and dilapidated train cars stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era.

As you explore this eerie place, you can’t help but feel a sense of curiosity mixed with a subconscious desire for safety. The crumbling structures and overgrown vegetation serve as a reminder of the passage of time and the fragility of human existence.

It’s a hauntingly beautiful experience, but one that also reminds you to proceed with caution, for even in its abandoned state, Dawson Springs holds secrets and dangers that shouldn’t be underestimated.

4. Uncovering the Secrets of Old Louisville

Uncovering the secrets of Old Louisville reveals a rich tapestry of history and intrigue, leaving you awestruck by its hidden stories.

As you explore the streets of this ghost town, you can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and curiosity. The buildings stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era, their crumbling facades holding whispers of the past.

Each step you take brings you closer to uncovering the mysteries that lie within these forgotten walls. But as you delve deeper into Old Louisville, remember to tread carefully, for the structures may be unstable and the terrain treacherous.

Take in the sights and absorb the history, but always be mindful of your surroundings. Your adventure through this ghost town will be a thrilling experience, but safety should never be compromised.

5. The Ghostly Remnants of Hustonville

Walking through the streets of Hustonville , you can’t help but feel a sense of eerie nostalgia as the remnants of a forgotten era whisper their stories. The buildings, with their broken windows and crumbling facades, stand as silent witnesses to a time long gone.

As you explore this ghostly town, your footsteps echo in the quiet streets, reminding you that you’re not alone. The wind whispers through the trees, adding an eerie soundtrack to your journey. You can’t help but wonder about the lives that were once lived here, the laughter and tears that filled these now empty homes.

It’s a hauntingly beautiful experience, a glimpse into a past that’s been left behind. But as you navigate through the ghostly remnants of Hustonville, a subconscious desire for safety lingers. You can’t shake the feeling that you’re being watched, that there’s something unseen lurking in the shadows.

So you keep a cautious eye out, taking comfort in the daylight and the presence of other explorers. Despite the eerie atmosphere, there’s a thrill in uncovering the secrets of this forgotten town, a sense of adventure that keeps you going.

And as you finally leave, you can’t help but feel a mix of relief and longing, knowing that you’ve experienced something truly unique.

6. Journeying to the Past: Ashland’s Town

Step back in time as you journey through Ashland’ s forgotten town, where remnants of the past whisper their stories.

As you walk through the abandoned streets, you can’t help but feel a sense of curiosity and intrigue. The crumbling buildings and overgrown vegetation paint a picture of a once-thriving community now frozen in time.

You can almost hear the echo of laughter and the hustle and bustle of daily life that once filled these streets. It’s a hauntingly beautiful experience, but remember to stay cautious and aware of your surroundings.

The decaying structures may pose a safety risk, so be sure to watch your step and avoid any unstable areas. Take a moment to reflect on the lives that were lived here and the stories that have been left behind.

Ashland’s town offers a glimpse into the past, a reminder of the transient nature of life, and a chance to connect with history in a unique and profound way.

7. Delving into the Mysteries of Wilder

Now, let’s turn our attention to another ghost town in Kentucky that is sure to pique your curiosity – Wilder . As you venture into the mysteries of Wilder, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world frozen in time.

The eerie silence that hangs in the air and the crumbling buildings that stand as a testament to its forgotten past will send shivers down your spine. But fear not, for this journey into the unknown is one that will satisfy your craving for exploration while keeping you safe.

With each step you take, you’ll uncover the secrets of Wilder, from its ghostly legends to the untold stories of its former inhabitants. So, gear up and get ready to delve into the rich history and enigmatic allure of Wilder – a place that will leave you both captivated and yearning for more.

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8. The Lost Community of Petersburg

Immersed in the enigmatic allure of Wilder, one cannot help but be drawn into the captivating history and untold stories of the lost community of Petersburg .

As you explore this abandoned town, you can’t help but feel a sense of mystery and intrigue. The dilapidated buildings and overgrown streets whisper tales of a once-thriving community. You can almost hear the echoes of laughter and the bustling sounds of daily life that once filled these now-empty streets.

But as you delve deeper into the forgotten corners of Petersburg, a subtle unease creeps over you. The silence is deafening, and the shadows seem to dance with secrets. Your subconscious desire for safety urges you to tread carefully, to be aware of your surroundings.

