Spokane Ghost Town
Spokane was founded in 1890 when a mine was discovered in the area. The mine and town was quite profitable in the 1920’s, but when the mine went dry, so did the town. Today the town is a ghost town. The whole area is pretty cool and consists of old buildings which include some homes, a grave, a root cellar, and old cars. This is one of the few intact ghost towns that remain in the Black Hills.
One of the prominent residents named James Shepard was murdered in 1908 over a mining claim. His tombstone can be found among the ruins.
You can find the remains of Spokane 16 miles from Custer, just north of Custer State Park’s northern border, and a short walk from Forest Service Rd 330. The Forest Service Rd is off of N Playhouse Rd just off of Iron Mountain Rd (16A).
Use caution when entering the old building for loose boards and rattlesnakes. As of September 2020 when we went there last, the houses have fences around them to try to prevent vandalism.
Turn off is just north of this intersection. Stay on Playhouse Rd.
Use extreme caution if entering the buildings.
This staircase is very dangerous.
Very creepy.
Parking is limited. Entrance to Spokane Ghost Town.
Also creepy - The word ‘leave” on the wall.
The new fence around the structure to help prevent vandalism.
Lots of old cars in the woods.
At night, this would make a good horror movie.
South of the old house, an old root cellar.
When walking to the other house take the path to the right just south of the root cellar - get off the main dirt road and stay to the right the whole way.
Inside the root cellar. Freaky painting on the back wall.
Another home with just a foundation.
Old grave which claims the subject had been murdered.
James Shepard’s tombstone.
Cellar is pretty creepy.
Acting out a scene from the movie The Blair Witch Project.
First floor of the home.
These stairs are a lot better.
Another message left.
The kitchen.
Lots of big holes in the area.
Also lots of wells.
