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I Visited Abandoned Places In Pennsylvania, Here Are My Favorite Photos From There (10 Pics)
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I Visited Abandoned Places In Pennsylvania, Here Are My Favorite Photos From There (10 Pics)

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“How do you prepare for an epic American road trip?” This was the question on the tip of my tongue for the first quarter of 2018. The flights to New York had been booked, and adventure awaited! The race was now on to plan my vacation. This was not a typical trip across the pond. There was no shopping or traditional site-seeing hotspots on our map.

This was a journey in search of abandoned places; the constant obsession that takes me all over the world. I scoured websites, blogs, and news articles in search of lost American treasures. I made contact with some amazing local photographers, arranging meet-ups and exchanging locations. The months and weeks passed quickly. In the days before my flight, my map was a polychrome of multi-colored pins. Each marked a photogenic relic of the past, spread across ten different States. It was already clear that this was going to be an amazing trip!

Out of the ten States visited, I spent the most time in Pennsylvania. During this time I visited 21 abandoned locations, taking hundreds of photographs. I was so trigger-happy with my camera shutter, I ran out of memory card space partway through the trip!

Here are my Top 10 highlights from my trip. I hope you enjoy this foray into American Decay. Link to my Road Trip Blog with behind-the-scenes stories and photos from this unforgettable American Adventure is down below.

More info: obsidianurbexphotography.com | obsidianurbexphotography.com

Blue boxing ring

This once famous venue opened in the early 1960s. It has stood empty since around 2010. There are imminent plans to demolish it.

Trolley car graveyard

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This rusting collection of treasures from a by-gone age wait patiently for restoration, hidden in the woods.

Gothic church

This Church is over 120 years old and has been abandoned for two decades.

Library/Archive

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The room houses the records of a French-American immigrant tycoon and philanthropist. This collection documents the finances of his empire in meticulous detail, spanning over 50 years of trading.

Old government building

This stunning building was built in the 1920s, in a Classical Revival architecture style. The building has been disused since the late 1990s.

Trade school auditorium

This dramatic Art Deco and Classical Revival building is perched high on a hill, overlooking the city below. The school was forced to close in the mid-2000s.

Wooden rollercoaster

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This overgrown wooden rollercoaster was once the star attraction at this former theme park. The park has been disused and falling into disrepair for over a decade.

Abandoned theater

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This auditorium was part of a former Catholic high school. Attendance levels became unprofitable early 2010s, and this once popular stage saw its final performance.

Elementary school

This school closed in the mid- to late 2000s, based on the information available.

Former penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary operated between 1829 and 1971. You can now visit this disused prison for tours.

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mysticalman avatar
MysticalMan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for sharing this extraordinary Trip Tik. Not your typical AAA recommended route. I enjoyed it just as much though.

wenvic avatar
Vicki Maloney
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful photos. I wish you had added names & locations in your descriptions, the way you did for the old prison. Is there a reason you didn't?

cherie-taylor4002 avatar
daisydiamond
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Often urban explorers won't share specific locations to protect the area, as not all people who come to these areas come for the beauty and history of the places. It's usually to keep them safe and as unaffected as possible.

Load More Replies...
dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The trolley graveyard one, followed by the church one, giving me FF7 vibes. ♡o♡ *cough cough* Anyway! Nice pictures. The topic of abandoned places is always interesting to me.

kevincampphoto avatar
Kevin Camp
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The really sad part... these places were all replaced with buildings that have a lifespan of 40 years made from the cheapest building materials available, and many will be gone before these places finally rot to nothing.

linda_mountain avatar
Linda Mountain
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The photos are cool. That church with the pristine stained-glass still intact? A miracle. :) The French-American tycoon room? Ahhhh....would I love to salvage a few of those beautiful wooden boxes. The chair isn't bad either.

janinependleton avatar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am a geologist and there were also fossils here, from the exact time period I study. The smell was wonderful, old and dusty :)

Load More Replies...
giustizia avatar
Jus
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I enjoyed this trip. The abandoned buildings make me depressed, though. Such a waste. And what about memories? I've recently seen a tourist complex I used to visit when I was a child, abandoned and in decay. I was shocked and sad.

janinependleton avatar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That must be so sad. I can related. I used to visit this theme park as a child, and it was my first abandoned location explore https://www.obsidianurbexphotography.com/leisure/camelot-theme-park-england/

Load More Replies...
nicky_9 avatar
janinependleton avatar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These were taken on a Sony A77ii with a Tokina 11-16mm. I have upgraded to a Sony A7ii with a Sont 12-24mm. Ironically, I will be coming to East Germany this year (I hope). I have a lot of German things on my site, you might recognise some :)

