Planning a ghost town road trip to Old Upton, Wyoming, means stepping into a partially preserved slice of frontier history in Weston County’s Black Hills region. You’ll find 17 surviving structures, including a saloon, original jail, and rare meat house, all dating back to the late 1800s. Reach it easily via U.S. Highway 16, and time your visit for July’s town anniversary for the full experience. There’s far more to this storied town than meets the eye.
Key Takeaways
- Old Upton, Wyoming, is a partially preserved ghost town in Weston County, accessible via U.S. Highway 16 from Moorcroft or Newcastle.
- Drive at least one mile north on County Road 16 to reach the site, or take Wyoming Highway 116 from Sundance for scenic wildlife views.
- Visit on the third Saturday in July to experience the town anniversary celebration, when the population doubles with festivities.
- Explore 17 surviving structures, including the original saloon, jail, meat house, and seven restored historic cabins from the 1995 “Old Town” project.
- Summer offers ideal photography conditions, while spring and fall provide quieter visits with cooler temperatures and enhanced wildlife viewing opportunities.
What Is Old Upton and Why Visit This Ghost Town?
Old Upton is a partially preserved ghost town sitting at least one mile north of modern Upton, Wyoming, in the heart of the Black Hills region of Weston County. Founded after a gold discovery in 1867, it carries layers of mining history and town legends, including the story of an Irish woman who reportedly named it after giving birth there one night.
At its peak, it bustled with saloons, a bank, a general store, and nearly 100 residents. Today, 17 structures still stand, and the “Old Town” restoration project lets you explore authentic late 1800s cabins and early buildings up close.
If you’re craving an off-the-beaten-path destination that blends frontier history with wide-open Wyoming freedom, Old Upton delivers something genuinely worth the detour.
How to Get to Old Upton, Wyoming
Getting to Old Upton is straightforward once you know which roads to follow. Head east on U.S. Highway 16 from Moorcroft, or cruise west from Newcastle to reach Upton.
Head east on U.S. Highway 16 from Moorcroft or west from Newcastle — either way, Old Upton is within easy reach.
From there, drive at least one mile north on County Road 16 to find the old town site. If you’re coming from Sundance, take Wyoming Highway 116 south for a scenic alternative route perfect for wildlife viewing along the way.
Once you’re in the area, you’ll find yourself deep in Weston County’s Black Hills region, where open roads invite exploration on your own terms. Stop in modern Upton before heading out to sample local cuisine and fuel up.
The site stays accessible year-round, so you can plan your visit whenever the road calls.
The Best Time to Visit Old Upton
While Old Upton welcomes visitors year-round, you’ll want to time your trip around the third Saturday in July if you want to experience the town at its most alive. The population doubles as past residents and alumni pour in to honor the town’s founding story, creating a rare, electric atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
If crowds aren’t your thing, summer’s warm days still offer outstanding photography opportunities among the site’s 17 surviving structures. Rich natural light casts dramatic shadows across weathered cabins and the old saloon.
Spring and fall bring quieter visits with cooler temperatures and better wildlife encounters along the surrounding Black Hills landscape.
Winter access is possible, but expect chilly conditions that can make exploring the open site uncomfortable.
Old Upton’s Historic Jail, Saloon, and Surviving Cabins
Stepping onto the grounds of Old Upton, you’ll find 17 surviving structures that tell the story of a frontier town frozen in time. The saloon and meat house stand as raw reminders of daily frontier life, while seven cabins offer a tangible connection to the mining history that sparked this settlement’s founding in 1867.
Architectural preservation efforts through the “Old Town” project have brought additional structures to the site, including Upton’s original jail — a small but powerful symbol of early law and order. You can walk through restored homesteads and ranch buildings relocated from across Weston County, each one carefully maintained to honor its origins.
These aren’t museum replicas; they’re authentic spaces where history practically breathes through every weathered plank and rusted hinge.
What’s Left to See at Old Upton Today?
Beyond the jail and saloon, Old Upton’s full landscape rewards a slow, curious walk. Seventeen structures still stand, each shaped by preservation efforts dating back to 1980 when the site earned its National Register of Historic Places designation.
Local legends breathe life into every weathered wall you’ll encounter.
You’ll find these highlights waiting:
- Seven historic cabins relocated and restored through the 1995 “Old Town” project
- The original meat house, a rare surviving example of early frontier commerce
- Ranch buildings from Weston County, reflecting genuine homesteading life
- Interactive tour stops where you engage directly with reconstructed early town structures
You can visit year-round, though warm summers make exploring easier. Walk freely, take your time, and let Old Upton’s quiet, stubborn survival tell its own story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was Old Upton Originally Called Before It Became a Ghost Town?
Before it went viral as a ghost town, Old Upton was called Iron Town — then Merino and Iron City. You’ll discover these historical landmarks steeped in local legends when you explore this fascinating, freedom-filled Wyoming relic.
Who Is A.Z. Upton, and Why Was the Town Named After Him?
You’ll find that A.Z. Upton holds historical significance as the town’s key developer. Local legends say his contributions shaped the settlement so profoundly that residents honored him by naming their growing frontier community after him.
Can Visitors Attend the Annual Summer Celebration Held Every July?
You can absolutely join the summer festivities every third Saturday in July! You’ll experience local traditions as the population doubles, welcoming back past residents and alumni who celebrate Old Upton’s rich, adventurous history alongside fellow freedom-loving visitors.
Which High School Led the Restoration Project at Old Upton?
Upton High School led the restoration project, and you’ll discover it’s driven by pride in historic architecture and local legends. They’ve transformed early cabins into an interactive, living tribute you won’t want to miss!
How Many People Currently Live in the Old Upton Area Today?
You’ll find a whopping nine souls keeping Old Upton’s historical landmarks alive! These resilient residents carry local legends on their shoulders, proving you don’t need a crowd to preserve Wyoming’s rich, freedom-loving ghost town spirit.
References
- https://www.ghosttowns.com/states/wy/oldupton.html
- https://www.westoncountymuseums.com/discover-upton
- https://www.townofupton.com/_pdfs/2015/July/Mark Court Article.pdf
- https://wyomingdigitalcollections.ptfs.com/aw-server/rest/product/purl/WSL/i/55a5e61c-c0d8-451b-a26c-268d14abb828
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEoxbcwf8Ks