As you peer into the abandoned homes and businesses, you can’t help but wonder what stories they hold, what tragedies and triumphs were witnessed within their walls. But amidst the allure, there is a reminder to respect the past and to approach this town with caution.

9. The Vanished Village of Weed

Now that you’ve explored the lost community of Petersburg, let’s venture into the mysteriously vanished village of Weed .

As you step into this forgotten town, you can’t help but feel a sense of intrigue mixed with caution. The eerie silence envelops you, making you acutely aware of the stories that whisper through the buildings.

Nature has begun to reclaim its territory here, with vines creeping up the decaying walls and trees growing through cracked windows. It’s a haunting sight, yet there’s a strange allure to the place, beckoning you to uncover its secrets.

Just be sure to tread carefully, for the remnants of Weed hold a history that longs to be discovered, but your subconscious desire for safety reminds you to proceed with caution.

10. Discovering the Ghostly Charm of St. Helens

As you wander through the enchanting streets of St. Helens , the dilapidated houses whisper secrets of a forgotten era while the overgrown gardens murmur tales of a bygone charm.

The air is still, and the silence is broken only by the occasional creak of a rusty gate or the rustle of leaves under your feet. The ghostly charm of this abandoned town beckons you to explore further, but a subconscious desire for safety lingers in the back of your mind.

You can’t help but feel a sense of caution as you step over fallen debris and peer into the decaying structures. The faded paint on the walls and cracked windows tell stories of a once vibrant community, now frozen in time.

It’s a hauntingly beautiful sight, but you can’t shake the feeling that you’re being watched. The eerie ambiance of St. Helens is both captivating and unsettling, reminding you of the fragility of human existence and the inevitable passage of time.

As you make your way through this forgotten town, you can’t help but feel a mixture of awe and trepidation, captivated by its ghostly charm, yet constantly aware of the need to stay alert and safe.

11. Unearthing the History of Buffalo Springs

Immerse yourself in the forgotten past and uncover the rich history of Buffalo Springs . As you explore this town, you’ll be transported back in time, surrounded by remnants of a once-thriving community.

Walking through the abandoned streets, you’ll discover dilapidated buildings, overgrown with nature reclaiming its territory. The echoes of the past whisper in the wind, telling tales of a bustling town that was once filled with life.

It’s a hauntingly beautiful experience, but remember to tread carefully. The decaying structures may pose a safety hazard, so be sure to watch your step and proceed with caution.

As you delve deeper into Buffalo Springs’ history, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the people who once called this place home.

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12. The Forgotten Gem: Monterey’s Ghost Town

Now that you’ve uncovered the intriguing history of Buffalo Springs, it’s time to set your sights on another hidden gem: Monterey ‘s Ghost Town.

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, this forgotten town holds a mysterious allure that will captivate your imagination.

As you explore the remains of Monterey, you’ll be transported back in time, walking in the footsteps of those who once called this place home.

But remember, while the thrill of exploring abandoned places can be enticing, it’s important to prioritize your safety.

Keep your senses sharp, stay aware of your surroundings, and tread carefully as you uncover the secrets of Monterey’s Ghost Town.

These ghost towns offer a captivating and chilling glimpse into the past. Exploring the buildings of Black Diamond will leave you breathless, as you witness the eerie elegance of crumbling structures and overgrown vines.

The forgotten gem of Monterey’s Ghost Town beckons you with its haunting beauty, where nature has reclaimed what was once bustling with life. As you trace the footsteps of the past in Pittsburg, you will feel a sense of wonder and curiosity, as if you’re unraveling a long-lost mystery.

Unearthing the history of Buffalo Springs will transport you back in time, as you imagine the laughter and chatter that once filled the air. These ghost towns are a testament to the rise and fall of communities, a reminder of the transient nature of life.

So, grab your camera and embark on a journey through the haunting history of these abandoned places. Let the whispers of the past guide you as you explore the ghost towns of Kentucky, where the forgotten stories of the past come alive in a symphony of shadows and echoes.

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Kentucky Lake's Underwater Ghost Town

by Carole Menser (Cville_Gardener) January 9, 2020

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Ghost towns aren't found only in the Old West. Some are found underwater. Birmingham, Kentucky, is one of those underwater ghost towns. But how did it get there?

When the water level in Kentucky Lake is low, the remnants of foundations and streets are often visible, especially at Birmingham Point.

