Forgotten Ohio: 9 Abandoned Places Nature is Reclaiming

There are several abandoned places in Ohio that today are mere moss-covered skeletons of the once impressive man-made structures they once were. Throughout the state, many of what were once thriving tourist destinations and bustling production sites are now overgrown with ivy and rusting away. You have to look close to find them – and once you do, you can’t always get too close. Believe it or not, the following nine places lie hidden throughout the state:

Aurora, OH 44202, USA

Nicholas Eckhart/Flickr

Gone are the days of coasters and water slides at this former amusement park in Aurora. Its remaining rides and attractions were removed from the site and sold circa 2008, although news finally came in 2020 that this site would be redeveloped as housing. Can you imagine making memories where so many families made memories over the years?! This former site and the blue waters of Geauga Lake are located in Aurora, OH.

Learn about the history of Geauga Lake:

bill baker/Flickr

This neighboring park to Geauga Lake in Aurora is also no more. Six Flags purchased this 1970s landmark from SeaWorld just after the turn of the century, but it most recently operated as Wildwater Kingdom under the Cedar Fair company. While nature spent years reclaiming this site, it was also snagged for development in 2020.

See what it’s like to explore this abandoned marine park:

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Boston, OH 44264, USA

Andrew Borgen/Flickr

The Summit County community of Boston Township is nicknamed "Helltown" due to a series of mysterious circumstances. Hauntings, abandoned houses (left behind when the government seized local land to create the national park), and even chemical spills and mutant creatures are said to be identifiers of this community. Watch for abandoned sites in the woods as you drive through Boston Township, OH 44141.

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Chippewa Lake, OH 44215, USA

Dana Beveridge/Flickr

This abandoned amusement park in Medina County is a remnant of the summer days of yore. Many memories were made here, and for years they were left crumbling with the remains of roller coasters and other attractions. In 2020, it was announced that this long-beloved piece of land would be reborn as a community park. It will take a few years before it opens to the public, but you will soon be able to visit it near Chippewa Lake, OH 44215.

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Moonville Tunnel, Hope-Moonville Rd, McArthur, OH 45651, USA

Panama/Flickr

The ghost town of Moonville in Vinton County hasn't had residents since the 40s. Today, a chunk of it still stands, including the purportedly haunted Moonville Tunnel. You can find it at Hope-Moonville Rd, McArthur, OH 45651.

Learn about the history of Moonville:

Ohio 93, OH-93, Roseville, OH, USA

Justin Masterson/Flickr

What's creepier than an abandoned prison? Trick question. Nothing. This spooky site sat largely abandoned following its closure in 1966, and it is now private property today. You can spot this destination off of OH-93, Roseville, OH, 43777.

8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, USA

Andrew Borgen/Flickr

This abandoned electric company building can be found near the ruins of the old gristmill at the top of Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Find it near 8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills Township, OH 44067.

City Field Park, Canton, OH 44702, USA

Benjamin Lehman/Flickr

This long-abandoned site is now known as City Field Park in Canton. A few remaining pieces of this former children's park are still on-site, including Willy The Whale from old Mother Goose Land. Find City Field Park in Canton, OH 44702. 

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Ohio and Erie Canal Lock 11, 5871-5899 Pickerington Rd NW, Carroll, OH 43112, USA

Bob Jenkins/Flickr

All throughout Ohio, you can find locks of the former Ohio Canal. Though the canal is no longer in use, its old Towpath Trail is now a long stretch of hiking path that runs throughout a chunk of the state. You can easily connect with this history in the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation at 4524 E 49th St, Cleveland, OH 44125.

Many of these beautiful abandoned places in Ohio have been reclaimed by both nature and man. Some of these abandoned Ohio places enjoy a totally new life as something different, or they soon will. Do you remember any of the old amusement parks on this list? Tell us in the comments!

Want to explore yet another of the creepy places in Ohio? Swing by Squire’s Castle near Cleveland, which is free to visit and is open to the public. I’d say it’s time to book a trip to Cleveland and check it out in person.