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Kanab, Utah: Ruins of Replica Gunsmoke TV Town

During its 20 year run, TV's Gunsmoke shot some outdoor scenes near Kanab. This deteriorating town ruin is what remains of a 1970s-era replica built to attract fans. Off limits but still visible.

Address:
Johnson Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT
Directions:
From Kanab, drive east on US Hwy 89 for nine miles. Turn left (north) onto Johnson Canyon Rd. Drive 5.5 miles. You'll see the ruins on the right (white fence on the left).
Admission:
Free
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Visitor Tips and News About Ruins of Replica Gunsmoke TV Town

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Ruins of Gunsmoke town.

Ruins of Gunsmoke TV Town

Not much left, but if you are a Gunsmoke fan it's worth the short 5 mile detour.

[Debi, 05/16/2020]
Gunsmoke Filming Site Ruins

We were so disappointed to see that the site was nothing but a few structures that were completely falling in. Who owns this land and why was it not preserved? Yes, it takes money to take care of anything, but we would have paid a reasonable fee to participate in a Gunsmoke experience.

[Tony Bishop, 09/30/2017]

2021-2-7 update: Turns out this was a replica, not the actual filming site. Gunsmoke fans usually make a pilgrimage to Dodge City, where they can enjoy tributes at Boot Hill and the Famous Gunfighters Wax Museum.

Gunsmoke ghost town.

Gunsmoke Filming Location

The buildings used in the filming of the TV series Gunsmoke are about five miles along Johnson Canyon Road off of Hwy 89, a few miles east of Kanab. The buildings are pretty dilapidated now (some have collapsed) and are only viewable from the road, but worth stopping for some photos as you enjoy the scenery of the Grand Staircase (where quite a few 1950s westerns were also filmed). A few more storms and they'll be gone forever!

[Phil G, 09/11/2013]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Moqui CaveMoqui Cave, Kanab, UT - 10 mi.
Little Hollywood Land - Frontier Movie TownLittle Hollywood Land - Frontier Movie Town, Kanab, UT - 10 mi.
Kanab's HammerKanab's Hammer, Kanab, UT - 10 mi.
In the region:
Old Cliff Dwellers Lodge, Marble Canyon, AZ - 43 mi.

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