Top 10 Abandoned Schools to Explore and Uncover Hidden Histories
Abandoned schools are a haunting reminder of times gone by, and they offer a glimpse into the past. While some may see these structures as eyesores, others view them as an opportunity for urban exploration. Here is our list of the top 10 abandoned schools that you should add to your bucket list.
1. Central State Hospital – Milledgeville, Georgia
Central State Hospital opened in 1842 and was once known as the “world’s largest insane asylum.” The hospital housed over 13,000 patients at its peak and had its own power plant, farm, dairy, bakery, and cemetery. Today the hospital stands abandoned but has become a popular spot for photographers.
2. Lake Shawnee Amusement Park – Mercer County, West Virginia
Lake Shawnee Amusement Park was built on top of an ancient Native American burial ground dating back to pre-Columbian times. The park operated from 1926 until it closed down in 1966 after several accidents occurred on the amusement rides resulting in fatalities.
3. Waverly Hills Sanatorium – Louisville, Kentucky
Waverly Hills Sanatorium opened in 1910 to treat tuberculosis patients but later became a nursing home for elderly people with dementia before finally closing its doors in 1981 due to overcrowding and underfunding.
4. Detroit Public Schools Book Depository – Detroit Michigan
The building served as storage space for books used by Detroit public school system until it was closed down years ago
5. Packard Automotive Plant – Detroit Michigan
Packard Automotive Plant opened up in 1903 spanning across more than three million square feet making it one of the biggest factories ever built until it went bankrupt during World War II.
6. Lee Plaza Hotel – Detroit Michigan
Lee Plaza Hotel which is located near Grand Boulevard was constructed between 1929-30 but had been left unoccupied since late ‘90s due to financial troubles
7. St. Elizabeth’s Hospital – Washington D.C
St. Elizabeth’s Hospital was once a psychiatric hospital in southeast Washington, DC, which used to be the largest building in the District of Columbia until it closed down in 2018.
8. Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino – Cambodia
The Bokor Palace Hotel and Casino was built-in 1925 but abandoned during World War II due to the Khmer Rouge regime’s violent reign over Cambodia.
9. Pripyat School No.3 – Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine
Pripyat school no 3 is located within the exclusion zone of Chernobyl disaster that happened on April 26, 1986. The school has been left deserted since then
10. Mayfield Elementary School – Pennsylvania
Mayfield elementary school officially opened its doors back in September of 1931 but shut down for good somewhere around early ‘90s after a series of fire breakouts caused severe damage.
These are just some examples of abandoned schools that offer a glimpse into history while also providing an opportunity for urban exploration enthusiasts to capture stunning photographs and memories that will last a lifetime. From hospitals to hotels and casinos, these structures have stood the test of time despite being left behind by society for many years now!