abandoned places in altoona

Hidden deep in the woods of Valley Forge National Historical Park near Philadelphia, youll find the ruins of an early 20th-century bottling plant. 9.9 miles from Altoona, WA The historic 1925 theater has played host to the likes of Jack Benny, Guy Lombardo, Duke Ellington and Al Capone. Your email address will not be published. After being closed in 1995, the Steel Stacks were abandoned for many years. And there are plenty of them to check out. Copyright 2013-2023 Uncovering Media, LLC - All Rights Reserved, ruins of the Colonial Springs Bottling Plant, best-preserved iron furnaces in Pennsylvania, National Iron and Steel Museum in Coatesville, Hiking the Hemlock Trail in Laurel Hill State Park to See Its Massive Trees, 10 Strange Things Dropped on New Years Eve in Pennsylvania, Hiking in Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County, PA, Clyde Peelings Reptiland: A Reptile Lovers Dream Come True, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_Hole_Tunnel, https://pennhurstasylum.ticketleap.com/daytime-photography-tour/details. This former mining community has been abandoned for many decades and while much of it has been lost to the woodland, pieces remain, including several concrete structures and an old rail line. During my exploration, I was able to, I believe, enter into every unlocked building, and each structure had interesting spaces to explore, though some obviously were more interesting than others. Find this one in the Sacramento River Canyon. The historic inn dates back to 1790, and was recently restored after a catastrophic fire swept through the building in 2008. to the Best Abandoned Places in PA will take you on an epic 379 mile route to seven of Pennsylvania's most intriguing abandoned places! Youll journey less than 100 miles to the sprawling town that boasts some pretty amazing haunted tales. Easy access from white Haven. The tunnel is in complete disrepair and flooded and is dangerous to walk through but can be seen through. I honestly don't think you're going to get any good answers. However, during repairs in 2003, a tornado swept through the valley. Of course, this also gave it a bit of an eerie and forbidden feeling. Abandoned downtown and hospital on the hill with nurses quarters. Some people still see him wandering along this road (used to transfer him); he is Cemeteries near Altoona, PA Petroleum Centre is another oil-boom community that once thrived in northwestern Pennsylvania. And now thanks to new, private ownership, you can LEGALLY explore this maze of buildings, some dating back more than 100 years. Was an awesome experience. Today, the bridge is the central point of Kinzua Bridge State Park. Although the Amity Hall burned to the ground in the late 2000s, it was alleged to be extremely active with the haunts. Updated: Apr. 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). In 1903, the university was founded, but Wiestling is said to remain. From 1911-1931, this mine operated on the outskirts of Ashland, PA. He has been seen standing outside the building smoking a cigar. 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. While this space was in a bit rougher condition than the cell blocks, it was still interesting to stand inside and imagine what it was like for those that worked here less than a decade prior to my visit. Meanwhile, the basement is in quite rough shape, with very little light and peeling paint. Between then and around the 1930s locals swore they would frequently see the headless apparition of the doctor around this area. (Note: While to the best of our knowledge you can legally visit these abandoned places at the time of publication, access can always change. I have said in a post on another forum that if the couple killed were prominant, there should have been newspaper stories, exact dates, etc. Without a doubt, this site is easily one of the largest abandoned places in Pennsylvania and one of the most varied. Located in Cresson, PA, just a few miles from Altoona, youll find the abandoned SCI Cresson. It became a tavern in the 1760s, and was also used as a courtroom. Altoona Blair County Airport; . Nearby Attractions. By the sounds of it the place was NOT a nice place to be. Constructed in 1915, this series of five blast furnaces was part of the large steel mill here in Bethlehem. 3.8. The graffitied ruins stand hidden within the Pennsylvania woods. Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and creator of the PA Bucket List travel blog. Richfield, CA 96021, USA. 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. You can hike in state parks at night, but any other area and you risk being shot as a trespasser or by a hunter. Concrete City is located in Luzerne County near Nanticoke and was once company housing for select employees that worked at the nearby Truesdale Colliery. The Coplay Kilns are nine kilns that are the remnants of a large cement factory that was located on the outskirts of town. According to reports, soldiers are still active at this site. Rest Haven in Schuylkill Haven. Please only visit with permission. Fortunately, thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers, Mount Moriah Cemetery is returning to its former glory. 