Cool Abandoned Sites to Visit

As time goes on, some places stay in use, but some get left behind—due to unforeseen circumstances, changing times or other reasons. These abandoned places immediately evoke feelings of eeriness and curiosity, no matter where they are. Their remains are testaments to their fascinating histories, and they are perfect destinations for those who love history, adventure and even stories of the supernatural. From old mining tunnels covered in glow worms to haunted prisons to ’70s movie sets decaying in the desert, here are some of the most fascinating abandoned sites to explore around the world.

- By Sarah Dreher

01 Eastern State Penitentiary

Philadelphia

Philadelphia This prison operated from 1829 to 1971, and when it was first built, it was the largest building in the country. Notoriously, inmates were often tortured there. Now the deserted penitentiary is considered one of the most haunted places in the world; reported sightings of figures and the sounds of footsteps, crying and screaming abound.

02 City Hall Station

New York

New York This beautiful subway station was in use until 1945, but it closed down because the curve of the platform was too sharp for newer, longer trains. Decorated with stained glass skylights, colorful tile and brickwork and chandeliers, this work of art is sadly no longer accessible to commuters and passersby, but the New York Transit Museum does offer tours to this underground treasure box.

03 The Great Train Graveyard

Uyuni, Bolivia

Uyuni, Bolivia In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, transportation was a major industry in the region. But by the 1940s, these windy salt flats were where trains went to die. The area’s harsh conditions deteriorated the trains rapidly, quickly giving them the haunting appearance of ancient relics—albeit ones that visitors can climb on for share-worthy photos.