One of Pennsylvania’s most notorious and dangerous tourist attractions is Centralia, a near-ghost town in the heart of the state. Centralia’s infamy stems from an underground coal mine fire that has been burning beneath the town since 1962, turning what was once a thriving community into an eerie, hazardous destination that continues to attract curious visitors and dark tourists.
Why Centralia Is So Dangerous
- The underground fire has led to the collapse of roads and the emission of toxic gases, creating an unstable and potentially deadly environment.
- In the early 1980s, a dramatic incident occurred when a sinkhole suddenly opened beneath a 12-year-old boy, nearly swallowing him before he was rescued. This incident became emblematic of the hidden dangers lurking beneath Centralia’s surface.
- Today, the ground remains unstable in many areas, with cracks in the pavement and smoke or steam rising from fissures. There are warning signs throughout the area, and visitors are strongly advised not to stray from safe paths or trespass on state-owned land.
What Remains in Centralia
- The town is largely abandoned, with only a handful of residents remaining. Most of the original buildings are gone, leaving behind empty streets, cracked roads, and the occasional plume of smoke.
- Centralia’s “Graffiti Highway,” once a popular attraction, has now been covered up to discourage visitors due to ongoing safety concerns.
- Despite the risks and lack of formal tourism infrastructure, dozens of people still visit daily, drawn by the town’s haunting atmosphere and tragic history.
Centralia in the Context of Dark Tourism
- Centralia is often cited as a prime example of “dark tourism,” where visitors are attracted to sites associated with death, disaster, or the macabre.
- Unlike other dark tourism sites that may offer guided tours or educational exhibits, Centralia is undeveloped and largely unregulated, increasing the risks for those who choose to explore it.
Safety and Ethical Considerations
- The physical dangers in Centralia are real: unstable ground, toxic gases, and the possibility of sudden sinkholes make it a place better read about than visited in person.
- The town also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of environmental neglect and the long-term impact of industrial disasters1.
Other Notorious Pennsylvania Attractions
While Centralia is perhaps the most dangerous, Pennsylvania is also home to other controversial dark tourism sites, such as the Pennhurst Asylum. Pennhurst, a former institution for people with disabilities, is now a haunted attraction, raising ethical questions about the commercialization of sites with traumatic histories. However, the physical dangers at Pennhurst are less severe than those posed by Centralia’s ongoing underground fire.
If you’re interested in learning more about other dark or haunted sites in Pennsylvania, or want tips on safer places to visit, let me know!
Sources:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgU3ltF4-Ho
- https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-places/americas-most-haunted-hospitals-and-asylums/pennhurst-asylum/
- https://www.dark-tourism.com/index.php/738-centralia
- https://theconversation.com/by-naming-pennhurst-stranger-things-uses-disability-trauma-for-entertainment-dark-tourism-and-asylum-tours-do-too-185581
- https://civilwarghosts.com/pennhurst-asylum/
