The 5 Eeriest Abandoned Places in Ohio You Can Legally Explore! Are YOU Brave Enough?
Discover the top five eerie, abandoned places in Ohio you can legally visit, packed with creepy history and spooky vibes that’ll test your bravery! 🌐 #News #ColumbusOH #Ohio #Lifestyle
COLUMBUS, OH – Last summer, my husband Jack and I decided to shake up our usual Netflix binge by hunting for some real-life thrills. Jack, bless him, thought “abandoned places” meant a quiet picnic spot—until we stumbled into a crumbling relic of Ohio’s past, and he nearly jumped out of his boots at the sound of a creaking floorboard. Turns out, the Buckeye State is packed with forgotten spots that are equal parts creepy and fascinating. Even better? You can explore some of them without breaking any laws. From ghostly tunnels to decaying amusement parks, here are five of Ohio’s eeriest abandoned places you can legally check out—if you’re brave enough to face the shadows.
1. Moonville Tunnel – A Haunted Hike in the Woods
Tucked away in Zaleski State Forest, the Moonville Tunnel is all that’s left of a 19th-century coal mining town in Vinton County. This 250-foot-long passage, built in 1856, once carried trains hauling coal but fell silent by the 1940s when the last residents packed up. Today, it’s a public trail accessible via Hope-Moonville Road, and it’s free to explore.
Locals swear it’s haunted—stories of a brakeman killed by a train still echo through the graffiti-covered brick walls. Jack wouldn’t stop whispering “Did you hear that?” as we walked through, and I’ll admit, the damp air and distant drips didn’t help my nerves. Ready to test your courage?
2. Detroit-Superior Bridge Streetcar Level – Cleveland’s Hidden Underworld
Ever driven over Cleveland’s Veterans Memorial Bridge and felt a chill? You might not know it, but beneath the bustling traffic lies an abandoned streetcar level, unused since 1954. This 3,112-foot-long tunnel once shuttled passengers across the Cuyahoga River, but now it’s a ghostly relic.
The good news? The Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office opens it to the public a few times a year for free tours—check their website for dates. When Jack and I visited, the dim lights and echoing footsteps made it feel like a scene from a horror flick. It’s creepy, it’s legal, and it’s waiting for you.
3. Hillandale Bridge – Euclid’s Forgotten Gem
In Euclid, just off Hillandale Drive, the Hillandale Bridge stands as a quiet, crumbling piece of history. Built in the early 1900s as part of a planned park that never took off, this concrete span is now overgrown with vines and covered in faded graffiti.
It’s on public land, so you can wander up to it without risking a trespassing ticket—just park nearby and take a short hike. Jack kept joking about it being a troll bridge, but the eerie stillness shut him up fast. If you’re into nature reclaiming man-made ruins, this spot delivers.
4. Squire’s Castle – A Hauntingly Beautiful Ruin
Nestled in the North Chagrin Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks, Squire’s Castle looks like something out of a gothic fairy tale. Built in the 1890s by Feargus B. Squire as a gatehouse for his dream estate, it was abandoned when his plans fell apart.
Today, it’s open to the public year-round, free of charge, with parking nearby off Chardon Road. The empty stone shell, surrounded by dense woods, feels downright spooky—especially when the wind whistles through the broken windows. Jack dared me to peek inside at dusk, and I’m still not sure what rustled in the shadows. Will you take the challenge?
5. Chippewa Lake Park Ruins – Medina County’s Lost Playground
For a dose of nostalgia mixed with chills, head to Chippewa Lake in Medina County, where the remains of a once-thriving amusement park sit quietly. From 1878 to 1978, families flocked here for rides and fun, but it’s been abandoned since. The Ferris wheel still looms, tangled in vines, and you can view it from public roads like Lake Road—no trespassing needed.
Plans are underway to turn it into a county park, but for now, it’s a legal peek into the past. Jack got all quiet staring at the rusty relics, and I couldn’t shake the feeling we were being watched. Dare to visit?
Step Into the Unknown!
Ohio’s abandoned places aren’t just piles of rubble—they’re time capsules with stories that linger in the air. Jack and I survived our adventure (barely), but these spots are calling your name. Grab a friend, pack some courage, and explore these eerie wonders—legally, of course. Are you brave enough to step into the unknown?
Did we miss any eerie spots in Ohio? Let us know in the comments section below because your opinion matters!
FAQ: Your Questions About Ohio’s Abandoned Places Answered
Q: Are these abandoned places really legal to visit?
A: Yes, all five spots—Moonville Tunnel, Detroit-Superior Bridge streetcar level, Hillandale Bridge, Squire’s Castle, and Chippewa Lake Park ruins—are either on public land or open during scheduled events, so you can explore without breaking the law.
Q: Do I need special permission to visit these locations?
A: No permission is needed for Moonville Tunnel, Hillandale Bridge, or Squire’s Castle since they’re public access; for Detroit-Superior Bridge, just join a scheduled tour, and for Chippewa Lake, stick to viewing from public roads.
Q: Are these places haunted?
A: Local legends say yes—Moonville Tunnel has ghost stories galore, and Squire’s Castle has its share of eerie tales—but there’s no hard proof, just plenty of creepy vibes to enjoy.
Q: What’s the best time to explore these abandoned sites?
A: Spring or fall offer cooler weather and fewer bugs; for Detroit-Superior Bridge, check the county’s tour schedule, usually announced in warmer months.
Q: Can I take photos at these abandoned locations?
A: Absolutely, photography is allowed at all these spots—just respect the areas and don’t trespass beyond public boundaries.
Legal Disclaimer: Exploring abandoned places can be a thrill, but always follow local laws and regulations. Before visiting, check with local police or property owners for current access rules, as conditions and permissions can change. Stay safe and respect the sites—your adventure’s only fun if it’s legal!
RELATED TOPICS: Haunted Places | Ohio | Paranormal | Travel
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Chippewa is fenced and you can be arrested for trespassing. I was stopped and escorted out by an officer who was kind enough not to arrest me. Granted this was a few years ago, have they since changed? But at the time it was made very clear to me that we were trespassing and subject to arrest, so proceed with caution…
Great point, Mike – yeah, you definitely need to respect properties and be wise. When we’re out exploring, we actually find it’s best to call local police and ask for confirmation and details – we’ve actually been given some great tips of other neat places to explore thanks to friendly cops! 🙂 Happy travels – have a great week! Jack and Kitty