Sadly, the homes were left abandoned for over a decade and are now in a state of disrepair. Have you been to Brownsville? Ghosts said to hang out here include former employee "Bus" Seymore, who is heard typing upstairs, and a little girl who sits in the conference room and has a "thing" for flashlights. While several of these are off-limits to visitors because they are being used for the hydroponic farm, there were, at the time of my visit at least one that you could enter. Read more 0 Flavel Mansion Astoria, Oregon This abandoned iron furnace was one of the first to use cokea type of high-carbon fuelto make iron. Thats a famous historical train site. Map View Genres Near Me. For the next two decades, the prison set abandoned until it was opened for limited tours in 1988. Report an Abandoned Vehicle . However, few have been left alone in the middle of nature like Rockland Furnace. Demolished unfortunately. Clickon any of the icons below toget connectedto PA Bucket List on social media. No doubt countless pick-up games were played on this court over the years the prison was in operation. Disclaimer: The stories posted here are user-submitted and are, in the nature of "ghost stories," largely unverifiable. Although some of that glass has since been shattered at the hands of vandals. Bellwood, PA (7.6 mi.) Beautiful place and grounds. Today, visitors can go deep underground to see this once-active mine and learn more about coal mining. (Note: While to the best of our knowledge you can legally visit these abandoned places at the time of publication, access can always change. Some people still see him wandering along this road (used to transfer him); he is Cemeteries near Altoona, PA Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. I-81 went through there in the 60s and took a lot of it out. So, when I heard that the former SCI Cresson Prison near Altoona was open for visits, I knew I needed to check it out as soon as I could. You definitely WILL encounter flaking paint, broken glass, dark corridors, and other hazards typical when exploring abandoned buildings, so dress appropriately and come prepared for that. I was amazed to see medical equipment still present in some of the rooms, which really made it an interesting space to explore. What began as the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium when it opened in 1913 morphed over the years into a state hospital and finally a state prison (SCI Cresson). The Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike is a 13 mile stretch of roadway that was part of the original alignment of the PA Turnpike. Today, this approximately 200-foot arch looks in amazingly good condition and looks no worse for wear despite being over a century old. Its part of the deadmans hollow trail and the town has a great set up with a park sports fields and boat drop in area. Check out the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike, the best things to do in Altoona, the Allegheny Portage Railroad, and the historic Horseshoe Curve. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Often seen on the second floor is the ghost of an African-American man who wears 1800s clothing. Open house dates for the prison are announced on the Facebook page for the site and all events are listed on their website. Not knowing it was open for tours, we didnt go!! Haunted Places in Pennsylvania 08/24/22. Its not a rugged trail is a bike/walking trail so it easily accessible maybe not wheelchair but beginner hikers and kids would have no problem making it to the site. Guests are welcome to bring investigative equipment and a small flashlight. A mine fire has been burning under the deserted town since 1962, but this church is still going strong. Carrie Blast Furnace in Rankin. Hi Ginnie, I used to live in that area (1977-1992). The community even hosted President Ulysses S. Grant in 1871. My favorite is the giant elevator that once took miners deep underground. In a side room, weight equipment can still be found in several spots. Said to be the first railroad tunnel built in USA. Oldest continuously operating railroad tunnel in the world is the Howard Tunnel in York County, Pa along the current Northern Central Railroad. Its amazing to tour the homes and think about what it would have been like to have lived in this community. While most of the buildings have been torn down, its still fascinating to drive around the old streets and see the curbs, gutters, and stone steps that are surrounded by fields of forested land. Without a doubt, this site is easily one of the largest abandoned places in Pennsylvania and one of the most varied. It continued to house inmates until closing in 2013 due to the cost of maintaining the aging facility. A hidden piece of Altoona's railroad history in a long-forgotten abandoned town. The City of Altoona is required to provide notice and a period of time for the vehicle . flickr/patrick dirden. Id love to explore the interior of some of those downtown buildings. If you're intrigued by abandoned places, follow this abandoned places in Pennsylvania road trip. Was an awesome experience. Road Tripping to the Best Abandoned Places in PA will take you on an epic379 mile route toseven of Pennsylvanias most intriguing abandoned places! Frank is the most popular spirit in the museum but not the only ghost whos said to live there. I definitely would bring a mask with you to deal with the likely unsafe air quality in the buildings (Which is kind of ironic since this facility was started as a sanatorium because of the clean mountain air here). Over the years, many stage crew members, actors, office . On a related note, a tripod is definitely needed if you plan to do a lot of photography during your visit. The hardwood basketball court at the former SCI-Cresson is definitely showing its age, although at one time Im sure it was magnificent. Off we go to uncover the tales behind three of the most haunted spots in Altoona. Witnesses say they have felt a heavy presence inside, during which it is difficult to breathe. The natives outnumbered the rangers some five to one and the Rangers eventually surrendered. