10 Abandoned Places in America You Need to Visit
- K Enagonio
- Dec 30, 2022
- 9 min read
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From crumbling old hospitals to deserted factories, the abandoned places in America are some of the most fascinating spots to explore. Whether you're looking for a unique adventure or just a little bit of history, there's something for everyone when it comes to abandoned America. Here are the top ten must-see abandoned places in the United States that you need to visit.
1) Detroit, Michigan
As the birthplace of the automotive industry, Detroit has a unique history that goes back to the late 1800s. This rich history can be seen in many of its abandoned places, making Detroit one of the top destinations for urban exploring. From industrial sites to abandoned churches, Detroit is full of interesting places to explore. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the top ten abandoned places in Detroit you need to visit.
The Packard Plant is one of the most iconic abandoned places in Detroit. Constructed in 1903, the Packard Plant served as an automotive manufacturing facility until its closure in 1958. The plant has been left to deteriorate ever since and is now one of Detroit's most popular abandoned sites.
Another one of Detroit's must-see abandoned places is the Michigan Central Station. Built in 1913, the station was once the city's major passenger rail hub until its closure in 1988. Today, it stands as a symbol of Detroit's former grandeur and continues to attract visitors from all over.
The Eastern Market is another great spot for urban explorers. The market was established in 1841 and served as a primary source of fresh produce for much of the 20th century. Nowadays, the market still operates but its abandoned buildings have become popular among photographers and explorers alike.
From historic factories to forgotten churches, there is no shortage of abandoned places to explore in Detroit. Whether you're an experienced urban explorer or just getting started, these top ten abandoned places in Detroit are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
2) Cleveland, Ohio
Urban explorers who visit Cleveland, Ohio can explore some of the top ten abandoned sites in America. One such place is the historic Cleveland Trust Rotunda which was built in 1908. This building was once home to the Cleveland Trust Company, one of the oldest and most successful banking institutions in the country. However, due to economic changes it has been left empty since the 1990s and is now a popular spot for urban exploring.
The former Hough Bakery Building is also an abandoned site worth visiting. Built in 1910, the building operated as a bakery until the late 1980s. Today, it stands as an iconic reminder of Cleveland's industrial past and is a popular destination for urban explorers looking for a unique experience.
In addition to these two locations, there are many other abandoned places in Cleveland that are worth exploring. The West Side Market, Terminal Tower, and the Romanesque-style Garfield Building are all great examples of beautiful architecture and provide an interesting glimpse into Cleveland’s past.
Whether you are looking for a historical adventure or just an exciting way to spend the day, Cleveland, Ohio has plenty of abandoned sites to explore. With its rich industrial history and numerous abandoned locations, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience. So if you are looking for an urban exploration opportunity in America's top ten abandoned places, then be sure to add Cleveland to your list!
3) Buffalo, New York
If you’re looking for an urban exploring experience, Buffalo, New York should be at the top of your list. It is one of the most fascinating abandoned places in America and has plenty of history to explore. From crumbling old factories to deserted hospitals, there’s something for everyone in Buffalo. You can also find traces of the once-thriving industrial hub in the form of old brick warehouses, factories, and railroad bridges. Many of these sites are still accessible, making it a great destination for the urban explorer. Even if you don’t have the time to visit all of the places in the top ten abandoned places in America, a trip to Buffalo is definitely worth considering.
4) St. Louis, Missouri
If you're looking for a unique urban exploration experience, St. Louis is the place to go. Located in the heart of the Midwest, St. Louis was once a bustling manufacturing hub. Now, many of its abandoned buildings have been left to decay and offer an intriguing peek into the city's past.
One of the top ten must-visit abandoned places in St. Louis is the former Union Station. This grand building opened in 1894 and served as the city’s main train station until 1978. Today, it sits eerily empty, but its impressive architecture and rich history are still worth checking out.
Another noteworthy abandoned spot is the Pruitt-Igoe housing complex. Constructed in 1954, the 33 11-story buildings were built to help alleviate St. Louis’s housing crisis. However, due to rising crime rates and other issues, the complex was ultimately demolished in 1972. Although its remains are now considered unsafe, Pruitt-Igoe is still worth seeing from afar.
For those looking for more traditional urban exploring opportunities, St. Louis offers plenty of options. The city has numerous old warehouses and factories, many of which have been abandoned for years. Exploring these sites provides insight into St. Louis’s industrial past and its evolution over time.
No matter where you choose to go, St. Louis is sure to offer a unique urban exploring experience. From its grand train station to its forgotten factories, the city is full of fascinating abandoned sites that are sure to take your breath away.
5) Gary, Indiana
Urban Exploring in the Top Ten
Located along the southern tip of Lake Michigan, Gary, Indiana is an abandoned town that is ripe for urban exploration. Established in 1906 as a steel town, Gary was once home to numerous factories and businesses. Today, it's a ghost town with many of its buildings empty, dilapidated, and in disrepair.
Gary has been listed in numerous “top ten” lists of abandoned places in America due to its eerie vibe and urban decay. Explorers will find plenty to discover here, from abandoned factories and train stations to old churches and houses. The site of a former Ford plant is a popular destination for urban explorers. Although most of the buildings are off-limits due to hazardous materials, visitors can still see them from the outside.
If you're looking for a unique urban exploration experience, then Gary, Indiana should be at the top of your list. The town may be empty and desolate now, but its history still lives on through the abandoned buildings and structures that still remain.
6) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Urban explorers rejoice! Philadelphia has a number of abandoned places that make it onto the top ten list of abandoned places to visit in America. From disused industrial complexes to abandoned homes, the city provides a wide range of urban exploration opportunities.
