Atlanta Area

The mines around Atlanta and the Middle Fork of the Boise River were discovered in 1864 and proved to be quite rich. Mining continued into the late 1930s and today the town still has a small population. Because there are several campgrounds nearby and good fishing in the area, the town welcomes a number of summer visitors. Some of the original buildings, although weathered, make for an interesting visit.

The interpretive center near Challis offers museum exhibits, a gold panning station, audiovisual programs, and friendly personnel to provide information on local mining history and area attractions. Also near Challis, visit the nearby ghost towns of Bonanza, Custer and Bayhorse, the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge, the Custer Motorway and the Challis Bison Jump.