The Coolest Abandoned Places in Kansas
Some of the coolest abandoned places in Kansas include desolate towns, condemned malls, empty castles, and more!
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Exploring the abandoned places across
Kansas
can serve as an exciting (and sometimes creepy!) glimpse into the past. But remember, once you set out on your adventure, you won’t be able to click your red slippers together and yell, “There’s No Place Like Home!” Abandoned places across the state include desolate towns, condemned malls, empty castles, and more—visit if you dare!
Before you hit the road, it’s essential to do your research. Luckily, the
car insurance
experts at Jerry
did it for you! We’ve curated a guide to the top seven abandoned places in Kansas and instructions on how to visit them properly.RECOMMENDED
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Abandoned towns in Kansas
Diamond Springs
Location: Morris County
Abandoned since: 1930
Is it legal to go in? N/A
Diamond Springs, also commonly referred to as the Diamond of the Plains, was a popular community along the Santa Fe Trail in the 1820s. Nomadic travelers made it an essential pitstop as it offered an accessible and abundant water spring.
But, prosperity usually finds a way to diminish. In the 1850s, the springs began to run dry, and the town increasingly became a target of attacks by Native Americans. Then, in 1863, a violent attack by a Quantrill Confederate named Dick Yeager resulted in robberies, murder, and arson—the town never really returned to its once bustling self after this event.
The Post Office was officially discontinued in 1930, and only the remains of a few buildings continue to serve as a landmark of this historic town.
Bavaria
Location: Saline County
Abandoned since: 1986
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Even though there weren’t any notable historical events in Bavaria, there’s just something eerie about an abandoned town that never achieved its potential.
You’d think there would have been plenty of opportunities to grow since the town was located along the Union Pacific Railroad's Mainline. But, that wasn’t the case. Instead, the town peaked with a maximum population of 150 residents in the early 1880s. Nobody really knows why the town wasn’t a success.
Much of the town is abandoned, but a few residents still cling to what could have been. It seems legal to explore the deteriorating old buildings, but you’ll want to check property rights first.
Bushong
Location: northwest Lyon County
Abandoned since: 1957
Is it legal to go in? Yes, but people still live there
Contrary to Bavaria, the town of Bushong experienced prosperity throughout the early 1920s along the Missouri Pacific Railroad. The buzzing town was really on the verge of development until a blazing fire burned down most of the downtown area.
Without access to sufficient resources, the residents moved out of town and visitors stopped using Bushong as a pitstop.
Many people consider Bushong to be a ghost town by definition, but around 34 people still live in the area. As long as you avoid the private property of the scarce residents, you can explore the abandoned and deteriorated remnants of the town.
Abandoned malls, hospitals, and schools in Kansas
White Lakes Mall
Location: Topeka
Abandoned since: 2020
Is it legal to go in? Probably not
Malls once served as the modern version of the town square—everyone would gather there and hang out. In 1963, The White Lakes Mall in Topeka became just that for the community.
Unfortunately, after a half-century of operations, White Lakes Mall suffered unsalvagable damages from a treacherous fire. As a result, the building was officially condemned in 2020.
Visiting condemned property is typically illegal. But just looking at the building can give you an ominous feeling. A community staple once serving smiles to thousands of visitors, now sitting solemnly.
St. John’s Hospital
Location: Leavenworth
Abandoned since: 1973
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Not all abandoned places have to have a sad ending! St. John’s Hospital began its story when the Sisters of Charity welcomed Civil War refugees as their first patients in 1864. Official operations began for St. John’s Hospital after a proper infrastructure was built in 1939.
In 1973, the hospital closed its doors, but not forever! After sitting abandoned for multiple decades, the city of Leavenworth is committed to revitalizing the St. John’s medical plaza. Check out the progress they’ve made
here
!Hopefully, you visit as a tourist rather than a patient! Stay safe and healthy, folks.
Sumner Elementary School
Location: Topeka
Abandoned since: 1996
Is it legal to go in? Probably not, bought by a private owner
Sumner Elementary School serves as a horrific timestamp of racial segregation in America. An African-American student, Linda Brown, was rejected from enrolling at Sumner and was forced to attend the local all-black school. This incident sparked the
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
case in 1954.Sumner Elementary school officially closed in 1996 as part of the local
desegregation
plan to satisfy the original Brown case.A non-denomination Christian Church based out of Los Angeles purchased the empty building in 2009. Hopefully, the building can be renewed as a place for peace and empathy rather than hate.
Other interesting abandoned places in Kansas
Sauer Castle
Location: Kansas City
Abandoned since: It’s complicated
Is it legal to go in? No, only viewable from the street
The Sauer Castle is a 19th century Italianate home, with construction completed in 1873. Today, Carl Lopp, the great-great-grandson of the original owner, holds the deed to the property.
He had every intention of restoring the property, but a $30,000 theft from a hired caretaker, rumors of ghost stories, and constant vandalism has made this challenging. Carl now seems to have no intention of restoring or selling property. He’s listed it on the market for a ridiculous price of $10 million.
Considering the Sauer Castle is on the National Register of Historic Places, the city would like to reclaim ownership eventually. But, until then, it sits deteriorating in the elements of nature.
Tips for exploring Kansas’ abandoned places
Here is a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for your exploration of Kansas’ most iconic abandoned locations:
- Check property laws. Before heading out on your exploration, you’ll always want to check if the property is public, private, or restricted.
- Leave it how you found it. Many of these abandoned places have some sort of historical relevance that can’t be restored if tampered with. Respect the property and preserve it for future explorers.
- Dress appropriately. Abandoned buildings can be littered with glass and other deteriorated materials. Therefore, it’s essential to wear protective gear like gloves, closed-toed shoes, and safety glasses.
- Bring a friend or make your location known. Most of these places are still relatively in public areas, so safety isn’t generally a concern. Regardless, it’s always good to share your location before adventuring anywhere.
If you mix these rules with respect and safety, you’ll have the perfect recipe for an exciting adventure!
How to find affordable car insurance in Kansas
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Is it illegal to visit abandoned places?
It depends. Some abandoned places are privately owned, which makes them illegal to visit without an invitation. Others are open to the public. Check with local property laws before checking out these destinations.
What’s the creepiest abandoned place in Kansas?
Diamond Springs has to be the creepiest abandoned place in Kansas that accepts curious explorers. The violent demise of this once thriving community floats like a black cloud over this abandoned town.
