Treece

Treece, in Cherokee County, Kansas, was once a living community tied to the historic Tri-State Mining District. By the 2010 census it still counted 138 residents, but within two years the town had been effectively abandoned — the result of severe lead pollution stemming from decades of mining activity. A federal EPA buyout program relocated nearly everyone, and most structures were subsequently demolished.

Visitors today will find little standing. The cleanup effort erased most physical evidence of the town, leaving an open, largely empty landscape. Two residents famously refused the buyout and remained as late as 2012; one died in 2016. The site carries a sobering story about environmental consequence rather than the picturesque ruins associated with many ghost towns.

Access to the area is straightforward given its location in Cherokee County, but there is almost nothing to explore on foot. Those drawn by curiosity about the Tri-State Mining District's legacy or the human drama of the EPA buyout will find the experience reflective rather than scenic. Photography of the sparse remains is the most realistic activity for anyone making the trip.