BE A GHOST TOWNER

Here are some friendly tips to get you started.

Always abide by the Ghost Towner's Code of Ethics:

Leave only footprints.

Never take anything from any ghost town you visit. Always leave the town in the same (or better) condition than when you found it. If you see litter, pick it up and let the natural beauty of the North Dakota prairie show through. Do not disturb the town in any way. For instance... no campfires except in designated campsites or firepits. Do not clear brush for any purpose. Let nature overtake the town in it's own way.

Some ghost towns are no longer public property. If in doubt, stay out. Or try to find the property owner and ask permission. Never trespass on posted land.

Preparations:

Once you decide on a town you want to visit, do some research on the town and learn as much as you can before you go. Some links you will find very useful are Terraserver.com, and MapQuest.com. MapQuest has maps for towns that aren't on the standard road atlas anymore, and in many cases you can even get driving directions. Terraserver allows you to see actual satellite photos of just about any place in the state, which comes in handy when you're trying to decide on a town to visit. You can usually determine how many streets a ghost town has (an indication of size) by checking mapquest and terraserver.

Before you go, do some calculations on gas mileage and plan out your stops, especially if you're doing an investigation on the weekend. Many ghost towns in North Dakota are quite remote, and if you don't plan accordingly you could find yourself a long way from an open gas station, with a teaspoon of gas and no food.

Although many ghost towns are kryptonite to cell phone service, take your phone anyway. You can always dash into a coverage zone and make a call in an emergency. Turn your phone off when you're in the most remote areas, lest your cellphone kill it's own battery because it's constantly "looking for service". Let somebody know where you're going before you leave and how long you'll be gone.

There is the possibility you will have contact with wild animals. Take proper precautions to protect yourself, and never interact with wild animals if you can help it.

In addition to food and some extra gas, you should consider bringing the following items... A mountain bike (in case of a breakdown), water, a camera, notepad, GPS if you have access, a compass, and as many maps as you need.

A Word of Caution: Ghost towns are frequently re-inhabited after they're abandoned. Although you may meet some friendly folks, there's also the possibility you may run into some not-so-friendly folks too. If you stumble across someone's meth lab, obviously LEAVE.