Steeped in history, Pennsylvania also harbors some of the most intriguing abandoned places. Each site, now silent and desolate, tells a unique story of its past. Here’s a look at the top 10 abandoned places in the state, each with its own tale of former glory and current decay.
The folks over at XPLR World have done it again, amassing a video of the top ten abandoned places in the Keystone State. Each has its own uniqueness and history.
1. Pennsylvania Turnpike in Breezewood
Once a bustling segment of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, this stretch near Breezewood now lies abandoned. Opened in 1940, it was part of America’s first superhighway but was bypassed in 1968 due to its narrow tunnels and heavy traffic, leaving behind a ghostly stretch of road.
2. Concrete City in Nanticoke
Built in 1911, Concrete City was an early example of modernist architecture, designed as a housing complex for coal mining families. It was abandoned in 1924 due to the high cost of installing a sewage system, leaving behind concrete structures that still stand today.
3. Penn Hills Resort in East Stroudsburg
Opened in 1944, this honeymoon resort flourished in the 1960s and 70s. It featured heart-shaped tubs and wedding bell-shaped pools, symbolizing the romantic escapade it offered. Abandoned in 2009, it now serves as a stark reminder of a bygone era of romance and leisure.
Check out the Top 10 Abandoned Places in New Jersey.
4. Nazareth Speedway in Nazareth
This one-mile oval track was a haven for racing enthusiasts from 1987 to 2004. Originally a dirt track from 1910, it was paved in 1987 to host major events, including IndyCar races, before it was closed and left to the elements.
5. Sleighton Farm School in Glen Mills
Established in the 1820s as a reform school for troubled youth, Sleighton Farm School expanded over the years but eventually closed in 2001. The sprawling campus now stands empty, a monument to its long history of rehabilitation and reform.
6. George Wharton Pepper Middle School in Philadelphia
Named after the prominent lawyer and senator, this school opened in the 1970s. It was known for its unique architecture and educational programs but was forced to close in 2013 due to budget cuts, leaving its distinctive structure to decay.
7. Boyds Bear Factory in Gettysburg
Once a popular destination for teddy bear enthusiasts, this factory and its accompanying retail store closed in 2008. The bear-themed decorations and large bear statues stand as eerie reminders of its happier days.
8. Lynnewood Hall in Philadelphia
This massive Gilded Age mansion, built in the early 1900s, was once one of the largest private homes in the country. Its 110 rooms hosted lavish parties and prominent guests but now sit empty, a victim of changing times and fortunes.
9. Mahanoy Area Middle School in Mahanoy
Opened in the 1920s and expanded in the 1930s, this school was a cornerstone of education in the region. However, declining student populations led to its closure, leaving behind classrooms and halls that once buzzed with activity.
Check out the Top 10 Abandoned Places in New Jersey.
In order to see the 10th spot, you’re going to just have to watch the video:
Each of these abandoned places in Pennsylvania offers a unique glimpse into a past that once thrived but now lies forgotten. They serve as silent historians, standing as monuments to times and lives that have moved on.