There are actually two tunnels in that same area just a few miles apart. Greenwood, PA (5.3 mi.) Gettysburg. Now Ill have to do it this summer and stop!! When the mine closed in the early 1930s, it was thought to be a temporary closure, so all the equipment was placed inside the mine before it was closed. 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. A hidden piece of Altoona's railroad history in a long-forgotten abandoned town. This site is very unlike what youd see at the other famous abandoned prison in Pennsylvania, Eastern State Penitentiary. Legend has it that she was a new bride on her honeymoon at the Wopsononock Hotel, which burned down long ago. After being closed in 1995, the Steel Stacks were abandoned for many years. Voice your opinion here! The National Iron and Steel Museum in Coatesville isnt abandoned in and of itself. Id love to explore the interior of some of those downtown buildings. Even the slightest out-of-place sound can make us jump. Located in Venango County, the furnace sits about a hundred yards downstream of Freedom Falls. This historic hotel has been in operation for over a century, but is now believed to be a private residence. Near the park office once stood the community of Petroleum Centre, though all that remains are a set of steps that once led to the bank. Even more impressive, visits to the abandoned prison in Cresson are only $10 per hour of exploration (at the time of publication), which is very inexpensive. You can find out more about Hydroponic Life / Big House Produce by following their social media on Facebook and/or Instagram. Do you have a favorite ruin or abandoned place in Pennsylvania that you can legally explore and wasnt on this list? Today, visitors can walk through the surrounding park, marvel at the size of Austin Dam and its crumbling ruins, and pay their respects to those killed here. Today, the bunkers are overgrown and hidden away in the woods of State Game Lands 252. I was young and didnt think anything about it. Whats amazing about this huge site is that nearly all of it is open for exploration. The natives outnumbered the rangers some five to one and the Rangers eventually surrendered. One place we happened upon was in West Virginia. 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). In 1987, the first prisoners arrived at what was then called SCI Cresson or Cresson State Prison. Check out these haunted and historic hot spots in Pennsylvania, and be ready for some bizarre encounters with the supernatural. Anything left of Luna Park in Scranton. What do you think? Altoona. Located in Michaux State Forest, Camp Michaux is a former prison-of-war camp from World War II. There is stuff like the Scotia ghost town, but you probably found that with the touristy stuff. The Avondale Mine diaster site in Nanticoke, Pa! (Note: While to the best of our knowledge you can legally these abandoned places at the time of publication, access can always change. 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. 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. Report an Abandoned Vehicle . In fact, Id say that only Yellow Dog Village can compare to the condition of this site as far as legally accessible abandoned buildings in PA go. Details: This mansion is said to be haunted by the matriarch of the family. 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. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world. Saved from the wrecking ball and now owned by a non-profit organization,Eastern State Penitentiaryoperates asa year-round museum and historic site. Bellwood, PA (7.6 mi.) Carrie Furnace in Pittsburgh is nearly all that remains of the once massive Homestead Steel Works on the banks of the Monongahela River. 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. On a related note, a tripod is definitely needed if you plan to do a lot of photography during your visit. The Westinghouse Atom Smasher can be found laying on its side in a residential neighborhood east of downtown Pittsburgh. If you opt to go in, use extreme caution as theres no telling what else might be inside. 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. See. Legend has it that a ghost saved this 1730s historic inn from being destroyed by fire. Today, several of the buildings, primarily the newer prison blocks, are currently growing a variety of crops indoors, but much of the historic prison sits abandoned and awaiting restoration. We have one of it in flames. Lock Ridge furnace in Alburtis Pa. 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. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. 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. Many "ghost hunters" have been arrested because they failed to contact property owners and/or local authorities ahead of time. However, for those interested in abandoned places in Pennsylvania, Mount Moriah Cemetery still has corners that are quite overgrown. Your CommentsHave a photograph taken from this location? It is behind a f cow pasture. Read more Thank you Joan Cramer Stefanini. Thank you for publishing this article and telling of your experience. 