American Undergrounds You Can See

Don Wildman shares his advice on how to explore America's underworld.
The urbex world has, over the past decade, exploded as a hobby-passion of many dedicated souls involved in all sorts of pursuits, from historic preservation to destruction photography to just partying in strange and smelly places. This short list is meant as a place to start as a tourist. But it takes only a quick check online to find more determined explorations in the sub-realm—and while I encourage you, I also warn you: it might not be pretty and it is sure to result in bad stains on your clothing.
1. Portland/Seattle
The 19th century Pacific Northwest had a crazy crime tradition called being “Shanghai-ed,” in which an unsuspecting, young male visiting a dockside bar would be kidnapped and knocked out, transported onboard a ship bound for foreign ports, and forced into servitude in exchange for his life. The tunnels where this nefarious crime was conducted still exist -- take a tour in Portland or Seattle.
2. Los Angeles
LA has a past and its not all pretty movie stars and orange trees. Find out how the underworld was integral to rampant corruption.
3. Philadelphia
Over the last 4 centuries, in the City of Brotherly Love, more than a few of those brothers headed below when love was not in good supply. Hidden City Philadelphia offers tours of Philly tunnels.
4. Charleston
This town is such a lovely, quaint array of cobblestone lanes and alleyways, who cares what’s down below? Have a julep and enjoy. But of course there is an underworld if you are one who’s interested.
5. New York City
Start with the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn and go from there. Grapple with the grandeur of the world’s largest and busiest transit system. Then ride somewhere you never planned to go.

Next Up

Safari Fever

The danger of animal watching in Africa is part of its allure.

Australian Outback Tours

The outback is begging to be explored, and we're showing you some of the best ways to do it.

Florida Outdoors Adventures

As appealing as Florida's 663 miles of sandy coastline may be, there's more to the state than the view from a beach towel.

Best Adventures 2014 Advisors

Our advisors pick Travel's Best Adventures 2014.

Extreme Playtime

Who says kids get to have all the fun? Leave them at home and experience some serious thrills for the 18 and over crowd.

Best Adventures 2014

See our advisors recommednations for Travel's Best Adventures 2014.

Extreme Competitions

We'll find grown men riding tricycles in their underwear and bodacious burlesque dancers battling it out in Travel Channel's collection of extreme competitions.

Extreme Races

On your marks, get set, go! Check out the world's wackiest and most extreme races.

World's Tallest Bungee Jumps

Take the plunge! See our list of the world's tallest bungee jumps.

Where to Get an Adrenaline Rush

Get your adrenaline rush with 2014's wildest adventure destinations.

More Creepy Content

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.