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. 2 mile walk to get to it but trail is flat and wide. The Cambria County Historical Society has some good info on the Sanitorium including first hand stories of people that were patients there. However, by 1873, the town was essentially abandoned. We had pulled over and sat. Note that the entire prison is surrounded by barbed wire fencing and trespassing is strictly prohibited. Love Pittsburgh? The entity is believed to be a poltergeist, as it has been known to move objects around. 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. In 1911, the dam failed and the ensuing flood of water killed 78 people. Inside the Grace Chapel at the abandoned Cresson State Prison near Altoona. 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. In addition to SCI Cressons historic buildings, the site is also home to several modern cell blocks. 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. Her parents buried Redstone Cem where we go Here are a few of my favorite ruins and abandoned places in Pennsylvania you can legally visit. It was used as part of nuclear power experiments until the late 1950s. Hidden deep in the woods of Valley Forge National Historical Park near Philadelphia, youll find the ruins of an early 20th-century bottling plant. 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. Academia Girls School is the ruins of an 1800s building destroyed by fire. Clickon any of the icons below toget connectedto PA Bucket List on social media. Camp Sideling Hill is the second abandoned POW camp from World War 2 on this list. 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. 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. 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. After a 100-year history, SCI Cresson was closed in 2013, and since then, has been left largely abandoned. Click here to read her tragic tale. These bunkers were used to test nuclear-powered jet engines as part of the governments Atoms for Peace program. I stumbled across a very old headstone with 1700 dates on it. 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. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Eldora Park between Donora and Monongahela in Carroll Township. Tours are given and during the Halloween season, midnight tours. The prison closed in 1971, and slowlydescended into ruinover the next 20 years. Copyright 2013-2023 Uncovering Media, LLC - All Rights Reserved, Find more things to do in the Alleghenies Region, How to Get to Indian Wells Overlook in Rothrock State Forest, Visiting the Fort Bedford Museum in Bedford, PA, DelGrossos Amusement Park: A Great Outing for the Kids in the Alleghenies, Altoonas Horseshoe Curve: A Must-See for Train Lovers. 1. Known as Pine Grove Furnace Prisoner of War Interrogation Camp, German and Japanese officers were brought here after being captured and interrogated. The land where the sanatorium would sit was donated by steel-tycoon Andrew Carnegie in 1911, and, in 1913, the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium was opened atop a ridge in the Allegheny Mountains, though construction wouldnt be completed until 1916. Disembodied footsteps have been heard here as well. Updated: Apr. Beautiful place and grounds. Although the Amity Hall burned to the ground in the late 2000s, it was alleged to be extremely active with the haunts. 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. As their carriage rounded the Devils Elbow, there was an accident and both were killed. Visitors access the mine via a very cool railcar. my mother was born there 6 . Although some of that glass has since been shattered at the hands of vandals. This old abandoned bridge is a reminder of life not so long ago. 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. If you've had a paranormal experience here, or have any additional information about this location, please let us know! Anyone know of any abandoned places youre allowed to legally explore in the State College/ Altoona area? Reaching the lodge is quite easy along the Flat Rock Trail, which offers a lot of beauty in addition to this abandoned site. This camp was used by four different groups in the 1930s and 1940s, culminating with usage for German POWs in the mid-1940s. This forgotten building was one of the few Philadelphia-area breweries to survive Prohibition. But, just happened to be hosting Mock-Riot training years back. We just happened to have our Rockview Jackets and were allowed in. 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. I was an opening GM before when it had lost its flag from a Ramada. Several people were hanged here, and it is said that their spirits walk restlessly throughout the place. Legend has it that a ghost saved this 1730s historic inn from being destroyed by fire. Never saw a ghost. Built in the late 1700s, the old jail has a legend attached. No purchase necessary. Where im from we call it horseshoe curve. Im not familiar with the park. And, save a few of the modern structures, the buildings are in very rough shape. Today, both bike riders and hikers can check out the base of this tower to learn more about the railroading industry in the area. I am retired from Rockview Prison. The natives outnumbered the rangers some five to one and the Rangers eventually surrendered. These bunkers were built to house explosive munitions as part of the Susquehanna Ordnance Depot. Such a neat place to explore. 3.8. 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. You can also check out Pizzeria Beddia in Philly which was once named the Best Pizza in the US. Not knowing it was open for tours, we didnt go!! Its steeple rises above many of the buildings, so its fairly easy to find from many areas throughout the prison grounds. 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. 