The Coolest Abandoned Places in Kentucky
Haunted hospitals, European-inspired mansions, and historic truss bridges are just a few of the coolest abandoned places in Kentucky.
Written by Pat Roache
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
From one of the most haunted hospitals in the country to the ruins of Italian and Romanesque-inspired mansions, these eight destinations are some of the coolest abandoned places in
Kentucky
. Fine bourbon and horse racing aren’t the only attractions Kentucky has to offer. Beyond the Southern charm and antiquity of
Lexington
and Louisville
hides a fascinating collection of abandoned haunts of all shapes and sizes—hospitals, houses, railways, and roads. All of them are just waiting for the right daring traveler to come along and explore.Think you might be that daring traveler?
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Abandoned hospitals and prisons in Kentucky
Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Location: Southwestern Louisville, Jefferson County
Abandoned since: 1983
Is it legal to go in? Yes, but only by scheduled tours
Originally opened in 1910 to treat tuberculosis patients, the Waverly Hills Sanatorium located at 4400 Paralee Drive in Louisville, Kentucky has become one of the most well-known abandoned sites in the state.
The Sanatorium closed in 1961 and reopened as the Woodhaven Geriatric Center before being closed by the state in 1982 for reports of patient neglect. Developer J. Clifford Todd tried to convert the property into a prison in 1983, butthe plans were squashed by protesting neighbors. The building has been abandoned ever since.
The television showGhost Huntersbrought the Waverly Hills Sanatorium into the limelight with claims that it is one of the most haunted hospitals in the country. Today, visitors can book historical tours, paranormal tours, and even private investigations through
the Waverly Hills website
.Hayswood Hospital
Location: Maysville
Abandoned since: 1983
Is it legal to go in? No
The Hayswood Hospital originally opened in 1915 as the Haywood Seminary, with even more history behind the property dating back to the early 1800s. This small hospital was forced to close its doors for good in 1983 when a larger facility opened nearby, but several paranormal investigations and eyewitness accounts suggest that the building is not technically empty.
The eerie remains have been surveyed repeatedly for demolition or renovation, but so far there remain no plans to modify the property. While you can’t legally explore the halls of this crumbling medical haunt, you can take in the Hayswood Hospital’s exterior from the corner of Market Street and 4th Street in
Maysville
, Kentucky. Old Stone Jail
Location: Bullitt County
Abandoned since: 1947
Is it legal to go in? Yes, during the courthouse’s operating hours
The Old Stone Jail—also known as the Rock Mansion—was built in 1891 to hold prisoners awaiting trial at the nearby Bullitt County Courthouse. This 22 by 22-foot all-stone structure contained four cells and lacked basic amenities until the 1930s. The jail was decommissioned in 1947 and was expected to waste away.
However, the Old Stone Jail withstood the test of time and saw several restoration projects between 1990 and 2011. Today, visitors can easily explore this tiny square structure during the courthouse’s operating hours—typically 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Abandoned mansions and homes in Kentucky
Ouerbacker Mansion
Location: Louisville
Abandoned since: Late 1990s
Is it legal to go in? No
The Ouerbacker Mansion was built in the 1860s by Samuel Ouerbacker at what is now 1633 West Jefferson Street in Louisville. The building’s Richardsonian Romanesque design is iconic for its castle-like turrets and unique asymmetry.
After a few changes in ownership, the building was taken over by the Holland Tax Services in 1930 and remained so until the 1990s when the building was abandoned. Plans for the Ouerbacker Mansion’s restoration were introduced in the early 2000s, but they seem to have fallen through.
William Tarr House
Location: Near Millersburg
Abandoned since: 1985
Is it legal to go in? Unknown
William Tarr procured this Bourbon Hills Farm antebellum property in 1877. Not much is known about the extensive history of the William Tarr House except that Tarr renovated the original property to give it a more Italianate styling inside and out and it remained occupied until 1985.
