5 CREEPY AND UNIQUE ABANDONED MILITARY BASES

You’ll find hundreds of military bases throughout the world for the United States, yet, there are plenty of facilities that are no longer in use. Abandoned military bases are a part of closures that are a natural order of an evolving force. Other bases are abandoned for reasons such as mismanagement and more. They’re creepy reminders in many cases of the defenses necessary to maintain freedom. Below, we’re breaking down five interesting installations no longer in use by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

Suggested read: The 3 Most Secret Military Bases In the U.S.

Five Abandoned Military Bases Near and Far

Some you can visit, others you’re unlikely to even find. Abandoned military bases come in many different forms. If you’re looking for creepy abandoned military bases, we’ve got you covered. Here are five installations that once served American interests:

1. Camp Century

The abandoned Arctic military base known as Camp Century is found in a location that might not be in another galaxy but is still far, far away from most.

Created in Greenland as a part of Project Iceworm, the underground icy facility was to remain a secret until it was accidentally discovered by explorers.

Despite the remote location and plans for usage during the Cold War, it wasn’t a long-term solution. However, the United States did operate the facility from 1959 until 1967.

There were 21 tunnels positioned to provide troops cover from potential Soviet forces and ultimately to remain undetected while maintaining strategic proximity in case of war.

Today, the remains of an abandoned Arctic military base are buried in the cold of Kalaallit Nunaat, though thankfully, the nuclear reactor was removed when the facility evacuated.

However, about 100 miles away from the abandoned military base, you can find the most northern base America is known to have. Previously known as Thule Air Base, Pituffik Space Base remains a vital part of our national defense.

Location: Greenland

2. George Air Force Base

There are more abandoned military bases in California than any other state but around 75 miles of northeast LA, you’ll find one of the creepiest calling the Golden State home.

What once was a military community, thriving with families, is now simply remains. However, the George Air Force Base was once a strategic site during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War.

Named after World War I Ace Brigadier Gen. Harold Huston George, the base was a noted flying school preparing pilots for many roles, with a particular focus on the Tactical Air Command, and the Air Combat Command.

Through the years, the base operated effectively, but after the Cold War, it was vacated. President Bill Clinton tried cleaning up the area to give it back for public use in efforts that failed.

This effort was a failure because of the proposal of public involvement that didn’t go over well. As a result, there are many hazardous sites and contaminated water sites in the area.

Sadly, many women who served in the U.S. Air Force and the wives of those who served at George Air Force Base, have reported a number of health issues including cancer, birth defects in children, hysterectomies, miscarriages, ovarian cysts, and uterine tumors.

Location: Victorville, California

3. Grafenwoehr Post

In total, there have been more than 220 abandoned U.S. military bases in Germany over the years, with plenty having a case for being the creepiest installation around.

Furthermore, one thing that makes the creepy activity involving Grafenwoehr Post so unique is that the ghostly activity it’s known for is actually a few miles east.

In Freihung, a town 10 miles away, you may find Die Weisse Frau, or "The White Lady," haunting the streets at night.

The story goes that during medieval times, there was a castle where the Gasthaus Alte Post now stands and it was owned by a woman who died from unnatural causes.

Many people have found The White Lady in the underground mining tunnels, but after they were destroyed, her soul still could not rest and is seen throughout the streets.

Depending on when you find The White Lady of Freihung, she may have two other friends with her appearing as phantoms believed to be two wealthy sisters who were trapped in a castle swallowed by the Earth after one of them cursed the property.

There are potential witches and even the devil himself involved in various folklore throughout the region. Maybe it’s nothing, but Soldiers have reported paranormal activity throughout the years.

Location: Grafenwöhr, Germany

4. Nike Missile Base (Hillcrest Park)

Of all of the abandoned military bases in Wisconsin, the Nike Missile Base is one of the most unique. This is because you can easily visit the area and get in a bit of recreation while doing so.

In Waukesha, Wisconsin, the abandoned Nike missile site is nestled within Hillcrest Park. Tucked away amidst homes and apartment buildings, the park is not easily noticeable from nearby Main Street. Yet, just feet away, visitors can explore remnants of recent history.

The site, active from the mid-1950s until the early 1970s, housed missile launching pads and ground radar equipment aimed at protecting the Midwest during the Cold War era.

Strategically located, the site was one of eight with missiles poised to intercept any threats aimed at the region, primarily targeting areas near Oshkosh and further north.

Eventually, the Nike Missile Base in Hillcrest Park was gifted to the city of Waukesha after cleanup efforts and stands as a testament to a bygone era.

Visitors can still find a large bunker with massive doors, evoking memories of tense moments like the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin

5. Harris Neck Army Airfield

You can find one of the abandoned military bases in Georgia around 30 miles south of Savannah, Georgia. The Harris Neck Army Airfield, originally named Dickinson's Neck, was built in 1930 as an emergency site for commercial and airmail planes until the U.S. Army purchased it in 1941 before closing it to the public a year later.

It was used to train Pilots and would end up being transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1945. However, this would be the beginning of the end. Not only did the Navy operate the area as a county airport in 1946 in a remote location, which caused issues, mismanagement would follow.

Due to county mismanagement, the airport was transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) but it would inevitably become abandoned altogether.

The aftermath of the Harris Neck Army Airfield had its positives and negatives. While the property became a migratory bird refuge, now known as the Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge, many residents were displaced as a result and remained that way.

Today, remnants of the former airfield, including cracked asphalt runways and munitions bunkers, serve as evidence of its past. Efforts by former residents and descendants to return to their land while minimizing disruption to the wildlife refuge continue.

Location: McIntosh County, Georgia

How Many Abandoned Military Bases Are in the U.S.?

There are around 200 abandoned military bases in the United States and some of its territories; however, this number is just an estimate. Between base realignment and strategic needs, the figure can vary. Furthermore, the total tally is elevated when assessing American bases in territories and countries no longer in American control.

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