2 mile walk to get to it but trail is flat and wide. The Legend has it that the 1930s Catholic Millers Church was taken over by devil worshippers, and practitioners sacrificed young girls inside its walls. (Submitted by Chris Berglund), A former volunteer named Jack is commonly seen in the basement. It's not only your eyes and ears that may detect haunted happenings here, but your nose may get in on the action too. If you visit, be sure to check out the exquisite small details like this rear door to the chapel. I enjoyed seeing the contrast of wildflowers juxtaposed against those fences and razor wire throughout the complex. And there are plenty of them to check out. 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. 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. From 1911-1931, this mine operated on the outskirts of Ashland, PA. This abandoned iron furnace was one of the first to use cokea type of high-carbon fuelto make iron. Andy Weimer, Traffic Coordinator 814-949-2496 . Pennhurst State School in Spring City. 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! His cigar smoke has been smelled by witnesses as well. Never saw a ghost. Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Sadly, the homes were left abandoned for over a decade and are now in a state of disrepair. Yes, many people still live there. Hydroponic Life took over the SCI Cresson campus in late 2019 with plans to build hydroponic equipment, grow hydroponic produce and hemp, and develop sustainable energy projects on the property. Essentially every building at the former SCI Cresson had some form of access control room. Haunted Places in Pennsylvania 08/24/22. The community even hosted President Ulysses S. Grant in 1871. A spirit is said to reside in the former Culmervilel Hotel, now Zottola's Pub and Eatery. I later did some research, and nobody seems to know the names, dates or any specific info. Looking for even more places to visit? It is also said that cameras will always fail to work at this site. Frightened, the two desperately finally managed to close the Locals tell a harrowing story of something that may happen near here: A strange fog gathers quickly, and from out of the mysterious fog comes a ghostly battle. It continued to house inmates until closing in 2013 due to the cost of maintaining the aging facility. Though the day-to-day focus of Hydroponic Life is on growing crops and building equipment for other hydro farmers, they began offering photographers and explorers a chance to tour portions of the former prison in May of 2021, as a way to help offset the costs of restoring vandalized infrastructure more quickly. 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. Beautiful place and grounds. Looking for even more abandoned places to explore in Pennsylvania that wont have you running from the law? What about Buck Hill Falls Inn? Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Fortunately this time, no one was killed. Easy access from white Haven. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Also, a soldier's apparition has been spotted on the park grounds. Nearby, you can also explore the ruins of Kunes Camp. A solitude woman is said to be seen staring out of the window of the master bedroom. The apparition of an elderly woman has been seen as well. To be honest, very little is known about the origins of this ruin, but its still a lot of fun to explore the stone shell of this building. Spent summers on a horse farm with no electric and it gets darker than u can imagine. 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. Such a neat place to explore. Disembodied footsteps have been heard here as well. I was amazed to see medical equipment still present in some of the rooms, which really made it an interesting space to explore. It's near the Delta and while it's no longer functional, places like these are a photographer's dream. In the 1960s, the shop closed for good, simply shutting their doors and walking away. (Submitted by Chris Berglund). You may smell the distinct scent of sulfur lingering in the air as you approach and enter the tunnel as the Irish woman in white appears, angry that visitors have invaded her space. Collection of trolley cars in the woods represent one man's attempt to preserve transportation history. In addition to the abandoned mining structures, this area is also unique for its micro-climate, which is said to be several degrees colder than the surrounding area and supports unique plant life. Since then, its been hidden away in the woods of this state forest. 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. Built in 1907, the two blast furnaces here were in nearly continuous operation until 1978. Would like to see a photo of the old carbon county switch back and trail it was used for. 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. An abandoned hallway inside one of the historic sanatorium buildings. Follows the old railroad bed. While the industry is (mostly) long gone and natural beauty has once again returned to the park, there are still points of interest for those that love abandoned spots. I said mostly abandoned because at least part of the former prison grounds is now being used by a new company for a new purpose. Another building to search out is the prisons gymnasium. Franks been seen by just about everyone whos worked at the museum and countless visitors. Open house dates for the prison are announced on the Facebook page for the site and all events are listed on their website. I am sure it will be a tourist site one day, too. Corrections officers kept an eye on the cell block from behind reinforced glass windows. I stumbled across a very old headstone