The current owner of the property is unknown. Should you ever legally find yourself inside, check out the distinct woodwork and molding of William Tarr’s design preferences. There’s even a mysterious abandoned piano hiding in the William Tarr House’s halls.
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Abandoned roads and bridges in Kentucky
Young's High Bridge
Location: Near Tyrone, connecting Anderson and Woodford counties
Abandoned since: 1985
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Travelers crossing the Kentucky River on Route US-62 can spot the historic deck truss Young's High Bridge, which spans the river. Built in 1889 for the Louisville Southern Railroad, the red steel structure stretches 1,659 feet and rests 283 feet above the river.
The Young’s High Bridge saw its final scheduled train on December 27, 1937, but remains standing without any modification, renovation, or reinforcement. The Young’s Bridge Partners purchased the structure in October 2012. In 2013,
Vertigo Bungee
began operating North America’s highest platform bungee jump from the Young’s High Bridge for four to ten weeks out of the year. Nada Tunnel
Location: Kentucky Route 77 in Powell County
Abandoned since: Unknown
Is it legal to go in? Yes
The Nada tunnel was initially opened in 1911 as railway transportation for the Dana logging company. Today, this narrow 12 by 13-foot tunnel—originally 12 by 12 until a train’s cargo got stuck and had to be blasted free—is now paved over and dubbed the Gateway to Red River Gorge.
Visitors can easily drive this 900-foot tunnel and explore the area’s history and haunts—such as nearby Native American petroglyphs. Visit at night to try to catch a glimpse of the tunnel’s rumored resident ghost—one of the original workers who died in a dynamite accident.
Red Bridge
Location: Devil’s Hollow Road, near Frankfort
Abandoned since: 1980
Is it legal to go in? No
In Franklin County, Kentucky, crossing Benson Creek, the abandoned Red Bridge stands—barely—as a testament to the historic engineering of a pin-connected Pratt truss bridge.
The bridge was essentially replaced by a new bypass on Devil’s Hollow Road in 1980. While you’re not allowed to cross the bridge—and for good reason—engineering buffs can appreciate this feat of classic design from the new road. Not to mention, the derelict status of this bridge is just plain creepy and sure to spark some ghost stories!
Tips for exploring Kentucky’s abandoned places
Use the following checklist to set your expectations and plan accordingly when visiting one or more of the abandoned sites in the Bluegrass State.
- Check legality: Access to Kentucky’s abandoned destinations varies from site to site. Research the ownership and regulation of the sites first so you can see as much as possible without breaking any private property laws.
- Dress accordingly: Abandoned expeditions can take you through a variety of environments. Prioritize skin-covering clothes and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty!
- Take only pictures: Fight the temptation to snag any physical souvenirs to commemorate your trip. Taking treasure from an abandoned site can play a great role in hindering future visitors’ ability to enjoy them.
- Tell a friend: Stay safe on your explorations by bringing a friend along or telling them your plans, so someone else can help if things go haywire.
- Pack protective gear: If you get to go into an abandoned site, face masks, gloves, and other equipment might be necessary to protect you from potential contamination or injury.
The keys to the best trip possible are to prioritize your safety and respect the abandoned destinations. By following these basic guidelines, you can make sure everyone can continue to enjoy these sites safely—including yourself.
How to find affordable car insurance in Kentucky
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FAQs
Is it illegal to visit abandoned places?
In the case of privately owned property, it is illegal to trespass on an abandoned property without explicit permission. However, some abandoned places are open to the public, offer coordinated visits, or may grant you permission if you ask. Just make sure to research ownership, rules, and regulations before you go exploring.
Why are there abandoned houses in Kentucky?
Every abandoned house has its own story and reason for disuse. Common houses may have been seized by the government, but some of the state’s abandoned mansions could have their own mysterious background that we may never fully know.
Are there any abandoned towns in Kentucky?
The hill country of Kentucky contains its fair share of
ghost towns
including Scuffletown, an abandoned Cherokee settlement along the Ohio River, and the abandoned mushroom mines of Lawton.
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