If you’re drawn to places with history, mystery, and maybe just a little creep factor, this list is for you. From tunnels under cities to abandoned prisons and underground crypts, these are some of the coolest (and creepiest) spots I’ve explored.
Here are seven places I’ve been that were completely fascinating during the day, but I definitely wouldn’t want to be stuck there by myself at night.
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco, California
An old prison on an island with layers of history and locked doors? That’s already spooky. Alcatraz is iconic, and touring it during the day is a surreal experience.
The sound of your footsteps in the cellblocks, the view across the bay, the solitary confinement wing… it all makes you wonder what it must’ve been like when the cells were full. I loved visiting, but I’m not signing up for the overnight shift.
Read about our visit to Alcatraz here: https://tripstipsandtees.com/2016/10/01/alcatraz-rocks-pun-intended/
Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you’ve never walked through the crumbling halls of an abandoned prison, you’re missing out. Eastern State is atmospheric, eerie, and steeped in stories.
Eastern State is atmospheric, eerie, and steeped in stories. You’ll find long, empty corridors with paint peeling off the walls, rusted doors, and cells frozen in time. It’s absolutely fascinating during the day… but at night? Hard pass.
Check out my full post on Eastern State Penitentiary: https://tripstipsandtees.com/2022/02/02/eastern-state-penitentiary/
Ellis Island Hospital Tour – New York, New York
Most visitors to Ellis Island stay in the main immigration hall, but there’s a whole other side that’s rarely seen. I did the hard hat tour of the hospital complex, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my visit.
The buildings are unrestored and raw. Think: broken windows, abandoned medical rooms, long silent hallways. So much history… and more than a few moments where I found myself walking a little closer to the guide.
Here’s my take on the forgotten side of Ellis Island: https://tripstipsandtees.com/2023/03/07/the-forgotten-side-of-ellis-island/
Mammoth Cave National Park – Kentucky
I’ve done my fair share of cave tours, but Mammoth Cave is something else. It’s the longest known cave system in the world, and once you’re a mile underground, you really start to feel it.
During the tour, the guide turned off the lights for a few seconds. Total. Pitch. Black. It was cool… and honestly kind of terrifying. I couldn’t stop thinking about how easy it would be to get lost down there. Super cool to explore — as long as the lights stay on.
We visited Mammoth Cave during our Kentucky road trip: https://tripstipsandtees.com/2019/09/03/mammoth-cave-national-park/
Kennecott Mining Town – Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
This historic copper mining town in Alaska is part national park, part time capsule. We explored the old mill building, and when I say building, I mean floors and floors of creaking wood, rusty machinery, and abandoned stairwells.
The place is huge and feels completely frozen in time. It was absolutely incredible to visit… but if I had to spend the night alone in that mill? No thank you.
See more from our stay at Kennecott Glacier Lodge: https://tripstipsandtees.com/2024/02/06/discover-kennicott-glacier-lodge-an-alaskan-hidden-gem/
Crypt Tour – Old North Church, Boston
Beneath one of the most famous churches in American history is something you don’t hear much about: a crypt that holds the remains of more than 1,100 people. Yes, you can actually go below the Old North Church and take a tour of the underground tombs.
The air is cool, the light is dim, and the stories are centuries old. It’s absolutely fascinating, but it gave me the chills. I definitely wouldn’t want to be down there after dark.
I’ll be posting more about this soon — stay tuned!
Seattle Underground Tour – Seattle, Washington
Beneath the streets of Seattle is a hidden city. On the Underground Tour, you walk through old storefronts, sidewalks, and passageways that once made up the original street level.
It’s quirky and fascinating, but also a little eerie…especially when you realize how many people just walk over it every day. I kept thinking about what it would be like down there in the quiet, in the dark. Spoiler: not for me.
Want a peek below the streets? Here’s my full post on the Seattle Underground Tour: https://tripstipsandtees.com/2023/01/12/exploring-the-seattle-underground/
Want to keep track of your own cool and creepy adventures?
Use this pocket-sized travel journal to jot down highlights after each trip. It’s small enough to toss in your bag and makes a great souvenir later.
Got a place that gave you chills?
I’d love to hear it! Share your own “cool but maybe a little creepy” travel memory in the comments. Bonus points if it involves dark tunnels or creaky floorboards.
