Urbex: Abandoned Places Near Me - A Guide to Urban Exploration

Urban exploration, or urbex, is the art of exploring abandoned places, forgotten spaces, and hidden corners of the world that have been left behind by time, nature, or society. It’s a hobby that’s become increasingly popular as people discover the beauty and intrigue of exploring decaying buildings, forgotten infrastructure, and sites that tell silent stories of the past. If you’re curious about urban exploration and wondering about abandoned places near you, this guide will help you get started on your own adventure into the world of urbex.

1. What is Urbex?

Urbex, short for urban exploration, is the exploration of human-made structures, typically ones that are abandoned or hidden from the public. It could be anything from abandoned factories, schools, and hospitals to old train stations, tunnels, or even empty theme parks. Urbex enthusiasts often enjoy documenting their finds through photography, writing, or videos, sharing the eerie and fascinating beauty of these neglected spaces with others. It’s a form of time travel, where each crumbling wall and rusted piece of machinery tells a story of what was once thriving but has since been forgotten.

2. Why Do People Explore Abandoned Places?

There are many reasons why urban explorers are drawn to abandoned sites, including:

Historical Fascination: Many abandoned places have rich histories, often tied to a specific time period, industry, or event. Exploring these locations offers a glimpse into what life was like in a different era.

Photography: The decaying and often surreal beauty of abandoned places provides an ideal backdrop for photographers. Urbex photography captures the contrast between the decay of human structures and nature slowly reclaiming them.

Thrill and Adventure: There’s an element of excitement and sometimes danger involved in urbex, especially when exploring places that are off-limits or difficult to access.

Nostalgia and Curiosity: Urban explorers are often drawn to places that were once bustling with activity, offering a sense of nostalgia and curiosity about the people who once lived or worked there.

Art and Creativity: Many urbex explorers document their experiences, creating art, writing, or films based on their explorations. It’s an opportunity to combine adventure and creativity.

3. How to Find Abandoned Places Near You

Finding abandoned places near you can be both exciting and challenging, as many are tucked away in less accessible parts of cities or outskirts. However, with a bit of research and guidance, you can uncover hidden gems in your area. Here are some ways to find abandoned places:

Online Resources and Websites

Urban Exploration Forums and Websites: Websites like Abandoned America, Urbex Forums, or Urbex Wiki are great places to start your search. These sites often have forums, maps, and lists of known abandoned places around the country and in specific regions.

Social Media Platforms: Instagram, Reddit, and YouTube are full of urban explorers documenting their findings. Searching hashtags like #urbex, #abandonedplaces, or #urbanexploration can give you ideas on where to go.

Google Maps: One of the easiest ways to find abandoned places near you is by using Google Maps. Try searching for keywords like "abandoned," "derelict," or "old" in your city or surrounding areas. Sometimes, you might spot overgrown areas or strange structures that look abandoned from aerial views.

Abandoned Places Apps: Some apps specialize in mapping abandoned places. The Ruins app, for example, is a crowdsourced tool that allows urban explorers to share their finds.

Local Exploration Groups and Meetups

Many urban explorers join groups or attend meetups to connect with other like-minded individuals. Check out platforms like Meetup or Facebook Groups for local urbex enthusiasts who may have shared abandoned locations in your area. Some groups organize exploration trips, so you can join others to explore safely.

Old Industrial Areas or Declining Neighborhoods

Abandoned buildings are often concentrated in industrial areas, old factories, schools, or hospitals that have fallen out of use. These places may have been left behind after economic shifts, natural disasters, or changes in infrastructure. These types of buildings are often prime targets for urban explorers looking to document the past.

4. Essential Tips for Safe Urban Exploration

Urban exploration can be thrilling, but it’s important to approach it with caution. Here are some tips to stay safe while exploring abandoned places:

1. Research the Site

Before heading out, learn as much as you can about the abandoned place. If it has a known history or recent reports of dangerous conditions, you can prepare accordingly. Knowing the building's layout, location, and possible hazards will help you stay safe.

2. Always Explore With a Group

Exploring abandoned places is safer when you have someone with you. Having a companion ensures that you have help in case of an emergency, and it’s always more fun to share the experience. If you can, go with an experienced explorer who knows the ropes.

3. Wear Appropriate Clothing and Gear

Abandoned buildings can have hidden dangers like broken glass, rusted metal, or unstable floors. Wear sturdy shoes (preferably boots) and clothing that covers your skin. It’s also advisable to bring gloves and a flashlight (preferably head-mounted) to navigate dark spaces.

4. Be Aware of Legal Issues

In some places, abandoned buildings are on private property, and exploring them without permission can result in fines or legal trouble. Always check if the location is open to public exploration or if you need to obtain permission. Never break in or trespass on private property.

5. Beware of Hazardous Materials

Abandoned places may contain hazardous substances like asbestos, lead paint, or mold. If you suspect the building might be contaminated, it’s best to avoid it or take proper precautions, such as wearing a mask or respirator. Make sure to avoid touching anything you don’t recognize.

6. Leave No Trace

Respect the location and its history by leaving it untouched. Don’t take artifacts, graffiti the walls, or disturb anything. Remember, urban exploration is about appreciating the space and preserving its integrity.

5. Popular Types of Abandoned Places to Explore

Here are some of the most common types of abandoned places that urban explorers seek out:

Abandoned Schools

Once full of life and activity, old schools are often left behind as populations shift, or new educational buildings are built. These places tend to be large, with classrooms, hallways, and gymnasiums, creating an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere.

Old Hospitals or Asylums

Abandoned hospitals, especially old mental asylums, have become some of the most iconic sites for urbex. With their hauntingly empty hallways, decaying medical equipment, and unsettling pasts, these places often evoke a sense of mystery.

Factories and Industrial Sites

As industries change and companies close, old factories and industrial sites often become abandoned. These locations offer an insight into the manufacturing history of a region and provide excellent exploration opportunities, with large spaces and interesting remnants of past operations.

Amusement Parks and Themed Attractions

Abandoned amusement parks and theme parks, like the iconic Six Flags New Orleans, offer eerie photo opportunities with rusting rides and overgrown spaces. While they’re often abandoned due to financial issues or safety concerns, they carry a nostalgic feel for anyone who used to visit them.

Hospitals and Insane Asylums

These sites are often the most atmospheric and eerie places to explore. Many abandoned hospitals, especially those once used as asylums, are still filled with medical relics, old rooms, and remnants of a troubling history. Famous sites include Rolling Hills Asylum in New York and The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia.

6. Conclusion: Urban Exploration and the Beauty of Forgotten Spaces

Urban exploration is a thrilling and fascinating activity that allows you to discover the hidden, abandoned side of the world around you. Whether you’re exploring a forgotten factory, an old hospital, or a ghost town, these places offer a rare glimpse into history and the passage of time. By exploring abandoned spaces near you, you can uncover forgotten stories and appreciate the beauty in decay. But always remember to stay safe, respect the sites, and leave no trace behind. Happy exploring!