Finding abandoned places in the United States for urban exploration can be thrilling, but it requires careful research, discretion, and a commitment to safety and legality. Here are some practical ways to locate abandoned places near you in the U.S., as well as tips for responsible and safe exploration.
1. Online Urbex Communities and Forums
There are several online communities where urban explorers share information, tips, and experiences on abandoned places across the U.S. These platforms often include location details, photos, safety tips, and entry advice.
- Urbex Forums: Websites like Urbex Underground and Abandoned Places host communities where members post location reports, historical context, and recent experiences.
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/urbanexploration or r/abandoned provide a wealth of information, including discussions on specific regions, legal advice, and safety tips. Users often share photos and give hints (without specific locations) to help others find similar places in their area.
- Facebook Groups: Search for local urbex or abandoned places groups on Facebook, such as "Urban Exploration USA" or groups dedicated to specific states. These groups offer local insights, meetups, and location suggestions.
2. Use Satellite Imagery and Map Tools
Using satellite imagery can help you identify potential abandoned sites by observing changes in property maintenance, visible overgrowth, or signs of disuse. Google Maps and Google Earth are great tools for scanning your area for possible locations.
- Google Maps: Use the satellite view to look for isolated structures with visible signs of neglect, such as overgrown parking lots, damaged roofs, or lack of nearby traffic. Street View can sometimes reveal more details, though not all areas are accessible.
- Historic Aerials: This site provides access to historical aerial photos of specific locations. You can compare past and current images to identify abandoned or deteriorating buildings.
- OpenStreetMap: OpenStreetMap sometimes includes details about abandoned or derelict structures. Some users mark these buildings, although information can be inconsistent depending on the area.
3. Research Local History and Abandoned Sites
Researching the history of your area can lead to fascinating discoveries about abandoned places that aren’t immediately visible. Many historical sites, old industrial areas, and rural buildings have become forgotten but remain accessible with a little investigation.
- Historical Society and Local Library: Visit your local historical society or library to research abandoned places. They may have information on older buildings, former factories, schools, or government sites that are no longer in use.
- National Register of Historic Places: The NRHP includes numerous listings of historical sites across the U.S. While some are maintained, others have been left to deteriorate, and they often hold unique historical significance.
- State Preservation Offices: State historic preservation offices often keep records of old, unused sites and may provide leads on historical structures worth exploring.
4. Look for Publicly Accessible Ruins and Ghost Towns
If you’re interested in abandoned places that are legal and safe to explore, the U.S. has several ghost towns, old mines, and public ruins that are open to the public.
- Ghost Towns: States like California, Arizona, and Nevada are known for their ghost towns, many of which are open to visitors. Websites like Ghosttowns.com provide maps and lists of accessible ghost towns across the country.
- National and State Parks: Many parks have preserved historical ruins, such as mining towns, forts, and old homesteads, that you can visit legally. Examples include Bodie State Historic Park in California or Fort Union National Monument in New Mexico.
- Heritage Trails: Some towns and cities have heritage trails that include derelict or abandoned sites, such as old mills, farms, or factories, providing a safe way to explore historical ruins.
5. Use Urbex and Photography Apps
Certain apps and websites are designed to help explorers and photographers find unique locations, including abandoned or remote areas.
- Abandoned Places App: This app (available on both iOS and Android) features user-submitted photos and coordinates of abandoned places worldwide. You can filter by location to find spots in your area.
- Instagram and Location-Based Apps: Searching for hashtags like #abandonedplaces, #urbex, #abandonedusa, or #forgottenamerica can reveal photos of locations near you. Many photographers tag their location, allowing you to pinpoint spots of interest.
- Google Earth Voyager: This is a feature of Google Earth that allows you to explore curated collections of interesting locations, some of which include abandoned or historical sites.
6. Check Local News Sources and Government Records
Sometimes, abandoned places make the news when they become a public safety issue or are slated for redevelopment. Tracking these announcements can lead to new exploration opportunities.
- News Websites and Archives: Search local news websites for keywords like “abandoned building,” “ghost town,” “old factory,” or “defunct.” News reports often cover recent abandonments or public hazards, leading you to new locations.
- Government Property Records: City and county government websites sometimes post lists of properties up for auction, in foreclosure, or abandoned. These records are public and may include descriptions or addresses of vacant buildings.
7. Network with Other Urban Explorers
Building connections with fellow urban explorers is a great way to discover new locations that might not be widely publicized. Many urbexers are passionate about their craft and eager to share safe and interesting spots.
- Attend Urbex Meetups and Events: Some urbex communities host in-person events or meetups for like-minded explorers. These events offer a great opportunity to learn from experienced explorers and find new sites.
- Join Photography Groups: Photography groups often know of abandoned locations and may offer group trips to such sites. You may also meet photographers who focus on abandoned and industrial scenes, who may share insights on nearby locations.
Safety and Ethical Tips for Urbex in the U.S.
While urbex can be rewarding, always prioritize safety and ethics to avoid legal trouble or injury. Here are some essential tips:
- Avoid Forced Entry: Never break windows, doors, or locks to enter a location. Forced entry is illegal and may lead to fines, arrest, or property damage charges.
- Respect the Site and Leave No Trace: Follow the urbex motto, “Take only photos, leave only footprints.” Avoid taking items as souvenirs, and don’t leave any trash or graffiti behind.
- Be Aware of Trespassing Laws: Always respect “No Trespassing” signs and understand local laws regarding trespassing, as these can vary greatly by state and property type. Stick to public or legal sites when possible.
- Wear Protective Gear: Abandoned places often have hazards like broken glass, rusty nails, and mold. Wear durable boots, gloves, and a dust mask to protect yourself.
- Go with a Partner: Exploring with at least one other person is safer, as you’ll have someone to assist you in case of injury or unexpected encounters.
By using these strategies, you can safely and ethically explore abandoned places in the U.S. while respecting the locations and their history. Happy exploring!
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