Yermo, CA - During the late 1800's the town of Calico was busting with prospectors searching for its mineral riches. Silver was king here and the Calico Mining District became one of the richest in the state. Born in March 1881, Calico could boast boomtown status, producing $86 million in silver, $45 million in borax and a town population of 1,200 with 22 saloons, China Town and "red-light district." Over 500 mines including the legendary Silver King, Oriental and Bismarck were the engines that drove Calico's great wealth between the years of 1881 and 1907. Like most towns of the early west, however, when the price of silver dropped from $1.31 an ounce to 63 cents during the mid 1890's, Calico became a ghost of its former self. The town officially died in 1907 with the end of borax mining in the district.

Today, Calico is one of the few remaining original mining towns of the western United States, thanks to the help of Mr. Walter Knott, founder of Knott's Berry Farm. Knott bought the town in 1951 and started restoring it from old photographs. Five of Calico's businesses are in original buildings like "Lil's" Saloon, and Lane's General Store. Others like the school house are exact replicas on existing foundations. In November 1966, Knott donated Calico to San Bernardino County.

Operating as a County regional park, Calico is alive and well. When you arrive in "Wall Street Canyon", you are greeted by a swirl of rock that extends upward nearly 100 feet. This serves as Calico's front door. The town's history is further explored by taking a walking tour with Calico's historian beginning at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. The 45 minute tour is free, and examines the life of miners, the famous 20 mule teams, and Calico's mail carrying dog, "Dorsey". Near the entrance to Maggie's Mine you board a narrow gauge railcar destined for silver workings to the north. By watching closely, you can spot small cave like openings in the mountain faces. They are front doors to miner's homes.

Gunfight stunt shows have become a part of Calico's everyday life. The more adventuresome can pan for real gold, watch water roll up hill in Calico's Mystery Shack or take a trip down into an actual mine where the air is thin, ceilings are low and evidence of labor intensive rock chipping is everywhere.

General merchandise of all types lines the walls of the town's shops. You can find an 1880's confectionary, a saloon where the sounds of honky tonk piano often fill the air, a full service restaurant, leather goods, pottery, basket, bottle, rock and dry goods stores. South of town is Calico's cemetery.

Calico became a registered California historic monument in 1973 during its Spring Festival, which is held on Mother's Day weekend each year. The ghost town often celebrates its early boomtown years with festivals.

You may frequently find yourself enjoying a hearty stew cook-off, the national gunfight stunt championships, or an old time Chili Cook Off.

If you like to camp, the narrow canyons below town offer full hookups, and are open 24 hours a day. Off highway vehicle camping with rest rooms and showers are also available. Admission to the townsite is included with camping and offers additional value to overnight stays. Six camping cabins and a large bunkhouse for groups with heating and air conditioning are also available for extended visits. Each Saturday night during the spring, summer, and fall, the towns historian can be found delivering a campground slide program.