Towns That Look Like They're Stuck In Time

Time travel isn't possible, at least not in the sense where you can step into a metal booth that spins through space and spits you back out into another century. But thankfully, we can travel back to the days of yore by visiting towns that look like they are stuck in time. These are the towns that have made an effort to preserve their history from iconic America eras like the days of the gold rush, the Industrial Revolution, the Old West and other pivotal points in history. These are also the cities with heavily European or Native American influences that allow you to experience what feels like a different time and place.

Luckenbach, Texas, has a famous sign stating that it's home to just three residents, though it's far from one of the creepiest abandoned places in America. In fact, this small town swells with tourists on the weekends, thanks largely in part to its Old West roots and country music. Revel in the working saloon and general store, and be sure not to miss a good ol' country concert while you're in town; there's live music every weekend at the local dance hall.

Known as "the nation's oldest city," St. Augustine, Florida, has beautiful cobblestone streets and Spanish-inspired architecture. Historical sights in this town include the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the country, the Fountain of Youth and the Old Jail, where St. Augustine's violent criminals were housed from 1891 to 1953. There's tons of things to do in St. Augustine, making this one of the best places to visit in Florida that aren't Disney World or the beach.

If you know anything about the history of the American West, you know about Tombstone, Arizona. This town is the home of the O.K. Corral, where the infamous gunfight between cowboys Billy Claiborne, Ike and Billy Clanton, and Tom and Frank McLaury and policemen Marshal Virgil Earp, Morgan Earp, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday went down. The Wild West is still very much alive here. Attractions in Tombstone include gunfight reenactments as well as themed shopping and saloons, including Big Nose Kate's Saloon, one of the most famous haunted places around.

LaSalle, Illinois, may be just 98 miles southwest of Chicago, but it may as well be a world away. This town of 9,000 or so residents has dozens of historical sights within its boundaries, including the Hegeler Carus Mansion. This Second Empire style mansion is an architectural marvel. Completed in 1874, this home has barely been altered since its completion.

Gruene, Texas, was settled in the 1840s by Ernst Gruene and his family. His son, Henry D. Gruene, served as the town architect, building homes, mercantiles, saloons and a dance hall in various styles. The rapid development of the town (thanks to the cotton trade) halted in the 1920s, thanks to the death of Henry in 1920, the boll weevil and the Great Depression. The town remained largely untouched and abandoned until the 1970s, when its gorgeous architecture was rediscovered. Today, the Gruene Historic District is still home to an authentic Texas experience. Gruene Dance Hall, which has been open and unchanged since 1878, is as lively as some of the best dive bars in America.

Once one of the most prosperous mineral sites in the United States, today Bisbee, Arizona, is a quaint, artistic town with old saloons and businesses that have been repurposed into shops, cafes, bars and art galleries for a modern experience. Beyond the architecture of the town, thanks to the underground Queen Mine Tour, Bisbee is one of those towns that make it feel like you stepped into a history book.

Founded in 1896 by Colonel William F. Cody (better known as "Buffalo Bill"), Cody, Wyoming, still has that Wild West feeling today. Located just 52 miles from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Cody features day ranches and rodeos for that authentic cowboy experience. When you're done living your wildest western fantasies, be sure to stop by Yellowstone. After all, it is one of the most popular national parks in America.

There's no shortage of things to do in this town, which is nestled in the Smoky Mountains. Pigeon Forge boasts over 60 different attractions along its parkway. If you want to feel transported to another time, take a tour of the Old Mill of Pigeon Forge, which was built in 1830 and is still operational today. The Old Forge Distillery is housed in a 100-year-old building — it's just a bonus that it has great whiskey and moonshine. While you're in Pigeon Forge, stop by Dollywood, which ranks among the underrated theme parks you need to visit.

One of the trendiest travel destinations of the 2010s, Deadwood, South Dakota, was the setting for the HBO series "Deadwood." Though the show is fictional and was filmed elsewhere, this Old West town is very real with brick buildings and train rides that look like they're ripped from another time. Visit here and relive those wild times through any number of tours, like gold mining experiences or patrolling the town like an old marshal and seeing old brothels and bars while learning about the town's history. And when you're done, grab a hearty meal at Legends Steakhouse, one of the oldest restaurants in America.

