Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · Minnesota

Colvill

A ghost town of unknown status in Minnesota.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Colvill ghost town, Minnesota
Photo: Internet Archive Book Images (No restrictions) via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Facts

County
Not recorded
Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Every ghost town is a bet that didn't pay off. Colvill just shows the receipt more honestly than most. William J. Colvill Jr. (April 5, 1830 – June 12, 1905) was an American Union colonel in the American Civil War who led the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry in the Battle of Gettysburg.

The story of Colvill

Minnesota's ghost towns are lumber camps and Iron Range locations, most of them already half-digested by the north woods.

William J. Colvill Jr. (April 5, 1830 – June 12, 1905) was an American Union colonel in the American Civil War who led the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry in the Battle of Gettysburg. He was Minnesota Attorney General from 1866 to 1868 and he also served in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Colvill is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Colvill is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

Colvill FAQs

Where is Colvill located?
Colvill is in Minnesota. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Colvill in?
No county is recorded for Colvill in the sources used for this directory — it's listed under Minnesota.
What is the history of Colvill?
William J. Colvill Jr. (April 5, 1830 – June 12, 1905) was an American Union colonel in the American Civil War who led the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry in the Battle of Gettysburg.
What remains at Colvill today?
The on-the-ground condition of Colvill is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Can you visit Colvill?
Here's the honest truth: access to Colvill is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“William J. Colvill”), CC BY-SA.

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