Long Island is known for its beautiful beaches, historic towns, and bustling suburbs. However, it also has a number of fascinating abandoned places that provide a haunting glimpse into its past. From crumbling psychiatric hospitals to forgotten military installations, these sites offer a unique opportunity for urban explorers and history enthusiasts. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places on Long Island.
1. Kings Park Psychiatric Center (Kings Park, New York)
The Kings Park Psychiatric Center, which operated from 1885 until its closure in 1996, is one of Long Island’s most famous abandoned places. The sprawling complex, once home to thousands of patients, features decaying hospital buildings, empty hallways, and rusting medical equipment. Its dark history of overcrowding and outdated mental health treatments adds to the eerie atmosphere, making it a popular spot for urban explorers.
2. Pilgrim State Psychiatric Hospital (Brentwood, New York)
Once the largest psychiatric hospital in the world, Pilgrim State opened in 1931 and housed over 14,000 patients at its peak. After much of the hospital was shut down in the 1990s, many of its buildings were left to decay. The vast complex now stands partially abandoned, with crumbling buildings and overgrown grounds offering a haunting reminder of the facility's dark past.
3. Camp Hero (Montauk, New York)
Camp Hero was a military base built during World War II to protect the East Coast from potential enemy attacks. Located on the eastern tip of Long Island, the base features abandoned radar towers, bunkers, and underground tunnels. The site is surrounded by conspiracy theories related to secret military experiments, adding to its mysterious allure. Today, much of the area is part of a state park, but some abandoned sections remain off-limits.
4. Ladd School (Melville, New York)
The Ladd School, a long-abandoned special needs facility, is rumored to be haunted, with decaying classrooms, broken furniture, and graffiti covering the walls. The eerie atmosphere is enhanced by the overgrown grounds and crumbling infrastructure. Though the building has largely been forgotten, it continues to draw explorers looking to uncover its secrets.
5. North Brother Island (off the coast of Long Island, New York)
Located just off the coast of Long Island, North Brother Island is home to the ruins of Riverside Hospital, which treated patients with contagious diseases like tuberculosis in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Abandoned since the 1960s, the island is now overgrown with trees and vines, with the crumbling hospital buildings creating a ghostly and isolated atmosphere. Access is restricted, but the island’s dark history continues to fascinate many.
6. Kings Park Water Tower (Kings Park, New York)
Located near the Kings Park Psychiatric Center, the Kings Park Water Tower is an iconic, looming structure that once served the hospital. Now abandoned and surrounded by graffiti, the tower is a popular spot for photographers and explorers. Its decaying state and eerie presence add to the overall haunting atmosphere of the Kings Park area.
7. The Montauk Air Force Station (Montauk, New York)
Adjacent to Camp Hero, the Montauk Air Force Station was a key radar and defense facility during the Cold War. After it was decommissioned, much of the site was abandoned, with rusting equipment and crumbling radar towers left behind. Like Camp Hero, the site is surrounded by conspiracy theories related to secret government experiments, adding to its eerie reputation.
8. Warren’s Lightview Sanitarium (Long Beach, New York)
The Warren’s Lightview Sanitarium was once a tuberculosis sanatorium but has been abandoned for decades. The decaying buildings, with their broken windows and overgrown grounds, evoke a chilling atmosphere. Though largely forgotten, the site remains a curiosity for urban explorers interested in Long Island’s medical history.
9. Mitchel Air Force Base (Garden City, New York)
Once an active airfield and military base, Mitchel Air Force Base was decommissioned in 1961. Some of the old military buildings remain abandoned, with crumbling walls and rusting infrastructure. While much of the base has been repurposed, these remaining ruins serve as a reminder of its role in Long Island’s military history.
10. Nassau County Sanatorium (Plainview, New York)
The Nassau County Sanatorium, originally built to treat tuberculosis patients, was abandoned in the mid-20th century. The decaying hospital buildings, with empty rooms and peeling paint, create a haunting environment. The site has been overtaken by nature, with vines and trees reclaiming the once-bustling sanatorium. It remains one of Long Island’s lesser-known abandoned locations but offers a fascinating look at medical history.
Conclusion
Long Island is home to a wide range of abandoned places, each with its own unique history and eerie charm. From psychiatric hospitals and military bases to forgotten schools and sanatoriums, these sites offer a hauntingly beautiful experience for those who are 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, Long Island’s abandoned places provide an unforgettable journey into the past.
