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15 Secret Underground Tunnels Across the U.S.

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While cities thrive above ground, some of their most intriguing aspects are hidden below. Deep beneath familiar streets are tunnels shrouded in mystery, used for everything from transport to shelter. Today, you can visit these forgotten paths and experience a different side of city life. Here are 15 U.S. cities with tunnels waiting to be explored.

Portland, Oregon: Shanghai Tunnels

Wikipedia

Beneath Portland’s busy streets is a hidden world waiting to be discovered. The Shanghai Tunnels, once active in transporting goods, now invite you on an exciting underground journey. As you explore the passageways, you’ll uncover stories from Portland’s past—an experience you won’t forget!

Los Angeles, California: Old Subway Tunnels

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Few realize that LA’s old subway system still exists, buried beneath the bustling city. While abandoned since the 1950s, these tunnels hold echoes of the past. On rare occasions, tours are offered, giving urban explorers a chance to step into this forgotten chapter of LA’s transit history. It’s like stepping into a time capsule.

Seattle, Washington: Underground City

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In 1889, the Great Fire of Seattle left the city in rubble. Thankfully, no humans passed, even if a million rats did. Afterwards, “Emerald City” was rebuilt above its original streets and rose again. Today, you can explore those underground remnants through guided tours and glimpse life in early Seattle.

Kansas City, Missouri: Subtropolis

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Kansas City’s Subtropolis isn’t just a storage facility—it’s an entire underground city! Carved out of limestone, this massive network is primarily industrial, but parts are open for public tours. Visitors get a rare look at one of the largest underground business complexes in the world, hidden beneath everyday life.

San Francisco, California: Fort Mason Tunnels

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Beneath Fort Mason in San Francisco lies a series of tunnels with army roots dating back to WWII. These once-secret passageways, built to protect the Bay Area, are now open to the public. You can walk through and imagine the strategic significance these tunnels once held in national defense.

Chicago, Illinois: Freight Tunnels

Wikipedia

Chicago’s freight tunnels, abandoned after a catastrophic flood in 1992, still snake beneath the city. Though access is limited, occasional tours allow curious visitors to explore this forgotten part of Chicago’s infrastructure. It’s a rare chance to see the underground system that once kept the city moving.

Washington, D.C.: Capitol Tunnels

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Connecting government buildings, Washington D.C.’s Capitol tunnels stretch for miles under the city. Though many are restricted, guided tours provide access to a few sections. Visitors walk through these hidden pathways and gain an insider’s view of the inner workings of the nation’s capital.

New York, New York: Freedom Tunnel

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Once part of New York’s freight train system, the Freedom Tunnel now houses graffiti art and urban history. Occasional tours guide visitors through this unique underground space, combining the city’s forgotten industrial past with the vibrant street art that has redefined the tunnel’s purpose.

Houston, Texas: Downtown Tunnels

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Beneath Houston’s downtown, a sprawling network of air-conditioned tunnels connects office buildings, restaurants, and shops. While they lack mystery, these cool passageways offer relief from the Texas heat and a practical route through the city. Curious visitors can explore this unique urban labyrinth through guided tours.

Louisville, Kentucky: Mega Cavern

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Originally a limestone quarry, Louisville’s Mega Cavern is now an underground adventure destination. Visitors can enjoy zip lines, tram tours, and bike trails in this vast subterranean space. It’s a unique spot for thrill-seekers looking for something different, offering a hidden world of excitement beneath the city streets.

Indianapolis, Indiana: Catacombs

Valerie Keinsley, Indiana Humanities/Wikipedia

Underneath Indianapolis’ historic City Market lie century-old catacombs, a fascinating remnant of the city’s past. Although they were never used for burials, these tunnels tell stories of forgotten infrastructure. Today, people can explore them and uncover the hidden history below the bustling market.

Cleveland, Ohio: Veterans Memorial Bridge Tunnels

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Cleveland’s Veterans Memorial Bridge hides an old streetcar tunnel network. Closed to the public except for special tours, these tunnels offer a rare glimpse into the city’s early transit system. Walking through these forgotten passages uncovers a piece of Cleveland’s rich urban history.

St. Paul, Minnesota: Wabasha Street Caves

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Once a hotspot for gangsters during Prohibition, the Wabasha Street Caves in St. Paul hold a hidden world of intrigue. These man-made sandstone caves served as speakeasies, casinos, and hideouts. Today, you can tour the tunnels and hear tales of notorious criminals who found refuge here.

Cincinnati, Ohio: Brewing Tunnels

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Cincinnati’s brewing history lives on in the tunnels that stretch beneath the city, once used to store brews. Today, these cool, underground passageways are open to visitors through guided tours, showcasing the city’s rich brewing past. Step underground and see how Cincinnati helped shape the nation’s culture.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Eastern State Penitentiary Tunnels

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These tunnels are known for their mysterious history, but few know about the tunnels beneath. Built to move inmates discreetly, the underground passages add another layer of mystery to the infamous prison. Visitors can explore them during tours and dig deeper into the chilling stories of confinement and escape.

Written by Castillo Rancon

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