Abandoned American Islands You Can Actually Visit

1. Bannerman Island, New York

Shutterstock

Bannerman Island sits in the Hudson River like something out of a fairytale-turned-ghost story. Its centerpiece is Bannerman Castle, a crumbling structure built in the early 1900s by Frank Bannerman VI as a storage facility for surplus military goods. Time and fire have left the castle in ruins, but the remnants still hint at its grandiose past. The island’s history is packed with intrigue, from mysterious explosions to abandoned dreams of grandeur. Today, it’s a fascinating place for guided tours, offering glimpses of gothic architecture surrounded by sweeping river views.

Though technically abandoned, the island is now managed by the Bannerman Castle Trust, which helps preserve what’s left of the castle and its surrounding structures. You can access it via kayak tours or ferry rides, making it a surprisingly accessible trip from New York City. Visitors are free to roam its gardens and explore the remains of the castle, making it an ideal destination for history buffs and photographers alike. Just remember to book in advance—this eerie gem has become quite the hotspot for curious travelers.

2. Dutch Island, Rhode Island

iStock

Tucked away in Narragansett Bay, Dutch Island is a peaceful yet haunting spot with a military history dating back to the Civil War. Once used as a training ground for soldiers, the island housed forts, barracks, and even a lighthouse. By the mid-20th century, the island was completely abandoned, and its buildings were left to weather the elements. Now, its overgrown ruins and quiet beaches make it a favorite destination for kayakers and curious adventurers.

While there are no formal tours or facilities, Dutch Island is open to visitors willing to make the trek. The journey is worth it for the chance to wander among the remnants of old fortifications and take in sweeping views of the bay. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the island’s thriving population of herons and egrets, which have made the deserted land their home.

3. Alcatraz Island, California

Needpix

You’ve probably heard of Alcatraz, but its abandoned prison makes it more than just a tourist spot—it’s a hauntingly beautiful reminder of America’s darker past. Located in San Francisco Bay, the island was home to a maximum-security prison that held some of the country’s most infamous criminals. When the prison closed in 1963, the island was left to nature, with rusting bars and decaying walls standing as silent witnesses to its history.

Today, Alcatraz is open for tours, and it’s one of the most accessible entries on this list. You can explore the prison cells, learn about daring escape attempts, and even stay late for a spooky night tour. Beyond the prison, the island also offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and a thriving population of seabirds. Its mix of natural beauty and eerie history makes it a must-visit destination.

4. North Brother Island, New York

Flickr

Hidden in plain sight near the Bronx, North Brother Island is a time capsule of New York City’s past. Once home to a quarantine hospital, the island has a long and often tragic history. Perhaps its most infamous resident was “Typhoid Mary,” who lived here in isolation for decades. The hospital eventually closed in the 1960s, and nature quickly reclaimed the land, wrapping the abandoned buildings in ivy and vines. Walking its overgrown paths feels like stepping into an apocalyptic movie scene.

Access to North Brother Island is restricted, making it one of the most elusive spots on this list. However, there are occasional guided tours and conservation projects that allow limited public visits. These trips reveal the haunting beauty of the abandoned hospital, decaying brick facades, and bird habitats that have overtaken the island. The stark contrast between its dark history and serene natural beauty makes it an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to visit.

5. Fort Carroll, Maryland

iStock

Sitting in the middle of the Patapsco River near Baltimore, Fort Carroll is a hexagonal artificial island built in the 1840s as a military defense structure. While it was never used in combat, the fort saw a variety of uses over the years, including serving as a potential base for the Navy during World War I. However, it was ultimately abandoned and left to decay, becoming a forgotten relic of military history. Today, it’s home to thousands of nesting birds, adding an unexpected layer of life to the otherwise desolate site.

Though you can’t just stroll onto Fort Carroll, you can explore it by boat or admire it from a distance while kayaking. It’s especially popular among urban explorers and photographers looking for a piece of Baltimore’s history frozen in time. The eerie beauty of its crumbling walls, covered in moss and graffiti, makes it feel like a secret waiting to be uncovered.

6. Cockspur Island, Georgia

iStock

Located at the mouth of the Savannah River, Cockspur Island is a hidden gem with a rich history. It’s home to Fort Pulaski, a Civil War-era fort that played a key role in military innovation thanks to the use of rifled cannons. While the fort has been partially restored and is part of a national monument, much of the island remains untouched and eerily quiet. Trails weave through marshlands and abandoned structures, making it a paradise for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

The island is accessible via a bridge, and once there, you can explore the fort and its surroundings. The mix of human-made ruins and lush natural beauty is mesmerizing, especially during sunrise or sunset. Keep an eye out for the Cockspur Island Lighthouse, a hauntingly beautiful structure standing just off the island’s edge. Though no longer operational, it’s a striking symbol of the island’s seafaring past.