Named after Birmingham, England, the founders had hopes the town would establish an iron industry similar to its namesake. It did. Remnants can still be seen today at Land Between the Lakes

Following the Civil War, the town grew and prospered. According to Collins' History of Kentucky, Birmingham had a population of 322 in 1884. Benton, the county seat, had a population of only 158. There were two schools, two hotels, four dry goods and general stores, two wagon and blacksmith shops, five churches, three grocers, two millinery shops, and a drug store. By 1929, approximately 600 residents called Birmingham home.

Kentucky Dam and Lake

In 1938, the Tennessee Valley Authority announced the construction of Kentucky Dam in order to create Kentucky Lake. At that time, Birmingham's residents were told they must relocate.

The dam was completed in 1944, and the entirety of Birmingham was submerged under the resulting lake, the largest man-made lake in the world at that time. Due to the creation of Lake Barkley , in the 1960's, some Birmingham residents were forced to relocate a second time.

When water levels in Kentucky Lake are low, remnants of foundations, streets, and access roads are visible, especially at Birmingham Point.

Building the dam

Kentucky Dam created Kentucky Lake, the largest man-made lake in the eastern United States. The dam backs up the Tennessee River for 184 miles, forming a lake stretching south across the western tip of Kentucky and running nearly the entire height of Tennessee. At maximum normal operating level, Kentucky Lake covers 160,300 acres and has 2,300 miles of shoreline.

More important than its size is its function. Kentucky Dam can be compared to a giant faucet used by the Tennessee Valley Authority to help control flooding on the lower Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. It's the gateway to the Tennessee River waterway and a major power plant in the TVA system.

The enormous job of building Kentucky Dam took six years from the start of construction on July 1, 1938, until the reservoir began filling on August 30, 1944. At the peak of construction, nearly 5,000 men were working at the site.

To provide a dry river bed for construction, huge cofferdams were built in three stages from the east side working to the west side.

At approximately 652 miles long, the Tennessee River is one of the largest rivers within the lower 48 states. Kentucky Dam is located 22 miles upstream from Paducah, Kentucky where the Tennessee River flows into the Ohio River. The name is derived from the Cherokee village of Tanasi. Water from the 40,200 sq. mile Tennessee River Valley passes through this largest tributary of the Ohio River.

The impact Kentucky Dam has on flood control and commercial navigation is extensive. Electrical generation was not a top priority of the original design; however, today the dam contributes about 1.3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year to TVA's power system.

The strategic location and vast flood storage capacity of Kentucky Lake make it possible for Kentucky Dam to reduce or even temporarily shut off the flow of water from the Tennessee River in order to help lower flood crests on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Along with the other dams in the TVA system, it helps provide flood protection for 6 million acres of land in the lower Ohio and Mississippi Valleys and reduces the frequency of flooding on another 4 million acres.

Projects to improve navigation on the lower Tennessee River began shortly after the Civil War, but it was Kentucky Dam and lock that provided a first-order channel for today's large inland towboats and barges.

Kentucky Lake is the first step in a stairway of navigable TVA lakes that allows modern 9-foot draft vessels to travel the 650-mile-long main river year-round. Since the formation of Kentucky Lake completed this waterway and linked the Tennessee Valley with the 21-state Inland Waterway System , freight traffic on the Tennessee River has grown from 2 million tons a year to more than 31 million tons.

At the eastern end of the dam is a lock handling over 2,000 loaded barges each month. This normally requires lifts of about 55 feet between the level of the river below the dam and the lake behind it.

River towboats and barges bound upstream carry steel, grain from the Midwest, and petroleum products, chemicals and ores from the Gulf Coast. Towboats bound downstream carry a variety of Tennessee Valley products to other regions, including nuclear reactor vessels too large for overland travel.

Kentucky Lake attracts fishermen and tourists from a wide area of Mid-America. Along its 2,300 miles of shoreline are numerous boat docks, resorts, several state parks, the Tennessee National Wildlife refuge, 48 public access areas, many county and municipal parks, state wildlife management areas, a dozen group camps and clubs, nearly 100 commercial recreation areas, and three small wildlife areas.

(flood marker, Paducah, KY)

Birmingham, kentucky.

Birmingham, a town of several hundred people situated on the banks of the Tennessee River, was the most notable community affected by the creation of Kentucky Lake. For unknown reasons, the town did not relocate in the early 1940s when TVA built the dam and was permanently flooded.

