However, few have been left alone in the middle of nature like Rockland Furnace. 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. As I mentioned, it is possible to visit SCI Cresson State Prison with permission from the owners. A landmark in Altoona since 1906, The Mishler Theater attracts visitors for its family entertainment. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. 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? Legend has it that a ghost saved this 1730s historic inn from being destroyed by fire. In fact, much of the equipment looked like you could just dust it off and start working out. Located in Cresson, PA, just a few miles from Altoona, youll find the abandoned SCI Cresson. Built in the late 1700s, the old jail has a legend attached. The hardwood basketball court at the former SCI-Cresson is definitely showing its age, although at one time Im sure it was magnificent. . 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. It was wild! 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. The main floor is primarily comprised of jail cells that may have held some of the lower-level prisoners at the facility. Between these two Tudor Revival buildings, make sure to find Grace Chapel. Other ghosts who reside You can't swing a dead cat in Gettysburg without hitting something haunted and the Tillie Pierce house is no exception. Today, this once-bustling borough is reduced to fewer than 10 residents. An abandoned hallway inside one of the historic sanatorium buildings. Discover Castle Halloween Museum in Altoona, Pennsylvania: Journey through a collection of over 35,000 Halloween items from all generations. The Coplay Cement Company built the kilns in the early 1890s, and they were in use until 1904. Sacramento River, California, USA. Click "thumbs up" if you think its haunted, or "thumbs down" if you think its all just a tall tale. The status of visitors being allowed is unknown, but I assume that it is currently closed to exploration. Tunnel is over 900 feet long so take a flashlight along. Meanwhile, the basement is in quite rough shape, with very little light and peeling paint. Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and creator of the PA Bucket List travel blog. Downtown Scranton is home to four of the best-preserved iron furnaces in Pennsylvania. 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. This forgotten building was one of the few Philadelphia-area breweries to survive Prohibition. The community even hosted President Ulysses S. Grant in 1871. regularly. Although some of that glass has since been shattered at the hands of vandals. This shop was built in 1900 to repair boats along the nearby Monongahela River, but soon shifted its focus to railroad equipment and just about anything mechanical that needed fixing in town. From 1911-1931, this mine operated on the outskirts of Ashland, PA. Mishler Theatre - 1208 12th Avenue #206, Altoona, PA 16601 Wikipedia/Public Domain A landmark in Altoona since 1906, The Mishler Theater attracts visitors for its family entertainment and its ghostly spirits. The Limestone Trail crosses a park road, and then Mary Ann's Creek, before starting upstream along the old railroad bed. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. In the 1950s, the Curtiss-Wright Corporation obtained 51,000 acres of land in this remote area of Pennsylvania. It was torn down to make way for an expressway. 2023 Atlas Obscura. As their carriage rounded the Devil's Elbow, there was an . We have one of it in flames. A hidden piece of Altoona's railroad history in a long-forgotten abandoned town. (Submitted by Callum Swift). Another says the girls at the school all died of a mysterious illness. Today, signs offer a self-guided walking tour through the ruins of this camp for visitors wanting to learn more about this unique historic spot. 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. I have. We just happened to have our Rockview Jackets and were allowed in. On a related note, a tripod is definitely needed if you plan to do a lot of photography during your visit. 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! 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. Fortunately this time, no one was killed. Visitors to the theaters ladys room also claim to have seen theater guests dressed in early 1900s attire. Today, visitors can go deep underground to see this once-active mine and learn more about coal mining. Saved from the wrecking ball and now owned by a non-profit organization,Eastern State Penitentiaryoperates asa year-round museum and historic site. Several people were hanged here, and it is said that their spirits walk restlessly throughout the place. It's illegal to trespass on private property, and most public property is closed from dawn to dusk. This historic hotel has been in operation for over a century, but is now believed to be a private residence. Fortunately, a group of local residents decided to open this abandoned mine to tours in 1962. 