New Orleans, known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and deep-rooted traditions, also has a side that’s less visible but equally intriguing: its abandoned places. From grand theaters and hospitals to schools and amusement parks, these locations tell the story of a city that has faced disasters, economic downturns, and cultural shifts. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in New Orleans for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Six Flags New Orleans
Once a bustling theme park, Six Flags New Orleans was abandoned after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Flooded and heavily damaged, the park was never reopened. Today, it stands as a decaying relic, with rusting roller coasters, overgrown pathways, and crumbling attractions that give the site an eerie, post-apocalyptic feel. It has become a popular location for urban explorers and photographers, though access is restricted.
2. Charity Hospital
Charity Hospital, one of the oldest hospitals in the U.S., was built in 1939 and served the people of New Orleans for decades. After Hurricane Katrina, the hospital was abandoned due to flooding and damage. The grand, crumbling structure is now overtaken by mold, rust, and decay, creating an eerie and haunting environment. Although there have been plans to redevelop the site, it remains a popular spot for those fascinated by the history of healthcare in New Orleans.
3. Lindy Boggs Medical Center
Another hospital abandoned after Katrina, the Lindy Boggs Medical Center closed in 2005. The building’s once-bustling halls are now silent, with decaying patient rooms, broken equipment, and water-damaged walls creating a haunting scene. The abandoned medical center is rumored to be haunted, adding to its eerie appeal.
4. St. Maurice Plantation
St. Maurice Plantation, a grand mansion built in the early 19th century, is located along the Mississippi River. The plantation has been abandoned for decades, with its once-elegant rooms now overtaken by decay and nature. Broken windows, peeling paint, and overgrown gardens give the mansion a haunting Southern Gothic atmosphere.
5. New Orleans Public Service Inc. (NOPSI) Power Plant
The NOPSI Power Plant, located along the Mississippi River, was once a key part of New Orleans' energy infrastructure. After the plant was decommissioned, the massive industrial structure was left to decay. The rusting machinery, empty generator rooms, and graffiti-covered walls make it an intriguing spot for urban explorers interested in the city’s industrial past.
6. Jackson Barracks (Old Sections)
Jackson Barracks, originally built in 1834, is an active military installation with several sections left abandoned after Hurricane Katrina. These areas include crumbling barracks, empty training facilities, and decaying military buildings. The mix of active and abandoned spaces creates a unique environment for those interested in New Orleans' military history.
7. Holy Cross School
The Holy Cross School, located in the Lower Ninth Ward, was abandoned after Hurricane Katrina. The school, once an important part of the community, is now a decaying structure with overgrown grounds, broken windows, and empty classrooms. The building’s dilapidated state serves as a reminder of the damage wrought by the hurricane and the challenges the city faced in rebuilding.
8. The Plaza Tower
The Plaza Tower, built in 1969, was once one of the tallest skyscrapers in New Orleans. However, it was abandoned in the early 2000s due to issues with asbestos and mold. The 45-story building, now a decaying giant on the city’s skyline, stands empty with broken windows and crumbling interiors. Despite redevelopment plans, the Plaza Tower remains a haunting symbol of unrealized potential.
9. Dixie Brewery
The Dixie Brewery, a staple of New Orleans' brewing industry, was built in 1907 and remained operational until Hurricane Katrina flooded the facility in 2005. After the storm, the brewery was abandoned, with its towering silos, rusting machinery, and empty bottling lines left to decay. While the brewery has since been revived in a different location, the original building remains a crumbling monument to New Orleans’ beer-making history.
10. Bywater Naval Station
Once a bustling naval station, the Bywater Naval Station has been abandoned for decades. The site includes crumbling warehouses, rusting docks, and overgrown grounds that have been left to nature. The decaying naval structures, combined with the serene setting along the Mississippi River, create a unique and haunting environment for explorers interested in the city’s maritime history.
Conclusion
New Orleans’ abandoned places offer a hauntingly beautiful look into the city’s past, from its industrial and healthcare roots to its grand plantations and cultural landmarks. These locations provide a rich exploration experience, telling stories of growth, disaster, and resilience. 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, New Orleans' abandoned places offer a captivating journey into its hidden history.