One walk through the French Quarter neighborhood of New Orleans is all it takes to feel like you're in another world. Founded in 1718, the European influence in this neighborhood is apparent in the low-rise buildings with wrought iron balconies, each individually designed and attached to remarkable bars, antique shops, restaurants and boutiques. After taking a stroll, don't miss out on the beignets at Cafe du Monde — they really are one of the most iconic restaurant dishes in America.

Considered America's oldest capital city, Santa Fe, New Mexico, has a rich past. The blend of English, Spanish and Native cultures in this city led to a distinguishable adobe and gothic architectural style that epitomizes the Southwest. Noteworthy historical sites like the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, Loretto Chapel and exhibits at the Historic Santa Fe Foundation will further immerse you in this city's 400-year history. The adobe style can be found throughout Santa Fe, making this place the home to some of the prettiest hotels in America. 

Galena, Illinois, has over 1,450 structures within its historic district, and this town really is quite notable for American history nerds. It was the hometown of Ulysses S. Grant and is where he heard he had become the 18th President of the United States. The beautiful architecture of sites like the Italianate Belvedere and the limestone Dowling House makes this one of the prettiest towns in America.

The awe-inspiring antebellum architecture in Savannah, Georgia, surely will transport you to another time and place. For the most picturesque trip, stroll through the city's 22 squares and parks, each with individual personalities, buildings and gardens. Fans of the French Gothic style will also appreciate the so-called "Sistine of the South," Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Highly walkable, Savannah is one of the most relaxing places to visit after you retire.

A wonderfully affordable warm weather getaway, San Juan claims the title of the second-oldest city established in the New World. The forts of Old San Juan are from the 16th century and have been designated as United Nations World Heritage Sites. Beyond exploring those, hit the streets of Old San Juan, where you'll see brick streets, historic churches and bright buildings right up there with the most colorful streets in the world, 

Get a real feel of the cowboy life in Sheridan, Wyoming. In addition to the wide, open country, numerous ranches, and opportunities to live like you're still in the Wild West, Sheridan's historic downtown district features the Trail End State Historic Site, which was built in the Flemish Revival style and is furnished with authentic pieces. For an outdoorsy adventure, bike, hike or boat through the nearby Bighorn Mountains, which are surrounded by stunning streams and right up there with the majestic mountains you need to see in your lifetime.

You couldn't imagine a more attractive town if you painted one. Clinton, New Jersey, is the home to a lovely walking path where an 1870 antique iron bridge connects two classic grist mills. One of those mills is home to the Red Mill Museum Village, where you can see more than 40,000 artifacts, many of which showcase this town's history from the colonial times through 1928, when the mill closed.

New Glarus, Wisconsin, embraces Swiss culture — it's known as "America's Little Switzerland" and has a name that comes from the canton of Glarus in Switzerland. The town's Swiss Historical Village & Museum is a highly detailed replica of an 1850s immigrant settlement, complete with a one-room cabin and a print shop. Visitors can also enjoy a number of festivals, including the Heidi Folk Festival and Heidi Play as well as a Swiss Independence Day celebration.

McCloud, California, is an old company town, owned by the McCloud River Railroad and Lumber Company from 1896 to 1963. The McCloud Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places and features and old-fashioned mercantile with some of the friendliest shopkeepers you'll ever meet. The hospitality of this town, in addition to it's 19th-century buildings, help to make this truly feel like it's from another era. 

Helen, Georgia, is an Alpine town with heavy historic German influences in its architecture, and that makes it among the most beautiful towns in America. As you stroll through the town and see its wooden carvings, red thatched roofs and waterfalls, you'll forget you're actually in the middle of the Peach State. After seeing all of the Bavarian sights, get your fill of German food at Bodensee Restaurant, which has some seriously great schnitzel.

Founded in 1860 during the gold rush, Leadville, Colorado, actually came into its own during the silver boom 17 years later. The history of this town, complete with saloons, conmen, brothels and all those other Old West mainstays, is still apparent today with a 70-square-block historic district. The mining history is celebrated during the town's annual Boom Days, which is held in August and includes mining competitions, a burro race and classic carnival activities. Whether you make it for that festival or not, Leadville is just 100 miles from Denver and makes for one of the best weekend getaways in America.