16 Public Places That Don’t Exist Anymore

Places we used to visit and enjoy can disappear before we even realize it. Over time, cities grow, nature changes, and public places that once brought joy or purpose may be lost forever. Whether from natural disasters, financial troubles, or political decisions, these spots no longer welcome crowds. Here are 16 public places that once stood proudly but now exist only in memory.

1. Pleasure Island, North Carolina (USA)

Bull-Doser on Wikimedia

Once a lively amusement park, Pleasure Island was a major attraction for families in the mid-20th century. It was hit by hurricanes multiple times, eventually leading to its closure. Today, only rusted remains and memories are left behind.

2. Kowloon Walled City, Hong Kong

Dall E on Wikimedia

This densely packed settlement had thousands of people living in close quarters with little sunlight or rules. It was torn down in 1993 after being labeled unsafe and unregulated. Now, a park stands in its place, but the mystery of its maze-like paths remains legendary.

3. Six Flags New Orleans, Louisiana (USA)

Bob McMillan; edit: Chris Woodrich on Wikimedia

Opened in 2000, the theme park was filled with roller coasters, lights, and music. Hurricane Katrina flooded the entire area in 2005, and it was never reopened. The decaying rides have since turned into a ghost town visited only by urban explorers.

4. Sutro Baths, San Francisco (USA)

Unknown author on Wikimedia

This massive indoor swimming complex was once the largest in the world, built in the late 1800s. A fire in 1966 destroyed what was left after years of decline. Today, ruins sit along the coast, telling silent stories of a once-grand destination.

5. Pripyat Amusement Park, Ukraine

(WT-en) RealLeo on Wikimedia

Set to open on May 1, 1986, the park never welcomed a full crowd due to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The iconic Ferris wheel still stands, unused and surrounded by radiation warnings. It remains a haunting symbol of sudden tragedy.

6. Spreepark, Berlin (Germany)

Jaromír Kavan on Wikimedia

Built in 1969, Spreepark was East Germany’s only amusement park and drew millions. After reunification, attendance fell and debts rose, forcing it to shut down. Now, it’s an eerie space with overgrown paths and rusting rides.

7. The Palisades Amusement Park, New Jersey (USA)

Oleh Mostipan on Pexels

Located above the Hudson River, this park thrilled crowds with rides and concerts from 1898 to 1971. Rising land value led to its closure and the building of high-rise apartments. Only vintage postcards and faded photos tell of its lively past.

8. Crystal Palace, London (UK)

Philip Henry Delamotte, Negretti and Zambra on Wikimedia

Built in 1851, this massive glass structure housed exhibitions and cultural events for decades. A fire in 1936 destroyed it completely, and it was never rebuilt. The surrounding park remains, but the palace itself is just a memory.

9. MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park, Las Vegas (USA)

Nati on Pexels

Opened in 1993 as part of the MGM Grand Hotel, this theme park aimed to bring family fun to Vegas. It quickly lost visitors due to high costs and a low thrill factor. By 2002, it was gone, and the land was used for hotel expansion.

10. The Old Yankee Stadium, New York City (USA)

Henry Parker on Wikimedia

Opened in 1923, this baseball stadium was home to legends like Babe Ruth and Derek Jeter. It was replaced by a new stadium in 2009, and the original was demolished. A public park now sits where home runs once flew.

11. Geauga Lake Amusement Park, Ohio (USA)

Braun Art Publishing Co. on Wikimedia

Opened in 1887, Geauga Lake grew to become one of the largest amusement parks in the world. After ownership changes and competition, it closed in 2007. The site remains empty, with nature slowly reclaiming what’s left.

12. Elitch Gardens Original Location, Denver (USA)

DimiTalen on Wikimedia

The original Elitch Gardens opened in 1890 as a theater and amusement park combination. It relocated to downtown Denver in the 1990s, leaving the old grounds abandoned. Many still remember it as a neighborhood treasure.

13. Penn Station (Original), New York City (USA)

Bonnachoven on Wikimedia

This grand rail station opened in 1910 with marble floors and stunning architecture. It was demolished in 1963 to make room for Madison Square Garden. The loss led to preservation laws for other historic buildings in the city.

14. The Berlin Tempelhof Airport, Berlin (Germany)

Aero Digest on Wikimedia

Built in the 1920s, it was one of Europe’s busiest airports and played a major role during the Berlin Airlift. Closed in 2008, it has since been converted into a public park and event space. The empty runway is now filled with joggers and kite-flyers instead of planes.

15. London’s Newgate Prison, London (UK)

George Shepherd on Wikimedia

Newgate was one of the oldest prisons in England, with a dark and brutal history. It was torn down in 1904 to make space for the Central Criminal Court. Today, few traces remain, but stories of its past still circulate.

16. Astroworld, Houston (USA)

Shuaizhi Tian on Pexels

Opened by Six Flags in 1968, Astroworld entertained Texas families for nearly 40 years. Due to declining profits and land value, it closed suddenly in 2005. Fans still hold reunions to remember the fun-filled park that once stood there.

• Tags:
• Abandoned
• public places
• landmarks
• closed attractions
• forgotten location