Load More Replies...
uvacavfanatic avatar
Bill Taylor
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember taking the trolley I even remember the number, 51 from Brentwood to downtown Pittsburgh while visiting with my grandparents over the summer in the 1970s. Fun times.

ernapotijk avatar
Erna Potijk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So strange what people just leave behind! Beautifull pics though!

faithsovyrda avatar
Faith Nicole
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to know where that wooden rollercoaster is and the abandoned park its in as well. I am a lifelong resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania and would love to travel to the gothic church as well

leslie_f_tollefson avatar
Leslie Tollefson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing work! I love urbex photography - don’t really have the guts to do it myself so I live vicariously through people like you. Just came back from subscribing to your blog to say thank you - well done and looking forward to more!!

lisachambers2018 avatar
Lisa Chambers
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The church and the library...such a waste to let it go like that.

stephenlyford avatar
Stephen Lyford
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand the need to protect locations, but I'd love to know where those abandoned trains are, as I'd love to photograph them myself!

yomoah_doreenakiyo avatar
Yelena Yardeen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing pictures. It's just completely messed up that so many buildings (all over the world) become abandoned while there are people who sleep on the streets.

rahsoft avatar
Rah Soft
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The trolley graveyard is my favourite - something about the vibe and atmosphere The gothic church - what a shame to for a beautiful architecture to turn into this. I think If I had plenty of money I would live to turn something like that into a home, or if possible a recording studio( the acoustics would be interesting)

factionhub avatar
Yatraoo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing, This information is really helpful. But today we are going through Coronavirus epidemic. You should know that Is It safe to travel during COVID-19. https://bit.ly/3i0O5z8

littlecharizard426 avatar
PKMN Trainer Link
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really like the trolley one! I wanna know the story... I live in Penn

megantenbroeke avatar
Phunny Philosopher
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Abandoned buildings. So sad, yet so beautiful. Why do these photos make me want to cry? The buildings are made of wood and paper and plaster and metal. They are not sentient beings. They are not self-aware so they don't realize they're crumbling. Maybe it's sadness at loss of potential? The elementary school hit me hard. Imagining all those happy children in the seats, waiting for a show to start. It won't ever happen again. This

megantenbroeke avatar
Phunny Philosopher
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This either speaks to our need for other people, or our tendency to anthropomorphize things.

Load More Replies...
nandy_pooh avatar
Nandy Nam
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been to the Eastern State Penitentiary and loved it !!! They have an amazing tour , 100% recommended !!!

swede7786 avatar
Tim Berglund
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am a native Pennsylvanian and I would be interested in the locations you visited. Being retired, I have all the time in the world to do so. Could you please indulge me? clouddancer357@yahoo.com Thank you kindly..Tim

kathinka avatar
Katinka Min
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What beautiful architecture! Especially the archive. It always breaks my heart to see these stunning places just rot away. Scuh a waste. The train coaches, too. I know we can#t keep them all but at least salvage the metal!

goodmiffy avatar
Fish Boden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely stunning photographs! They're so evocative. Thanks so much.

philipwagner avatar
Philip Wagner
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn’t identify any of the sites, with the exception of Eastern State - which we know is open for tours. What about the trolly car grave yard

juslisenk avatar
Rachael Marrast
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to visit abandon buildings. Do you just go in or get permission? These are wonderful photos.

janinependleton avatar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It varies, I always try to get permission if it is possible. It is not always possible to track down the owners, sadly :(

Load More Replies...
rebe_getz avatar
Harleen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I go to Michigan all the time - looks like I need to scoot over to Pennsylvania!! That trolley graveyard is incredible <3 If you're ever in Arizona, hit me up, I'd love to explore with you!

mysticalman avatar
MysticalMan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for sharing this extraordinary Trip Tik. Not your typical AAA recommended route. I enjoyed it just as much though.

wenvic avatar
Vicki Maloney
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful photos. I wish you had added names & locations in your descriptions, the way you did for the old prison. Is there a reason you didn't?

cherie-taylor4002 avatar
daisydiamond
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Often urban explorers won't share specific locations to protect the area, as not all people who come to these areas come for the beauty and history of the places. It's usually to keep them safe and as unaffected as possible.

