In fact, it preserves several important buildings in the Lukens Historic District. The depot was built on land that was once the town of Alvira before it was seized by the government for the depot. You definitely WILL encounter flaking paint, broken glass, dark corridors, and other hazards typical when exploring abandoned buildings, so dress appropriately and come prepared for that. Known officially as a Van de Graaff Generator, this was the first industrial generator of its kind and was built in 1937. 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. Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Many "ghost hunters" have been arrested because they failed to contact property owners and/or local authorities ahead of time. Pennsylvania has dozens of historic iron furnaces. Urban exploration isn't usually legal, so you're going to need to look for illegal answers if you want to find anything outside of a state or local park. Some of the existing buildings were also retrofitted with cells and other prison necessities. The Coplay Kilns are nine kilns that are the remnants of a large cement factory that was located on the outskirts of town. This is definitely an abandoned place in PA to not overlook when traveling around the state. 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. A hidden piece of Altoona's railroad history in a long-forgotten abandoned town. In truth, I could keep going on and on discussing the many cool things I found while exploring the abandoned SCI Cresson. 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. In 1987, the first prisoners arrived at what was then called SCI Cresson or Cresson State Prison. While access to the kilns is limited by a fence, its still fun to walk around them and look at these beautiful ruins. Exploring the Abandoned Cresson State Prison in Cambria County, contact Hydroponic Life / Big House Produce at this link, abandoned places to explore in Pennsylvania, 30 Abandoned Places in PA You Can Legally Visit, Road Tripping to the Best Abandoned Places in PA, Exploring the Curtis Publishing Building in Philadelphia, The 17 Best Hiking Trails Near State College, Exploring the American Philatelic Center in Bellefonte, Exploring Boggs Run Vista in Clinton County. If you visit, be sure to check out the exquisite small details like this rear door to the chapel. This may be the source of the glowing white figures that are reported, or the strange light manifestations. Regardless, her spirit is said to still roam the tunnel today. Off we go to uncover the tales behind three of the most haunted spots in Altoona. One of the least known places on this list are the jet bunkers in the Quehanna Wild Area. The prison closed in 1971, and slowlydescended into ruinover the next 20 years. Disembodied footsteps have been heard here as well. Carrie Blast Furnace in Rankin. 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. Also, a soldier's apparition has been spotted on the park grounds. There is a wedding dress in a glass case that is said to move on it's own, especially around Halloween and full moons. Was an awesome experience. Buildings that dynamite couldn't bring down were abandoned because of bathroom issues. For the next two decades, the prison set abandoned until it was opened for limited tours in 1988. A spirit is said to reside in the former Culmervilel Hotel, now Zottola's Pub and Eatery. 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. 27, . This historic hotel has been in operation for over a century, but is now believed to be a private residence. Your CommentsHave a photograph taken from this location? Reaching the lodge is quite easy along the Flat Rock Trail, which offers a lot of beauty in addition to this abandoned site. Spent summers on a horse farm with no electric and it gets darker than u can imagine. A weight room off the side of the gymnasium is a throwback to the 80s, when multi-station weight machines became all the rage. Housing a large number of inmates means providing an equally large number of ancillary services. He often hangs around the train engine in the museums lobby and in the elevator before he disappears into a puff of smoke. Inmate phones in the cell blocks were controlled by panels like the one below. Farther away from altoona. Many old presidents visited there.I worked as a waitress there 1959- 1963. Im always on the lookout for abandoned places in Pennsylvania that I can legally explore. If you're intrigued by abandoned places, follow this abandoned places in Pennsylvania road trip. 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. Inside the Grace Chapel at the abandoned Cresson State Prison near Altoona. Tours are given and during the Halloween season, midnight tours. Ironton Rail Trail Abandoned PA Turnpike But where to start is the question. So, when I heard that the former SCI Cresson Prison near Altoona was open for visits, I knew I needed to check it out as soon as I could. Yet, when the individual goes to investigate the cigar smell or smoke, he or she sees no one at all. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. The National Emergency Training Center was once St. Joseph's College, which until 1973 was a Catholic girls' school established in 1809. Anyone know of any abandoned places youre allowed to legally explore in the State College/ Altoona area? Report an Abandoned Vehicle . Frank is the most popular spirit in the museum but not the only ghost whos said to live there. 