28 Abandoned Places In Connecticut [MAP]

Last Updated on July 25, 2021 by Urbex Underground

Looking to explore some abandoned places in Connecticut? Check out 28 of our favorite abandoned locations throughout the state.

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Abandoned Places In Connecticut

1. Old New-Gate Prison

41.96197, -72.74502

What started as a mining facility in the 1700s was turned into a prison when the mining business failed. This abandoned prison makes for a fun experience for any urban explorer or tourist. 

It was converted into a prison in 1773 and was famous for being easy to escape from, this all changed once more fortifications and extra security was added.

Conditions were ruthless, hundreds of prisoners were confined in darkness with little airflow. The prison was often referred to as “Hell.” It was eventually closed in 1827 due to funding issues with the prisoners being moved elsewhere.

2. Bara-Hack Ghost Town

41.880000, -72.011000

This ghost town was abandoned more than 130 years ago but there is something about it that still explores and ghost hunters. This ghost town was established in 1790 when two families decided to settle here. Slowly this town grew in population.

The town was abandoned when the families of the founding members died and the other settlers moved out due to economic hardships.

Now all that remains of this town in Pomfret is a graveyard and a few stone foundations. The cemetery is tough to locate and is on private property. Recently the property owner has called police on trespassers so be cautious

3. Underwater House In Lake Gardner

41.5058, -72.22048

This is an unusual, abandoned place that has an interesting and funny backstory. In 1895 there was a family that lived near Lake Gardner and they loved the lake. They loved the lake so much that they wanted to shift their house to the other side where the view was better. 

So, they came up with the plan to move their house over the river to the other side in winter when the lake will freeze over. It was a two-day move, they put their house on wooden planks and started to chart the river. 

Day one was successful and they left the house and went to have some rest. When they returned, however, the ice had broken and they found their house sinking. Somewhere in Lake Gardner, there is a house if you can find it. Researchers estimate that the house is located between 50 to 100 feet east of the small island in the lake if you’re brave enough to dive for it.

4. Castle Craig

41.55662, -72.83553

This is one of the most scenics and relaxing abandoned places in the state. This castle is located in Meriden and was built in the early 20th century by Walter Hubbard. It acted as an observation tower offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. There’s also a metal staircase inside that leads you to the top of the tower from where you can take in the surrounding landscape.

5. Genesee Ghost Town

41.39625, -72.65388

Genesee is one of the tougher locations in Connecticut to explore due to its remote location. The ancient remains of Genesee are all that is left of an abandoned Colonial settlement. The story goes that the settlers were initially headed to New York when their wagon wheel broke. With no way to move forward, they settled in the remote woodlands of Connecticut.

Nearby researchers have also discovered ritual stones created by native Americans in the area. The property is hard to get to and only legally accessible with permission from the Regional Water Authority who owns the land.

6. Dudleytown

41.80981, -73.3648

There are few abandoned places in Connecticut that are as infamous as Dudley town. The town was created by the Dudley family, who fled to America after the beheading of their father by Henry VIII in the 1740s. 

Some even go as far as to say the family was cursed. Anyone who befriended them met an unsavory fate. The town was plagued with crime and was ultimately abandoned due to infertile soil and no clean drinking water. Many people still believe in the curse and avoid visiting this place.

7.  Mine Hill Preserve

41.55735, -73.33052

The Mine Hill Preserve is the remains of an iron-making complex that was functional in the 19th century. It’s located in Roxbury and was built in 1865. It was operational till 1872 after which it was abandoned for newer technology.

It was a great experience to see the remains of the enormous furnaces used to turn the ore into steel. Mine Hill Preserve is a great place to explore nature in history in one spot. The hike to reach the furnaces isn’t too tough, making it a great place for newer explorers.

8. Cunningham Tower

41.82705, -73.30742

it’s unclear when this mysterious tower was built and what was the purpose it served. it’s located in Cornwall, and you can walk right inside it.

The tower is built incredibly well considering it’s been standing for over 100 years. Towards the top of the tower you can spot some gargoyles, a nice detail many people miss.

All I can say from experience is that this tower has seen better days. It’s in a state of disrepair as the floors are gone now. There have been some reports of supernatural activity around this tower, but nothing is confirmed.

9. Remmington Arms Factory

41.18677, -73.17335

Perhaps one of the most iconic abandoned places in Connecticut is the Remington arms factory and its shot tower. These buildings have been abandoned for a long time now yet the city has plans to repurpose the buildings. Rumors have swirled with the place being haunted, with Ghost Adventures even spending a night at this location. If you love rifles and a bit of history, don’t pass up the old Remington Arms plant.

