
Have you ever stood before an abandoned building and wondered, What happened here? Who lived, worked, or thrived in this space before it was forgotten? Exploring abandoned places is more than just an adventure—it’s a journey through time, a way to uncover hidden stories and connect with the past. But how do you find these elusive, forgotten locations? This guide will not only equip you with methods and tools but also inspire you to approach these explorations with curiosity, respect, and a sense of purpose.
Why Are We Drawn to Abandoned Places?
There’s a unique allure to spaces that time has seemingly forgotten. Abandoned places act as time capsules, preserving stories that often go untold. They reflect the remnants of human ambition, architectural beauty, and societal change.
- For photographers, these sites offer raw, untouched beauty that tells a thousand stories.
- For adventurers, they provide a thrilling, immersive experience.
- For history enthusiasts, these places are portals to the past, full of untold narratives.
Take the example of Centralia, Pennsylvania, a town nearly abandoned due to an underground coal fire that still burns to this day. Its eerie, graffiti-covered roads and empty homes draw thousands of visitors yearly.
A Question for You
What if the next breathtaking photo, spine-tingling story, or moment of profound connection is waiting for you in one of these forgotten places? Let’s explore how you can find them.
How to Find Abandoned Places
1. Start Online: The Digital Treasure Hunt
The internet is your best friend when it comes to scouting abandoned locations. Platforms like Abandoned America or Reddit’s urban exploration communities are goldmines for explorers.
- Forums and Blogs: Dedicated urbex (urban exploration) websites often share detailed accounts of explorations.
- Social Media: Search for hashtags like #abandonedplaces or #urbex on Instagram. Geotagged posts can provide clues about locations.
- YouTube: Channels like The Proper People or Exploring with Josh often showcase abandoned places worldwide, complete with coordinates or hints.
Pro Tip: Use Google’s advanced search operators like intitle:abandoned or filetype:pdf to find obscure reports or documents related to abandoned sites.
2. Tap into Local Knowledge
No one knows a place better than the locals. Chat with residents, historians, or even the bartender at a nearby pub.
- Example: In the Appalachian region, locals often point to abandoned coal towns, forgotten when the industry declined.
- Visit local historical societies or libraries for property records and maps.
3. Use Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Tools
Platforms like Google Earth, Mapillary, and OpenStreetMap offer incredible resources for spotting abandoned places.
- Satellite Imagery: Look for overgrown vegetation or deteriorating structures.
- Street View: Take a virtual stroll to confirm your findings.
4. Historical Databases and Records
Many governments maintain heritage databases listing historic and abandoned sites.
- In the U.S., the National Register of Historic Places lists thousands of sites, from ghost towns to deserted factories.
- Example: In the UK, Historic England provides detailed records of derelict manors and castles.
5. Venture Beyond the Obvious
Sometimes the best finds are hiding in plain sight.
- Industrial Zones: Old warehouses, factories, or mills often go unnoticed in urban areas.
- Rural Areas: Drive through country roads and look for collapsing barns or derelict farmhouses.
- Example: A casual hike in rural Georgia could lead you to an abandoned train depot hidden beneath overgrowth.
Types of Abandoned Places to Explore
1. Urban Abandonments
- Hospitals and Asylums: These eerie spaces are often filled with medical equipment, patient records, or even ghost stories.
- Example: The Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Kentucky is infamous for its haunting history.
- Factories and Warehouses: Rusting machinery and forgotten tools tell tales of once-thriving industries.
- Example: Detroit’s Packard Automotive Plant symbolizes the rise and fall of American manufacturing.
- Schools and Churches: These locations often hold poignant remnants of community life, like hymnals or dusty blackboards.
2. Rural Abandonments
- Farmhouses and Ghost Towns: Scattered across the countryside, these locations offer intimate glimpses into simpler times.
- Example: Bodie, California, a well-preserved ghost town, attracts thousands annually.
- Old Railways and Bridges: Abandoned rail lines often lead to other forgotten locations.
3. Unique Finds
- Amusement Parks: Decaying rides and overgrown paths create a surreal experience.
- Example: The haunting remains of Six Flags New Orleans, abandoned after Hurricane Katrina.
- Military Bases: These locations are rich in history, often tied to wars or national defense.
Safety and Ethical Guidelines
1. Respect Property Laws
Never trespass. Seek permission where necessary and avoid areas with clear “No Trespassing” signs.
2. Leave No Trace
Take only photographs, leave only footprints. Preserve these sites for others to experience.
3. Safety First
- Always inform someone of your plans.
- Wear sturdy shoes and carry safety gear, including a flashlight and first-aid kit.
- Be cautious of hazards like unstable structures or wildlife.
Documenting Your Journey
Bring these forgotten places back to life by documenting your explorations.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of decay and share it with the world.
- Writing: Start a blog or journal to share the stories behind these places.
- Community: Engage with fellow explorers on forums or social media.
Example: A photographer named Seph Lawless gained global recognition for his haunting images of abandoned malls and homes across the U.S., shedding light on economic and cultural changes.
Final Thoughts
Abandoned places are more than empty buildings; they’re living stories waiting to be discovered. From the eerie silence of a deserted hospital to the overgrown paths of a forgotten amusement park, each site offers a unique adventure.
So, here’s my question for you: What story will you uncover next? With the tips and methods outlined in this guide, you’re ready to embark on your journey. Remember, it’s not just about finding these places—it’s about honoring their history, preserving their beauty, and sharing their stories.
Happy exploring!