Denver, Colorado, is a city known for its vibrant cultural scene and proximity to the Rocky Mountains, but beneath its modern façade lies a world of abandoned places that tell the story of its past. From old hospitals to decaying industrial sites and forgotten military installations, these locations offer a haunting glimpse into Denver’s history. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Denver for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Gates Rubber Factory
Once the largest rubber plant west of the Mississippi, the Gates Rubber Factory in Denver was a major industrial hub. Abandoned in 1991, the factory has since decayed, with rusting machinery, crumbling walls, and graffiti-covered interiors. While much of the site has been demolished, parts of the factory remain, making it a popular spot for urban explorers interested in Denver’s industrial past.
2. Rocky Mountain Arsenal
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal, located just outside Denver, was a chemical weapons manufacturing facility during World War II and later a site for pesticide production. The facility was abandoned in the 1980s after contamination concerns and was partially turned into a wildlife refuge. Some of the old buildings, including bunkers and storage areas, remain abandoned and off-limits, offering a haunting reminder of its dangerous past.
3. Elitch Gardens Theater
Once a key part of Denver's famous Elitch Gardens amusement park, the Elitch Gardens Theater was built in 1890 and was one of the first theaters in the country to host both stage plays and film screenings. Abandoned after the amusement park relocated, the theater is now crumbling and overgrown. Though there are efforts to restore it, the theater’s decaying structure makes it a popular destination for explorers looking to step back in time.
4. Patterson Inn (Croke-Patterson Mansion)
The Croke-Patterson Mansion, built in 1890, was once the home of a wealthy Denver businessman but was later abandoned and fell into disrepair. It gained a reputation as one of the most haunted buildings in Denver, with stories of ghostly apparitions and eerie events. Though it has since been renovated into the Patterson Inn, parts of the mansion’s history remain shrouded in mystery, making it an intriguing location for ghost hunters and history buffs alike.
5. Burnham Yard
Once a bustling rail yard for the Union Pacific Railroad, Burnham Yard was abandoned in 2016 after more than a century of operation. The site, which once housed locomotives and repair facilities, is now a vast, decaying industrial complex with rusting train cars, empty buildings, and overgrown tracks. It’s a hauntingly beautiful reminder of Denver’s connection to the rail industry.
6. Denver Tramway Powerhouse
Built in 1901, the Denver Tramway Powerhouse was used to generate electricity for the city’s streetcar system. After the streetcars were phased out in the 1950s, the building was abandoned and left to decay. Its large, brick structure and rusting machinery remain intact, making it a fascinating spot for explorers interested in Denver’s early public transportation history.
7. Lowry Air Force Base
Once a major training facility during World War II and the Cold War, Lowry Air Force Base was decommissioned in 1994. Though parts of the base have been redeveloped into a residential area, many old buildings, including barracks and hangars, remain abandoned and decaying. The site offers a glimpse into Denver’s military history, with many sections overgrown and slowly being reclaimed by nature.
8. Mile High Greyhound Park
Once a popular venue for greyhound racing, Mile High Greyhound Park was abandoned after the sport declined in popularity. The grandstands, once filled with cheering spectators, are now crumbling, and the racetrack is overgrown with weeds. Plans to redevelop the site have been discussed, but for now, it remains a haunting relic of Denver’s sporting past.
9. Beth Israel Hospital
Founded in 1925, Beth Israel Hospital served Denver’s Jewish community for decades before closing its doors in the early 1990s. The hospital has been abandoned ever since, with empty operating rooms, decaying patient wards, and broken medical equipment still scattered throughout the building. Its eerie atmosphere and history of patient care make it a popular spot for urban explorers.
10. Neusteter Building (Denver Dry Goods Building)
The Neusteter Building, once part of the historic Denver Dry Goods Company, was a bustling department store in the heart of the city. After the company closed in the 1980s, parts of the building were left abandoned, including old retail floors and storage areas. While parts of the building have been repurposed, the remaining abandoned sections offer a glimpse into the glory days of Denver’s retail history.
Conclusion
Denver’s abandoned places offer a unique window into the city’s rich industrial, military, and cultural past. From decaying factories and hospitals to forgotten theaters and rail yards, these sites provide a hauntingly beautiful experience for those willing to explore. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these locations, as many are dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, Denver’s abandoned places offer an unforgettable journey into its hidden history.