7. East Brother Island, California

iStock

Perched in San Pablo Bay near San Francisco, East Brother Island has a unique combination of abandonment and preservation. Its historic lighthouse, built in 1874, still stands tall, and while it’s now a bed-and-breakfast, the rest of the island feels untouched and removed from modern life. Over the decades, the lighthouse has weathered storms, earthquakes, and neglect, only to be restored by dedicated volunteers.

While you can visit East Brother Island as a guest of the bed-and-breakfast, the surrounding land remains quiet and empty, offering a glimpse of what life might have been like for lighthouse keepers of the past. The isolation, combined with the stunning views of the bay, makes it feel like stepping into another world. Even if you don’t stay overnight, day trips offer the chance to tour the lighthouse and wander the rocky shoreline.

8. Holland Island, Maryland

iStock

Holland Island, located in the Chesapeake Bay, is a powerful symbol of environmental change. Once home to a thriving fishing community, the island has been abandoned since the 1920s due to rising sea levels and erosion. By the early 2010s, only one house remained standing, teetering precariously on the edge of the water before finally collapsing in 2010. Now, the island is little more than marshland, though remnants of its past can still be found.

Accessible only by boat, Holland Island is an eerie but beautiful destination for those interested in the intersection of history and nature. The skeletal remains of homes and piers stand as a stark reminder of how fragile island communities can be. It’s a somber yet fascinating trip, particularly for kayakers and environmentalists looking to understand the ongoing effects of climate change.

9. Cat Island, Mississippi

iStock

Cat Island, located off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, is an unspoiled slice of paradise with a mysterious history. During World War II, it served as a secret training ground for dogs intended to sniff out Japanese soldiers. However, the project was abandoned, and the island was left to return to its natural state. Today, it’s part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, offering visitors pristine beaches, dense forests, and plenty of wildlife.

Though the island’s past may be shrouded in secrecy, its present is all about tranquility and natural beauty. You can reach Cat Island by private boat, and once there, you’ll find opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and even camping. The mix of untouched wilderness and its strange wartime history makes it a unique and rewarding place to explore.

10. McNabs Island, Nova Scotia (Honorable Mention)

iStock

While not technically in the United States, McNabs Island deserves a mention for its proximity to the U.S. and its fascinating history. Located at the entrance to Halifax Harbour, this Canadian island was once home to military forts, shipyards, and even a quarantine station. The island has been abandoned since the mid-20th century, and its ruins are now scattered among thick forests and rugged coastline.

Accessible by ferry or private boat, McNabs Island is a must-visit for anyone in the region. Visitors can explore crumbling forts, rusted cannons, and old foundations, all while enjoying stunning views of the Atlantic. It’s a peaceful yet eerie experience that combines history with the raw beauty of the Canadian Maritimes.

11. Plum Island, New York

iStock

Plum Island, just off the tip of Long Island, is a place shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Once home to the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, it was used for research into livestock diseases for decades. Because of its classified work, the island was off-limits to the public and became the subject of countless conspiracy theories. Now, as plans to decommission the facility move forward, there’s growing interest in preserving its unique ecosystem and historic landmarks.

While the island isn’t fully open to visitors yet, occasional tours offer a glimpse of its history and natural beauty. Plum Island is home to important bird habitats and untouched beaches, making it a fascinating blend of science, history, and wilderness. Its future remains uncertain, but for now, it’s a rare and intriguing destination for those lucky enough to visit.

12. Rattlesnake Island, Florida

iStock

Rattlesnake Island is a small, uninhabited island near St. Augustine that’s steeped in legend. Once rumored to be a pirate hideout, the island later became part of a failed resort project in the mid-20th century. Today, it’s completely abandoned, with only a few remnants of its colorful past remaining. The island is surrounded by calm waters and lush vegetation, making it an ideal spot for kayaking or paddleboarding.

Accessible only by boat, Rattlesnake Island is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature. You won’t find any facilities here, so come prepared to rough it. The combination of folklore, isolation, and untouched beauty makes it an intriguing stop for adventurers and day-trippers alike.

Scroll to Top