Learn the history of the area in which you want to find a ghost town. Different regions have different causes for their ghost towns. Many ghost towns of the West are former mining towns or towns that the railroad passed by. Eastern ghost towns are often old mill towns. In the last 50 years, towns bypassed by freeways or those that have lost their industries have gradually become ghost towns, too.
Create realistic expectations about ghost towns. There are very few ghost towns with a large number of buildings still standing. Often, a ghost town is comprised of a single building and a collection of foundations. Alternately, a ghost town may still be inhabited by a number of people and is just a "ghost" of its former self.
Use local historical societies, books and websites to help you find a ghost town in your region. Historical societies can provide you with records of towns that have died or are a shadow of what they used to be. A wide variety of books can be found on ghost towns from all regions, and websites like Ghost Towns can provide you with extensive information.
Ask locals about ghost towns. Often, older residents of areas where ghost towns are prevalent can remember the old towns, or at least stories about them. Stop by locally owned businesses as you look for a ghost town and you're sure to find some information.
Know the signs of a ghost town, including remains of dirt roads, abandoned commercial or community buildings, building foundations and small artifacts like hardware from another era. You usually have to walk around the ghost town site to find its signs. Only the most well-preserved ghost town looks like one from the road.
Cultivate patience as you look for ghost towns because they can be difficult to find. Plan on spending a few hours finding a ghost town once you know where it is.