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. It's not only your eyes and ears that may detect haunted happenings here, but your nose may get in on the action too. The Cambria County Historical Society has some good info on the Sanitorium including first hand stories of people that were patients there. Transfiguration of Our Lord in Philadelphia. Guests say she opens their drawers and removes the clothing from them. If you opt to go in, use extreme caution as theres no telling what else might be inside. If you've had a paranormal experience here, or have any additional information about this location, please let us know! The town raised money to demolish it which is devastating. Guests staying at this 1937 hotel have reported a spook haunting the upstairs rooms. This tunnel was opened in 1886 by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company and carried trains until it was abandoned in 1956. Bellwood, PA (7.6 mi.) Have you been to Brownsville? Austin Dam is located in rural Potter County, Pennsylvania. Advanced reservations are required. There is a series of abandoned locks from the Lehigh canal. The entity is believed to be a poltergeist, as it has been known to move objects around. Open house dates for the prison are announced on the Facebook page for the site and all events are listed on their website. Carrie Furnace in Pittsburgh is nearly all that remains of the once massive Homestead Steel Works on the banks of the Monongahela River. Greenwood, PA (5.3 mi.) In addition to SCI Cressons historic buildings, the site is also home to several modern cell blocks. It was used as part of nuclear power experiments until the late 1950s. Abandoned Vehicle on Public Streets. Gettysburg. You can also check out Pizzeria Beddia in Philly which was once named the Best Pizza in the US. Would like to see a photo of the old carbon county switch back and trail it was used for. Tons of cool architecture and history there. 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. I was amazed to see medical equipment still present in some of the rooms, which really made it an interesting space to explore. While hiking the trails here, dont miss the nearby historic dam and covered bridge along Valley Creek. Haunted Places in Pennsylvania 08/24/22. Today, the kilns sit in the middle of a park in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. 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. It is said that these soldiers are from the battle's second day. Do you have a favorite ruin or abandoned place in Pennsylvania that you can legally explore and wasnt on this list? The abandoned turnpike tunnels of western Pennsylvania Three turnpikes in western Pennsylvania were bypassed in the late 1960s when highways were modernized, and two remain abandoned today,. Travel through the two mile-long tunnels or simply enjoy them from the outside. Check out the best breweries in Altoona, the Railroaders' Memorial Museum, Chimney Bluff, and the limestone kilns at Canoe Creek State Park. A haunted location: Baker Mansion in Altoona, Pennsylvania. 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. It was originally a military post that began in the 1700s. Easy access from white Haven. Historically, it had a massive campus with 3,350 beds and was known for its often brutal treatment of . Today, the bridge is the central point of Kinzua Bridge State Park. Thanks, Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City, PA is an eerie abandoned place to explore. Hope you have fun! Off we go to uncover the tales behind three of the most haunted spots in Altoona. His cigar smoke has been smelled by witnesses as well. But where to start is the question. The National Iron and Steel Museum in Coatesville isnt abandoned in and of itself. 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. No purchase necessary. The Limestone Trail trailhead leading to the abandoned lime kilns at Canoe Creek State Park. Located along the Railroad Arch Trail, the South Penn Railroad Aqueduct sits at the end of a quiet and easy trail. The most popular spot at Centralia was Graffiti Highway, but this spot was sadly destroyed recently by the property owner. In Lebanon county there is a park and boat ride on the Union Canal in West Lebanon. The Limestone Trail trailhead is located at the northeast corner of the parking lots at GPS coordinates 40.48496, -78.28334. On the second floor, youll find offices for workers at the prison. The Avondale Mine diaster site in Nanticoke, Pa! Legend has it that she was a new bride on her honeymoon at the Wopsononock Hotel, which burned down long ago. While visiting, its also worth the short bike ride or walk to the Brady Tunnel and the Philipston Turntable. Without a doubt, this site is easily one of the largest abandoned places in Pennsylvania and one of the most varied. Since the mine was closed with the plan of reopening, much of the original mine equipment is still present. The Devils Elbow is a dangerous curve along Wopsy Road that has a story about a ghostly white lady. Its a really interesting place to explore. In fact, you may have heard many stories about different paranormal activities at the museum, including laughing children long after the museum closed and big band music playing from the bar in the museum (but no ones there). Oil Creek State Park is known as the Valley that Changed the World and was the site of the worlds first commercial oil well. The penitentiary was open until 1970 when it was closed in favor of more modern facilities. Petroleum Centre is another oil-boom community that once thrived in northwestern Pennsylvania. Join paranormal investigators from JABA Paranormal on March 31, 2017 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. on a paranormal