Lake Valley Historic Townsite

A preserved silver-mining ghost town in Sierra County, located on BLM-managed public lands west of Caballo Lake in south-central New Mexico. Founded in 1878 after silver discovery, Lake Valley grew to about 4,000 residents at its peak (1881-1893) before mining depleted. Today the historic townsite features restored BLM structures including the schoolhouse and chapel, with other buildings stabilized against deterioration. A self-guided interpretive walking tour provides visitor access. The site is open Thursday-Monday, 9am-4pm; closed Tuesday-Wednesday. Water and restroom facilities available.