Lake Isabella and Silver City Ghost Town, California (May 2024)

Lake Isabella, situated in the Kern River Valley of Kern County, California, is a man-made reservoir created by the construction of the Isabella Dam. The lake, completed in 1953, was built for flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. It spans an area of approximately 44 km² and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping, providing a scenic retreat surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Silver City Ghost Town, located near Lake Isabella, is a unique historical site that offers a glimpse into the past. This reconstructed ghost town features over 20 historic buildings that were relocated from nearby mining towns, including Scovern Hot Springs, Claraville, and Keyesville. Established in the 1960s as a heritage and educational site, Silver City Ghost Town preserves and showcases the architectural and cultural heritage of the region’s mining history.