Visiting Silver City is like stepping back into history!
Almost a ghost town - but there are still a few people living here in this historic mining town in northwestern Owyhee County. Silver City has more existing old buildings that haven't burned down or become commercialized than any other ghost town in Idaho. This historic town has about 75 structures dating from the 1860's to the early 1900's.
And this is a fun, easy daytrip if you're coming from the Boise area!
The elevation at Silver City is 6,200 feet and is surrounded by 8,000-foot-high Owyhee Mountains, making the drive to and from this old mining town very picturesque. Bring your camera!
"Our Lady of Tears" church sits on a rocky outcrop and dates back to 1898.
And even more information can be found here in an article from 2011 in the Eagle Informer.
Learn about other ghost towns.
Getting to There from Boise
Directions are from the Flying-Y in Boise to Silver City
LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 43.017641279487556, -116.73253660535329 ELEVATION: 6,200 feet STARTING POINT: Boise DISTANCE FROM STARTING POINT: One way - approximately 68 miles from the Flying Y at I-84 Milepost 49 TIME TO REACH: Approximately 2 hours (one way) ROAD SURFACE: Paved and gravel/dirt WHEN ACCESSIBLE: May - October, or as snow conditions and vehicle will permit FEES: No fees RECOMMENDED VEHICLES: All wheel drive vehicle is recommended, but cars can also make the drive. Accessibility is dependent on road conditions. PET FRIENDLY: Yes WHEN WE WENT: Summer TRAILHEADS: Many hiking, mountain biking and horseback and off-road vehicle trails are throughout the area GENERAL NOTES: Bring water, snacks, and a camera.
I'm Here - Now What?
Some of the businesses that still operate in Silver City include:
The Idaho Hotel is just as it was 100 years ago with only a few modern additions. The hotel accepts reservations from the end of May to the first of October! Silver City has been WITHOUT ELECTRICITY since the 1940's! The hotel uses a solar system for LIMITED use of power. No elevators, TV's, in room bathrooms or outlets in the guest rooms! But they do have original hotel furniture! You can also enjoy the BEST and the ONLY meals available in Silver City!
Pat's What Not Shop is open mid-May through mid-October. Here you can find sterling jewelry, books, souvenirs, local minerals, gold pans, t-shirts and more.
Silver City Fire & Rescue Store offers art, antiques, old bottles, books, t-shirts and backroom bargains!
What else can I do here?
Motorized vehicles and bicycles
Fishing
Photography
Wildlife and plant viewing - summer wildflowers are plentiful
Camping - check for camping spots nearby
Picnicking
Hiking
Biking
Dogs (on leash in town)
Horseback riding
our lady of tears vid was great. vid well with watching