Seven Urban Exploration Destinations in America

They’re not the most accessible, or the most legal places in the world, but urban exploration destinations offer a glimpse into cities that most people never get to see. Here are seven of our favorite spots to check out.

© Paul Sableman | Flickr

Paramount Theater: Newark, N.J.

Opened in 1886 as H.C. Miners’s Newark Theatre, this venue was originally built for vaudeville shows before shifting with the rise of movies in the 1930s. It was open for 100 years before closing down, though the classic Paramount sign is still visible.

Titan Nuclear Missile Silo: Deer Trail, Colo.

During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union built secret missile silos across the country, ready to start World War III at a moment’s notice. Today, many of them are abandoned and left in disrepair, but offer unique glimpses into American history.

© McFlyGoes88 | Flickr

Murphy Ranch: Los Angeles, Calif.

Located in Rustic Canyon, Murphy Ranch was built by Winona and Norma Stephens, Nazi sympathizers who wanted a base for planning fascist activities. Housing a bomb shelter, water storage and bunkers, the abandoned Murphy Ranch ironically became a haven for artists in the 60s and 70s.

© Linda | Flickr

City Methodist Church: Gary, Ind.

Nicknamed “Seaman’s Folly,” the City Methodist Church was built to be nine stories high, but Pastor William Seaman eventually had to close down his gift to the former steel town with a dwindling congregation and rising maintenance costs.

© Stuart McAlpine | Flickr

Freedom Tunnel: New York City, N.Y.

Named after graffiti artist Chris “Freedom” Pape, Amtrak’s abandoned freight tunnel under Riverside Park was one known for its homeless community before it was evicted by the city. The place was featured in the film Dark Days, but now it is mostly popular with street artists and urban explorers.

Discovery Island: Bay Lake, Fla.

This zoological park would eventually relocate to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1999. There were talks about remodeling the space into a theme park based on the Myst video game, but it never came to fruition.

The Labyrinth: St. Paul, Minn.

This is Mecca for urban explorers around the world. Seven interconnecting, multilevel tunnel systems form more than 15 miles of underground adventure. Each system, ranging from telephones to sewer tunnels, has a distinct look to them, going at least five stories underneath the city.