Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · California

Wingo

A ghost town of unknown status in Sonoma County, California.

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

Wingo ghost town, California
Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Facts

Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

The map remembers Wingo long after the crowds moved on. Plennie Lawrence Wingo (January 24, 1895 – October 2, 1993) was an American man who walked backwards from Santa Monica, California to Istanbul, Turkey, about 8,000 miles (13,000 km), from April 15, 1931 to October 24, 19

Sonoma County holds 2 documented ghost towns, including Mercuryville — Wingo keeps them company on the map.

The story of Wingo

California wrote the book on ghost towns, from Gold Rush tent cities to Owens Valley farm towns the aqueduct dried up.

Plennie Lawrence Wingo (January 24, 1895 – October 2, 1993) was an American man who walked backwards from Santa Monica, California to Istanbul, Turkey, about 8,000 miles (13,000 km), from April 15, 1931 to October 24, 1932, at the age of 36. He remains the Guinness record holder for "greatest extent of reverse pedestrianism".

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Wingo 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 Wingo 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.

Wingo FAQs

Where is Wingo located?
Wingo is in Sonoma County, California. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Wingo in?
Wingo sits in Sonoma County, California. See our full guide to ghost towns in Sonoma County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Wingo?
Plennie Lawrence Wingo (January 24, 1895 – October 2, 1993) was an American man who walked backwards from Santa Monica, California to Istanbul, Turkey, about 8,000 miles (13,000 km), from April 15, 1931 to October 24, 1932, at the age of 36.
What remains at Wingo today?
The on-the-ground condition of Wingo 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 Wingo?
Here's the honest truth: access to Wingo 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 (“Plennie L. Wingo”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Sonoma County

See all 2 ghost towns in Sonoma County, California