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One thing that I firmly believe all human beings share is our inner yearning for adventure. We might try and satisfy this calling with good movies, awesome video games, or top-tier tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons (as a Dungeon Master of several years, I’m guilty of this). However, at the end of the day, there’s no real substitute for going out into the field with your own two feet and starting your very own adventure going into the abandoned and mysterious corners of the Earth.

There’s an awesome community on Reddit that documents gorgeous abandoned things and places. With nearly 1.2 million members, they post high-quality images that evoke all of our inner wanderlust. While we’d love to mention their name, our Social Media Overlords don’t take kindly to one of the words in the subreddit’s title, so a link right to their community will have to do! Go on and have a gander once you’re done with this list, they really are worth your attention.

Remember to upvote your fave pics as you scroll on down, dear Pandas! And be sure to let everyone know if you, just like me, get that burning desire to go on a real-life adventure after looking at these gorgeous photos.

#1

Found This Beautiful Tree Growing Inside An Abandoned Silo While I Was Exploring

Found This Beautiful Tree Growing Inside An Abandoned Silo While I Was Exploring

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#2

I Lit Up This Spooky Abandoned House With My Drone And A Lume Cube Attached To It

I Lit Up This Spooky Abandoned House With My Drone And A Lume Cube Attached To It

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#3

Railroad Tracks In Forest

Railroad Tracks In Forest

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Taking beautiful photos of abandoned places means exploring abandoned places. That might sound obvious, but it sure isn’t easy.

Urban exploration (aka Urbex or UE) is a fascinating but difficult hobby to get into. While we’d just love to put on a pair of dirty old sneakers and rush off to a dungeon or some Elvish ruins, we really do have to consider our safety first and foremost. Precautions come first and foremost.

#4

Abandoned Castle In Ireland Country

Abandoned Castle In Ireland Country

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martin734
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is McDermott's castle in Lough Key, County Roscommon. There has been a castle on this island since the 12th century. The ruins you can see now were built between the 12th and 18th centuries. The castle was finally burned down and ruined during WWII.

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#5

Sintra, Portugal

Sintra, Portugal

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

Not really abandoned, that's the number one tourist attraction in Sintra. It's called Quinta da Regaleira, you just follow the masses and pay a ticket to get in.

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#6

Abandoned French Chapel

Abandoned French Chapel

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

I keep saying... the age of minimalism we're part off right now is the worst in the history of architecture and design in general

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Wearing gloves, getting a pair of thick shoes, and bringing a dust mask are all a must. You should also invest in a torch, put on heavy clothing, and consider wearing a helmet. Whether fashionably medieval or something more modern, anything that covers your head is a must. And for you ghost-believing fans of the ‘Supernatural’ TV show, bring a pocketful of salt. Just in case you meet some spooks.

Becoming an urban explorer means doing a bit of research, engaging with local Urbex communities a tad, and maybe even getting some basic gear to get you started before you go delving for doubloons and looking for magical artifacts beneath the rubble.

#8

Abandoned Stairway In The Woods: Madame Sherri Forest, Chesterfield, Nh

Abandoned Stairway In The Woods: Madame Sherri Forest, Chesterfield, Nh

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

Reminds me of the Search and Rescue Officer stories on r/nosleep. Whatever you do, don't climb the stairs!

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#9

Found An Old Abandoned Diner While Driving Down Some Back Roads

Found An Old Abandoned Diner While Driving Down Some Back Roads

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

How does this happen?? Do they just announce "we're closed! Everyone out!" and then just get up and leave?

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Unlike a lot of hobbies that have a ‘just do it’ mindset, urban exploration demands that you prepare in advance so you don’t get hurt or, God forbid, get stuck or even killed.

One Urbex community in the UK that calls itself 28 Days Later (yes, just like the 2002 zombie movie) suggests doing research about the place you’re going to visit, then going in and taking some photos, getting your feet wet (metaphorically and maybe even literally). In their opinion, Urbex is all about joining a community.