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. Click "thumbs up" if you think its haunted, or "thumbs down" if you think its all just a tall tale. Oldest continuously operating railroad tunnel in the world is the Howard Tunnel in York County, Pa along the current Northern Central Railroad. This tunnel was opened in 1886 by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company and carried trains until it was abandoned in 1956. Prince Gallitzins cryptin Cambria County contains the remains of a former Russian prince turned trailblazing Catholic priest,Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin. 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. Historically, it had a massive campus with 3,350 beds and was known for its often brutal treatment of . (Note: While to the best of our knowledge you can legally visit these abandoned places at the time of publication, access can always change. For over 100 years, trains used this viaduct to cross the valley more than 300 feet below. It has a heavy, eerie mysterious atmosphere. Tunnelhill, PA (7.1 mi.) Would like to see a photo of the old carbon county switch back and trail it was used for. At the facility, cutting-edge treatments were used to treat those with this contagious disease. By all accounts, this was a pleasant and desirable community to live in, though it was short-lived due to plumping and other issues. Today, the homes sit hidden in the woods on land owned by the city. Located in Venango County, the furnace sits about a hundred yards downstream of Freedom Falls. Help spread the word. She also may be the one who makes objects mysteriously General Anthony Wayne was buried, unearthed, then boiled so he could be transferred to his family grave. The hayrides are year-round so visit freely! Altoona Blair County Airport; . Greenwood, PA (5.3 mi.) Find museums in Altoona, PA, Culmerville Hotel - Zottola's Pub and Eatery, National Emergency Training Center - St. Joseph's College. Bethlehem Steel Mill in Bethlehem. However, the mine never again reopened as an active coal mine. Built in the late 1700s, the old jail has a legend attached. Im not familiar with the park. You're awesome for doing it! It is reported that two administrators had an experience with an elevator to another dimension. Altoona's Amtrak Station can be found at the following address: 1231 11th Ave, Altoona, PA 16601. 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. My favorite is the trail leads you straight there! In a side room, weight equipment can still be found in several spots. This hospital, which was also known as the Allegheny State Hospital, was designed to care for those with mental health issues, including mental retardation. The Allegheny Tunnel . This historic church predates the prison and was built in 1914 during the earliest stages of the sanatorium. Whats amazing about this huge site is that nearly all of it is open for exploration. In 2010, the furnaces were opened for tours and offer a gritty look into how steel was made. In 1911, the dam failed and the ensuing flood of water killed 78 people. This is a fantastic spot for both history buffs and photographers to tour. 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. That was torn down a few years ago, but it was never open to the public to explore when it still existed. Most drivers likely wouldnt give a second thought to driving through the Horseshoe Curve Tunnel. 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. Is this place really haunted? This space was designed for prisoners to learn automotive skills, which is clear from the two very cool murals on the exterior of the space. All that's left is a parking lot and a big oak. It has quite a history, dance hall, rides, trolley stops and had bands. Reportedly haunted by over a dozen ghosts, including the most ubiquitous, a former nurse named Mary who is said to still attempt to comfort the ill and a young boy who was killed in an accident. A landmark in Altoona since 1906, The Mishler Theater attracts visitors for its family entertainment. If you've had a paranormal experience here, or have any additional information about this location, please let us know! However, in recent years, Big House Produce has begun converting the site into a hydroponic farm for a variety of crops. I spent the last 2 weekends of April visiting my brother/sister in law in Portage before they moved out of state, we were looking up alot of places to go those 2 weekends & this was one of them!!! You missed the Rockland tunnel right by the Rockland Furnace. Given the inexpensive cost of visiting and the different event types, theres a bit of something for anyone that loves historic and abandoned sites, and Id be lying if I said that this wasnt one of the coolest places Ive explored in a long time. Gilson Ridge Cemetery in Hydetown Pa. When it was completed in 1882, the Kinzua Bridge was the largest and tallest bridge in the world. Around the walls of the building, there are large paintings depicting various sports. The vaudeville venue built in 1913 is the home of a ghostly former manager. 31.6K Click the map to see more nearby things to do " Guests are welcome to bring investigative equipment and a small flashlight. Looking around I noticed others with worn names. 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