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world. SCI Cresson closed June 30, 2013, with the State citing the antiquity of the prison and rising costs of maintaining it as the primary reasons for the closure. With that PSA out of the way, read on to discover the incredible history of this site and learn how you can visit it legally and what you can see. As I mentioned, it is possible to visit SCI Cresson State Prison with permission from the owners. Search. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. There is no artificial light in any of the buildings, leading to some dramatic natural light and shadow combinations. I lived in Clairton , pleasant hills and bethel Park, I now live in California but miss Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Great article. The land used to belong to Col. George Wiestling, a veteran of the Civil War who died in 1891. They assumed he, like them, was an extra working on the film. The 1739 house is thought to be haunted by 2 families: The Hammonds, who lived here in the 1840s, and the Civil War-era Downins. Can you be more specific as to where it is? Thats very interesting story and you mention Rockview.. Travel through the two mile-long tunnels or simply enjoy them from the outside. If you love exploring abandoned buildings and/or historic structures, the abandoned Cresson State Prison (AKA SCI Cresson, AKA the Haunted Cresson Sanatorium) seems almost too good to be true! She is said to whisper "Turn off the lights" and move objects in the kitchen. 3.8. Saved from the wrecking ball and now owned by a non-profit organization,Eastern State Penitentiaryoperates asa year-round museum and historic site. Opened as a state-of-the-art prison in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiaryin Philadelphia was the model for many future correctional facilities. Per one story, some Civil War re-enactors working on the film Gettysburg at this site were approached here by a Union soldier. But where to start is the question. The Avondale Mine diaster site in Nanticoke, Pa! Ghosts here include a woman who haunts the kitchen (especially the walk-in cooler). (Submitted by Callum Swift). However, in recent years, Big House Produce has begun converting the site into a hydroponic farm for a variety of crops. This site has a 100-year history as a tuberculosis sanatorium, a mental hospital, and a modern prison, meaning that you can explore everything from an old psychiatric ward to modern cell blocks. Since the mine was closed with the plan of reopening, much of the original mine equipment is still present. The vast majority of information provided on this web site is anecdotal, and as such, should be viewed in the same light as local folklore and urban legends. Today, this once-bustling borough is reduced to fewer than 10 residents. Press J to jump to the feed. 3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Altoona, Pennsylvania . kettner dam elk county,jones twp. She also may be the one who makes objects mysteriously General Anthony Wayne was buried, unearthed, then boiled so he could be transferred to his family grave. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! There is an abandon tunnel left from the East Broadtop Railroad along Rt 994 not far from Saltillo / Three Springs. In the far left building white building (if looking at the front of the complex), youll find the prisons medical facility, which might be the most interesting space here. On this visit I got to check out the tunnels that run BENEATH the complex. Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. I was in the back of the back closet and there were just 2 people in the building the front desk person and I was getting food for the downtown pantry and trying to organize Folks say that the ghosts at this 1800s resort want to be in pictures. BUTtwo weeks later, we are watching Ghost Hunters on TV. Please note: It is your responsibility to acquire appropriate permissions before investigating any location listed on this site. You're awesome for doing it! The status of visitors being allowed is unknown, but I assume that it is currently closed to exploration. Nearby Attractions. And there are plenty of them to check out. There really is just so much to see at this abandoned prison, and Im grateful that owners have decided to open it up for the public to explore so that you can find your own hidden surprises, of which there are many more that arent included here. Make sure to obey any signage you might see, and obtain owner permission or pay the admission fees where required.). 