1. Dodge City, Kansas – The Wild Frontier
Known for its lawless reputation, Dodge City was once home to notorious outlaws like Billy the Kid and Bat Masterson. Today, you can walk the same streets where gunfights were commonplace and visit the Boot Hill Museum to dive into the town’s Wild West past.
2. Tombstone, Arizona – The Town Too Tough to Die
Tombstone is famous for the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, involving the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday. Step back in time by exploring the town’s historic streets, visiting the saloons, or watching a reenactment of the famous gunfight that made history here.
3. Deadwood, South Dakota – Gold Rush and Gunslingers
Deadwood’s claim to fame includes outlaws like Wild Bill Hickok, who was famously shot while holding aces and eights in a poker game. Visit the historic downtown, check out Wild Bill’s gravesite at Mount Moriah Cemetery, and learn about the gold rush that brought fortune-seekers and bandits to this lawless town.
4. Fort Smith, Arkansas – The Gateway to the Wild West
Known as the “Hell on the Border,” Fort Smith was the last stop before entering Indian Territory, where outlaws would hide out. Explore the Fort Smith National Historic Site and learn about Judge Isaac Parker, the “Hanging Judge,” who brought justice to many infamous criminals.
5. Virginia City, Nevada – The Riches of the Comstock Lode
Virginia City was a hotbed of crime during the silver boom, attracting notorious outlaws who preyed on miners and prospectors. Today, you can ride the Virginia & Truckee Railroad and tour historic mines while soaking in the stories of the Old West.
6. Lincoln, New Mexico – Billy the Kid’s Hideout
Lincoln is most famous for its connection to Billy the Kid, one of the West’s most notorious outlaws. Walk the same streets Billy did during the Lincoln County War and visit the Lincoln Historic Site, which features original buildings from the 1800s.
7. Bandera, Texas – The Cowboy Capital of the World
Bandera was once a gathering spot for cowboys and outlaws alike. This small town embraces its Wild West roots with rodeos, dude ranches, and honky-tonk bars. Experience cowboy culture and learn about the rough-and-tumble characters who passed through Bandera.
8. Laramie, Wyoming – Outlaws on the Overland Trail
Laramie’s wild reputation stemmed from its location along the Overland Trail. Visit the Wyoming Territorial Prison, where infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy was held. The prison museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the criminals who passed through this notorious town.
9. Guthrie, Oklahoma – The Lawmen’s Showdown
Guthrie was a Wild West town where outlaws and lawmen frequently clashed. The town played a major role during the land rushes, attracting opportunists and criminals alike. Today, Guthrie boasts well-preserved Victorian buildings and hosts reenactments that showcase its lively past.
10. Silverton, Colorado – A Mining Town of Mayhem
Silverton was a rowdy mining town where saloons outnumbered churches, and outlaws like the Sundance Kid roamed. Visit the San Juan County Historical Society Museum to hear tales of shootouts and bar fights, and take a scenic ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
11. Bisbee, Arizona – The Copper Boomtown
Once known for its lawless ways, Bisbee was a copper mining town that attracted a rough crowd of gamblers, bandits, and outlaws. Today, it’s a charming artist haven where you can explore the historic district, including former saloons where outlaws once plotted their next heist.
12. Cheyenne, Wyoming – Lawmen vs. Outlaws
Cheyenne’s railroads and cattle drives attracted both lawmen and outlaws in the late 1800s. Visit the Old West Museum and learn about notorious figures like Big Nose George Parrott, an outlaw hanged in the town, and discover the town’s role in shaping Western justice.
13. Las Vegas, New Mexico – An Outlaw’s Paradise
Before the glitzy Las Vegas we know today, Las Vegas, New Mexico, was a notorious hideout for outlaws like Billy the Kid and Jesse James. Visit the historic Plaza Hotel, and take a walking tour of the downtown area where many outlaws once roamed freely.
14. Jerome, Arizona – A Ghost Town with a Lawless Past
Once called the “wickedest town in the West,” Jerome was a thriving mining town known for its vice-filled streets. Today, it’s a ghost town with a spooky charm. Explore abandoned buildings, visit the Jerome State Historic Park, and learn about the outlaws who made Jerome infamous.
15. Cimarron, New Mexico – Where the Old West Never Left
Cimarron was home to outlaws, cowboys, and gunslingers during its heyday. The St. James Hotel, where many notorious outlaws stayed, still stands today—complete with bullet holes in the ceiling. Explore the town’s Old West heritage and enjoy the atmosphere that still feels like the 1800s.
With these iconic Old West towns on your travel list, you’ll get to experience the history, legends, and lawless spirit of America’s frontier days. Happy exploring!
