Milwaukee, known for its rich brewing heritage, industrial history, and vibrant culture, also has its share of abandoned places that offer a glimpse into the city’s forgotten past. From old factories and theaters to decaying schools and hospitals, these locations tell the story of Milwaukee’s transformation over time. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Milwaukee for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Pabst Brewery Complex
The Pabst Brewery Complex is one of Milwaukee’s most iconic abandoned sites. Built in 1844, the brewery was a major player in the city's beer industry until it closed in 1996. While parts of the complex have been redeveloped into apartments, offices, and a hotel, many of the original brewery buildings remain abandoned. The decaying beer vats, rusting machinery, and crumbling walls create a haunting atmosphere, showcasing Milwaukee’s brewing legacy.
2. Northridge Mall
Once a bustling shopping center, Northridge Mall opened in 1972 but was abandoned in 2003 after years of decline. The mall’s empty storefronts, broken skylights, and overgrown parking lots offer a post-apocalyptic feel. Though the building has been fenced off due to safety concerns, its decaying structure remains a popular destination for urban explorers interested in exploring the remnants of the mall’s retail past.
3. Solvay Coke and Gas Company
The Solvay Coke and Gas Company operated from 1906 to 1983, producing coke, a fuel derived from coal. After the plant closed, its sprawling industrial complex was left to decay, with rusting pipes, crumbling smokestacks, and abandoned buildings slowly being overtaken by nature. The eerie, industrial landscape attracts explorers and photographers fascinated by Milwaukee’s industrial past.
4. Milwaukee County School of Agriculture and Domestic Economy
Founded in 1912, the Milwaukee County School of Agriculture and Domestic Economy was once a prominent institution, but it closed its doors in the 1950s. The abandoned campus, with its empty classrooms, broken windows, and decaying farm buildings, offers a glimpse into early 20th-century agricultural education. Its overgrown grounds and deteriorating structures make it a unique destination for history buffs.
5. Layton Avenue Water Tower
The Layton Avenue Water Tower is an old, abandoned water tower that has been part of Milwaukee’s landscape for decades. Once crucial to the city’s water system, the tower has been left unused and in a state of disrepair. Its rusting metal structure and empty interior provide a hauntingly beautiful spot for explorers looking for a glimpse into Milwaukee’s early infrastructure.
6. Milwaukee Road Shops (West Milwaukee)
The Milwaukee Road Shops, once part of the Milwaukee Road Railway, were used for repairing and maintaining trains during the height of the city’s railway era. After the railway company went bankrupt in the 1980s, the buildings were abandoned. Today, the sprawling complex of empty warehouses, rusting train tracks, and broken windows offers a decaying relic of Milwaukee’s railway history.
7. The Grand Theater (Warner Grand Theatre)
Built in 1931, the Warner Grand Theatre was one of Milwaukee’s grandest movie palaces. After closing in the 1990s, the theater was left abandoned, with its ornate interior crumbling from neglect. The decaying seats, peeling paint, and empty projection rooms still carry the grandeur of its past, attracting explorers interested in the history of Milwaukee’s once-thriving entertainment scene.
8. Gettelman Brewery
The Gettelman Brewery, once a competitor of the larger breweries in Milwaukee, was absorbed by the Miller Brewing Company in the 1960s. While the main buildings of the brewery have been repurposed, some of the old brewing structures remain abandoned, with decaying walls, broken bottles, and rusting equipment serving as reminders of Milwaukee’s brewing heritage.
9. Sears Building
The Sears Building, located on Fond du Lac Avenue, was once home to one of Sears’ major department stores. After the store closed in 1981, the building was left vacant. The massive, empty structure, with its broken windows and crumbling facade, is a haunting reminder of Milwaukee’s retail history. Efforts have been made to redevelop the site, but much of it remains untouched, attracting urban explorers.
10. Schuster’s Department Store
Once one of Milwaukee’s most popular department stores, Schuster’s was an iconic part of the city’s retail landscape. After closing in the 1960s, the building sat abandoned for decades. While parts of the building have been repurposed, much of its interior remains decayed, with broken escalators, empty display cases, and crumbling walls offering a glimpse into the past.
Conclusion
Milwaukee’s abandoned places provide a fascinating journey into the city’s history, from its industrial might and brewing heritage to its entertainment and retail sectors. These decaying locations offer a haunting but beautiful exploration experience, telling the story of a city that has undergone significant transformation. 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, Milwaukee’s abandoned places provide a unique glimpse into the city’s hidden past.
