Like any city that experienced an industrial boom and rapid slow-down, Cleveland is a modern urbex dream. There’s abandoned buildings everywhere, from massive warehouses to tiny homes. Every city has rumors of underground tunnels: the idea is so full of mystery and adventure, kids and adults alike enjoy the intrigue. But Cleveland actually does have abandoned underground tunnels. These tunnels were part of the Cleveland subway system that used to link west Cleveland to downtown.

The Detroit-Superior subway line was operational until 1954.

Twice a year, on Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends, you can take a self-guided tour of some of Cleveland's transport history.
Erik Drost/Flickr
The trip is a little bit eerie, but beautiful. The tour takes you across the under-level of the Detroit-Superior and Veteran's Memorial Bridges, which gives you great views of the city and river. But the real hidden gem is the Detroit-Superior Subway.
Benjamin Lehman/Flickr
The Cuyahoga County Engineers Office is now responsible for the abandoned subway tunnels.
Craig Hatfield/Flickr
On opening days, volunteers will guide you to the entrance.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Walk down the same steps that your parents and grandparents might have walked down over 60 years ago. Some years, the Engineers Office plays music from the era of operation as you descend the stairs. Listen to the big band fade into the distance as you wander further underground.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Some of the details from the old subway were never removed, like this sign. The original tiling on some of the walls reflects camera flashes. Many old pipes that could not be removed, or did not require removal still run along the ceilings and walls.
Timothy Neesam/Flickr

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The star attraction of the old subway system is this original train car which has been left in the abandoned tunnels.
Erik Drost/Flickr
It's fun to imagine this brightly painted train car approaching the station platform all those years ago.
Erik Drost/Flickr
If you need any extra help imagining, here is a picture of the car in operation.
Craig Hatfield/Flickr
The decay is stark, but it's easy to see that these tiles and arches were impressive and beautiful in their day.
Craig Hatfield/Flickr
Wander around at your own pace, exploring the nooks and crannies of the subway. Try to picture it bustling with crowds of commuters, or after a game downtown!
Valerie Tyler/Flickr
The Veteran's Memorial Bridge was regular host to Ingenuity Fest until 2016 when it was moved to a more permanent location. This was one of the most unique ways that Cleveland combined its history with its future.
Tim/Flickr
There's something fascinating about the quiet tunnels, and the reminder that what we build remains, even after we've abandoned it. It makes you wonder what else is hidden under the city.
infowidget/Flickr

Have you been in the abandoned Cleveland subway systems tunnels? Maybe you or someone you know remembers the subway when it was still operational. We’d love for you to share your stories and pictures with us in the comments! You love love learning about Clevelands past, you might be interested in our Cleveland history road trip.

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More to Explore

Adventures in Cleveland

Sara Dager | October 11, 2022

Are there other abandoned places to visit in Cleveland? 

There are so many neat abandoned places in Cleveland to check out. As we said earlier, this city really is the dream of an urban explorer, and it's our hauntingly beautiful abandoned spaces that make it such. A visit to the now crumbling National Acme industrial plant will remind you of America's rich industrial past, and its massive size means there is a lot to be seen. Or you can visit the Warner and Swassey observatory that's just a little bit outside of Cleveland. This now defunct observatory is still quite the site with its large dome, and is a sad reminder of the views that city light pollution has taken from us. Only In Your State also put together a Cleveland road trip that takes you to multiple abandoned sites in just an hour of driving!

Does Cleveland have any haunted places to visit? 

Believers and skeptics alike will enjoy visiting some of the most haunted places around Cleveland. A trip to Franklin Castle is guaranteed to scare the pants off of you. Believed to be the most haunted house in Ohio, this home saw six tragic deaths, and many claim to have encountered spirits. While you can't enter the building, just standing in its shadow is quite intimidating, and you never know what or who may walk past the windows. Another famed sight of hauntings in Cleveland is the House of Wills, a former funeral parlor. If you do your research you may be able to catch a tour of this terrifying spot that has a history as a hospital and speakeasy. So many spirits have been spotted here!

What hidden gems does Cleveland have? 

Not everyone loves a crowd, so finding some of the hidden gems in Cleveland is the perfect way to explore the city but avoid the masses. Perfect for all seasons but even more ideal when gloomy weather is getting you down is the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse. There is an entire acre of dreamy and lush plant life inside the cozy greenhouse and three more acres outside. Another great choice is checking out the stunning Sanctuary Museum. This space looks like a church, but inside is a museum designed to protect and restore religious work. The collections hold statues, paintings, holy relics, and more.

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