15 Abandoned Asylums That Will Give You Chills
Asylums have been a popular topic among urban explorers for decades. These abandoned institutions offer a glimpse into the past and provide an eerie, yet fascinating experience. Here are 15 of the most interesting asylums to explore:
1. Willard Asylum – New York
Willard Asylum opened in 1869 and was known for its progressive treatment methods. The asylum closed in 1995, leaving behind thousands of suitcases filled with personal belongings from former patients.
2. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – West Virginia
This asylum operated from 1864 to 1994 and is considered one of the most haunted locations in America. Visitors can take guided tours or participate in ghost hunts.
3. Lier Mental Hospital – Norway
Lier Mental Hospital was established in 1926 and closed in 1986 due to allegations of patient abuse. Today, it stands abandoned, providing visitors with a haunting look at the past.
4. Danvers State Hospital – Massachusetts
Danvers State Hospital opened in 1878 and closed its doors in 1992 after reports of mistreatment of patients surfaced. The building has since been repurposed into luxury apartments.
5. Athens Lunatic Asylum – Ohio
The Athens Lunatic Asylum operated from 1874 to 1993, housing over ten thousand patients during that time period. Today it is part of Ohio University’s campus.
6. Traverse City State Hospital – Michigan
The Traverse City State Hospital opened its doors in November of 1885 to serve those suffering from mental illnesses until it was shut down nearly a century later on March first,1970
7.Walter Freeman House- Maryland
Walter Freeman House is not your typical asylum but this house belonged to Dr Walter Freeman who performed lobotomies on hundreds which led him being called Doctor Lobotomy
8.Kirkbride Buildings- Oregon
Kirkbride Buildings were a series of asylums built by Thomas Story Kirkbride in the late 19th century. They are known for their unique architecture and therapeutic designs.
9. Hellingly Hospital – England
Hellingly Hospital was built in 1903 and closed its doors in 1994 due to patient mistreatment allegations. Today, it remains abandoned with decaying buildings and equipment scattered throughout the grounds.
10. Manteno State Hospital – Illinois
Manteno State Hospital opened in 1930 to care for those with mental health disorders but was closed down on June twenty fifth,1985
11. Hillcrest Psychiatric Center- California
The Hillcrest Psychiatric Center is located near San Francisco Bay Area where over three thousand people suffering from mental illnesses were treated
12.Kankakee State Hospital-Illinois
The Kankakee State Hospital was founded in March twenty fourth,1877 and served as one of the largest facilities that specialized in treating patients with tuberculosis
13.Beechworth Lunatic Asylum- Australia
Beechworth Lunatic Asylum operated from May eighteenth,1867 until its closure on December sixth,1995 serving thousands of patients during this time period
14.Old Bryce Mental Institution-Alabama
Old Bryce Mental Institution opened up its doors in Tuscaloosa County Alabama on September fifteenth ,1861 however today it stands abandoned after closing nearly seventy years later
15.Northville Regional Psychiatric Hospital-Michigan
Northville Regional Psychiatric hospital operated between February ninth,1952 until October first ,2003 and housed approximately four hundred patients at any given time.
These abandoned asylums offer a glimpse into the past while also providing visitors with an eerie experience. While some have been repurposed or demolished, many still stand untouched and ready to be explored by urban explorers around the world.