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. The cell blocks in the various housing units at the former SCI-Cresson were built in several different eras. By all accounts, this was a pleasant and desirable community to live in, though it was short-lived due to plumping and other issues. In this space, youll find a large basketball court that still retains some of the paint on the floor, though, sadly, no basketball hoops. Press J to jump to the feed. This drinking fountain in one of the older cell blocks once quenched the thirst of the medium-security prisoners housed here. It is nearly 500 feet long, and visitors can walk through the tunnel, keeping an eye out for abandoned tracks along the way. The Cambria County Historical Society has some good info on the Sanitorium including first hand stories of people that were patients there. Since then, while portions of Eastern State Penitentiary have been cleaned up, the site is managed as a preserved ruin and is a fascinating place to explore. However, by 1873, the town was essentially abandoned. On this visit I got to check out the tunnels that run BENEATH the complex. Moundsville State Prison. The Railroaders Museum is said to be haunted by a spirit named Frank, who has been seen all over the museum. I know of Horseshoe Curve Tunnel and the abandoned turnpike, but are there any scary/ haunted places known locally that's legal . Off we go to uncover the tales behind three of the most haunted spots in Altoona. And then, the church suddenly burned down. Of all the abandoned train tunnels in PA, this might be the easiest to reach as its located directly adjacent to a large parking lot. The future site of SCI Cresson began life as the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium. Its not called the Horseshie Curve. The penitentiary was open until 1970 when it was closed in favor of more modern facilities. Eastern State Penitentiaryin Philadelphia wasthe most famous and expensive prison in the worldwhen it opened in 1829. Built in 1907, the two blast furnaces here were in nearly continuous operation until 1978. Since the mine was closed with the plan of reopening, much of the original mine equipment is still present. Perhaps the largest abandoned spot in Pennsylvania is an abandoned stretch of PA Turnpike. It is behind a f cow pasture. The post office and the fire dept are both in existence too. The Turn Hole Railroad Tunnel in Lehigh Gorge Jim Thorpe Map View Genres Near Me. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Over the years, many stage crew members, actors, office . You missed fallbrook pa the cemetery is still there and there are also some remains, There are some pretty cool ruins in Allegheny county a town called little Boston in the Elizabeth area I was told but not sure if the info is correct but the ruins may be from an old terracotta factory. A painting of Jesus in the foyer still greets visitors to the chapel as it has for many, many years. The Tudor-style structures dating back to the original days as a tuberculosis sanitorium are some of the more interesting building facades at the abandoned prison complex. I was amazed to see medical equipment still present in some of the rooms, which really made it an interesting space to explore. The town raised money to demolish it which is devastating. 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. my mother was born there After being closed, the mine was abandoned for two decades before it was open for tours in 1985. Gettysburg has earned a reputation as being the most haunted town in Pennsylvania and perhaps even in the United States. The Devil's Elbow Dysart, Pennsylvania 4.1 miles from Altoona, PA The Devil's Elbow is a dangerous curve along Wopsy Road that has a story about a ghostly white lady. This semi-spooky remnant of an abandoned hotel provides fantastic views. The community even hosted President Ulysses S. Grant in 1871. The 1915 Maryland Theatre, once a vaudeville and movie house, operated until 1973. But, beware, for a brokenhearted Irish womans spirit is said to have haunted the tunnel since the 1800s. Located in Michaux State Forest, Camp Michaux is a former prison-of-war camp from World War II. Located along the Railroad Arch Trail, the South Penn Railroad Aqueduct sits at the end of a quiet and easy trail. The apparition of an elderly woman has been seen as well. The National Iron and Steel Museum in Coatesville isnt abandoned in and of itself. While the property is typically closed to the public, the owner often lets visitors roam around with prior permission. Off we go to uncover the tales behind three of the most haunted spots in Altoona. Over the next few years, buildings were torn down and others were built in their place to turn the site into a modern and state-of-the-art prison. Spring City, PA. As if being an actual abandoned, haunted asylum wasn't enough, Pennhurst Asylum (aka Eastern Pennsylvania State Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic) operates as a haunted house during the Halloween season. Report an Abandoned Vehicle . We just happened to have our Rockview Jackets and were allowed in. I was shocked to see these paintings still looked in pristine condition and really enjoyed spending a few minutes looking