Nashville, Tennessee, known for its vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage, also holds its share of abandoned places that reflect the city’s industrial, commercial, and historical past. From decaying factories and hospitals to forgotten mansions and schools, these places tell the story of a city that has experienced both growth and decline. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Nashville for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Tennessee State Prison
The Tennessee State Prison is one of the most famous abandoned sites in Nashville. Opened in 1898, this Gothic-style prison housed some of Tennessee’s most notorious criminals before closing in 1992. Its crumbling cell blocks, rusting bars, and overgrown grounds have been used in movies like The Green Mile and The Last Castle. While it is closed to the public, the eerie remains of the prison still attract urban explorers.
2. The Knickerbocker Theatre
Built in 1916, The Knickerbocker Theatre was once a popular destination for moviegoers. After decades of operation, the theater was closed and abandoned in the late 20th century. The decaying building, with its broken seats, faded murals, and peeling paint, is a haunting reminder of Nashville’s golden age of cinema. The building’s grand architecture and history make it a popular spot for photographers and explorers.
3. Opryland USA (Remnants)
Although Opryland USA, a beloved theme park, was demolished in the early 2000s, remnants of the park still linger. Abandoned structures, overgrown paths, and decaying rides remain hidden in the surrounding area, giving urban explorers a glimpse of what was once Nashville’s favorite amusement park. The eerie silence of the former park creates a nostalgic yet haunting atmosphere.
4. Sunshine Cleaners
The abandoned Sunshine Cleaners building, located just outside of downtown Nashville, has been left to decay since the business closed in the early 2000s. The structure, with its rusting metal equipment, broken windows, and graffiti-covered walls, offers a post-apocalyptic feel in the middle of a bustling city. Its industrial decay makes it an intriguing spot for urban explorers.
5. The Greer Stadium
Once the home of the Nashville Sounds minor league baseball team, Greer Stadium was abandoned in 2015 after the team moved to a new facility. The empty stands, crumbling scoreboards, and overgrown baseball field have given the stadium an eerie, post-apocalyptic feel. Although there are plans for redevelopment, the decaying stadium remains a popular destination for explorers seeking a piece of Nashville’s sports history.
6. Washington Junior High School
Washington Junior High School, once a thriving educational institution, was abandoned in the 1990s. The decaying classrooms, broken desks, and peeling paint evoke a sense of nostalgia and loss. Overgrown vegetation has overtaken the playground, and the building’s crumbling facade gives it an eerie, ghostly presence, making it a popular site for urban exploration.
7. The Inglewood Mansion
The Inglewood Mansion was once a grand estate in East Nashville, built in the late 1800s. After being abandoned for decades, the mansion has fallen into disrepair, with crumbling walls, broken windows, and overgrown grounds. The mansion’s history, combined with its decaying beauty, makes it a popular spot for explorers and photographers interested in Nashville’s architectural past.
8. The Nashville City Cemetery (Old Sections)
Although Nashville City Cemetery is still active, older sections of the cemetery have been largely abandoned and forgotten. Overgrown graves, broken tombstones, and crumbling mausoleums give these areas a haunting and melancholic atmosphere. The cemetery, established in 1822, holds the remains of many prominent figures from Nashville’s past, making it a place of historical significance as well as eerie beauty.
9. Cornelia Fort Airpark
Once a small regional airport, Cornelia Fort Airpark was abandoned after severe flooding in 2010. Today, the airpark is overgrown with vegetation, and the crumbling runways and hangars are left to the elements. The abandoned airstrip has a haunting atmosphere, with rusting planes and deteriorating buildings providing a unique backdrop for exploration. The airpark is also part of the Shelby Bottoms Greenway, offering a blend of nature and decay.
10. The Tennessee State Fairgrounds (Old Sections)
While the Tennessee State Fairgrounds are still active in parts, some older sections of the grounds have been left abandoned. The crumbling exhibition halls, rusting rides, and empty barns create a post-apocalyptic scene. These decaying sections of the fairgrounds evoke nostalgia for the fairs of the past and offer an intriguing exploration site for those interested in Nashville’s history.
Conclusion
Nashville’s abandoned places offer a fascinating look into the city’s history, from its industrial and educational past to its entertainment and architectural landmarks. These locations provide a hauntingly beautiful exploration experience, blending decay with nostalgia. 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, Nashville’s abandoned places offer a unique and unforgettable journey into the city’s hidden history.
