11 Abandoned Or Interesting Places You Can Visit On A Road Trip Across The US
There are numerous routes you can take when venturing across the country. Some of these can take you to more national parks, while others may take you through entirely different off the beaten path scenery. Personally, I’m one that enjoys the more unseen and odd stops during road trips. Since I’ve been able to take a few trips across the country, I’ve also been able to compile a list or two of routes that will bring you to places such as this. I’ll be sharing with you 11 different abandoned or interesting places that you can legally visit during a US road trip – this one starting in Buffalo, New York if you’re coming from the East, and from Elma, Washington if you’re heading from the West. So if you ever find yourself taking a trip across the United States, whether it be to photograph abandoned or interesting places, or just to see some weird and unusual stuff, this is the perfect guide. I’m sure you’ll also find many more in between if you decide to venture this route! Follow the map at the bottom of this page for addresses/directions
1. East Central Terminal – Buffalo, New York
Buffalo’s Central Terminal was an active train station from 1929-1979. The structure was built in Art Deco style, designed by architects Fellheimer & Wagner for the New York Central Railroad. The main building stands 15 stories (271 feet) tall. The station had sat abandoned and almost forgotten for years, but with the incredible work of an amazing preservation group, new life has been brought back through this incredible piece of Buffalo history. Read more about this train station HERE
2. Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike – Breezewood, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the oddest states I have ever visited. Every venture I take through the state ends up reminding me even more of just how strange it is no matter where I end up. I love it. While I say it’s “odd,” The state holds lots of rich and interesting history, that’s for sure. From beautiful parks and historic cities, to largely abandoned towns, churches and collapsed bridges, Pennsylvania has a bit of everything for everyone. Of course we can’t forget one of the more notable abandoned places that Pennsylvania has to offer – the old turnpike. Read about the abandoned turnpike HERE
3. House Of Wills Funeral Home – Cleveland, Ohio
The House of Wills was built between 1900-1905 by Cleveland architect Frederick W. Striebinger. When the structure was built, it was initially used as a German social club, known as the Gesangverein Hall. Over the following years, there were many additions to the building, and it would switch hands of ownership numerous times. The structure would come to house the Cleveland Hebrew Institute, and some say the house had also served as a hospital for Hungarian immigrants, and even as a speakeasy during prohibition. Read more about the House of Wills HERE
4. Gary City Methodist Church – Gary, Indiana
The best thing about Gary, Indiana is that you can actually get a permit to photograph the abandoned buildings within the city. This does not limit you to just the former City Methodist Church, but gives you a hospital and theater as well, among others.
This now dilapidated church seen in the photo above was shut down in 1975, after only 50 years in service. Read more about this church HERE
5. Rootwad Park – St. Louis, Missouri
At the edge of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri you’ll find a hidden gem called Rootwad Park. The park is an unfinished work by sculptor Bob Cassilly, who was beat to death in 2011. In and around this park, there’s a whole lot to see, including remnants of St. Louis’ industrial history, such as the old Laclede Power Station (built 1901) and Cotton Belt Freight Depot (built 1913.) Read more about this park HERE
6. Neosho Falls, Kansas
Neosho Falls, Kansas was established April 6, 1857 by Benjamin F. Goss, his brother Colonel National S. Goss and Isaac W. Dow. Benjamin would later come to organize a company of cavalry to fight for the union during the American Civil War. Neosho Falls is the oldest town in Woodson County, with the first post office being established in May of 1857. Read more about this town HERE
7. Cuervo, New Mexico Ghost Town
Cuervo, New Mexico – an unincorporated community in Guadalupe County, New Mexico. The Spanish word “Cuervo” translates from Spanish to English as “crow.” Cuervo was a simple railroad town, beginning its life in 1901 – this was when the CRI&P railroad passed through Guadalupe County. This railroad contained the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroads. Only nine years later, the town was opened to cattle ranching in 1910. Read more about this ghost town HERE
8. Two Guns, Arizona Ghost Town
Initially, Two Guns operated as a trading post at the beginning of the 19th century. The area was run by homesteaders Mr. and Mrs. Daniel B. Oldfield. More settlers began to populate the area through the mid-19th century, as the town offered an ideal crossover to Canyon Diablo.
In 1878, Two Guns became the site of a mass murder of Apaches as they were murdered by their enemies – the Navajo. In an attempt to hide out, the Apaches crawled into a cave at Two Guns. Unfortunately, the Navajos took notice, and lit sagebrush fires at the cave’s exit, shooting any Apaches that attempted to escape. Read more about this town HERE
9. Salton Sea, California
The Salton Sea is a shallow, saline, andorheicrift lake located directly on the San Andreas Fault, predominantly in the U.S. state of California;s Imperial and Coachella valleys.
The Salton Sea itself is definitely something to look at, but there is a true magic surrounding the entire area. You could spend an entire day driving around the Salton Sea, finding numerous interesting locations, such as Bombay Beach. Other places of interest surrounding the sea include Salvation Mountain (where Kesha shot her video for “Praying”), Slab City, East Jesus and West Satan among much more. Like I said, you could spend an entire day in this area (we did) and still not see everything. I’d love to make a trip back.
10. Shaniko, Oregon Ghost Town
1862 – The Homestead Act had just been put into place as people began to settle. By 1898, there was still no efficient way for goods to be transported. Thus came the proposal for a railroad to be built. Construction of this railway sparked the idea for a town, and by 1900 the tracks of the Columbia Southern Railroad Line finally made it to the future home of Shaniko, Oregon. By 1901, Shaniko had been established and commerce had begun. This railway made Shaniko a hub for all of Oregon’s interior trade straight down to the California border. Read more about this town HERE
11. Satsop Nuclear Towers – Elma, Washington
Washington Nuclear Project Nos. 3 and 5, abbreviated as WNP-3 and WNP-5 (collectively known as the Satsop Nuclear Power Plant) were two of the five nuclear power plants on which construction was started by the Washington Public Power Supply System. WNP-1, WNP-2 and WNP-3 were part of the original 1968 plan, with WNP-4 and WNP-5 added in the early 1970s.
WNP-2 was the only unit of the five that was completed and put into operation. WNP-3 and WNP-5 are located on 1,600 acres on the Satsop Site near Elma in Grays Harbor County, Washington.
Today the site operates as a business park, and can be found at – 150 Technology Ln, Elma, WA 98541