at each one. Anyone know of any abandoned places you're allowed to legally explore in the State College/ Altoona area? Ironton Rail Trail Abandoned PA Turnpike 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. The hayrides are year-round so visit freely! By voluntarily exploring this location, YOU assume the risk of any personal injury or damage to personal property, and shall not hold the author liable for any injuries, losses, or damages that may occur while visiting. Ive mentioned several other abandoned coal mines on this list, but the Number 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Carbon County might be my favorite. There is a series of abandoned locks from the Lehigh canal. Reaching the lodge is quite easy along the Flat Rock Trail, which offers a lot of beauty in addition to this abandoned site. She has been seen on the turret's balcony. Details: This mansion is said to be haunted by the matriarch of the family. Demolished unfortunately. Since the spring of 2021, they have held events where photographers and history lovers can visit the prison and explore the site on their own. Clickon any of the icons below toget connectedto PA Bucket List on social media. Regardless, her spirit is said to still roam the tunnel today. The Limestone Trail crosses a park road, and then Mary Ann's Creek, before starting upstream along the old railroad bed. In 2010, the furnaces were opened for tours and offer a gritty look into how steel was made. Embark on a creepy day trip to Altoona, perhaps the most haunted town near Pittsburgh, where you will have plenty of opportunities to experience the paranormal. All I know about it is, it ran from down town to up over the hill behind the school in upper Jim Thorpe. They promptly fenced it off and built a nuclear reactor and several bunkers. Im not familiar with the park. 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. His presentation is quirky but his history and stories are kinda what you are looking for. 2023 Rusty Glessner Photography, LLC / PA Bucket List. Check out these haunted and historic hot spots in Pennsylvania, and be ready for some bizarre encounters with the supernatural. There is no artificial light in any of the buildings, leading to some dramatic natural light and shadow combinations. Looking for even more places to visit? While Ive only visited for the self-guided tours, this seems like a great location for both. A hidden piece of Altoona's railroad history in a long-forgotten abandoned town. 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. Said to be the first railroad tunnel built in USA. While access to the kilns is limited by a fence, its still fun to walk around them and look at these beautiful ruins. Between these two Tudor Revival buildings, make sure to find Grace Chapel. Ghostly band music is said to come from the bandstand, tunes from around the turn of the century. Today, its laying on its side around piles of bricks waiting for hopeful restoration. Bring a healthy dose of courage with you if you drive through this haunted town in Pennsylvania at night. To schedule your own visit to the abandoned Cresson State Prison, contact Hydroponic Life / Big House Produce at this link. Do you have a favorite ruin or abandoned place in Pennsylvania that you can legally explore and wasnt on this list? Around the walls of the building, there are large paintings depicting various sports. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! While its not quite as well preserved or as well documented as Camp Michaux, its still a fascinating spot to visit, especially since its just around the corner from the aforementioned Abandoned PA Turnpike and South Penn Railroad Aqueduct. Ashville, PA (4.9 mi.) In 1987, the first prisoners arrived at what was then called SCI Cresson or Cresson State Prison. Advanced reservations are required. Here are a few of my favorite ruins and abandoned places in Pennsylvania you can legally visit. No doubt countless pick-up games were played on this court over the years the prison was in operation. I havent been there in awhile. Her parents buried Redstone Cem where we go The vaudeville venue built in 1913 is the home of a ghostly former manager. These bunkers were used to test nuclear-powered jet engines as part of the governments Atoms for Peace program. I went to help clean with Titusville Pa American Legion when I was little. The Westinghouse Atom Smasher can be found laying on its side in a residential neighborhood east of downtown Pittsburgh. Other points of interest are scattered throughout the park, and its nearly impossible to hike a trail without seeing old, rusting oil equipment sitting in the forest. Story goes that a doctor was killed here in an accident around the middle of the 19th century. Please do not trespass. According to locals, she operated an orphanage located at this very site during the Civil War era. The homes were lived in continuously until just a few years ago. Were taking our second trip this weekend! They also have started opening the site up for self-guided tours to people interested in urbex, photography, and the sites history, as well as for other events such as ghost hunts. Not knowing it was open for tours, we didnt go!! You missed the