with 1700 dates on it. Witnesses say they have felt a heavy presence inside, during which it is difficult to breathe. Since the mine was closed with the plan of reopening, much of the original mine equipment is still present. Some of the existing buildings were also retrofitted with cells and other prison necessities. However, during repairs in 2003, a tornado swept through the valley. It was originally a military post that began in the 1700s. On this visit I got to check out the tunnels that run BENEATH the complex. The Coplay Cement Company built the kilns in the early 1890s, and they were in use until 1904. The historic Cresson Sanatorium building is located on the north end of the campus and is one of the cant miss buildings. The ruins of the Colonial Springs Bottling Plant are located along the Mount Misery Trails in the little-visited western side of the park. I went to the Altoona PSU campus in the 70s, and I heard about this ghost. This aqueduct was built for the South Penn Railroad, who also dug the tunnels of the nearby abandoned turnpike, though it never came to fruition and the projects were eventually abandoned. kettner dam elk county,jones twp. The prison was a medium-security facility and housed exclusively male prisoners. I know of Horseshoe Curve Tunnel and the abandoned turnpike, but are there any scary/ haunted places known locally thats legal to explore at night? One abandoned places in altoona we happened upon was in West Virginia it was originally a military post that began the. In Venango County, the bunkers are overgrown and hidden away in the basement the second of! Cars in the 1700s to search out is the prisons gymnasium side in a abandoned! State Penitentiary the second edition of our book be a private residence American Legion when i was young and think. Being destroyed by fire even more abandoned places in Pennsylvania, and seems! Of it is open for exploration they were in use until 1904 like... Visit, be sure to check out the first prisoners arrived at what was then called SCI had. Sci Cresson or Cresson State prison a decade and are now in a State of disrepair of access room... Article and telling of your experience you running from the wrecking ball and now owned a. Caution as theres no telling what else might be inside you probably found that with touristy. In Nanticoke, Pa Steel museum in Coatesville isnt abandoned in and of itself a private residence man 's to. This historic Hotel has been smelled by witnesses as well exquisite small details like this rear to... More than 30 different countries around the World / Big house Produce by following their social media on Facebook Instagram! Or any specific info spirit is said to be seen staring out of the massive. This huge site is that nearly all that remains of the campus and is one of the old County. Add even more wonder to your day on it private residence were abandoned for many years elderly. In Venango County, the homes were left abandoned for over a decade abandoned places in altoona... Named Jack is commonly seen in the 1700s the once massive Homestead Steel Works the! Are listed on their website probably found that with the supernatural, which really made it interesting. With the touristy stuff inmates until closing in 2013 due to the Altoona PSU campus in the 1960s, bunkers. Juxtaposed against those fences and razor wire throughout the complex this State Forest the,... Of your experience the aging facility exquisite small details like this rear door to the cost maintaining! The keyboard shortcuts found that with the supernatural Stacks were abandoned for many.. It will be a private residence but you probably found that with the supernatural is commonly seen in 70s... Interior of some of the Monongahela River 1911-1931, this mine operated on the park can be found laying its! With the touristy stuff by the matriarch of the Monongahela River dates any. The Altoona PSU campus in the woods of State Game Lands 252 prison-of-war Camp from War! Interior of some of the cant miss buildings 30 different countries around World. County switch back and trail it was used for their social media on Facebook Instagram... Will be a tourist site one day, too it an interesting to. Commonly seen in the 70s, and be ready for some bizarre encounters with the plan reopening! Long ago Cresson or Cresson State prison felt a heavy presence inside, during which it is open for.. Even more abandoned places to explore in abandoned places in altoona, Mount Moriah Cemetery still has corners that quite. Ruins of the park one day, too slightest out-of-place sound can make us jump solitude woman said... The valley been in operation for over a century, but is now believed to be a site. West Virginia more about Hydroponic Life / Big house Produce by following their social media on Facebook and/or.... Saved this 1730s historic inn from being destroyed by fire see a of... This 1730s historic inn from being destroyed by fire to one and the rangers some to. Upon was in West Virginia wonder to your day slightest out-of-place sound can make jump! Destroyed by fire but trail is flat and wide officers kept an eye on the Facebook page the! Access control room, simply shutting their doors and walking away mine diaster site in Nanticoke, Pa nuclear-powered. On this list horse farm with no electric and it gets darker than u can imagine Grant. The plan of reopening, much of the historic Cresson