1. Visit Jesse James’ Hideout in St. Joseph, Missouri
Jesse James, one of the most infamous outlaws in American history, met his end in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he was shot by a member of his own gang, Robert Ford. Today, you can visit the Jesse James Home Museum, where the outlaw was living under an assumed name at the time of his death in 1882. The small, unassuming house is filled with artifacts from James’ life, and you can even see the bullet hole in the wall from the day he was killed. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the notorious bank robber and his final moments.
2. Explore Billy the Kid’s Old Haunts in Lincoln, New Mexico
Lincoln, New Mexico, was the setting for much of Billy the Kid’s notorious career during the Lincoln County War, a bloody feud that tore apart the region. Today, Lincoln is a quiet historic site that preserves the old buildings where Billy the Kid lived, fought, and escaped from jail. You can visit the Lincoln Historic Site, which includes the Old Lincoln County Courthouse, where Billy made his famous escape after killing two deputies. Walking through the town feels like stepping back into the Wild West, with its preserved structures and rich history of outlaws and lawmen.
3. Stand Where Bonnie and Clyde Fell in Gibsland, Louisiana
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the infamous criminal duo, met their end in Gibsland, Louisiana, in 1934, when law enforcement officers ambushed and killed them in a hail of gunfire. The ambush site is now a memorial where visitors can pay their respects to the infamous couple. Nearby, the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland offers a collection of artifacts, photos, and memorabilia from their criminal spree, as well as details about their dramatic demise. This location provides a chilling yet fascinating look into the lives of two of America’s most famous outlaws.
4. Visit Butch Cassidy’s Cabin in Circleville, Utah
Butch Cassidy, leader of the Wild Bunch, grew up in the remote town of Circleville, Utah, and his boyhood home still stands today. Cassidy’s cabin is a simple log structure that gives you a sense of his humble beginnings before he embarked on a life of crime. While the cabin is small, the surrounding countryside offers a scenic view of the rugged terrain that shaped his early years. Visitors can tour the cabin and imagine Cassidy’s life before he became a legendary bank and train robber.
5. See John Dillinger’s Final Moments in Chicago, Illinois
John Dillinger, the notorious bank robber of the Great Depression era, was gunned down by federal agents outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago in 1934. Today, you can visit the site where Dillinger’s life came to a violent end, marked by a historical plaque outside the theater. While the Biograph is still a working movie theater, many visitors come to pay tribute to the outlaw and relive the events of that fateful night. For true crime buffs, there’s even a walking tour that takes you through the streets of Chicago, retracing Dillinger’s steps in his final hours.
6. Walk Through the Dalton Gang Hideout in Meade, Kansas
The Dalton Gang, a group of brothers turned outlaws, used the small town of Meade, Kansas, as one of their hideouts. Today, the Dalton Gang Hideout & Museum preserves the historic site, where visitors can explore the underground tunnel the gang used to escape capture. The museum features a collection of artifacts from the gang’s reign of terror, including guns, photographs, and personal items. Walking through the hideout gives visitors a sense of the outlaws’ desperate attempts to evade the law.
7. Explore the Wyatt Earp Connection in Tombstone, Arizona
Though Wyatt Earp is often seen as a lawman, he was also a notorious figure in the lawless West, and Tombstone, Arizona, is the place most closely associated with his legend. The infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place here in 1881, where Earp and his brothers faced off against the Clanton and McLaury gangs. Today, Tombstone preserves its Wild West history with daily reenactments of the gunfight, and you can visit the O.K. Corral itself. The town is filled with saloons, museums, and historic buildings that transport you back to the days of outlaws and lawmen.
8. Discover the James-Younger Gang Hideout in Adair, Iowa
The James-Younger Gang made history in Adair, Iowa, in 1873 when they staged the first successful train robbery in the United States. The site of the robbery is now marked by a historical plaque, and you can visit the area to get a sense of the gang’s bold exploits. The local Adair County Historical Museum features exhibits on the infamous event, offering visitors a deeper understanding of how the James-Younger Gang operated. Exploring Adair provides a fascinating look into the criminal history of one of America’s most notorious outlaw groups.
9. Discover Belle Starr’s Legacy at Robber’s Cave in Oklahoma
Belle Starr, often called the “Bandit Queen,” was a notorious outlaw associated with Robber’s Cave in Oklahoma. This remote cave was a hideout for outlaws like Belle Starr, Jesse James, and the Dalton Gang. Today, Robber’s Cave State Park offers visitors the chance to explore the rugged landscape that once sheltered these infamous figures. The park is filled with hiking trails, and the cave itself is a popular spot for history buffs looking to experience a bit of outlaw lore. It’s a fascinating stop for those interested in the legends of the Old West.
10. Visit the Younger Brothers Hideout in Lee’s Summit, Missouri
The Younger Brothers, close associates of Jesse James, were notorious outlaws in their own right, robbing banks and trains throughout the Midwest. One of their hideouts was in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, where they sought refuge after their various criminal activities. Today, you can visit the Lee’s Summit Historical Museum, which explores the region’s history, including its connection to the Younger Brothers. The town’s historical sites provide a window into the days when outlaws roamed the area, making it an intriguing destination for those interested in Old West legends.
11. Check Out the Haunts of Pretty Boy Floyd in Sallisaw, Oklahoma
Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, a Depression-era outlaw known for his bank robberies and run-ins with the FBI, hailed from Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Floyd’s legend lives on in his hometown, where you can visit the Sallisaw Historical Museum to learn more about his life and criminal career. The area’s rural landscape provided Floyd with hideouts during his days on the run, and today, local landmarks honor his place in outlaw history. It’s a fascinating destination for those who want to explore the life of a Robin Hood-style criminal who captured the public’s imagination.
12. Visit Al Capone’s Miami Home in Palm Island, Florida
Al Capone, the notorious Chicago mob boss, purchased a luxurious mansion on Palm Island in Miami, Florida, in 1928, where he lived until his death in 1947. Though known for his illegal activities in Chicago, Capone spent his final years in Miami, where the mansion became a part of his legacy. The property, which has recently been restored, offers a look at the lavish lifestyle of one of America’s most famous gangsters. While it’s not open for public tours, the house remains an iconic symbol of Capone’s wealth and notoriety, with its luxurious design reflecting the opulence of the Prohibition era.
Visiting the hideouts and haunts of America’s most notorious outlaws allows you to step into a world of crime, legend, and history. Each location offers a unique glimpse into the lives of these infamous figures, from their daring escapes to their ultimate downfalls. Whether it’s a bullet-riddled hideout or the scene of a famous gunfight, these places bring the legends of the Wild West and beyond to life, offering a window into a time when outlaws ruled the frontier and crime stories captivated the nation.