Load More Replies...
dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The trolley graveyard one, followed by the church one, giving me FF7 vibes. ♡o♡ *cough cough* Anyway! Nice pictures. The topic of abandoned places is always interesting to me.

kevincampphoto avatar
Kevin Camp
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The really sad part... these places were all replaced with buildings that have a lifespan of 40 years made from the cheapest building materials available, and many will be gone before these places finally rot to nothing.

linda_mountain avatar
Linda Mountain
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The photos are cool. That church with the pristine stained-glass still intact? A miracle. :) The French-American tycoon room? Ahhhh....would I love to salvage a few of those beautiful wooden boxes. The chair isn't bad either.

janinependleton avatar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am a geologist and there were also fossils here, from the exact time period I study. The smell was wonderful, old and dusty :)

Load More Replies...
giustizia avatar
Jus
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I enjoyed this trip. The abandoned buildings make me depressed, though. Such a waste. And what about memories? I've recently seen a tourist complex I used to visit when I was a child, abandoned and in decay. I was shocked and sad.

janinependleton avatar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That must be so sad. I can related. I used to visit this theme park as a child, and it was my first abandoned location explore https://www.obsidianurbexphotography.com/leisure/camelot-theme-park-england/

Load More Replies...
nicky_9 avatar
janinependleton avatar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These were taken on a Sony A77ii with a Tokina 11-16mm. I have upgraded to a Sony A7ii with a Sont 12-24mm. Ironically, I will be coming to East Germany this year (I hope). I have a lot of German things on my site, you might recognise some :)

Load More Replies...
uvacavfanatic avatar
Bill Taylor
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember taking the trolley I even remember the number, 51 from Brentwood to downtown Pittsburgh while visiting with my grandparents over the summer in the 1970s. Fun times.

ernapotijk avatar
Erna Potijk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So strange what people just leave behind! Beautifull pics though!

faithsovyrda avatar
Faith Nicole
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to know where that wooden rollercoaster is and the abandoned park its in as well. I am a lifelong resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania and would love to travel to the gothic church as well

leslie_f_tollefson avatar
Leslie Tollefson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing work! I love urbex photography - don’t really have the guts to do it myself so I live vicariously through people like you. Just came back from subscribing to your blog to say thank you - well done and looking forward to more!!

lisachambers2018 avatar
Lisa Chambers
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The church and the library...such a waste to let it go like that.

stephenlyford avatar
Stephen Lyford
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand the need to protect locations, but I'd love to know where those abandoned trains are, as I'd love to photograph them myself!

yomoah_doreenakiyo avatar
Yelena Yardeen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing pictures. It's just completely messed up that so many buildings (all over the world) become abandoned while there are people who sleep on the streets.

rahsoft avatar
Rah Soft
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The trolley graveyard is my favourite - something about the vibe and atmosphere The gothic church - what a shame to for a beautiful architecture to turn into this. I think If I had plenty of money I would live to turn something like that into a home, or if possible a recording studio( the acoustics would be interesting)

factionhub avatar
Yatraoo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing, This information is really helpful. But today we are going through Coronavirus epidemic. You should know that Is It safe to travel during COVID-19. https://bit.ly/3i0O5z8

littlecharizard426 avatar
PKMN Trainer Link
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really like the trolley one! I wanna know the story... I live in Penn

megantenbroeke avatar
Phunny Philosopher
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Abandoned buildings. So sad, yet so beautiful. Why do these photos make me want to cry? The buildings are made of wood and paper and plaster and metal. They are not sentient beings. They are not self-aware so they don't realize they're crumbling. Maybe it's sadness at loss of potential? The elementary school hit me hard. Imagining all those happy children in the seats, waiting for a show to start. It won't ever happen again. This

megantenbroeke avatar
Phunny Philosopher
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This either speaks to our need for other people, or our tendency to anthropomorphize things.

Load More Replies...
nandy_pooh avatar
Nandy Nam
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been to the Eastern State Penitentiary and loved it !!! They have an amazing tour , 100% recommended !!!

swede7786 avatar
Tim Berglund
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am a native Pennsylvanian and I would be interested in the locations you visited. Being retired, I have all the time in the world to do so. Could you please indulge me? clouddancer357@yahoo.com Thank you kindly..Tim

kathinka avatar
Katinka Min
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What beautiful architecture! Especially the archive. It always breaks my heart to see these stunning places just rot away. Scuh a waste. The train coaches, too. I know we can#t keep them all but at least salvage the metal!

goodmiffy avatar
Fish Boden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely stunning photographs! They're so evocative. Thanks so much.

philipwagner avatar
Philip Wagner
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn’t identify any of the sites, with the exception of Eastern State - which we know is open for tours. What about the trolly car grave yard

juslisenk avatar
Rachael Marrast
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to visit abandon buildings. Do you just go in or get permission? These are wonderful photos.

janinependleton avatar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It varies, I always try to get permission if it is possible. It is not always possible to track down the owners, sadly :(

Load More Replies...
rebe_getz avatar
Harleen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I go to Michigan all the time - looks like I need to scoot over to Pennsylvania!! That trolley graveyard is incredible <3 If you're ever in Arizona, hit me up, I'd love to explore with you!

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