The most interesting abandoned place to visit in Philadelphia is the Eastern State Penitentiary. This notorious prison was originally built in 1829 and is now an iconic ruin located in the heart of the city. Tourists and urban explorers can explore its cell blocks, dungeons, and guard towers which offer insight into its past as a functioning prison.
Another noteworthy abandoned place to check out in Philadelphia is the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. The site was an active shipbuilding facility from 1876 until its closure in 1996. Today, visitors can still walk among the crumbling remains of the dry dock, concrete piers, and other historic structures.
Urban exploring doesn't stop there in Philadelphia. The old building at 31st Street and Grays Ferry Avenue is another great spot to explore. The old building was originally used as a torpedo factory and its derelict brick walls, roofless corridors, and other crumbling features make it one of Philadelphia's top ten abandoned places.
Whether you are looking for an adrenaline rush or a fascinating history lesson, Philadelphia's abandoned places have something to offer any urban explorer. With such a variety of intriguing sites, it's no surprise that Philadelphia makes the top ten list of abandoned places to visit in America.
7) Newark, New Jersey
Urban exploring in the city of Newark has become quite popular recently, and it's easy to see why. This densely populated city is home to some of the most interesting abandoned places in America, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore the top ten abandoned places in the country.
Located just outside of New York City, Newark is full of architectural gems from the 19th century, including old warehouses, factories, and churches that have been left abandoned for years. Perhaps the most well-known abandoned building in Newark is the former Hahne’s Department Store, which closed its doors in 1987 and remains empty today. The building’s marble walls, grand columns, and ornate staircases make for an unforgettable sight.
For those looking for a slightly more daring experience, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore in Newark. From the eerie tunnels beneath the city to the graffiti-covered abandoned warehouses, there’s something to discover around every corner. Newark also boasts some of the best graffiti in the world, making it a great place for urban explorers who are interested in street art.
With so much to explore, it’s no wonder that Newark has become one of the top destinations for urban exploring. From historic sites to hidden gems, there’s something to discover around every corner of this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or an educational experience, Newark should be at the top of your list when planning your next urban exploration trip.
8) Baltimore, Maryland
Urban exploring can be a fascinating way to explore history and uncover the secrets of past civilizations, and few cities offer a better opportunity for this than Baltimore. This city, once known as the “City of Firsts”, has a rich past and many abandoned buildings that are ripe for exploration.
As one of the top ten most populous cities in the United States, Baltimore boasts a range of locations to explore, ranging from industrial sites to historical buildings. Whether you’re interested in the industrial heritage of Baltimore or just want to explore some abandoned buildings, there’s plenty to do here. Some of the most interesting places include the old Bethlehem Steel Mill, the ornate Memorial Stadium, and the abandoned Brewhouse No. 5.
The industrial buildings offer a great opportunity to explore the remains of Baltimore's industrial past. From old steel mills to abandoned breweries, these sites offer an insight into what life was like in the city when it was still thriving with industry.
For those who are looking for something a bit more historic, there are plenty of places to explore as well. The beautiful Fort McHenry is one of the best preserved military fortifications in the United States and has been the backdrop for some of America's most iconic events. Other historical sites include the Civil War-era Mount Clare Station and the Governor's Mansion.
With so much to explore in Baltimore, urban exploring can be a great way to discover the hidden gems of this great city. Whether you’re interested in exploring some of its industrial past or discovering its historical landmarks, Baltimore has something for everyone.
9) Chicago, Illinois
Located on the south western shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States and a major urban center. This city has a long history, so it should come as no surprise that it is home to some of the most impressive abandoned buildings in the country. With its towering architecture, bustling nightlife and breathtaking views, it's no wonder why Chicago made the top ten list for urban exploring destinations.
The city's abandoned structures have been preserved over time and range from modern ruins to historical relics. A few of the more popular locations include the Uptown Theatre, the Oriental Theater, and Cabrini Green. All of these locations are open to the public and offer an opportunity to explore the city’s past and discover hidden gems.
Not only do these sites provide an interesting way to experience the city's history, but they also offer a unique view of its future. With Chicago's ever-changing skyline, each abandoned building offers a chance to take a peek into the city’s past while simultaneously witnessing its evolution. Whether you're looking for a unique perspective of the city’s landscape or just an opportunity to explore an intriguing location, Chicago's abandoned places have something for everyone.
10) New Orleans, Louisiana
Urban exploring in New Orleans is a must for anyone looking to experience the best of what this city has to offer. It's known for its voodoo-inspired culture, party vibes and rich history. If you're looking for an adventure, urban exploring in the Big Easy is sure to fit the bill. There are plenty of abandoned places throughout the city that can be explored. From old churches to factories, there is plenty to explore in the city.
One of the top ten places in the city to visit is the old Saint Louis Cemetery. This cemetery is one of the oldest in America, dating back to 1789. It's filled with stunning mausoleums and tombs that have been around since the 19th century. It's a unique experience and one that visitors to New Orleans should not miss.
Another great place for urban exploring is the Bucktown neighborhood. This area was once home to some of the wealthiest people in the city, but now it's been abandoned. Many of the historic buildings still stand and there is a lot of history and beauty to be found here. Take a tour of the area to explore some of the most interesting parts of New Orleans.
Finally, no trip to New Orleans would be complete without a visit to the Ninth Ward. This area was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and it still stands as a reminder of the devastation caused by natural disasters. Urban explorers can take a tour of the area to see what remains of this once vibrant neighborhood.
Urban exploring in New Orleans can be an amazing experience. From exploring old churches to visiting abandoned neighborhoods, there is so much to see and experience in this amazing city. Be sure to add it to your list of places to visit when exploring the United States' top ten abandoned places!
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