People like to travel in many different ways.
For some, going on a trip means visiting beautiful capitals, looking at scenic views, boosting up excitement in fun places like music festivals, amusement parks, etc.
Other people prefer alternative traveling options that offer something rather different.
These travelers get their thrill by visiting unusual sites like prisons, cemeteries, abandoned castles, post-war areas…
If you are one of them, or maybe you just want to reinvent your travel aspirations this year, make sure to check out Virginia, a rich source of abandoned places, including asylums, orphanages, museums, and much more.
Read more about our selection of abandoned tourist places in Virginia and get ready for some spooky sightseeing!
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Wise Country Orphanage, Wise
This orphanage was built in Wise County in the 1920s, however, due to lack of maintenance today it looks quite deteriorated and shabby.
The façade may seem repulsive but don’t let that discourage you from exploring its interior.
Some of the people who have visited this place swore to listen to peculiar sounds and screams, like children laughing or balls bouncing.
Also, visitors said that they could see figures that appeared like ghosts between the flickering lights behind the windows.
If you are interested in stories about ghosts or zombies, make sure to visit this place!
Renaissance Faire, Fredericksburg
The Renaissance Fair in Fredericksburg was built during the 1990s by a group of devotees of Medieval culture and architecture.
These people made a replica of a Medieval European town in the backwoods, stages for theatre performances, and a sailing ship but, unfortunately, these didn’t last long.
The humid and hot weather conditions made maintenance too complicated, so the place was sealed two years later.
Today, you can visit the decaying buildings that look creepy but exciting!
Western State Asylum, Staunton
This abandoned place in Staunton will make your heart race faster! It was originally built in the 19th century in the form of a resort-asylum that hosted affluent people with fragile mental health.
Nevertheless, the place was a popular rumor topic as it was said that the staff there performed lobotomies, forced sterilization, and straitjackets.
The asylum was transferred to another location in the 1970s and the building was turned into a prison that was open until the beginning of the 2000s.
Another thing worth mentioning is that right next to this building there is an enormous cemetery with over 3, 000 unmarked graves.
According to the latest speculations, the Western State Asylum may become a luxury condo complex in the future. Interested in buying a property?
Swannanoa Palace, Afton
This huge marble palace is quite safe to visit as it is monitored by local authorities.
It was built in 1912 and at the time owned by a rich family whose death turned the place into a country club.
The Swannanoa Palace was also rented out by the University of Science in Philosophy in the period between WW2 and the late 1990s.
If you visit this place, we recommend you walk around the building and the courtyard.
Get lost between the decaying walls and the tall lush greenery outside.
If by any chance you are a ghost hunter, check the reports of paranormal activity found at this place a few years ago.
Professor Cline’s Haunted Monster Museum, Natural Bridge
A local celebrity known as Mark Cline has created and built a haunted museum of monsters and a park that was named Dinosaur World, on his own land.
The museum contained peculiar and interesting objects described as mechanical rodents and even a python made of fiberglass!
However, the museum didn’t last long as it was run down by a great accidental fire.
The tourist attraction was completely ruined but, nevertheless, the grounds of the building remained (in a crispy burnt state, of course) and they are still open for tourist visits.
The somber vibe of the place is hyped by the enormous mechanical objects covered in ashes.
Pamplin City Main Street, Pamplin City
In the 20th century, the Pamplin City was a popular trading center where people would do and make business by large.
The Pamplin City was also well known among merchants due to its Main Street where people would go to make good deals but also enjoy bars, feel the vibe of the town and finally spend the night at the Park Hotel.
Time went by and residents from the trading area moved to other places in search of better living conditions. Thus, Main Street turned into a desolate place that lost its bustling life.
Today, the street is used in film sets, especially when reviving civil war scenes.
The city had a few attempts and ideas to restore Main Street to life but for now, we suggest you take the chance to stroll by its deserted shops and feel the eerie atmosphere.
Virginia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Virginia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Traveling to abandoned places in Virginia can offer a unique and thrilling experience for those who enjoy exploring unconventional sites, and the state has a rich selection of abandoned locations to choose from.