Travel: BanditTown USA
Bandit Town: A Weekend Escape into the New Old West
Bandit Town USA, located near North Fork, California, is a recreated Old West town that offers visitors a glimpse into the 19th-century frontier experience. Originally constructed in the 1970s, the town was designed to serve as a movie set and tourist attraction, complete with a saloon, chapel, and general store. It remained a popular destination for events and film productions until its closure in the early 1990s.
Oddly enough, the area is famously known as the "Exact Center of California." A marker in the town of North Fork designates this spot, drawing visitors curious to stand at the geographical heart of the state. The town’s location also makes it a gateway to the Sierra National Forest and close to Yosemite National Park. A perfect place to stop on the way to the famous National Park.
In 2013, entrepreneur Jennifer McMillan acquired the property and embarked on a mission to revitalize it. Under her leadership, Bandit Town USA has been transformed into a vibrant venue hosting a variety of events, including concerts, festivals, craft markets, weddings, and pop-up restaurants. The town's authentic Western ambiance, featuring wooden structures and period-appropriate decor, provides a unique backdrop for these gatherings.
Being that it’s located near North Fork, CA it has deep roots in the old west. North Fork is a small community steeped in history and rich in cultural significance. Located in Madera County, near the Sierra Nevada mountains, the town holds a unique place in California's past as well as its present.
North Fork is the ancestral home of the Mono (Monache) people, who have lived in the area for centuries. The Mono people are known for their intricate basket-weaving traditions and deep connection to the natural environment. Today, the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians is an important cultural presence in the area, actively preserving their heritage and contributing to the community.
The area’s history is closely tied to the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, which brought settlers to the area in search of fortune. While gold mining in North Fork was not as extensive as in other parts of California, the influx of settlers paved the way for other industries.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, North Fork became a hub for the timber industry. Logging and sawmills drove the local economy, with the town serving as a key supplier of lumber for the growing state. The North Fork Lumber Company, one of the major employers, operated for many years, shaping the town’s development and infrastructure.
With the decline of the timber industry in the late 20th century, the entire area faced economic challenges. The closure of sawmills, including the North Fork Mill in the 1990s, led to significant job losses. However, the community has worked to adapt by promoting tourism, small businesses, and cultural events including Bandit Town.
Update: Despite its resurgence, Bandit Town USA has faced challenges. In 2018, efforts to reopen the town's restaurant and saloon were hindered by issues related to obtaining a liquor license, highlighting the complexities involved in operating such a venue.
Today, Bandit Town USA continues to serve as a cultural hub, attracting a diverse mix of visitors, including artists, musicians, and history enthusiasts. Its blend of historical charm and modern events offers a distinctive experience that celebrates the spirit of the Old West. It’s officially it’s set up as a “Venue that hosts events, including weddings, in a Western town setting.”
They have a website that doesn’t have too much info and an Instagram account.
They were known for having a “Labor Day Campout” that was a lot of drinking and rock n’ roll. This place used to be an old Harley biker spot but seems quiet these days.
Other spots close by we travelled to are:
Redinger Lake / Campground: Camping is restricted to a large open area near the dam. Services limited, no drinking water or garbage pick-up available. No fee is charged. It’s a bummer but no campfires are permitted. Bring your propane pit. Fishing, kayaking and motor boating is nice here.
Shaver Lake / Huntington Lake: Limited spots to eat. It has a few little general stores, beautiful fishing and kayaking. Amazong little cabins or places to camp. (awesome Van Camping) See our post on visiting this spot
China Peak: A tiny ski resort with a great mountain bike park in the summer. There’s one ski lift and a ton a great trails. All levels of riding.
Florence Lake / Kaiser Pass: High Sierras - this spot in accessible in the winter unless you’re on snowmobile. Great spot on the granite slabs to rent a boat, camp and fish.
Mono Hot Springs: There’s a cool little rustic lodge with cabins you can stay at with hot tub like soaking tubs from the hot springs water.
Sierra Mono Museum and Cultural Center: A repository of artifacts and history related to the Mono people.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: Wonderful hike to a beautiful grove of massive sequoia trees.
Bass Lake: A nearby recreational area popular for boating, fishing, and camping. Gets really busy around the 4th of July. Nice little town with good food. See our post on visiting this spot