investigation. (Note: While to the best of our knowledge you can legally these abandoned places at the time of publication, access can always change. There are actually two tunnels in that same area just a few miles apart. Camp Sideling Hill is the second abandoned POW camp from World War 2 on this list. Housing a large number of inmates means providing an equally large number of ancillary services. TheWorld-Famous Horseshoe Curvewas considered one of theengineering wonders of the worldat the time of its completion in1854. In fact, it preserves several important buildings in the Lukens Historic District. He has been seen standing outside the building smoking a cigar. Known as Pine Grove Furnace Prisoner of War Interrogation Camp, German and Japanese officers were brought here after being captured and interrogated. The graffitied ruins stand hidden within the Pennsylvania woods. All rights reserved. The land used to belong to Col. George Wiestling, a veteran of the Civil War who died in 1891. Abraham Lincoln rode thru the tunnel en-route to the Gettysburg Address. This old abandoned bridge is a reminder of life not so long ago. Google gives you the tourist attractions, but there's a ton of more locally known places not widely known. The post office and the fire dept are both in existence too. In this space, youll find a large basketball court that still retains some of the paint on the floor, though, sadly, no basketball hoops. Your CommentsHave a photograph taken from this location? Gettysburg has earned a reputation as being the most haunted town in Pennsylvania and perhaps even in the United States. 2 mile walk to get to it but trail is flat and wide. 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. If you visit, be sure to check out the exquisite small details like this rear door to the chapel. Pretty massive and interesting. 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). 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. Experiencing Raystown Lake Witout a Boat - You don't need a boat to explore Pennsylvania largest lake. Per one story, some Civil War re-enactors working on the film Gettysburg at this site were approached here by a Union soldier. We were permitted to tour the place all alone. At the facility, cutting-edge treatments were used to treat those with this contagious disease. Saw photos of the inside of Lynnwood Hall from an explorer with a camera who got permission to go inside. You can find out more about Hydroponic Life / Big House Produce by following their social media on Facebook and/or Instagram. Tunnelhill, PA (7.1 mi.) Im going in Aug (July was already sold out) & have shared this article with them (as sister in law was from that area & her grandmother had worked for the Sanatorium). Instead of stopping at their desired floor, the elevator continued to the basement. Some of the older housing units are three stories high, while the more modern ones are only two stories high. Chest Springs, PA (8.1 mi.) Today, this perfectly preserved shop looks just as it did when it closed 60 years ago and offers the chance to see what a mid-century machine shop would have been like. Id love to explore the interior of some of those downtown buildings. Altoona's Amtrak Station can be found at the following address: 1231 11th Ave, Altoona, PA 16601. It is a short walk along the tracks through the woods. In the 1960s, the shop closed for good, simply shutting their doors and walking away. 31.6K Click the map to see more nearby things to do " This old hotel, established in 1797, is haunted by Rachel, among other spirits. 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 know of Horseshoe Curve Tunnel and the abandoned turnpike, but are there any scary/ haunted places known locally that's legal . Address: Wopsy Road Altoona, PA United States Get Directions GPS: 40.557336865157815, -78.45522451418219 County: Blair County, Pennsylvania Nearest Towns: Altoona, PA (4.1 mi.) Bethlehem Steel Mill in Bethlehem. Clickon any of the icons below toget connectedto PA Bucket List on social media. Same story of lady in white on beluah road. Thank you Joan Cramer Stefanini. It continued to house inmates until closing in 2013 due to the cost of maintaining the aging facility. Most folks would be scared to do it againbut we yearn for another visit. 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. 100 years ago did not know you could get close to it!!! 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. As their carriage rounded the Devils Elbow, there was an accident and both were killed. The prison was a medium-security facility and housed exclusively male prisoners. I am retired from Rockview Prison. When visiting, make sure to be respectful as this is a historic site and attempts are being made to preserve it. Located only a stones throw from the Abandoned PA Turnpike, youll find an abandoned railroad archhiding deep in the woods. 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. I looked in the back seat. Where im from we call it horseshoe curve. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world. Hidden deep in the woods of Valley Forge National Historical Park near Philadelphia, youll find the ruins of an early 20th-century bottling plant. 8. 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. Thank you! Map View Genres Near Me. 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