A long-lost iron mine. A once-grand dame showplace for major entertainers. A lost subway.
The great, sometimes creepy, abandoned places in Upstate New York offer a unique vision into the backstory of our region. All can be seen, but are mostly off-limits and trespassing could get you arrested. Others invite exploration, and a few are even trying to make their comeback.
Each of these sites has a story to tell. Here are 9 abandoned ghosts from the past.
Rochester Subway (Rochester)
It is hard to imagine that the city of Rochester once had a thriving, bustling subway system. The growth of suburbs, bad route planning and the proliferation of cars sealed its fate. Today, it is an abandoned labyrinth of graffiti-covered walls, dramatic architectural flourishes, pools of water and abandoned rails. The subway’s life ran from 1927 to 1956.
Jackson Sanatorium (Dansville)
For 135 years, this once-magnificent health spa was a major draw to the village of Dansville. Its life ran from 1883 to 1971. Known locally as “The Castle on the Hill,” Jackson Sanatorium was founded by Caleb Jackson, who believed in a regimen of fresh air, healthy exercise and a rigid diet of unprocessed grains. Jackson is famous for inventing America’s first cold breakfast cereal, Granula…