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. It continued to house inmates until closing in 2013 due to the cost of maintaining the aging facility. Legend has it that she was a new bride on her honeymoon at the Wopsononock Hotel, which burned down long ago. This hospital, which was also known as the Allegheny State Hospital, was designed to care for those with mental health issues, including mental retardation. There is a series of abandoned locks from the Lehigh canal. In the 1960s, the shop closed for good, simply shutting their doors and walking away. 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. The Legend has it that the 1930s Catholic Millers Church was taken over by devil worshippers, and practitioners sacrificed young girls inside its walls. This inn, housed in a 1897 building, has been visited by strange noises, residual smells, and a ghost named Flossie who is said to have died in the house in the 1920s. Click "thumbs up" if you think its haunted, or "thumbs down" if you think its all just a tall tale. At the end of the tunnel, youll find a spectacular view overlooking the Lehigh River. 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. They plan to continue offering events throughout 2022 while simultaneously remodeling, cleaning, and protecting the historical buildings at the abandoned Cresson State Prison. While some of the auxiliary wings were torn down when converting the site into a prison, much of the structure still stands today. Fortunately, thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers, Mount Moriah Cemetery is returning to its former glory. Eastern State Penitentiary - Philadelphia and its Countryside Philadelphia www.easternstate.org In 1829, the first prisoner walked through the doors of Eastern State Penitentiary. Carrie Blast Furnace in Rankin. 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). The main floor is primarily comprised of jail cells that may have held some of the lower-level prisoners at the facility. 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. Today, they are part of an entertainment complex, but still provide a lot of interest for lovers of abandoned industrial sites. For over 100 years, trains used this viaduct to cross the valley more than 300 feet below. Use the "Browse" or "Choose File" button below to select an image to upload along with your comment. The grounds here are so massive that I made a second full-day visit in November of 2021. Actor Sam Elliott reportedly stayed here during its filming. The kitchen (above) and the laundry (below) are just two of the more interesting service areas I explored while visiting the abandoned Cresson State Prison. The Devil's Elbow is a dangerous curve along Wopsy Road that has a story about a ghostly white lady. Some say they have seen the woman that roams the house. Google gives you the tourist attractions, but there's a ton of more locally known places not widely known. See Howard Tunnel in York County, Pa for the oldest operating railroad tunnel in the world. Ironton Rail Trail Abandoned PA Turnpike A famous photograph taken in 1907 (one of the earliest ghost photos thought to be legitimate) shows a figure A stone star fort in the Maryland Panhandle, Fort Frederick Maryland was built in the 1750s to defend Maryland from French and Indian raiders. Tons of cool architecture and history there. Your CommentsHave a photograph taken from this location? Lakemont, PA (6.8 mi.) Moving around to the other end of the complex another interesting building is the second large Tudor style building. 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. Same experiences, Just got back from this bogus site. Gettysburg. Guests say she opens their drawers and removes the clothing from them. The 1915 Maryland Theatre, once a vaudeville and movie house, operated until 1973. The depot was built on land that was once the town of Alvira before it was seized by the government for the depot. They plan to continue offering events throughout 2022 while simultaneously remodeling, . All that's left is a parking lot and a big oak. 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.) Great article. Tunnelhill, PA (7.1 mi.) The prison was a medium-security facility and housed exclusively male prisoners. This may be the source of the glowing white figures that are reported, or the strange light manifestations. Today, the homes sit hidden in the woods on land owned by the city. Guests are welcome to bring investigative equipment and a small flashlight. A hidden piece of Altoona's railroad history in a long-forgotten abandoned town. 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). Private property should be respected at all times, as should all posted signs concerning trespassing, hours of operation and other local regulations. Some of the existing buildings were also retrofitted with cells and other prison necessities. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. Demolished unfortunately. Anyone have any pictures of White Swan Park which was near the Pittsburgh airport ? 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. It is believed to be haunted. 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. A weight room off the side of the gymnasium is a throwback to the 80s, when multi-station weight machines became all the rage. 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. 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. 3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Altoona, Pennsylvania . Its not called the Horseshie Curve. But where to start is the question. Experiencing Raystown Lake Witout a Boat - You don't need a boat to explore Pennsylvania largest lake. Located in Venango County, the furnace sits about a hundred yards downstream of Freedom Falls. Most folks would be scared to do it againbut we yearn for another visit. Rest Haven in Schuylkill Haven. According to locals, she operated an orphanage located at this very site during the Civil War era. Frank is the most popular spirit in the museum but not the only ghost whos said to live there. Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. You should watch some videos done by this guy. 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