#10

Abandoned Party Mansion Deep In The Maryland Forest

Abandoned Party Mansion Deep In The Maryland Forest

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

That's a very beautiful skylight, someone save it before some kids break it for a tik tok

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#11

Japanese WWII Warplane Lies Wrecked In Shallow Water Off Guam

Japanese WWII Warplane Lies Wrecked In Shallow Water Off Guam

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#12

Abandoned Gothic Church In Portugal

Abandoned Gothic Church In Portugal

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Being part of the urban exploration community means engaging with others, going to public Urbex meetings, and even teaming up with strangers from the internet that you learn to trust. Of course, all of this has become even more difficult what with the global pandemic and lockdowns: you have to consider your health and the health of your loved ones before meeting up with anyone outside your social bubble.

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#13

The Eerie Yellow Brick Road Of Abandoned "Land Of Oz" Theme Park In North Carolina

The Eerie Yellow Brick Road Of Abandoned "Land Of Oz" Theme Park In North Carolina

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#15

SS City Of Adelaide, Wrecked Off The Coast Of Magnetic Island

SS City Of Adelaide, Wrecked Off The Coast Of Magnetic Island

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On the flip side, having someone by your side while you’re walking about abandoned, ruined places is vital. Sure, you could go it alone, but there’s safety in numbers: if somebody gets hurt, falls down, or if the ceiling caves in, you can help each other out or rush for help.

#16

A Library Inside An Abandoned 19th Century Mansion

A Library Inside An Abandoned 19th Century Mansion

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Full of Giggles
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m genuinely surprised the bookshelves haven’t been looted. There has to be at least one or two worth value.

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#17

Turkey's $200 Million Ghost Town Of Castles - Burj Al Babas

Turkey's $200 Million Ghost Town Of Castles - Burj Al Babas

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#18

Light Rays Making Their Way Into An Abandoned Theater

Light Rays Making Their Way Into An Abandoned Theater

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#19

Abandoned Presidents Heads In A Rural Virginia Field

Abandoned Presidents Heads In A Rural Virginia Field

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

"here's all the giant presidental heads you ordered" "Yeah... That was actually a joke... But ok, put them out in the back yard"

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#20

Abandoned Asylum In Italy That Has Been Touched By Bob Ross

Abandoned Asylum In Italy That Has Been Touched By Bob Ross

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So having someone you trust ‘watching your 6’ is something that you should take very, very seriously (while also staying safe because Covid-19 won’t be going away any time soon). Adventuring is about the friends we make along the way, not just brilliant photos and weird loot that we find in secret chambers.

#22

16 Mile Hike To An Abandoned Train Track Bridge In California

16 Mile Hike To An Abandoned Train Track Bridge In California

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#24

Abandoned 50's Restaurant

Abandoned 50's Restaurant

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Something that you should also consider is, well, even if a place is abandoned, it’s still somebody’s property. You might be trespassing. We’re definitely not telling you to trespass and break the law. However, if you feel that the call of adventure is too great to ignore, remember to be considerate and treat any buildings you visit like you would your own home: you’re just a visitor here for some photos and camaraderie.

#25

1930s Era Abandoned Orient Express Train

1930s Era Abandoned Orient Express Train

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

Not actually anything to do with the Orient Express. Would have been lovely still though. Actually 1930 Belgian Railways type 654 high speed diesel electric train inspired by the German "Fliegender Hamburger" Train."

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#26

This Cave Full Of Old Cars

This Cave Full Of Old Cars

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

This is "The Cavern of Lost Souls" which was a busy mine but now sits abandoned, and people just dump garbage, old cars, freezers, etc into it, as humans do.

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#27

Abandoned Funeral Home

Abandoned Funeral Home

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#28

Ms World Discoverer Was A German Expedition Cruise Ship. It Hit A Uncharted Reef In The Sandfly Passage, Solomon Islands 29. April 2000

Ms World Discoverer Was A German Expedition Cruise Ship. It Hit A Uncharted Reef In The Sandfly Passage, Solomon Islands 29. April 2000

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#29

House Abandoned And Retaken By The Desert In California

House Abandoned And Retaken By The Desert In California

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#30

Popcorn Left In A Theater

Popcorn Left In A Theater

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So, dear Readers, which photos were your favorite ones? Have you ever delved into abandoned buildings before? Do you have any extra safety tips for all of us that you’d like to share? Got any exciting tales about your adventures and exploring abandoned places, whether in real-life or in tabletop games? Drop us a comment or two below and be part of the conversation.

