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Decades ago, likely before you were born, your parents and grandparents got to visit places and have experiences that, unfortunately, don’t exist anymore.
The reasons are numerous, but political upheavals, natural disasters and over-tourism are the blame for many of these sights being forever closed to visitors.
Some places, sadly, don’t even exist anymore.
Scroll through these 10 vacation spots people used to enjoy…but that we’ll never see again.
1. Lady Liberty’s Torch, New York City
One of the most popular attractions in New York City, the Statue of Liberty attracts 4 million visitors each year.
Due to increased security, reservations are necessary for a close-up view and a climb to the crown.
But no matter what, access to the torch is forbidden. In 1916, an attack led to its closure…forever.
Photo Credit: needpix.com
2. Sutro Baths, San Francisco
Opened in 1896 by Adolph Sutro, a wealthy entrepreneur, the Sutro Baths was the largest indoor swimming pool in the world.
The baths were actually salt water pools that drew in nearby ocean water. They were incredibly popular, but also hugely expensive to run.
They finally closed in 1965 and mysteriously went up in flames in 1966. Only the ruins of the Sutro Baths are there today.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia
3. New York Hippodrome, New York City
The famous Hippodrome Theater, located in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan, was once the world’s largest theater. Harry Houdini performed there at the height of its popularity.
It finally closed in 1939, and not an office building stands in its place.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
4. Disney’s River Country, Orlando
If you think a river themed water park sounds a little sketchy, you’re not alone.
Disney’s River Country was opened as the first water park at Disney World in 1976, but seemed to go down the tubes in the 1990s. It closed for maintenance in 2001 and never reopened.
It’s still there, but completely abandoned.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia
5. Disney’s Discovery Island, Orlando
River Country is not the only abandoned park at Disney World: Discovery Island was the precursor to Animal Kingdom.
It closed in 1999, and no one knows why.
Photo Credit: Flickr
6. Chacaltaya Glacier in Bolivia
Once one of the highest and most exciting ski resorts in the world, the Chacaltaya Glacier was 18,000 years old when it disappeared due to shifting climate.
By 2009, it was pretty much gone. The lodge stands abandoned.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia
7. Royal Opera House, Valletta, Malta
The Royal Opera House in Valletta, Malta opened in 1866…and burned down six years later. It was fully restored and reopened in 1877.
Then, in 1942 at the height of World War II, the iconic opera house took an aerial hit and was completely destroyed.
The ruins were turned into a performance venue, Pjazza Teatru Rjal.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia
8. Jonah’s Tomb, Nineveh
Yes, that Jonah…swallowed by a big fish, Jonah.
And his tomb was in Iraq, before ISIS destroyed it.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia
9. Vidampark, Budapest
It was one of the first public amusement parks in the world, the Vidampark opened in the 19th century.
Visitors could enjoy the bathhouse, a castle, zoo and a circus. In 1922, a roller coaster was installed.
The park was hugely popular for decades. But it finally closed in 2013, after years of financial decline,.
Photo Credit: Flickr
10. Heritage USA, Fort Mill, SC
This Christian-themed amusement and waterpark was the creation of PTL’s founders and televangelists Jim and Tammy Fae Bakker.
After Jim’s financial and s*x scandals, the park closed in 1989.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia
Even though these places don’t exist anymore, they are still fascinating. Kinda wish you could go back, right?
Have you been to any of these in your lifetime? Let us know in the comments!