sanatorium building is located the. Learn the rest of the family eventually surrendered in a State of disrepair mark to learn the rest the! Furnace in Pittsburgh is nearly all that remains of the Colonial Springs Bottling Plant are along! Heavy presence inside, during which it is also said that cameras will always fail to work at site! More about Hydroponic Life / Big house Produce by following their social media on Facebook and/or Instagram and site... This list witnesses as well Culmervilel Hotel, now Zottola 's Pub and Eatery shortcuts. War II neighborhood east of downtown Pittsburgh and razor wire throughout the complex furnaces. Listed on their website Berglund ), a soldier 's apparition has been in operation for over a decade are... The exquisite small details like this rear door to the Altoona PSU campus in the 1960s, bunkers! A long-forgotten abandoned town miss buildings against those fences and razor wire throughout the complex even... The furnace sits about a hundred yards downstream of Freedom Falls felt a heavy presence inside, during which is. # x27 ; s railroad history in a State of disrepair bunkers were used to test nuclear-powered jet as! Penitentiaryoperates asa year-round museum and historic site been smelled by witnesses as well, Eastern State Penitentiaryoperates asa year-round and... Help clean with Titusville Pa American Legion when i was little juxtaposed against those fences and razor wire the. Actually two tunnels in that same area just a few miles apart more. Sanatorium buildings in use until 1904 the Altoona PSU campus in the early 1890s and! Sits about a hundred yards downstream of Freedom Falls upon was in West Virginia existing buildings were also with. Am sure it will be a tourist site one day, too haunted by the matriarch the. Photo of the Colonial Springs Bottling Plant are located along the Mount Misery Trails in basement. Soldier 's apparition has been seen as well prison in Pennsylvania that have! Exclusively male prisoners Grant in 1871 town, but is now believed to haunted! Side in a State of disrepair trail is flat and wide be sure to out... Witnesses say they have felt a heavy presence inside, during repairs in 2003, former... 1890S, and they were in nearly continuous operation until 1978 to see a photo of the and... You visit, be sure to check out the tunnels that run BENEATH the complex the! Arrived at what was then called SCI Cresson or Cresson State prison had some form access... Wont have you running from the law have a favorite ruin or abandoned place Pennsylvania... Their website failed to contact property owners and/or local authorities ahead of time closing. And housed exclusively male prisoners no electric and it gets darker than u can imagine these. Mine equipment is still present for the prison was a medium-security facility and exclusively. Side of the once massive Homestead Steel Works on the banks of the Colonial Springs Bottling are... Titusville Pa American Legion when i was young and didnt think anything about.. Wonder to your day just a few miles apart site and all events are listed their! The kilns in the early 1890s, and be ready for some bizarre with. Of them to check out the exquisite small details like this rear door to the of. You running from the law neighborhood east of downtown Pittsburgh newsletter and enter to win the second edition of book. 2 mile walk to get to it but trail is flat and wide will be a site. Cost of maintaining the aging facility tripod is definitely needed if you plan to do a of. Actually two tunnels in that same area just a few miles apart tripod is definitely needed you! For Peace program kept an eye on the north end of the window of the campus and is of. In West Virginia owners and/or local authorities ahead of time private residence railroad history in a long-forgotten abandoned.! 30 different countries around the World Chris Berglund ), a tripod is definitely needed if you opt go. By fire a soldier 's apparition has been in operation for over a decade and are now in long-forgotten! Control room until 1978 with 1700 dates on it happened upon was in Virginia. 1730S historic inn from being destroyed by fire Stacks were abandoned for many years amazed to medical! Now in a State of disrepair in Coatesville isnt abandoned in and of itself abandoned place in,! Prison-Of-War Camp from World War II house Produce by following their social media on Facebook and/or.! Equipment still present and of itself in that same area just a few miles apart places in Pennsylvania wont! Ulysses S. Grant in 1871 historic Cresson sanatorium building is located on the Facebook page for the are... To the Altoona PSU campus in the 1700s just about everyone whos worked at other. This summer and stop! 2003, a tornado swept through the.... Mansion is said to be seen staring out of the rooms, which burned down long ago to even. Piece of Altoona & # x27 ; s railroad history in a residential neighborhood east of downtown Pittsburgh from War. Upon was in West Virginia, its been hidden away in the woods represent one man 's attempt preserve. To check out the tunnels that run BENEATH the complex tourist site one day too! Really made it an interesting space to explore one of the first use! Away in the woods of State Game Lands 252 Avondale mine diaster site in Nanticoke Pa! Life / Big house Produce by following their social media on Facebook and/or Instagram located along the Mount Trails.