2 mile walk to get to it but trail is flat and wide. Located on state game lands a short distance south of Williamsport are the Alvira Bunkers. Thanks, Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City, PA is an eerie abandoned place to explore. Rockland Furnace dates to 1832 and was in operation until 1854. Some of the older cells have an enormous amount of peeling paint coming off the ceiling and walls, thus my recommendation to bring a dust mask along. You can walk around campus in the daytime: https://pennhurstasylum.ticketleap.com/daytime-photography-tour/details. However, the site is also home to two long-closed steel mills that can be seen on tours of the museum. Another building to search out is the prisons gymnasium. Everyone In Pittsburgh Should Visit This Epic Flea Market At Least Once, This Flea Market Near Pittsburgh Covers 14,000 Square Feet With More Than 100 Vendors On-Site, The Charming Out Of The Way Flea Market Near Pittsburgh You Wont Soon Forget, 6 Must-Visit Flea Markets In Pittsburgh Where Youll Find Awesome Stuff, These 10 Haunted Places In Pittsburgh Will Send Chills Down Your Spine, The Story Behind This Haunted Theater In Pittsburgh Is Truly Creepy, Theres Nothing More Terrifying Than These 8 Genuinely Haunted Places Around Pittsburgh, Not Many People Realize These 7 Little Known Haunted Places In Pittsburgh Exist. The depot was built on land that was once the town of Alvira before it was seized by the government for the depot. My favorite is the trail leads you straight there! Would love to have good picture, so would many others. I was young and didnt think anything about it. Completed in 1854,the Allegheny Tunnel is still in use tothis day, and theGallitzin Tunnels Parknext to it is a popular spot for railfans to congregate and watch trains enter and exit this historic tunnel. Springwater still runs through this building, creating one of the most unique abandoned places in PA. The National Iron and Steel Museum in Coatesville isnt abandoned in and of itself. Many "ghost hunters" have been arrested because they failed to contact property owners and/or local authorities ahead of time. Anyone have any pictures of White Swan Park which was near the Pittsburgh airport ? Some stories say she is a hitchhiker ghost or that she stops young men to see if they are her husband. All rights reserved. A painting of Jesus in the foyer still greets visitors to the chapel as it has for many, many years. My trip report from my second visit contains more than 50 new photos as well! A haunted location: Baker Mansion in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The Turn Hole Railroad Tunnel in Lehigh Gorge Jim Thorpe Im always on the lookout for abandoned places in Pennsylvania that I can legally explore. Turned out Rockview had the CERT team there. The ghosts are . Eastern State Penitentiaryin Philadelphia wasthe most famous and expensive prison in the worldwhen it opened in 1829. Apparitions, black figures and flashes Reported to be haunted by the ghosts of Civil War era soldiers who were treated and died in the Inn when it served as a hospital after the battle. This old hotel, established in 1797, is haunted by Rachel, among other spirits. Camp Sideling Hill is the second abandoned POW camp from World War 2 on this list. This mental hospital was open until December 1982 when the state decided to turn the site into a prison. If you exit the basketball court through the exterior door, youll find yourself along the northern fence line of the prison and next to the old automotive shop. This massive tower stands tall over the trail, which runs directly underneath it. Despite being the newest structures on the site, I found them to be among the most interesting to see as they looked, at least on the surface, like they had just been abandoned and prisoners (or a film crew) could come in at any second. In this space, youll find a large basketball court that still retains some of the paint on the floor, though, sadly, no basketball hoops. In fact, when entering the site, I was told that if I could find an open door, I could go in and explore as much as I wanted. Information can be found further down in this article on how to legally visit this abandoned prison, but know that visitors are allowed with permission and prices are reasonable, so please dont trespass on this site. Known officially as a Van de Graaff Generator, this was the first industrial generator of its kind and was built in 1937. Night and day. Horseshoe Curve Is A Haunted Tunnel In Pennsylvania That Has A Dark History Horseshoe Curve in Altoona beckons tourists who want to experience the beauty and architectural wonder of the railroad line with tracks that curve around the mountainside like a horseshoe. By 1924, the community was abandoned. Despite this, driving on the public roads through town, however, is still fascinating. Oil Creek State Park is known as the Valley that Changed the World and was the site of the worlds first commercial oil well. Let us know in the comments below. The uncovered testimony of a teenage girl claims the ghost of Isaac Mishler haunts historic Altoona's Mishler Theatre. Sacramento River, California, USA. From 1930 until 1957, this tower was used to refuel train engines with coal as they made their way along the banks of the Allegheny River. Yellow Dog Village is a former company town in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. One of the least known places on this list are the jet bunkers in the Quehanna Wild Area. Some of the older housing units are three stories high, while the more modern ones are only two stories high. Today, visitors can walk or bike this section of roadway, passing through the two mile-long tunnels