Looking for an adventure that promises a scare? Exploring abandoned buildings and towns can be both thrilling and eerie. From Chernobyl’s abandoned city, Pripyat in Ukraine, to the infamous Eastern State Penitentiary in Pennsylvania, USA, there is no shortage of spine-tingling places to visit. Whether catching a glimpse of haunted historical sites, photographing urban decay, or being transported back to the Old West in the abandoned gold-mining town of Bodie, California, there is something for everyone who loves to explore creepy places. However, it is essential to keep in mind that these abandoned sites can be dangerous, so adventurers should always stay alert and respect the property.
10 Creepy Abandoned Places to Explore
Abandoned buildings, towns, and amusement parks are always filled with a sense of mystery and horror. These places once thrived with life, but now lie abandoned, often with secrets buried within them. If you enjoy exploring creepy places, here are 10 abandoned places to give you a good scare.
1. Pripyat, Ukraine
Pripyat, a city in Ukraine, was home to the Chernobyl disaster. The city was evacuated soon after the nuclear disaster occurred in 1986, which left the city in ruins with radiation still lingering in the air. Today, the city can still be visited by tourists, but extreme caution is advised as dangerous levels of radiation still exist in the area.
2. Hashima Island, Japan
Hashima Island, also known as “Battleship Island”, was once a coal mining town in Japan. It was abandoned in the 1970s after the coal ran out. The island is known for its eerie, abandoned buildings, and is popular among photographers and urban explorers.
3. Centralia, Pennsylvania
Centralia, Pennsylvania was once a thriving coal mining town, but now it is mostly abandoned. The town became famous for a coal mine fire that started in 1962 and has been burning ever since. The fire caused large cracks in the ground, releasing smoke and gas. The town is now mostly abandoned, with some houses still standing but in disrepair.
4. Willard Asylum, New York
The Willard Asylum for the Insane, located in New York, was opened in 1869 and closed in 1995. The asylum was home to over 50,000 people who were either mentally ill or disabled. There are many abandoned buildings on the site that have been left to decay, and it’s said to be one of the most haunted places in the country.
5. Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania
Eastern State Penitentiary, located in Philadelphia, was one of the most notorious prisons in America, known for its harsh treatment of prisoners. The prison was closed in 1971 and has since been turned into a museum. The decaying prison is said to be haunted, and many ghost tours are offered for those who dare to visit.
6. Beelitz-Heilstätten, Germany
Beelitz-Heilstätten, located in Germany, was once a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients during the early 20th century. The facility was also used as a military hospital during World War I and II. It was abandoned in the 1990s and has since become a popular spot for urban exploration.
7. Pyramiden, Norway
Pyramiden, located in Norway, is a former mining town that was abandoned in the 1990s. The town was owned by the Soviet Union and was once home to over 1,000 people. Today, the town remains frozen in time, with abandoned buildings and Soviet-era artifacts scattered throughout.
8. Salto Hotel, Colombia
The Salto Hotel is an abandoned hotel in Colombia that was built in the 1920s. The hotel was once a popular destination for the wealthy elite but was abandoned in the 1990s due to financial problems. The hotel’s grand facade still stands, but the interior has been left to decay.
9. Bodie, California
Bodie, California is a former gold-mining town that was abandoned in the early 20th century. The town is now a state park and offers visitors a glimpse into the Old West. The town is said to be haunted, with many visitors reporting ghost sightings in the abandoned buildings.
10. Willard Suitcase Exhibit, New York
The Willard Suitcase Exhibit, located in New York, is a collection of suitcases left behind by patients at the Willard Asylum. The patients left the suitcases behind when they were admitted to the asylum, and they were never claimed. The exhibit offers a unique look into the lives of the patients who were once confined to the asylum.
Conclusion
Exploring abandoned places can be thrilling, but it’s important to remember that many of these places are dangerous and should be visited with caution. Always follow posted signs and respect the property of private and public places.