#31

Abandoned 400-Year-Old Estate In Italy That Was Home To The Youngest Sister Of Napoleon Bonaparte

Abandoned 400-Year-Old Estate In Italy That Was Home To The Youngest Sister Of Napoleon Bonaparte

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#32

This Casino In Romania

This Casino In Romania

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

This is no longer true. While this casino from my home town of Constanta (and the place I had my prom back in the day) had been abandoned for many years following a long and drawn out legal battle over ownership, the building is now being restored: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJXxk2UxHQo

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#33

Took A Hike Out To The Ghost Trains Out In The Maine Woods Also Yay First Post

Took A Hike Out To The Ghost Trains Out In The Maine Woods Also Yay First Post

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#35

Radioactive Cars From The Fukushima Disaster Slowly Being Eaten By Nature

Radioactive Cars From The Fukushima Disaster Slowly Being Eaten By Nature

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#37

The Wyndclyffe Mansion. The 80-Acre Land It Rests On Was Purchased By The Wealthy Elizabeth Jones In 1853. The 24 Bedroom Mansion In New York Was So Grand It Prompted A ‘Building Boom’ As All Neighbours Started Upgrading Their Houses & The Saying “Keeping Up With The Joneses” Was Born

The Wyndclyffe Mansion. The 80-Acre Land It Rests On Was Purchased By The Wealthy Elizabeth Jones In 1853. The 24 Bedroom Mansion In New York Was So Grand It Prompted A ‘Building Boom’ As All Neighbours Started Upgrading Their Houses & The Saying “Keeping Up With The Joneses” Was Born

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#38

107 Year Old Records Sealed In A Courthouse Attic

107 Year Old Records Sealed In A Courthouse Attic

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#39

Fall Colors From An Abandoned Minnesota Fire Watch Tower

Fall Colors From An Abandoned Minnesota Fire Watch Tower

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#40

Has Anyone Lost A Camera,like 80 Years Ago At Eagle Creek?

Has Anyone Lost A Camera,like 80 Years Ago At Eagle Creek?

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

If you cleaned and restored it, you would have a great decorative piece.

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#43

Old Naval Base In Philadelphia Has An Abandoned Warehouse With A Flooded Basement Filled With Goldfish

Old Naval Base In Philadelphia Has An Abandoned Warehouse With A Flooded Basement Filled With Goldfish

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

Wait... where did the goldfish come from? AND HOW DO THEY EAT?! WHAT DO THEY EAT. HOW ARE THEY SO BIG?!

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#45

Abandoned Bus In Svalbard, Norway

Abandoned Bus In Svalbard, Norway

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

Probably not abandoned. It will have parked near the ocean when an ice storm came in.

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#46

Russian Space Shuttles Left Abandoned For 30 Years

Russian Space Shuttles Left Abandoned For 30 Years

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#47

Sunken Yacht In Antarctica

Sunken Yacht In Antarctica

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

I find this creepy and fascinating all at once. You wouldn't find me anywhere near that in person, but the pictures are so hauntingly beautiful

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#49

Abandoned “Planet Express”. Liege, Belgium

Abandoned “Planet Express”. Liege, Belgium

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

That's the Obervatroire de Cointe, build in 1882 by the University of Liège to house their Astronomy Department. Got out of use in 2002 when the department moved out. Currently there are plans to renovate it and house the regional govermental archeology services.

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#50

Crossville Tennessee

Crossville Tennessee

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

It wasn't abandoned. It was World's biggest tree house but was burned down to Earth in 2019. In 15 minutes it became a pile of ashes.

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#51

Telephone Booth Cemetery. Outskirts Of London

Telephone Booth Cemetery. Outskirts Of London

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

If there's a blue one among them, you bet it's bigger on the inside!

