Centralia PennsylvaniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO


Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Centralia, Pennsylvania.



1. Centralia Ghost Town

EERIE ABANDONED STREETS


Centralia Ghost Town offers visitors a haunting glimpse of a nearly deserted community, with roads and sidewalks overtaken by nature following the infamous underground mine fire. Exploring the remnants, guests can witness upturned curbs, empty lots, and the surreal atmosphere that inspired urban legends and films.


2. Graffiti Highway

VIVID ART ON ASPHALT


Graffiti Highway, once a stretch of Route 61, became an iconic canvas for street art before being covered for safety, but remnants and stories of the vibrant artwork remain a key attraction for urban explorers. Walking its former path, visitors find colorful graffiti amid the backdrop of nature reclaiming the landscape.


3. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church

HISTORIC HILLTOP CHURCH


The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church stands as the last remaining church in Centralia, perched on a hill with scenic views of the surroundings. This enduring place of worship is a testament to the community's faith and history, still holding regular services for visitors.


4. Centralia Cemetery

HAUNTING RESTING GROUND


Centralia Cemetery offers a somber reflection on the town's past, with gravestones standing amid vent pipes once used to release underground gases. The eerie setting and quiet make it a poignant place for remembrance and contemplation.


5. Centralia Municipal Building

HISTORIC CIVIC CENTER


The Centralia Municipal Building remains as a symbol of the former town's local governance and community spirit. Though now surrounded by emptiness, its presence anchors visitors to Centralia's civic history.



6. Smoke Vents and Steam Pipes

UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FEATURE


Smoke vents and steam pipes scattered throughout Centralia release underground gases from the persistent mine fire, creating a surreal and otherworldly sight. These features are reminders of the environmental impact and ongoing subterranean activity beneath the town.


7. Abandoned Foundations and Sidewalks

NATURE RECLAIMS STRUCTURES


The abandoned foundations and sidewalks of Centralia weave through overgrown lots, offering a stark reminder of homes and businesses that once lined these streets. Walking among these remnants, visitors witness firsthand how the town has slowly been overtaken by nature.


8. Old Route 61 Detour

SCENIC OVERGROWN PATHWAY


The old Route 61, rerouted due to ground instability, now serves as a unique trail surrounded by encroaching vegetation and cracked pavement. Adventurers can walk this path to experience the dramatic effects of the mine fire on local infrastructure.


9. Locust Avenue

ICONIC ABANDONED ROAD


Locust Avenue is one of the main streets in Centralia, now deserted and partially reclaimed by plants, offering an iconic photo opportunity. Visitors can walk its silent length to reflect on the lives once lived here.


10. Remaining Residential Homes

ISOLATED FAMILY RESIDENCES


A handful of residential homes still stand in Centralia, scattered among empty lots and enveloped by silence. These houses serve as living reminders of Centralia's shrinking community and resilience.



11. Centralia War Memorial

TRIBUTE TO VETERANS


The Centralia War Memorial honors local veterans and sits quietly in the shadow of the town's unusual fate. It provides a dignified spot for reflection and remembrance amidst the surrounding desolation.


12. St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church Site

HISTORIC CHURCH RUINS


The site of St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church, once a cornerstone of the community, now consists of foundation remains and commemorative markers. Visitors can explore this site to understand the cultural and spiritual heritage lost to the mine fire.


13. Centralia Time Capsule

BURIED TOWN LEGACY


Centralia's time capsule, scheduled to be opened in 2066, is buried near the municipal building and contains mementos from the town's heyday. It stands as a symbol of hope and remembrance for the future.


14. Centralia Post Office Site

HISTORIC POSTAL LANDMARK


The former Centralia Post Office site marks where the town once received its daily communications and connections with the outside world. Though the building is gone, visitors can imagine the hustle of community life that once centered here.


15. Abandoned Pavilion Park

OVERGROWN RECREATION GROUND


Abandoned Pavilion Park, formerly a community recreation area, is now overtaken by wild growth but still features traces of old benches and play spaces. This quiet setting allows visitors to ponder how children once played in these now-silent fields.