Columbus, Ohio, a city known for its vibrant culture, history, and growing economy, also harbors many abandoned places that tell stories of the past. From old factories to forgotten theaters and schools, these sites offer a haunting glimpse into the city’s evolution. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Columbus, Ohio for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. The Ohio Penitentiary
Built in 1834, the Ohio Penitentiary was once one of the most notorious prisons in the country, housing infamous inmates such as Sam Sheppard and serving as the site of multiple executions. After closing in 1984, the prison was left to decay until it was demolished in the 1990s. While only ruins remain, its legacy as an infamous and haunted site lives on, with stories of paranormal activity and eerie remnants scattered around.
2. Buckeye Steel Castings
Once a key player in Columbus' industrial sector, Buckeye Steel Castings manufactured railroad car parts and structural steel for over a century before closing in 2002. The massive industrial site has since been abandoned, with rusting equipment, broken windows, and crumbling structures overtaken by nature. The sprawling complex offers an eerie reminder of the city’s industrial past.
3. The Great Southern Hotel (Old Building)
The Great Southern Hotel, once a premier luxury hotel in downtown Columbus, has sections that remain abandoned. While parts of the building have been renovated and repurposed, the old ballroom and banquet areas remain in disrepair, with crumbling plaster and forgotten fixtures creating an eerie atmosphere in a place once filled with glamour.
4. The Atlas Building (Old Offices)
The Atlas Building in downtown Columbus once served as an office building for various businesses. Though it has been partially redeveloped, there are abandoned floors and sections that remain untouched, with old office furniture, peeling paint, and dusty hallways that evoke the bygone era of 20th-century corporate life.
5. The Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center (Old Barracks)
Originally an Army base established during the Civil War, Fort Hayes has been repurposed into a school and community center. However, some of the old military barracks and storage buildings have been abandoned, creating a haunting atmosphere with overgrown grounds, decaying interiors, and rusting relics from the past.
6. Northland Mall
Once a popular shopping destination in Columbus, Northland Mall was abandoned after closing in 2002. Although parts of the mall have been demolished or redeveloped, remnants of the old building, including crumbling walls, shattered storefronts, and overgrown parking lots, create a post-apocalyptic scene that attracts urban explorers.
7. The Cooper Stadium
Built in 1931, Cooper Stadium served as the home of the Columbus Clippers minor league baseball team for decades before being abandoned in 2008. While there have been plans to redevelop the site, the grandstands and field remain in a state of disrepair, with overgrown grass and crumbling concrete giving the stadium a ghostly feel.
8. Beverly Hills Supper Club (Near Cincinnati, Ohio)
Though not in Columbus proper, the Beverly Hills Supper Club is a short drive away and offers a haunting exploration experience. Once a glamorous nightclub and entertainment venue, the building was the site of a tragic fire in 1977 that killed 165 people. The site was abandoned after the fire, and while much of the building has been overtaken by nature, remnants of the old supper club remain as a solemn reminder of the past.
9. South Drive-In Theater
Once a popular destination for moviegoers in the 1950s and 1960s, the South Drive-In Theater was abandoned after drive-ins declined in popularity. The rusting projector stands, overgrown parking lots, and dilapidated concession stands create a hauntingly beautiful scene. The site remains largely untouched and is a favorite spot for urban explorers.
10. The Berry Brothers Bolt Works
The Berry Brothers Bolt Works was a large industrial complex in Columbus that manufactured bolts, fasteners, and metal components. The factory has been abandoned for years, with rusting machines, broken windows, and crumbling brick walls overtaken by nature. The industrial decay and sheer scale of the site make it a popular destination for urban explorers looking for a glimpse into Columbus’ manufacturing past.
Conclusion
Columbus, Ohio’s abandoned places offer a fascinating journey into its past, from decaying industrial sites and forgotten prisons to ghostly theaters and drive-ins. These locations offer a hauntingly beautiful exploration experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the forgotten corners of the city. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these sites, as many are dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, Columbus’ abandoned places provide an unforgettable journey into its hidden history.