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#52

Abandoned Rail Bridge In Taiwan

Abandoned Rail Bridge In Taiwan

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#53

Abandoned Symmetrical Greenhouses With Futuristic Design, Germany

Abandoned Symmetrical Greenhouses With Futuristic Design, Germany

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

im pretty sure that if you just clean it up, you can still use it

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#55

Soviet Era Tupolev 104 Jet

Soviet Era Tupolev 104 Jet

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#57

Beautiful Abandoned Theater Next To A Police Station. Definitely A Tough One To Do

Beautiful Abandoned Theater Next To A Police Station. Definitely A Tough One To Do

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#58

The New World Mall, In Bangkok, Was Closed In 1997 After It Was Found To Have Breached Building Regulations

The New World Mall, In Bangkok, Was Closed In 1997 After It Was Found To Have Breached Building Regulations

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#60

What Used To Be A Square Building Is Now A Parallelogram

What Used To Be A Square Building Is Now A Parallelogram

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#61

An Abandoned German Tank Located In Veines, Norway

An Abandoned German Tank Located In Veines, Norway

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#62

Abandoned Richmond Power Station

Abandoned Richmond Power Station

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

Phillidelphia. Shut down in 1985. Was used in the movie 12 Monkeys, still find some of the movie props there.

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#64

Bioshock - Abandoned Palace In Hungary

Bioshock - Abandoned Palace In Hungary

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#66

Plague Fort, St. Petersburg

Plague Fort, St. Petersburg

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#67

Wwi Trench In France's Red Zone, Or "Zone Rouge". Large Swathes Of The Western Front Were Declared Uninhabitable No Go Zones After The First World War, And Highly Toxic Environments Remain. But For Much Of The Red Zone, The Land Has Recovered Its Natural Life

Wwi Trench In France's Red Zone, Or "Zone Rouge". Large Swathes Of The Western Front Were Declared Uninhabitable No Go Zones After The First World War, And Highly Toxic Environments Remain. But For Much Of The Red Zone, The Land Has Recovered Its Natural Life

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

the ground is full of unexploded grenades and shells.... ans till today, bodies of soldiers are found...

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#69

Abandoned Intersection Near Ottawa

Abandoned Intersection Near Ottawa

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#70

The Remains Of A Crashed P-38 Lightning On A Beach In Wales

The Remains Of A Crashed P-38 Lightning On A Beach In Wales

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#71

Tony Hawk Pro Skater Level

Tony Hawk Pro Skater Level

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#72

New York’s Abandoned Castle

New York’s Abandoned Castle

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

Had to look this one up: Pollepel Island is a 6.5 acre island in the Hudson River in New York. The principal feature on the island is Bannerman's Castle, an abandoned military surplus warehouse.

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#73

An Abandoned Mill In Sorento, Italy

An Abandoned Mill In Sorento, Italy

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

Abandoned watermills are pretty common. They used to be wealthy manufacturing places, then became completely useless and left to falling apart, which is a shame since they would make a cool low-tech alternative for small local industry now.

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#74

Abandoned Police Station. No I Didn’t Steal A Riot Shield

Abandoned Police Station. No I Didn’t Steal A Riot Shield

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#75

This Truck I'm About To Buy, Parked And Forgotten For 26 Years

This Truck I'm About To Buy, Parked And Forgotten For 26 Years

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#76

Abandoned Man Made Island In Japan

Abandoned Man Made Island In Japan

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#77

Abandoned Boeing 737 In Bali

Abandoned Boeing 737 In Bali

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

Like someone drove it there and just said: I'll ditch my Boeing here and no one will notice'

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#78

Close-Up: Needle Ice Overtakes An Apartment In Yekaterinburg, Russia (Anastasia Popelka)

Close-Up: Needle Ice Overtakes An Apartment In Yekaterinburg, Russia (Anastasia Popelka)

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#80

I Found An Abandoned Warehouse Filled With Arcade Machines

I Found An Abandoned Warehouse Filled With Arcade Machines

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