Terlingua Ghost Town in Texas is an interesting set of ruins just outside the entrance to Big Bend National Park. What makes the ghost town different from any other that we’ve visited is that it stands right in the middle of Terlingua, with the new town built all around it.
History of Terlingua
Terlingua is a small town just outside of the west entrance of the park. In the early 1900’s, a mercury mining town popped up in this area. Like many mining towns of that time, it was later abandoned. Later, Terlingua begin to grow around it. There was no reason to raze the old town for its arable land, because none of the land is really choice for farming. So the ruins stayed.
The Ghost Town
There are 2-3 dozen buildings in various states of disrepair in Terlingua. Most of these are built of flat sandstone stacked without mortar. Wooden door frames are still standing in the stone, and the walls are thick. In a few places, roofs are intact and you can enter the buildings. All these are open to tour, as long as you respect the property. Please be careful when exploring and entering the ghost town. There are pieces of metal and glass all over.
As we walked through Terlingua ghost towns, we found a few cars from the 1930’s that had been abandoned. We crossed the road to look at a few more ruins, and some are right on the main road. There is also a famous chili cook-off and other festivals throughout the year in Terlingua.
How to find Terlingua Ghost Town
From the road that comes out of Big Bend National Park (TX-118), turn west onto FM-170. Follow for 4.6 miles and take a right onto Ivey Road. Follow this road for about 0.5 miles and the ghost town parking will come up on the left. There are ruins on both sides of the road.
If you find yourself near Big Bend, The Terlingua Ghost Town in Texas is a fun, quick stop to enjoy some old ruins. And it is FREE to visit. For more information about Big Bend National Park, check out our guide here.
