Minnesota, known for its beautiful lakes and rich industrial history, also has its share of abandoned places that tell the story of the state’s past. From old factories and mining towns to decaying schools and ghostly hospitals, these locations offer a haunting glimpse into Minnesota’s history. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Minnesota for urban explorers and history enthusiasts.
1. Hillcrest Sanatorium (Fridley, Minnesota)
Built in the 1910s as a tuberculosis treatment center, the Hillcrest Sanatorium was abandoned in the 1970s. The decaying building, with its crumbling walls, broken windows, and eerie patient rooms, offers a haunting glimpse into the history of early healthcare in Minnesota. The building has been a favorite for ghost hunters and urban explorers due to its dark history and the rumors of paranormal activity.
2. The Hamm’s Brewery (St. Paul, Minnesota)
Once one of the largest breweries in the U.S., the Hamm’s Brewery operated from the 1860s until the early 1990s. The massive complex, with its rusting vats, empty beer tanks, and overgrown grounds, has been abandoned for decades, though parts of it are still accessible to urban explorers. The brewery’s crumbling industrial aesthetic makes it a popular destination for those seeking to explore Minnesota’s brewing past.
3. Nopeming Sanatorium (Duluth, Minnesota)
Opened in 1912 as a tuberculosis sanatorium, Nopeming Sanatorium housed hundreds of patients over the years. After closing in the 1970s, the building was abandoned and has since decayed, with crumbling walls, empty patient rooms, and peeling paint creating a haunting atmosphere. The site has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Minnesota, attracting both explorers and ghost hunters.
4. Bannerman's Armory (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
The Bannerman's Armory was originally built in the early 1900s to store military equipment and surplus goods. The building was abandoned in the mid-20th century, and its once-grand structure now stands in a state of decay. The rusting metal beams, graffiti-covered walls, and overgrown grounds create a post-apocalyptic scene in the heart of the city.
5. The Ford Twin Cities Assembly Plant (St. Paul, Minnesota)
Once a major hub of automobile manufacturing, the Ford Twin Cities Assembly Plant was in operation from 1925 until it closed in 2011. The abandoned plant, with its massive assembly line, rusting machinery, and empty offices, offers a haunting reminder of Minnesota’s industrial past. Though much of the plant has been demolished, parts of the site remain abandoned, drawing urban explorers interested in the state’s automotive history.
6. Taylors Falls Pioneer Cemetery (Taylors Falls, Minnesota)
The Taylors Falls Pioneer Cemetery is a forgotten burial ground from the mid-19th century, located in the woods near the St. Croix River. The cemetery’s broken tombstones, overgrown graves, and decaying memorials give it an eerie and atmospheric feel. It remains a quiet and somber place, largely forgotten and overtaken by nature.
7. Greyhound Bus Museum (Hibbing, Minnesota)
Though Hibbing, Minnesota, is home to a Greyhound Bus Museum, there is also an abandoned Greyhound bus terminal in the area, a relic of the company’s early days in Minnesota. The old terminal, with its broken windows, empty ticket counters, and decaying waiting rooms, has been left to rot since the bus operations moved elsewhere. It offers a unique glimpse into the early transportation history of the region.
8. Taconite Harbor (Schroeder, Minnesota)
Taconite Harbor was once a thriving mining town on the shores of Lake Superior, built to house workers from the nearby taconite mine. The town was abandoned in the 1980s after the mine closed, and many of the homes and buildings were left behind. The decaying structures, empty streets, and overgrown lawns now stand as a ghostly reminder of the region’s mining past.
9. Pillsbury A-Mill (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
The Pillsbury A-Mill, built in 1881, was once the largest flour mill in the world. It remained in operation until 2003, after which the building was abandoned. The mill’s massive stone walls, rusting grain silos, and empty industrial machinery create an eerie atmosphere, though parts of the building have recently been repurposed into artist lofts. Still, the mill retains its haunting beauty and is a reminder of Minnesota’s milling history.
10. The Fergus Falls State Hospital (Fergus Falls, Minnesota)
Built in 1890, the Fergus Falls State Hospital served as a mental health facility for over a century before it was abandoned in 2005. The massive, castle-like structure, with its decaying patient wards, crumbling towers, and dark hallways, has become one of the most iconic abandoned places in Minnesota. The hospital’s eerie atmosphere and dark history make it a popular spot for urban explorers and ghost hunters.
Conclusion
Minnesota’s abandoned places offer a fascinating look into the state’s industrial, healthcare, and cultural history. From decaying sanatoriums and factories to forgotten mining towns and cemeteries, these locations provide a haunting exploration experience. 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, Minnesota’s abandoned places offer an unforgettable journey through time.