10. S.S. Andrea Doria

40.491667, -69.850000

Known as “New Englands Titanic”, the SS Andrea Doria was famous in the 1950s, known for her outdoor swimming pools and luxurious details. Before she sank she completed over 100 transatlantic trips. She met her demise on July 25th, 1956 when the captain mistakenly set a course directly towards an iceberg. Only 46 were saved, leaving 1700 souls behind in the icy waters. Today the ship rests nearly 250 feet below sea off the coast of Nantucket. Bring your fins and oxygen tank for this adventure. We know this isn’t technically in CT, but if you’re into diving it’s too close to pass up.

11. Norwich State Hospital

41.489167, -72.073333

In 1904 the Norwich State Hospital started off as a quaint building housing 95 mentally ill patients. The hospital would quickly expand over the next 20 years and house over 2200 new patients. Like many institutions of the time overcrowding and staff abuse were reported. The hospital was completely self-sufficient, featuring its own bakery, theatre, laboratory, and power plant.

In the 1950s the property would expand from 100 acres to over 900 by adding new research facilities and resident housing. Growth would slow down during the 1970s as smaller mental health facilities were being favored over large institutions. This decline would continue until the hospital closed in 1996. In 2015 the site was demolished, however, the cemetery is still intact and makes an interesting visit.

A network of underground tunnels connected many of the buildings, it’s unknown if any are still accessible after the demolition.

12. Thames River Shipwreck

41.56066, -87.34708

I’m not entirely sure how these got here, but I spotted them from Google Maps. It looks like some sunken ships or, possibly a submerged wharf in the Thames River. If you know more about this spot, let me know. Either way, this looks like a great spot to photograph during sunrise over the water. The docks just north of the wreck are accessible and make for a great place to snap some shots.

13. Holy Land USA

41.54884, -73.03002

Have you ever been to a religious theme park? Well, you can at least visit the ruins of one when you are visiting Connecticut. This religious-themed amusement park was started in the 50s by Jhon Baptist Greco. It had more than 50,000 visitors every year and featured attractions like a recreation of the garden of Eden and other biblical scenes.

The park was closed in 1986 when the owner died. Now the abandoned park is reduced to ruins. The park is considered private property, but if you do decide to make a trip the Fall season is one of my favorite times to visit

14. Pleasure Beach Amusement Park

41.1634, -73.1666

Pleasure Beach was an amusement park and group of homes that attracted people from all over the country in the late 1800s. As the popularity of the park increased, so did its attractions. By 1905 Pleasure Beach had several roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, a funhouse, and a movie theater shown above. 

The park ultimately began to struggle as the automobile industry began to boom. With no connection to the main road, access to Pleasure Beach was inconvenient and burdensome to find. By 1959 the park had fallen into disrepair and debt, shutting its doors for good. Today there are only a few ruins left, but it’s cool to imagine what it would have looked like in its heyday.

15. Warner Brothers Corset Factory

41.1676, -73.1882

This is one of those abandoned places in Connecticut that has a rich cultural history attached to it. it’s located in Bridgeport and was the first company that started to change the trend in corsets.

Before this, women were used to wearing uncomfortable corsets that would harm their bodies. This movement was a reflection that women’s rights were gaining momentum. It was long abandoned until the old factory was converted into a collection of loft apartments.

16. Fairfield Hills Hospital

41.4010, -73.2853

If you’ve explored abandoned places in Connecticut then you’ve likely heard of Fairfiled Hills Hospital. The Hospital was located in Newtown and this hospital was built in the 30s.

It was designed to be a psychiatric hospital with the capacity to hold more than 4000 patients at a time. It was closed down in 1995. Now it’s a heaven for urban explorers and adventurers. This huge hospital is completely abandoned as of now and there are some repurposing plans in motion as we speak.

17. Comet Diner

41.7673, -72.6974

There is nothing that quite defines the 40s like a full chrome and steel diner. it’s something that we often see in movies but pictures don’t quite capture its vibe and essence. It’s part of American history, much like the house of Mark Twain in Connecticut. It has been left abandoned for the last 2 years, and I hope that it will be restored and turned into a public attraction again.

18. Shade Swamp Sanctuary

41.7051, -72.8609

If you want to see a depression-era relic then this one is for you. There are a lot of abandoned places in Connecticut but this one is pretty cool. The Shade Swamp Sanctuary is all that remains of the ruins of this 1930s animal rescue center. It covers an area of more than 800 acres covered with empty animal cages and old concrete structures. 

