Fall is the perfect time for exploring our state’s many ghost towns. After all, Gold Country looks simply outstanding in vibrant fall colors. If you’re looking to visit a little-known gem, then you’ll definitely be interested in the destination featured below. When you first think of Northern California ghost towns, Bodie is usually the one that comes to mind. However, there are an endless amount of small and equally beautiful and intriguing hamlets dotted throughout Northern California that are begging for a visit. This North Bloomfield ghost town is one of them. Keep reading to learn all about this fascinating slice of history and what it has to offer.

Formerly known as Humbug City, the ghost town of North Bloomfield is a wonderfully preserved historical gem that will take you back in time to approximately 150 years ago.

James Good/Flickr Located in the heart of Malakoff Diggins State Park, one of numerous lesser-known state parks located in Northern California, it’s a fascinating place with a little-known history that you’ll definitely want to discover for yourself.

Today, you’ll find that many of the town’s original structures are still standing and a few have been reconstructed. Town tours are offered daily throughout the summer and on weekends during the off-season.

James Good/Flickr During the tour you can expect to learn all about the people who lived here in the 1800s, how mining came to the town and went, and other fascinating historical tidbits. North Bloomfield is so much a part of Northern California mining history that you just have to see it to really grasp it

The town’s lore centers around its original founding in 1851 when three miners discovered gold nuggets in the region.

Steven W/TripAdvisor Like in many early California towns, other prospectors flocked to the townsite but were disappointed when they didn’t find any gold. So, they named the area “Humbug” to reflect their disappointment.

However, hundreds of miners would flood the region during the following years. That is when this small mining camp quickly turned into a small town.

Steven W/TripAdvisor Humbug grew even more with the introduction of hydraulic mining, which is the use of water to wash away mountainsides in order to discover gold.

In 1857, the town changed their name from Humbug to North Bloomfield. The prosperous little mining town continued to thrive and grew to roughly 2,000 residents by the early 1880s.

Melissa Wiese/Flickr The new North Bloomfield was comprised of several saloons, hotels, lodging houses, grocery stores, breweries, and much more. However, this prosperity would not last long.

Like so many other mining towns, North Bloomfield fell victim to the busts of the Gold Rush as much as it experienced its booms.

Melissa Wiese/Flickr The final nail in the coffin was when hydraulic mining was officially made illegal in 1884. At this point, miners and families made their departure from North Bloomfield and headed to the next boomtown.

Today, just a few residents remain in the abandoned ghost town. However, North Bloomfield never completely died.

Melissa Wiese/Flickr After all, it’s still very much here and the park has done a wonderful job of preserving the town’s colorful history and historic landmarks.

A day spent in Northern California’s Gold Country is always a day well-spent. North Bloomfield may be no longer but its history will always be alive. Experience it for yourself and plan a visit to this wonderful ghost town soon.

Steven W/TripAdvisor You’ll find Malakoff Diggins State Park at 23579 N Bloomfield Rd in Nevada City. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Have you visited this little-known ghost town? If so, what did you think? We’d love to read about your experience there in the comments section below!

James Good/Flickr

Located in the heart of Malakoff Diggins State Park, one of numerous lesser-known state parks located in Northern California, it’s a fascinating place with a little-known history that you’ll definitely want to discover for yourself.

During the tour you can expect to learn all about the people who lived here in the 1800s, how mining came to the town and went, and other fascinating historical tidbits. North Bloomfield is so much a part of Northern California mining history that you just have to see it to really grasp it

Steven W/TripAdvisor

Like in many early California towns, other prospectors flocked to the townsite but were disappointed when they didn’t find any gold. So, they named the area “Humbug” to reflect their disappointment.

Humbug grew even more with the introduction of hydraulic mining, which is the use of water to wash away mountainsides in order to discover gold.

Melissa Wiese/Flickr

The new North Bloomfield was comprised of several saloons, hotels, lodging houses, grocery stores, breweries, and much more. However, this prosperity would not last long.