The home of George Locker, Sr. built around 1890 (above) was moved to a location between Aurora and Benton, KY, and remains today.

Above: The Locker home as it stands today. It is no longer lived in due to wiring issues and where it was struck by a 3/4 ton truck (see hole in front) that never hit his brakes.

As the town began to prosper after the Civil War, a stave mill and timber business employed over 200 people. The population grew to be larger than the county seat. During its golden years (the years following 1894), the town contained five churches, four dry goods and general stores, three grocers, two schools, two hotels, two millinery shops and two wagon and blacksmith shops. In 1903, organizers created the Bank of Birmingham.

Birmingham served as a shipping hub for goods going into Marshall County, KY. The Tennessee River was the main transportation link in Marshall County before railroads were built in Benton and the northern part of the county in 1890. Commissioned in 1933, Kentucky Highway 58 passed through Birmingham to the ferry at the river. The road served as an important link for residents as well as travelers going to Eddyville, Kentucky .

Basketball fame

"Jumpin’ Joe” Fulks (1921-1976) was the town’s most famous resident. However, fame came with a price . Fulks played college basketball at Murray State and went on to play in the NBA. He was known as the first of the high-scoring forwards and was posthumously enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978.

(Photo credits: Linda Reed provided many of the black and white and color images and flood photos taken by George Locker, Sr.; flood marker photo by Chris Light [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0])

Read articles about: History , Rivers

About Carole Menser

The West Coast was my home for 40 years. I now live in Middle Tennessee. I've been a gardener most of my life and have written for several gardening websites. I have a B.A. in European History and an M.A. in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in conflict resolution. I spent a number of years working with victims of domestic violence. I'm passionate about gardening, environmental issues and I love to travel.

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Ghost Towns In Kentucky

Kentucky was officially declared the 15 th state to join the United States on June 1, 1792. In the 2010 census, Kentucky was determined to have an approximate population of 4.3 million. This state is a leading producer of coal, and the US military bases are Fort Knox and Fort Campbell. Due to its significant period in history, several towns have been depopulated or migrated.

There are approximately 41 ghost towns in Kentucky. Nine of these ghost towns exist in Harlan County. They have completely disappeared now as the coal industry bottomed out. Bear Wallow, Dog Trot, Hell for Certain, Oz, Pee Vee, Slick Lizard, Tin Can Alley, Upper Squabble, and Uz.

Kentucky is known for its coal mines, horse racing, and bourbon. Due to its economic activities, its ghost towns have fascinating histories.

Barthell, Kentucky

Barthell was the first of 18 mining camps to start operations in the Big South Fork of Kentucky. During the late 1880s and early 1900s, coal deposits were discovered and explored for production purposes. In 1901, the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company invested in the area’s mineral rights after being persuaded by the landowner L.E. Bryant and his associate John Toomey. By 1902, coal mining was in progress at Mine No.1, and Barthell had been established.

In 1903, the Kentucky and Tennessee Railroad completed a railway from Stearns to Barthell. The railway made transporting the mined coal easier and aided in the further success of the town. By the end of 1906, Barthell began production in Mine No. 2.

The Stearns Coal and Lumber Company decided to purchase the land from Bryant in the mid-1920s. Barthell’s coal mines were the most productive in the area and continued to produce coal and offer steady employment throughout the Great Depression. As World War I began, coal was needed even more than before. Barthell mines were working overtime to meet the demand, and a second railway was established to increase freight loads.

In 1943, a fire near Mine No. 1 destroyed the mining tipple, a structure used to load and extract the coal from the mines into railroad cars. Even with the record-breaking success of No. 1, the decision was made not to rebuild the tipple and close the mine. Mine No. 2 was still operational; however, with the closure of the first mine, coal from No. 2 was being sent to a tipple at the Blue Heron Mining complex.

The Stearns Coal and Lumber Company began dismantling the Barthell mining camp in 1952. By 1961, the area was abandoned. Twenty-three years later, in 1984, the former mining camp was purchased by the Kroger family to restore the community to its previous glory days.

Today, tours of the mining town are available, showcasing the original structures of the local store, doctors’ office, and school. For those interested, there are even miners’ homes that can be rented by night for guests and tourists wanting to stay in the ghost town .

