If you've wanted to hang out with cute animals like a Disney princess, then I have good news for you.

In the ghost town of St. Elmo, Colorado, you can feed adorable chipmunks and ground squirrels right from your hand.

You might be thinking: "Aren't we supposed to avoid feeding wildlife?" While that's typically true, this experience is an exception.

The town sells animal food outside the general store, and there's even a designated feeding area.

What is St. Elmo, Colorado?

According to the town's website, miners founded St. Elmo in 1880. Almost 2,000 people called the town home until 1922, when its train tracks shut down.

St. Elmo's last family left for good in 1958, rendering the area a ghost town.

The Mongrain's Mercantile store in St. Elmo. Courtesy of Emily Mashak // TSM.
The Mongrain's Mercantile store in St. Elmo. Courtesy of Emily Mashak // TSM.
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Today, the town has a population of 3 and is open to tourists through mid-October (you can visit in the winter but will have less access).

St. Elmo is in Chaffee County off of Country Road 162.

How to Feed the Chipmunks (and Ground Squirrels) in St. Elmo

Head to the town's general store, Miner's Exchange, to purchase bags of seeds for 50¢. Drop your change in the jar outside the store — it's an honor system.

The Miner's Exchange general store in St. Elmo. Courtesy of Emily Mashak // TSM.
The Miner's Exchange general store in St. Elmo. Courtesy of Emily Mashak // TSM.
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Once you have your food, head across the street to feed the animals. Fill your hands with seeds and stay still — you'll soon be surrounded by cuteness.

Feeding the chipmunks in St. Elmo. Courtesy of Emily Mashak // TSM.
Feeding the chipmunks in St. Elmo. Courtesy of Emily Mashak // TSM.
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There is one rule: don't pick up the animals. Otherwise, sit back and watch the critters stuff their cheeks.

The chipmunks and ground squirrels of St. Elmo. Courtesy of Emily Mashak // TSM.
The chipmunks and ground squirrels of St. Elmo. Courtesy of Emily Mashak // TSM.
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St. Elmo isn't the only ghost town the Centennial State has to explore. Take an alphabetical of Colorado's ghost towns in the gallery below.

Alphabetical Tour of Colorado's Ghost Towns

There are over 300 ghost towns peppered throughout the state of Colorado. Some of these towns are very well preserved with a few residents. Others are completely abandoned with very little left to explore. Regardless, venturing through one of these towns will give you a look into Colorado's rich mining history.

Take a Virtual Tour of Colorado Ghost Town St. Elmo

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

Colorado ghost town St. Elmo is located in Chaffee County and has quite a rich history.

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