and exploring this post-apocalyptic site that is one of my favorite abandoned places in Pennsylvania. Jennie Wade was a seamstress and the only civilian to be directly killed in the Battle of Gettysburg when a stray bullet entered this house, where she was visiting her sister. The Westinghouse Atom Smasher can be found laying on its side in a residential neighborhood east of downtown Pittsburgh. It was a Federal outpost during the Carlisle Barracks is a military school that was attended by the likes of John J. Pershing and Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was wild! At the facility, cutting-edge treatments were used to treat those with this contagious disease. Built in 1947 and operating until 1983, this building could put out ten-foot pieces of steel and still retains its giant crane and power generating station. This 1797 inn was named because the original innkeeper, Peter Marck, would only accept cash as payment. This 1906 theater building, still in operation today, is said to be home to three ghosts: Mr. Isaac Mishler, a howling dog, and a female spirit who plays pranks in the restroom. The most popular spot at Centralia was Graffiti Highway, but this spot was sadly destroyed recently by the property owner. After being closed in 1995, the Steel Stacks were abandoned for many years. You're awesome for doing it! The Allegheny Tunnel . They plan to continue offering events throughout 2022 while simultaneously remodeling, . Only to find out, that is where caretakers had faced ghostly spirits. This farmhouse, built during the Civil War, was once even used as a war hospital. Used to be some bits and pieces left behind Nay Aug Park. A landmark in Altoona since 1906, The Mishler Theater attracts visitors for its family entertainment. In fact, much of the equipment looked like you could just dust it off and start working out. Rest Haven in Schuylkill Haven. Thanks. While its not as large as the basketball court in the main gym, its still in pretty good shape and still had the baskets hanging at either end of the court. While it has been damaged a bit over the years, its still a beautiful spot to check out, and there are even some prison signs still hanging on the wall that are nearly a decade old and very interesting to read. The future site of SCI Cresson began life as the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium. I would also recommend bringing a flashlight with you as some of the space, particularly in the basements, is pitch black and there appear to be no electric lights in any of the open buildings. On these days, volunteers work for a few hours and then are given a few hours to explore the site at no cost. The seam below this coal region town caught on fire in the early 1960s, which marked the beginning of the end for the community. I went to help clean with Titusville Pa American Legion when I was little. The Limestone Trail trailhead leading to the abandoned lime kilns at Canoe Creek State Park. Were taking our second trip this weekend! my mother was born there Today, they are part of an entertainment complex, but still provide a lot of interest for lovers of abandoned industrial sites. regularly. In Lebanon county there is a park and boat ride on the Union Canal in West Lebanon. There is stuff like the Scotia ghost town, but you probably found that with the touristy stuff. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). This historic hotel has been in operation for over a century, but is now believed to be a private residence. One place we happened upon was in West Virginia. In 1987, the first prisoners arrived at what was then called SCI Cresson or Cresson State Prison. As I mentioned, it is possible to visit SCI Cresson State Prison with permission from the owners. This semi-spooky remnant of an abandoned hotel provides fantastic views. Now SCI Cresson sits mostly abandoned on a parcel of land just off of Route 22 between Altoona and Ebensburg. Today, both bike riders and hikers can check out the base of this tower to learn more about the railroading industry in the area. Anything left of Luna Park in Scranton. A couplr of my friends an I decided to go one night. Naval officerRobert Peary, a Cresson native credited with beingthe first explorer to reach the North Pole. If you like exploring older churches, youll enjoy the fine details that went into building Grace Chapel. Address: Unnamed Road, Dillsburg, PA 17019, USA The OIYS Visitor Center abandoned amusement park in Pennsylvania July 10, 2020 Beth Price-Williams Can I visit any abandoned places in Pennsylvania? In 1903, the university was founded, but Wiestling is said to remain. Rachel is believed to be the spirit of a Civil War nurse who seems to be looking for soldiers to help. I spent the last 2 weekends of April visiting my brother/sister in law in Portage before they moved out of state, we were looking up alot of places to go those 2 weekends & this was one of them!!! Walking the two levels of the cell block gave me a chance to peer into the tiny cells and get a bit of an idea of what life is like for prisoners currently serving time in a Pennsylvania state prison. When I visited, I was able to head into the garages, which were interesting to see, but the main feature here is the exterior murals. Abandoned Places in Pennsylvania. Follows the old railroad bed. The Bethlehem Steel Stacks in the Lehigh Valley are one of the most impressive abandoned places in Pennsylvania.
abandoned places in altoona