Abandoned places in CT may not be your first thought when thinking of this picturesque New England state, but maybe it should be. Being one of the original 13 colonies, Connecticut has a lot of history.
And, history often leads to old and abandoned places. We’ve got five creepy, abandoned places in Connecticut to explore — if you dare.
What Is Connecticut Known for?
Connecticut is a state located in the northeastern United States and is well-known for its New England charm and beauty. The state’s capital is Hartford, and its most populated city is Bridgeport. The state is home to Yale University, established in 1701.
Connecticut celebrates its stunning fall foliage, especially near the town of Mystic and the surrounding area. Connecticut’s coastline features many lighthouses and is a popular destination for maritime history buffs.
Visitors to Connecticut can enjoy a variety of historical sites and attractions, as well as plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the state’s natural beauty.
Is it Legal to Explore Abandoned Places?
Abandoned places can be creepy and mysterious, but they can also be fascinating. If you’re interested in exploring abandoned places, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, not every abandoned place in Connecticut (CT) is open to the public and legal to visit. Many of these places are private property, and the owners may not want visitors. However, if you go through the appropriate channels and ask nicely, they may just let you explore.
Second, after exploring, leave the place as you found it. Don’t take any souvenirs with you — respect the owner’s property, even if it is a public place.
Finally, understand your reactions to abandoned places. Some people find them quite creepy, and if you’re putting yourself in an area that adds to the mystery, fear can create havoc and anxiety.
Know what you can handle before you venture into an abandoned place. With these things in mind, exploring abandoned places in CT can be a safe and fun experience.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’re looking for more spooky spots in New England, here’s your guide to the haunted Wilson Castle in Vermont.
5 Scary Abandoned Places in CT You Should Check Out
Connecticut is a great place to visit if you’re seeking out creepy abandoned places. There are abandoned factories, mansions, and even whole towns that have been forgotten and left to decay.
Some of these destinations are private property, so be aware of where you can go. Others are open to the public and welcome explorers of all types.
Grab your camera and your adventurous spirit, and you might just conjure up some ghosts from the past.
#1 Stamford’s Miniature Ghost Town
Location: Stamford, Southwest Connecticut
If you’re ever driving through Stamford, Connecticut, you may not notice the abandoned buildings that dot the landscape. But if you look closely, you’ll see the remnants of a once-thriving neighborhood hiding under I-95, previously known as Lock City.
The Yale & Towne Lock Manufacturing Company was the origin of Lock City in the late 1800s. But when it shuttered its doors in the late 1950s, the neighborhood began its decline. Residents abandoned old buildings, houses, and restaurants, and the area became a shadow of its former self.
It is no longer open to the public. However, if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it, you may still hear the whispers of the vibrant town that Lock City once was.
#2 Fairfield Hills Hospital
Location: Newtown, Southwest Connecticut
About: Nestled in the town of Newtown, Connecticut, is the abandoned Fairfield Hills Hospital. Founded in 1931, it was originally a mental institution and built with tunnels deep beneath the grounds leading staff to confinement rooms, laboratories, and a morgue.
Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, this array of tunnels might make you change your mind. Although, owners blocked off and filled in many of the tunnels from the past.
In 1995, the abandoned hospital closed its doors for good. Despite this, it still holds a lot of history within its walls. Today, the hospital is a popular destination for urban explorers. With many surrounding areas open to the public along with nearby trails, it’s easy to see how this abandoned place in CT is still quite popular today.
But what now makes one of the abandoned places on campus here really popular is a brewery. NewSylum Brewing Company is now up and running in what used to be the old staff dining hall, Stratford Hall.
#3 Aerosol Techniques Factory
Location: Milford, just east of Bridgeport, CT
About: Concealed behind a line of trees in Connecticut is an abandoned factory once used to produce aerosol containers, now reclaimed by nature and graffiti artists. The Aerosol Techniques Factory was founded in the late 1960s and operated into the mid-1990s.
Today, this 176,000-square-feet abandoned factory is a popular destination for everyone. Graffiti now covers the building, and it turned into a makeshift graffiti gallery attracting artists, photographers, and skaters. Currently, up for sale, it is unclear what will become of this once bustling, still creative, immense space.
#4 Johnsonville Village
Location: East Haddam, South Central Connecticut
About: Johnsonville Village was once the Twine Capital of America because of its several twine mills. Owners abandoned the village in the 1960s, and it has remained abandoned ever since.
Today, the buildings on site are full of mystery and make for an exciting ghost town. However, the village is privately owned and not open to the public without permission.
There have been several attempts to revive the village as a tourist destination, but so far, nothing has come of it. A religious organization currently owns it and is trying to make it a destination for worship.
Given the history of this abandoned village, it would be a shame to see it continue to deteriorate. Hopefully, someday somebody will take action to restore this abandoned place in CT.
#5 Abandoned Comet Diner
Location: Hartford, CT, on the corner of Farmington and Laurel
About: The Comet Diner was an iconic structure from the 1940s that owners abandoned for many years. It was first named Aetna, then Comet, then Dishes, and the colorful letters spelling out Dishes that remain today are a reminder of its past glories.
Mary A. Falvey, Executive Director of the Hartford Preservation Alliance, said it perfectly when speaking to the Hartford Courant. She said, “One of the important things about iconic historic buildings like [the diner] is that they connect a neighborhood’s past to the current residents as well as move it forward into the future.”
The new owners hope to turn it back into a lively place serving the people of Connecticut and beyond. With its steel vintage Airstream-like look, the Comet Diner is an iconic landmark many people love. We can only hope that the new owners will bring it back to its former glory.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Connecticut?
There’s something special about visiting abandoned places. They’re like a window into another time when things were different, and people lived their lives in another way.
The best time to visit these abandoned places in CT is during the autumn months when the leaves are changing color, the air is crisp, and the feel of Halloween is in the air. Just dress warmly, as some of these abandoned places can be chilly and spooky.
Explore Connecticut’s Abandoned Places at Your Own Risk
Abandoned places are often shrouded in an air of mystery, and who knows what you might find when you venture into one. Of course, abandoned places can also be dangerous, so it’s essential to use caution and go at your own risk.
But if you’re up for the challenge, there are plenty of abandoned places in CT to explore. Do you dare?
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