Pittsburgh, a city known for its industrial past, has many abandoned places that reflect its history of steel production, economic changes, and urban evolution. These forgotten sites, from decaying factories to empty schools and theaters, offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Pittsburgh for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Carrie Furnace (Rankin, Pennsylvania)
The Carrie Blast Furnaces are remnants of Pittsburgh’s once-booming steel industry. Built in 1884, these towering structures were used to produce iron until the site was abandoned in 1982. The rusting furnaces, decaying machinery, and overgrown grounds now stand as eerie monuments to Pittsburgh’s industrial past. Today, it is partially open for tours, but many sections remain in a state of beautiful decay.
2. The Dixmont State Hospital (Kilbuck Township, Pennsylvania)
Dixmont State Hospital, built in 1862 as a psychiatric institution, operated for over 120 years before closing in 1984. The abandoned hospital was left to decay, with its Gothic architecture and sprawling campus creating an eerie atmosphere. While most of the hospital has been demolished, the site’s haunting history remains a subject of local interest, and urban explorers often visit the grounds.
3. Westinghouse Atom Smasher (Forest Hills, Pennsylvania)
The Westinghouse Atom Smasher, built in 1937, was an early nuclear research facility. Once a symbol of scientific progress, the massive pear-shaped structure was left abandoned after the site was closed in the 1950s. Though the atom smasher itself was removed in 2015, the ruins of the surrounding research facility remain, offering a glimpse into Pittsburgh’s role in early nuclear physics.
4. Wabash Tunnel (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
The Wabash Tunnel was originally built in the early 1900s as a railway tunnel but was later converted into a vehicle tunnel. After falling into disuse, the tunnel became an abandoned landmark, with its dark passageways and decaying infrastructure offering a unique exploration experience. The tunnel has a mysterious atmosphere, often visited by urban explorers fascinated by its history.
5. Green Man’s Tunnel (South Park Township, Pennsylvania)
The Green Man’s Tunnel is an abandoned railroad tunnel that has gained local legend status due to stories of the "Green Man," a ghostly figure said to haunt the area. While the tunnel itself is a dark, crumbling passageway, it attracts ghost hunters and explorers curious about the eerie tales associated with it. The combination of urban decay and local folklore makes it a popular spot.
6. The Heinz Lofts (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
The Heinz Lofts are part of the former Heinz Company Factory, which once produced the famous Heinz ketchup and other products. While parts of the factory have been converted into luxury lofts, other sections remain abandoned and decaying, with empty rooms, rusting equipment, and broken windows. The site offers a blend of historical preservation and haunting decay, providing a fascinating contrast.
7. Old St. Nicholas Church (Troy Hill, Pennsylvania)
Built in 1901, Old St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church was one of the oldest Croatian churches in the U.S. It was abandoned in the late 20th century due to declining attendance. The church’s beautiful architecture, including its stained glass windows and stone façade, now stands in a state of decay, with overgrown weeds and crumbling interiors adding to its eerie atmosphere.
8. Larimer School (East Liberty, Pennsylvania)
The Larimer School, built in 1896, was once a grand educational institution. Abandoned since the 1980s, the school’s empty classrooms, broken chalkboards, and decaying gymnasium create a haunting exploration site. The building’s crumbling exterior and graffiti-covered walls make it a popular spot for photographers and explorers interested in urban decay.
9. Homestead Steel Works (Homestead, Pennsylvania)
Once one of the largest steel mills in the world, Homestead Steel Works played a key role in Pittsburgh’s industrial growth. After it closed in 1986, much of the site was demolished, but some remnants of the massive mill remain, including rusting machinery and crumbling structures. The site offers a glimpse into the city’s once-dominant steel industry, and sections of the area are now part of the Waterfront shopping complex, providing a mix of abandonment and redevelopment.
10. The Pittsburgh Ghost Ship (Monongahela River, Pennsylvania)
This abandoned ghost ship sits on the banks of the Monongahela River and has become a famous landmark for urban explorers. The ship, once used for tours and later as a floating restaurant, was left to rust and decay after it was abandoned in the 1990s. Its decaying decks, graffiti-covered walls, and overgrown surroundings create a haunting, post-apocalyptic scene that is popular among photographers and explorers.
Conclusion
Pittsburgh’s abandoned places reflect the city’s rich industrial history and the changes it has undergone over the years. From decaying steel mills and hospitals to forgotten schools and ghostly legends, these sites offer a haunting glimpse into the city’s 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, Pittsburgh’s abandoned places provide an unforgettable journey through history and decay.