Rockland tunnel right by the Rockland Furnace. My children had some great times there. Only to find out, that is where caretakers had faced ghostly spirits. You need to park on the side of the highway which there is only one spot to do so but youre not even close to where you need to be DONT WASTE YOUR TIME, Your email address will not be published. If you've had a paranormal experience here, or have any additional information about this location, please let us know! The historic Cresson Sanatorium building is located on the north end of the campus and is one of the cant miss buildings. Gilson Ridge Cemetery in Hydetown Pa. In the 1950s, the Curtiss-Wright Corporation obtained 51,000 acres of land in this remote area of Pennsylvania. Guests are welcome to bring investigative equipment and a small flashlight. Today, this once-bustling borough is reduced to fewer than 10 residents. The popular tourist attraction is also home to the ghost of a man named Frank. Hope you have fun! In conjunction with the Allegheny Tunnel mentioned above, theHorseshoe Curveallowed trains to cross back and forth over the steep Allegheny Mountains, something that had been impossible before 1854. Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. You can find out more about Hydroponic Life / Big House Produce by following their social media on Facebook and/or Instagram. Tons of cool architecture and history there. It opened in 1911 with 20 duplex homes. This 1797 inn was named because the original innkeeper, Peter Marck, would only accept cash as payment. What do you think? One soldier who frequents the site has been described as having long gray hair and dirty, torn clothing of buckskin. However, the mine never again reopened as an active coal mine. While access is not permitted, its still possible to see the remnants of the bunkers from above ground and to peer into a few holes to catch a glimpse of these historic structures. This historic church predates the prison and was built in 1914 during the earliest stages of the sanatorium. Pennhurst State School in Spring City. They can be accessed from several points along the spectacular Lehigh Gorge. Discover Castle Halloween Museum in Altoona, Pennsylvania: Journey through a collection of over 35,000 Halloween items from all generations. Yet, when the individual goes to investigate the cigar smell or smoke, he or she sees no one at all. The site of one of the most pivotal battles in the Civil War is never in short supply of any ghost stories and haunted places. In truth, I could keep going on and on discussing the many cool things I found while exploring the abandoned SCI Cresson. Despite this, driving on the public roads through town, however, is still fascinating. You should watch some videos done by this guy. It seems that in the late 1800s a sheriff was shot to death by a gang of bandits on the staircase leading between the jail and the attached brick building, which was the jailer's family home. They plan to continue offering events throughout 2022 while simultaneously remodeling, . This historic hotel has been in operation for over a century, but is now believed to be a private residence. 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. Its worth knowing that this is a huge site (I spent four hours there and could have easily spent more time). Another building to search out is the prisons gymnasium. At this historic site, a boulder-ridden hill and Gettysburg Battlefield location, ghostly soldiers are reported to be seen. The ghosts are . Unfortunately, this spot is surrounded by a chainlink fence, so youll have to view it from a distance, but its still a really neat spot to visit. While visitors arent allowed to go inside the iron furnaces, its fascinating to walk around the outside and to look down into them from above while imagining how they helped shape America. The Turn Hole Tunnel is located just outside of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania in Lehigh Gorge State Park (next to the trailhead for the now-closed Glen Onoko). Yellow Dog Village is a former company town in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. Opened as a state-of-the-art prison in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiaryin Philadelphia was the model for many future correctional facilities. However, few have been left alone in the middle of nature like Rockland Furnace. Have you been to Brownsville? In 1974 it caught fire and was rebuilt, and to this day presents cultural offerings to the public. https://youtube.com/c/ODDySEEy. (Submitted by Chris Berglund), Voices and odd noises are heard, doors open by themselves, and shadows have been seen here. Current management has plans to restore much of the East Broad Top track, and the tunnels are being considered for rebuilding and trains once again riding thru the tunnels. In fact, much of the equipment looked like you could just dust it off and start working out. There are filled with mold, peeling paint, and animal scat, just to name a few hazards. 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. 