The final nail in the coffin was when hydraulic mining was officially made illegal in 1884. At this point, miners and families made their departure from North Bloomfield and headed to the next boomtown.

After all, it’s still very much here and the park has done a wonderful job of preserving the town’s colorful history and historic landmarks.

You’ll find Malakoff Diggins State Park at 23579 N Bloomfield Rd in Nevada City. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

You might also want to take a look at our list of 9 Creepy Ghost Towns In Northern California for more awesome places to visit!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Out and About in Northern California December 29, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin Where are some other ghost towns in Northern California? There are actually quite a few other ghost towns in Northern California, most of them tied to the state’s early mining history. Some are more well-known than others, but they are all equally fascinating and should definitely be explored. Here are a few to add to your travel list:

Auburn Bodie Placerville Susanville

  We’re looking for historical sites in Northern California. Historical sites in Northern California abound, as the state has such a deep and rich history. Whether you’re looking for sites related to significant eras, people, or even geography, you’re sure to find some that will teach you a lot about the northern part of The Golden State. Consider checking out at least a few of the following:

The Jack London Wolf House The Mare Island Naval Shipyard Muir Woods National Monument  The San Francisco Presidio and National Cemetery

  Where are some of the best places to go hiking in Northern California? Hiking in Northern California is one of the most popular activities. There are so many beautiful landscapes to explore from short easy trails to lengthy ones that will definitely get your heart rate up. Put on your best hiking boots, grab a water bottle or two, and head on out to check out a few of these wonderful trails:

The Lassen Peak Trail The Hammond Trail The Stout Grove Trail The Patrick’s Point Trail The Ediza Lake Trail

The OIYS Visitor Center

Out and About in Northern California

December 29, 2022

Lysa Allman-Baldwin

Where are some other ghost towns in Northern California? There are actually quite a few other ghost towns in Northern California, most of them tied to the state’s early mining history. Some are more well-known than others, but they are all equally fascinating and should definitely be explored. Here are a few to add to your travel list:

Auburn Bodie Placerville Susanville

  We’re looking for historical sites in Northern California. Historical sites in Northern California abound, as the state has such a deep and rich history. Whether you’re looking for sites related to significant eras, people, or even geography, you’re sure to find some that will teach you a lot about the northern part of The Golden State. Consider checking out at least a few of the following:

The Jack London Wolf House The Mare Island Naval Shipyard Muir Woods National Monument  The San Francisco Presidio and National Cemetery

  Where are some of the best places to go hiking in Northern California? Hiking in Northern California is one of the most popular activities. There are so many beautiful landscapes to explore from short easy trails to lengthy ones that will definitely get your heart rate up. Put on your best hiking boots, grab a water bottle or two, and head on out to check out a few of these wonderful trails:

The Lassen Peak Trail The Hammond Trail The Stout Grove Trail The Patrick’s Point Trail The Ediza Lake Trail

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are actually quite a few other ghost towns in Northern California, most of them tied to the state’s early mining history. Some are more well-known than others, but they are all equally fascinating and should definitely be explored. Here are a few to add to your travel list:

  • Auburn
  • Bodie
  • Placerville
  • Susanville

 

We’re looking for historical sites in Northern California.

Historical sites in Northern California abound, as the state has such a deep and rich history. Whether you’re looking for sites related to significant eras, people, or even geography, you’re sure to find some that will teach you a lot about the northern part of The Golden State. Consider checking out at least a few of the following:

  • The Jack London Wolf House
  • The Mare Island Naval Shipyard
  • Muir Woods National Monument
  • The San Francisco Presidio and National Cemetery

Where are some of the best places to go hiking in Northern California?

Hiking in Northern California is one of the most popular activities. There are so many beautiful landscapes to explore from short easy trails to lengthy ones that will definitely get your heart rate up. Put on your best hiking boots, grab a water bottle or two, and head on out to check out a few of these wonderful trails:

  • The Lassen Peak Trail
  • The Hammond Trail
  • The Stout Grove Trail
  • The Patrick’s Point Trail
  • The Ediza Lake Trail