Creelsboro, Kentucky

Creelsboro was founded in the early 1800s. Although it had a population of 50, this town was considered one of the main places of commerce in the 1840s. It is located southwest of Jamestown, approximately 10 miles away.

Due to its proximity to the Cumberland River, Nashville and Burnside steamboat boaters conducted their exchanges in Creelsboro. The town had a post office, a church, a school, a hospital, a hotel, and two banks.

Its decline began with the creation of highways connecting cities. The steamboats became outdated and impractical, vanishing the only economic activity that kept the town afloat. The town was declared a ghost town , although some small communities still inhabit it. These people dedicate themselves mainly to agriculture.

If you plan to visit Creelsboro, its most prominent attraction is a natural arch or bridge made of stone. Although there are no places to sleep in the town, you can find hotels nearby.

Paradise, Kentucky

The city was a ferry line for the Green River. It is known by other names, such as Stom’s Landing, but in 1852, a postal service was opened under the name of Paradise .

The town was located northwest of Greenville, 10.5 miles away. In 1959 a coal mine was built where the city used to be. Tennessee Valley Authority cleared out the town in 1967 because of health concerns about the impact of a coal plant on the city’s residents.

At present, the only thing that remains of this town is a cemetery on top of a hill, as the TVA bought the city and, after evacuating it, destroyed it to continue making coal plants.

Blandville, Kentucky

Blandville was founded in 1842 and is located in Ballard County. It was home to the county’s first court until it burned down in 1882. The 2010 census had 90 inhabitants, and the only attraction to visit is the remains of the court.

Dry Fork, Kentucky

Dry Fork is located 7.1 miles away from Fountain Rock. The town engaged in logging, agriculture, and mining. Dry Fork was supported by agriculture by women and children, while men worked as loggers and miners.

The town boomed in the late 1800s. It was home to more than 500 people at its peak, although it is currently unpopulated. Dry Fork is now an open reserve for hiking and field trips only.

Highland Park, Kentucky

Highland Park used to be a community created for the employees of the L&N Railroad Company. Founded in 1890, and in just ten years, it already had more than 320 families. During the first World War, houses were built to train the soldiers who would go to war. The town became part of the city of Louisville in 1922, causing expenses to increase and several working families to migrate to other towns.

However, during World War II, the town flourished again, creating several manufacturing companies, which led to an increase in its population of approximately seven thousand people.

In 1947, Louisville moved its airport into the areas near Highland Park, and in 1988 they bought and demolished the homes for the airport expansion. There are no remains of the town, as the 100-year history of Highland Park was destroyed with the growth of Louisville.

Bells Mines, Kentucky

Bells Mines was a town of English and German farmers and miners founded in the early 1800s.

It is located 3.4 miles northwest of Sturgis. Coal mines created a booming economy for this town. However, in 1950, Alcoa, an industrial company, bought the city and migrated its inhabitants to Newburgh, Indiana , on the opposite side of the Ohio River.

Due to a long time without inhabitants, wildlife has increased in the town. Therefore, Kentucky established Bells Mines as a historical and cultural site for all public visits.

Golden Pond, Kentucky

Golden Pond is a town that first based its economy on the location’s natural resources, such as gold mining and agriculture. Over time, the city has had several drawbacks. In 1898, a fire destroyed the town, but it was rebuilt immediately. In 1936, a second fire destroyed the city, but it was again rebuilt.

During the Prohibition Era from 1920 to 1933, Golden Pond was known for moonshining, which refers to making illegal drinks not authorized by the American government. The whiskeys that they made were sold in Chicago, St. Louis, and Detroit.

In 1964 the first recreational area, called Land Between the Lakes, was opened in Golden Pond. Then the federal government took over the space for public use, where different recreational regions were created. The villagers burned the houses before the deal could be finalized, and in 1969 they moved to Calloway County, where they founded a new town called Little Golden Pond.

Currently, all that remains of Golden Pond are some brick scraps. However, the former inhabitants wanted to preserve the history of the town . They founded a planetarium with the past and tributes and memories to keep the city alive.

The state of Kentucky might not have many ghost towns , but the ones it does have are full of stories waiting to be shared. Most of the ghost towns are former mining and farming villages. While some cities were completely deserted and destroyed, others offer a glimpse into the past with city remains, tours, overnight stays, and historical points of interest.

List of Ghost Towns in Kentucky

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