It was eventually closed in the 60s after much of Route 6’s traffic started using the newer Route 84. The zoo is registered in the National Register of Historic Places meaning it shouldn’t be going anywhere soon.

19. Stamford’s Miniature Ghost Town

41.0478, -73.5392

It might surprise you to know that there is a whole part of Stamford that is abandoned, a tiny miniature ghost town. Under the I-95 lie the ruins of Old Stamford.

When I visited this place, I saw decaying buildings with vintage signboards and broken windows all around. The area has a lot to offer, especially if you explore down some of the nearby side streets. In the wooded area nearby you can find some of the miniature homes scattered throughout.

20. Gay City State Park Ruins

41.0478, -73.5392

Few people know that Hebron houses one of the best abandoned places in Connecticut. The Gay City State Park has what is left now of an 18th-century town. Most of it has been reacclimated to nature but what little is left is fascinating to observe.

When I went there, it was fun to try and find all the small structures left behind in the woods. There are some spooky stories about this place stating mysterious murders occurred a few years back. So, be careful if you decide to visit.

21. Seaside Sanatorium

41.58805, -87.34474

This grand and Erie fortress once served as a TB hospital for children. It was built in 1934 and stayed operational till 1996. Seaside Sanatorium offered a specific treatment called heliotherapy, more commonly known as light therapy to heal the sick.

After more effective medication was invented for TB there was simply no need for such a facility anymore. it’s still a great place to visit. it’s designed beautifully and is a stunning place to photograph.

22. Abandoned Fairy Village

41.5392, -73.0852

Continuing with the theme of ghost towns. This is another fascinating location unlike anything you’ll find in other states. The funny thing is that it’s not a real town. it’s a miniature village supposedly for fairies.

To be honest with you when I visited this location, it left me with a spooky feeling. If you are into that kind of stuff, this might prove to be a fun adventure. Recent plans to expand the I-84 interchange have put the fairy village in danger, so its explore it while you still can.

23. Johnsonville Village

41.4950, -72.4665

If you go to this quaint little town now its entirely abandoned. But it was a hustling and bustling mill town in its heyday. Founded in 1846 by Emory Johnson, the Johnsons set up a mill and slowly the town grew in size.

It was abandoned in 1994 after the mill was burned down in an accident. it’s an interesting place to visit as most of the buildings in this ghost town are still standing, making for some great opportunities to photograph these structures during the golden hour.

24. Hearthstone Castle

41.3781, -73.4485

Of all the abandoned places in Connecticut that I have visited, this one is my personal favorite. it’s a beautiful castle that takes its design inspiration from the medieval era.

The castle is located in Danbury and was constructed in 1899. It remained in the care of the original owner E. Starr Sanford for more than 70 years where it fell into disrepair. It was later bought by the city of Danbury, with plans to transform the castle into a garden.

25. Sunrise Resort

41.5036, -72.4751

I was amazed to see how nature reclaims what is rightfully hers over time. This is a gigantic summer resort that covers more than 145 acres of land. It was opened in 1930 and closed for good in 2008.

It entertained the people of East Haddam for more than 90 years, but it lies wholly abandoned now. Now, Sunrise Resort is part of the state own land which can be explored legally during daytime hours.

26. Cedarcrest Hospital

41.7045, -72.7068

If you know where to look for abandoned places in Connecticut, you will be rather surprised at the locations that you find them in. This is a century-old hospital that used to treat TB patients back in the olden days, right in the heart of Newington. This 128-bed hospital is now completely abandoned and makes for the ideal place for urban adventurers to visit.

27. Aerosol Techniques Factory

41.2317, -73.0250

It’s rare to come across an abandoned site of this magnitude. This Aerosol factory covers an area of more than 175,000 square feet and is completely empty. It was built in the 60s and was a fully functional factory for plastic and aerosol products. When I visited it, I was completely shocked by the sheer size of the property and the intricate artwork that graffiti artists had painted there.

28. Union Pond Mill

41.8106, -72.5199

If you are interested in abandoned places in Connecticut then you’ll be thrilled to know about this Victorian Era mill. It was initially designed to be a textile mill and was built in the 1900s.

It was closed due to the pollution it caused and has since been a popular stop for urban adventurers. When I visited the place, I was surprised to see that the site was a popular spot for the skating community, with makeshift ramps set up inside.

Go out and explore!

That concludes our list of abandoned places in Connecticut, but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is to find. Take the back roads, follow train tracks, and discover some new places for yourself.