I live in a rural town in northern Wisconsin, so there’s no shortage of abandoned farmhouses and barns. A few years ago, I came across an exquisite abandoned home on the side of a country road. I continued driving down the road until I found a place to turn around. I slowly pulled up the driveway. My heart was racing. The driveway wrapped around, so I knew I could easily hide my car on the side of the house. The dwelling had no doors or windows remaining, so I knew I could easily access the inside. I grabbed my camera gear and headed into the main floor of the house. I only spent a few minutes in the house because I was afraid I would get caught. I guess that’s part of the thrill for me.
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Photographing this house started my love of exploring abandoned houses throughout the state. Each house gives off a different vibe. Sometimes families leave behind all of their belongings, and some houses are completely empty. The fully furnished houses are much more interesting to photograph to me. After I leave a home, I try to do as much research as I can on the property and former inhabitants.
Exploring abandoned properties does not come without risks. You are trespassing at your own risk and can get arrested or ticketed. Most of the homes are no longer structurally sound. Sometimes a home may be abandoned, but the property it’s on is not. Many farmers will buy a property and decide not to take down existing structures. There’s nothing worse than coming across an angry property owner while you’re exploring.
I have personally been screamed at, broken my ankle, gotten a rusty nail stuck in my foot (which resulted in a tetanus shot), been approached by two men with guns, put my foot through a floor, and fallen down a cellar. That doesn’t include the numerous cuts and bruises I have received. I have come across a host of animals, dead and alive, living in some of the homes. You just never know what you will encounter in some of these properties.
This hobby is not for the weak of heart, but to me, it’s worth it. Every time I enter home I haven’t been to, I still get a rush of adrenaline. I plan on photographing and exploring abandoned homes for a long time.
I recently found a few on a side road I often take, now I can't stop thinking of more. I got caught by old man was all alone and he scared the c**p out of me. I went back undercover for a doll and skull worth the risk of trespassing considering the landowner is gone and I didn't take anything worth money just called out to me! I'd love a partner to explore with!!! But the thrill alone is also part if fun.
Oh gosh! I have a sewing machine just like that, it was my Gt.Grandma's
Please let my son and I have it for a dollar and save it he is an engineer for buildings
stephanie, my 14yr old son and 15 yr old daughter both have gotten the urban exploring bug and I admit to being intrigued as well. how do we find some of the places you visited? My daughter and I also have a love of possibly haunted buildings also, my son not as much. Would you ever consider taking someone with you?
As you can see, these houses are rotting away. My pictures preserve the beauty of what was. You don't have to agree with what I do. I am going to continue doing it either way.
Kudos to you, Stephanie H. I've always, since I can remember, been fascinated by abandoned homes and what is left behind. It's fascinating and a learning experience as well. Keep up the good work! Your photos are simply captivating.
Thank you so much. I have always been interested in old and abandoned homes too. After I explore homes, I try to find out everything I can about the previous owners. Sometimes I get lucky and find paperwork.
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As you can see, these houses are rotting away. My pictures preserve the beauty of what was. You don't have to agree with what I do. I am going to continue doing it either way.
Kudos to you, Stephanie H. I've always, since I can remember, been fascinated by abandoned homes and what is left behind. It's fascinating and a learning experience as well. Keep up the good work! Your photos are simply captivating.
Thank you so much. I have always been interested in old and abandoned homes too. After I explore homes, I try to find out everything I can about the previous owners. Sometimes I get lucky and find paperwork.
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