Massachusetts, rich in history and culture, is home to numerous abandoned places that offer a haunting glimpse into its past. From old hospitals and decaying factories to forgotten military forts and grand estates, these locations tell stories of the state’s bygone eras. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Massachusetts for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Danvers State Hospital (Danvers, Massachusetts)
Originally known as the State Lunatic Hospital at Danvers, this Gothic Revival-style psychiatric hospital opened in 1878. Famous for its sprawling architecture and controversial mental health treatments, the hospital was abandoned in 1992. Although much of it has since been demolished and redeveloped, portions of the original structure remain, creating an eerie atmosphere. It is one of the most iconic abandoned locations in Massachusetts, rich with both history and paranormal lore.
2. Belchertown State School (Belchertown, Massachusetts)
The Belchertown State School for the Feeble-Minded opened in 1922 and operated until 1992. Known for its overcrowded conditions and mistreatment of patients, the facility was abandoned after a series of investigations and lawsuits. The decaying buildings, with their peeling paint, broken windows, and empty halls, offer a haunting reminder of the darker side of mental health care in the 20th century.
3. Fort Revere (Hull, Massachusetts)
Fort Revere, located on the tip of Hull in Pemberton Point, was originally built during the Revolutionary War and was used during the Spanish-American War and World War I. The fort was abandoned after World War II, and now its crumbling concrete bunkers, graffiti-covered walls, and overgrown grounds offer a peaceful yet eerie exploration experience with views of Boston Harbor.
4. Metropolitan State Hospital (Waltham, Massachusetts)
Opened in 1930, the Metropolitan State Hospital was a psychiatric institution that treated thousands of patients over the years. It closed in 1992, and many of its buildings have since fallen into disrepair. The decaying wards, empty halls, and broken medical equipment make the hospital a popular destination for urban explorers. The surrounding woods add to the site’s eerie atmosphere, with rumors of paranormal activity adding to its appeal.
5. Medfield State Hospital (Medfield, Massachusetts)
Another one of Massachusetts’ many abandoned psychiatric institutions, Medfield State Hospital opened in 1896 and closed in 2003. The campus, consisting of over 50 buildings, has been left largely untouched since its closure. The decaying red-brick buildings, overgrown lawns, and quiet grounds make it a hauntingly beautiful site for exploration. Though the hospital is not open for public tours, it is often used as a filming location and a popular spot for ghost hunters.
6. Fort Andrews (Peddocks Island, Boston Harbor)
Fort Andrews is located on Peddocks Island, part of the Boston Harbor Islands. Originally built in the late 1800s, the fort served as a military installation during World War I and II. After being decommissioned, much of the fort was left to decay, with crumbling barracks and rusting bunkers now overgrown with vegetation. The remote location and the decaying military structures give it a haunting, isolated feel.
7. Glendale Power Station (Everett, Massachusetts)
The Glendale Power Station, built in the early 20th century, once provided power to the surrounding area but has been abandoned for decades. The massive industrial complex, with its rusting machinery, crumbling smokestacks, and graffiti-covered walls, offers a post-apocalyptic landscape. Though dangerous to explore, its industrial decay makes it one of the most captivating abandoned places near Boston.
8. Norfolk County Hospital (Braintree, Massachusetts)
The Norfolk County Hospital was built in the early 20th century to treat tuberculosis patients and later became a general hospital before its closure in the 1990s. The abandoned buildings, with decaying patient rooms, broken medical equipment, and overgrown grounds, create an eerie atmosphere. The hospital has a reputation for being haunted, making it a popular spot for paranormal enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.
9. Franklin Park Zoo’s Bear Dens (Boston, Massachusetts)
The Franklin Park Zoo is still in operation, but parts of the zoo have been abandoned for years, including the old bear dens. These crumbling, overgrown enclosures were once home to the zoo’s bears but have since been left to the elements. The decaying stone structures and overgrown pathways offer a surreal exploration experience within the city.
10. Westborough State Hospital (Westborough, Massachusetts)
Opened in 1884, the Westborough State Hospital was another major psychiatric institution in Massachusetts. After its closure in 2010, the hospital was left to decay, with abandoned patient wards, empty offices, and broken medical equipment scattered throughout the buildings. While some parts of the hospital have been demolished, the remaining buildings still stand as haunting reminders of the state’s mental health history.
Conclusion
Massachusetts is home to a wide range of abandoned places, from decaying psychiatric hospitals to forgotten military forts and industrial sites. Each location offers a unique glimpse into the state’s rich, often haunting past. 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, Massachusetts’ abandoned places provide an unforgettable adventure into its hidden history.
