Kentucky is one of the best places to visit since it offers many wonderful places to see, such as the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River and the massive cave system known as Mammoth Cave National Park, for which the state is known.
Kentucky is a diverse state that is ideal for urban explorers. However, it also features the best ghost town, complete with interesting and distinct backstories. The history of each abandoned location is fascinating to learn about, which is why we’ve compiled a list of Kentucky’s top abandoned locations.
Because of the species that grow here, Kentucky is known as Bluegrass. This area is also known for many haunting locations, and even some of the abandoned locations on our list have frightening backstories.
List of abandoned places in Kentucky
1, Old Tyler Distillery (Frankfort)
EH Taylor Jr., the establishment’s founder, founded it in 1887. This location was used for both the production of Bourbon Whiskey and as a tourist attraction. The 82-acre estate has castle-style buildings, stone bridges, and spring homes.
After Taylor’s death in 1922, local control was used to run the property until 1935. It was then sold for $400,000 to a former employee of National Distillers. This location’s owners have changed several times, which has kept it in good shape. Otherwise, this location would be the creepiest.
This location is now owned by two business partners, who have reopened a bourbon whiskey distillery. This location has seen many years of abandonment.
2, Hayswood Hospital
It was established in 1915, and May Peale Wilson, the hospital’s founder, used to run it. People came to the hospital for help with their difficulties because it was well-known. However, after Wilson’s death, the plot steadily shifts to show that this location was no longer in use because there was no one to manage after Wilson.
After a while, the Facility Corporation of America took over the hospital, and the name was changed to Maysville Hospital, in honour of its location in Maysville, Kentucky.
After the building of a new medical centre on the outskirts of town in 1981, and the abandonment of Hayswood Hospital in 1983, tourists now flock here for photography and to hear locals’ haunting stories.
3, Fort Knox
It is one of the best abandoned spots in Kentucky, where you can learn a lot about history and see the authentic tank cemetery. Fort Knox is well-known in the area, and a visit on Memorial Day is well worth it.
On Memorial Day, the military base opens up the restricted area, which is normally off-limits to the public. There are one hundred soldier cemeteries in this location, and it is a significant site for everyone. If you visit on Memorial Day, you can learn more about history.
On regular days, however, this location is also worth seeing because of the interesting tanks that can be seen from the outside and some tanks that can be seen from the inside. These tanks have been here for a long time, and all four of them are completely rusted.
One of the four tanks has a door that is open from above, and guests can observe the machinery and seating within from there. The tanks are surrounded with creepy trees and plants, and some trees are planted inside the tanks.
If you come here, be cautious because anyone can be wounded while watching the tank, and bear in mind that it is rusted.
4, Ouerbacker-Clement House
This mansion was once the most beautiful in the neighbourhood, but it was abandoned after it was not properly cared for, and there are hopes that it will be rebuilt soon. It’s incredible that the city sold this property for $1 to the oracle design in order to get rid of it.
The city had previously invested roughly $100,000 in the restoration of this mansion, but it did not turn out properly, therefore it is now for sale. It has been damaged, and restoring it to its former glory will cost a lot of money.
It was erected in the 1860s and had belonged to a coffee merchant who lived there until his death in 1922, when it became a tax office for more than 70 years. It is in bad form and needs to be repaired as of 2005. It’s worth seeing before it’s renovated because you’ll see an old-style mansion.
5, Merchant ice cold storage
It was built in 1881 and has since served a variety of enterprises. While it was in use, this location experienced a number of alterations. It is 13 floors tall and currently has a lot of storage space. It was a well-known ice and cold storage facility due to its size and the fact that it also produced ice.
A few bricks have fallen down, indicating that the structure needs to be repaired. There was talk of renovating it into a senior living centre before, but that didn’t happen, and the building is now abandoned.
According to current changes, this location may soon be converted into an apartment building. Even after all these years, the building’s name is still visible.
6, William Tar House
It’s one of the best-abandoned houses in town, with Italian styling on the interior, but no one can get inside because it’s surrounded by massive trees and scary plants that have taken over the structure. If someone tries to trespass on this property, it might be dangerous.
Although the structure is in a horrible state, it is still standing, which is a good thing. It was occupied until 1985, after which no one looked after this wonderful home. It’s in Bourbon County, and it’s the ideal area for photography.
A.J Hitt and William Tar, industrialists and mill operators, were the owners. This house is worth seeing, but there are no repair or remodelling updates.
7, Ghost Ship
Locals have given it this name because the ship has not been touched in 30 years and is decaying. It is privately owned, but no one cares about it. It is located in northern Kentucky, along the Ohio River. It currently appears to be rusted and decrepit, although it was once a magnificent steam-powered cruise.
This ship was also used to transport goods and weapons throughout the war, and that is the only history it has. It was returned to people for normal use after the war. You will need a kayak or paddleboat to approach the ship as it is far from the normal side of the river.
So these are some of the best abandoned places in Kentucky that you should visit. And all the places on our list is updated as per the locals and if you know more about these places or some other abandoned places then comment it down below for another reader.
And do read our blog about abandoned places, things to do in, and travel guides for different cities. If you have any queries regarding post or the places then contact us