Forgotten Ohio: 9 Abandoned Places Nature is Reclaiming
There are several abandoned places in Ohio that today are mere moss covered skeletons of the once impressive man-made structures they once were. Throughout the state, many of what were once thriving tourist destinations and bustling production sites are now overgrown with ivy and rusting away. You have to look close to find them — and once you do, you can’t always get too close. Believe it or not, the following nine places lie hidden throughout the state:
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Gone are the days of coasters and water slides at this former amusement park in Aurora. Its remaining rides and attractions were removed from the site and sold circa 2008, although news finally came in 2020 that this site would be redeveloped as housing. Can you imagine making memories where so many families made memories over the years?! This former site and the blue waters of Geauga Lake are located in Aurora, OH 44202.
This neighboring park to Geauga Lake in Aurora is also no more. Six Flags purchased this 1970s landmark from SeaWorld just after the turn of the century, but it most recently operated as Wildwater Kingdom under the Cedar Fair company. While nature spent years reclaiming this site, it was also snagged for development in 2020.
The Summit County community of Boston Township is nicknamed "Helltown" due to a series of mysterious circumstances. Hauntings, abandoned houses (left behind when the government seized local land to create the national park), and even chemical spills and mutant creatures are said to be identifiers of this community.Watch for abandoned sites in the woods as you drive through Boston Township, OH 44141.
This abandoned amusement park in Medina County is a remnant of summer days of yore. Many memories were made here, and for years they were left crumbling with the remains of roller coasters and other attractions. In 2020, it was announced that this long-beloved piece of land will be reborn as a community park. It will take a few years before it opens to the public, but you will soon be able to visit it near Chippewa Lake, OH 44215.
The ghost town of Moonville in Vinton County hasn't had residents since the 40s. Today, a chunk of it still stands, including the purportedly haunted Moonville Tunnel. You can find it at Hope-Moonville Rd, McArthur, OH 45651.
What's creepier than an abandoned prison? Trick question. Nothing. This spooky site sat largely abandoned following its closure in 1966, and it is now private property today. However, you can get a bit of an idea of its layout from this video by Clevelandmarko on YouTube:
You can spot this destination off of OH-93, Roseville, OH, 43777.
This abandoned company can be found near the ruins of the old gristmill at the top of Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Find it near 8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills Township, OH 44067.
This long-abandoned site is now known as City Field Park in Canton. A few remaining pieces of this former children's park are still on-site, including Willy The Whale from old Mother Goose Land. Find City Field Park in Canton, OH 44702.
All throughout Ohio, you can find locks of the former Ohio Canal. Though the canal is no longer in use, its old Towpath Trail is now a long stretch of hiking path that runs throughout a chunk of the state. You can easily connect with this history in the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation at 4524 E 49th St, Cleveland, OH 44125.
These beautiful abandoned places in Ohio have been, largely, reclaimed by both nature and man. Some enjoy a totally new life as something new, or they soon will. Do you remember any of the old amusement parks in this list? Tell us in the comments!
Want to explore yet another abandoned place? Swing by Squire’s Castle near Cleveland, which is free to visit and is open to the public.
Address: Hope-Moonville Rd, McArthur, OH 45651, USA
Address: OH-93, Roseville, OH, USA
Address: 8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, USA
Address: Canton, OH 44702, USA
Address: 4524 E 49th St, Cleveland, OH 44125, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Abandoned Places In Ohio
November 01, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
Can I visit any abandoned places in Ohio?
There are many abandoned places in Ohio, and several of those spots are open to the public through tours. One of the most famous is the Ohio State Reformatory, which is also said to be one of the most haunted places in the nation.
What is the most haunted place in Ohio?
If the Ohio State Reformatory isn’t the most haunted place in Ohio, then it has to be the Ceely Rose House. Here, a young and repressed woman killed her whole family… and, as a result, she lost everything she knew.
Are there any urban legends in Ohio?
Ohio, like many states, has its variations of the crybaby bridge stories. Helltown is another common piece of local lore, but we also have witch’s graves, mysterious creatures, and unsolved murders looming over area gossip.
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
Love Ohio?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
