UPDATE: The small town of Goodsprings, Nevada, known for its eerie atmosphere, is experiencing a surge in tourism, drawing thousands of visitors annually from the bustling Las Vegas Strip just 30 minutes away. With its unique history and cultural ties, Goodsprings has become a must-visit destination for tourists looking for a slice of the supernatural.
Each year, over 40 million tourists flock to Las Vegas, but many are now venturing beyond the neon lights to discover the haunting allure of Goodsprings. Despite a population of only around 200 people, the town sees a remarkable influx of visitors, with 6,420 tourists reported in 2024 alone. This follows the launch of the acclaimed Amazon Prime Video series inspired by the cult classic video game Fallout: New Vegas, which has reignited interest in the town.
Goodsprings, once a thriving mining hub in the early 20th century, has transformed into a ghostly relic of its past. The town peaked with a population of 800 residents and featured amenities like a hospital and schools. However, as mining operations dwindled, so did its population, leading to its ghost town reputation. The Pioneer Saloon, a historic bar where Hollywood star Clark Gable awaited news of his wife Carole Lombard following her tragic plane crash in 1942, remains a focal point for visitors.
Owner Stephen Staats, affectionately known as “Old Man Liver,” took over the Pioneer in 2021 and quickly recognized its cultural significance. He hosted a Fallout-themed event on July 8, 2022, expecting modest attendance but was blown away when over 1,000 fans showed up. This unexpected turnout has propelled Goodsprings into the spotlight, with visitors praising the town’s welcoming spirit and unique atmosphere on platforms like Reddit.
As the second season of the Amazon Prime series gets greenlit, Goodsprings is set to see renewed interest. Fans of the game are eager to explore the locations that inspired its storyline, including the Pioneer Saloon, which features prominently in the game as the Prospector Saloon.
The town’s eerie vibe, combined with its rich history and ties to popular culture, has made it a hot topic among tourists. One Reddit user described their visit: “When I went to Goodsprings a few years back with my wife, it was completely dead. It looked like a wild west ghost town that time had forgotten.” Another visitor praised the locals, stating, “The residents love it, and it’s kind of their only form of tourism.”
As Goodsprings continues to attract attention, the local economy is poised for growth, transforming the once-sleepy town into a vibrant destination. With the Amazon series drawing more viewers, the ghost town’s future looks brighter than ever. Travelers seeking unique experiences can expect to see increasing numbers of fellow visitors in the coming months.
What’s next? Keep an eye on Goodsprings as it gears up for another bustling tourist season, especially with the impending release of new episodes. The combination of history, culture, and supernatural intrigue ensures that this ghost town remains a hot spot for adventure seekers and fans of the Fallout franchise alike.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the popularity of Goodsprings continues to soar.