Introduction
Beneath the bustling streets of America’s cities lie forgotten tunnels, abandoned subway stations, and mysterious underground passageways. These hidden spaces tell fascinating stories of crime, smuggling, and urban expansion.
If you love history and adventure, these urban exploration sites will give you a thrilling peek beneath the surface.
- Seattle Underground (Washington) – A City Beneath a City
Why Visit?
Seattle’s original streets and storefronts were buried after the Great Fire of 1889, and they remain preserved underground.
What to See:
- Underground Sidewalks: Peek inside old storefronts from the 1800s.
- Historical Artifacts: Old signs, furniture, and tools left behind.
- Haunted Legends: Ghost stories of former residents still lingering.
Travel Tip:
Take the Seattle Underground Tour for a guided, safe exploration.
- Cincinnati’s Abandoned Subway – America’s Largest Unused Subway
Why Visit?
This subway system was never completed and has remained abandoned for over 100 years.
What to See:
- Tunnels & Platforms: Walk through eerie, unfinished stations.
- Graffiti & Murals: Stunning urban art inside the tunnels.
- Urban Legends: Stories of lost workers and hidden passageways.
Travel Tip:
The tunnels are officially closed, but occasional guided tours are available.
- Los Angeles Tunnels – A Prohibition-Era Secret
Why Visit?
These underground tunnels were used for smuggling alcohol during Prohibition.
What to See:
- Old Speakeasies: Hidden bars used in the 1920s.
- Mysterious Doorways: Locked passageways with unknown origins.
- Hollywood Connections: Rumored ties to old movie studios.
Travel Tip:
Some tunnels are sealed off, but guided tours provide legal access.
- The Freedom Tunnel (New York) – An Underground Art Gallery
Why Visit?
This abandoned railway tunnel is famous for its graffiti art and history as a shelter for the homeless in the 1980s.
What to See:
- Graffiti by Renowned Artists: Stunning street art, including work by Chris “Freedom” Pape.
- Hidden Messages: Thought-provoking quotes and murals.
- Underground Stories: The tunnel’s use as a refuge for NYC’s homeless population.
Travel Tip:
Exploring this tunnel is illegal and dangerous—view online galleries for a safer experience.
- Portland Shanghai Tunnels – A Dark History of Smuggling
Why Visit?
These tunnels were allegedly used for human trafficking, leading to stories of “shanghaiing” (kidnapping people and forcing them to work on ships).
What to See:
- Underground Bars: Secret speakeasies from the early 1900s.
- Trapdoors & Hidden Rooms: Used to smuggle victims.
- Ghost Tours: Paranormal investigators claim to have captured eerie sounds.
Travel Tip:
Join an official Shanghai Tunnel Tour to safely explore this dark history.
Conclusion
Urban exploration reveals hidden histories and forgotten spaces beneath America’s cities. Whether it’s abandoned subway stations, smuggling tunnels, or secret speakeasies, these underground sites offer a thrilling look at the past.
FAQs
- Is urban exploration legal?
Some tunnels are restricted—always join guided tours to explore legally.
- Are these tunnels safe?
Some areas are structurally unstable. Only explore with a professional guide.
- Can I take photos?
Yes! Many urban explorers document their finds, but check local rules.