27, . At the end of the tunnel, youll find a spectacular view overlooking the Lehigh River. Check out the best breweries in Altoona, the Railroaders' Memorial Museum, Chimney Bluff, and the limestone kilns at Canoe Creek State Park. Where im from we call it horseshoe curve. Grace Chapel was built in 1914, as part of the original Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium. As I mentioned, it is possible to visit SCI Cresson State Prison with permission from the owners. While hiking the trails here, dont miss the nearby historic dam and covered bridge along Valley Creek. 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. Note: As of late 2021, it appears that Yellow Dog Village is for sale. 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. Located in Venango County, the furnace sits about a hundred yards downstream of Freedom Falls. Then be sure to check out 30 Abandoned Places in PA You Can Legally Visit! It is said that he lost some bones along the way and was reburied as an incomplete body. 100 years ago did not know you could get close to it!!! What about Buck Hill Falls Inn? Make sure to obey any signage you might see, and obtain owner permission or pay the admission fees where required.). In fact, I didnt even talk about the other historic buildings and the many exterior sights. Many "ghost hunters" have been arrested because they failed to contact property owners and/or local authorities ahead of time. I go through here constantly. Eastern State Penitentiary - Philadelphia and its Countryside Philadelphia www.easternstate.org In 1829, the first prisoner walked through the doors of Eastern State Penitentiary. Road Tripping to the Best Abandoned Places in PA will take you on an epic379 mile route toseven of Pennsylvanias most intriguing abandoned places! However, the site is also home to two long-closed steel mills that can be seen on tours of the museum. As their carriage rounded the Devils Elbow, there was an accident and both were killed. Google gives you the tourist attractions, but theres a ton of more locally known places not widely known. After a 100-year history, SCI Cresson was closed in 2013, and since then, has been left largely abandoned. No matter where you look, youll see plenty of razor wire and chain link fences. It was used as part of nuclear power experiments until the late 1950s. This mine opened in 1860 and was actively mined until 1966. The portion of the prison grounds made available for tours by the folks at Hydroponic Life (AKA Big House Produce) is MASSIVE! If you don't want to travel out of the city to see trains or are looking for something to do while visiting the city's railroad museum, this is a great spot to quickly experience the joys of watching trains. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Also, a soldier's apparition has been spotted on the park grounds. Here, we had gone to the basementsusing just the flash of my camera to find our way. Thank you! It would have been torn down then, but the concrete used to build the homes ended up being too difficult for even dynamite to destroy. Gettysburg. Read more 0 Flavel Mansion Astoria, Oregon Help spread the word. In 1780 during the Revolutionary war, a group of rangers were engaged in a battle against the Iroquois who were fighting on behalf of the British. Housing a large number of inmates means providing an equally large number of ancillary services. They plan to continue offering events throughout 2022 while simultaneously remodeling, cleaning, and protecting the historical buildings at the abandoned Cresson State Prison. 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. In fact, it preserves several important buildings in the Lukens Historic District. Known officially as a Van de Graaff Generator, this was the first industrial generator of its kind and was built in 1937. Based in the state capital of Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. A landmark in Altoona since 1906, The Mishler Theater attracts visitors for its family entertainment. In Lebanon county there is a park and boat ride on the Union Canal in West Lebanon. Required fields are marked *. Bethlehem Steel Mill in Bethlehem. Essentially every building at the former SCI Cresson had some form of access control room. Experiencing Raystown Lake Witout a Boat - You don't need a boat to explore Pennsylvania largest lake. BUTtwo weeks later, we are watching Ghost Hunters on TV. It's illegal to trespass on private property, and most public property is closed from dawn to dusk. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. Click "thumbs up" if you think its haunted, or "thumbs down" if you think its all just a tall tale. Abraham Lincoln rode thru the tunnel en-route to the Gettysburg Address. Is there any places in the Allegheny area or near Bradford? There are actually two tunnels in that same area just a few miles apart. 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. Located in the Scotia Barrens, just a few miles from State College, youll find the ruins of Scotia. Westinghouse Atom Smasher in Forest Hills. There is a wedding dress in a glass case that is said to move on it's own, especially around Halloween and full moons. Grew up there and is definetly eerie up on the buckhorn. 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. His cigar smoke has been smelled by witnesses as well.
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