If you were to close your eyes and think of a ghost town, what would come to mind? Are you thinking about old, boarded-up buildings and tumbleweeds rolling down dusty trails? Ghost towns always evoke images of the USA’s wild west for me, communities where the people have moved on and the reason for a town’s physical presence no longer exists.

In the 1960s, about 2,000 people lived in Centralia, Pennsylvania, a typical northeastern town largely supported by the mining industry. By 2010, the population had shrunk to just 10 people. To understand why so many people who once called Centralia home would leave—and why hundreds of curious tourists seek it out each year—is best understood through the story of an uncontrollable underground fire that drove people from their houses and still burns to this day.
Centralia: History of an Underground Fire

Centralia’s course was permanently and irreversibly changed in 1962, when an above ground fire slipped beneath the town’s surface. The fire’s origins are debated, but the most commonly reported explanation is that a small group of volunteer firefighters ignited what should have been a controlled burn at the town’s landfill. They failed to fully extinguish the fire, and the fire burned unnoticed into openings that led to the underground coal mines. Once the fire found its way to the coal it was all but impossible to extinguish. For years the residents fought the fire, but their temporary successes always gave way to another billow of smoke that would erupt from underground, further proof the fire still raged beneath their feet.

Over the course of two decades the government’s force battled against the people’s grit. Slowly, more and more people were evicted from their homes, and several lawsuits sought to remove everyone from Centralia. By October 2013, with just 10 people left in the town, the remaining residents settled their lawsuit and won compensation as well as the right to live in their homes for the rest of their lives. While no one can move into Centralia, only death can reduce the population in the future.
Centralia’s history combines elements of sad truth, haunting mistakes, and devastating decisions, so it’s no surprise that the town has found its way into popular culture. The 2006 horror movie Silent Hill, which is an adaption of a video game series by the same name, is loosely based on Centralia and the screenwriter’s fascination with the town.
This video from a local news broadcast shares some additional information, including interviews with former residents.
Why Did We Visit Centralia?

We stopped for about 90 minutes during a drive from Washington, DC to Boston, Massachusetts. Centralia is not far off I-81 in Pennsylvania; we took exit 116 toward Minersville and followed the backroads recommended by both the Waze and Google Maps apps until we arrived in what appeared to be the middle of nowhere. Centralia is about 15 minutes away from the highway, but it looks to be every bit of the ghost town it has become.
What to See in Centralia
► The Graffiti Highway

There is no designated parking area for the graffiti highway; after all, it’s not a true tourist attraction. We saw a few cars parked nearby at a cemetery, and we parked along the side of the road. You’ll need to walk over a large dirt pile (intentionally deposited there to keep people from driving down the road), so wear sturdy shoes if that’s your intended entrance point.
► Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church
If you’re hoping to see a sign of life in Centralia, Pennsylvania, your best bet will be the only church still holding regular services, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church.

► The town Itself
What’s perhaps the spookiest—and the most fascinating—characteristic of Centralia, Pennsylvania is how so much of it has been reclaimed by nature. While taking pictures of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, we looked behind us into the woods and saw several pieces of abandoned furniture poking out of the dead leaves, trees growing from where the upholstery had rotted away. Driving up and down streets we saw a mix of house foundations that were overrun with new growth as well as spaces where houses once most certainly stood, now completely erased by nature’s footprint.
We sometimes lament how humans thoughtlessly pave over forests to build homes and shopping centers, and it’s strange to see the reverse of that, with nature paving over manmade structures. There are still buildings dotting the landscape, although few are in regular use. If you pay close enough attention, you’ll see the homes that are still occupied by the residents who fought to stay in Centralia. We didn’t see the locals, but we saw trucks parked outside of houses with electricity powering interior lights, so it wasn’t hard to know just where life still goes on in a town that was shuttered long ago.
Should You Visit Centralia?
If you are interested in offbeat history, Centralia is a great place to visit. That said, it’s really a destination for responsible travelers who will respect the town, its remaining residents, and the uncertainty and inherent danger that comes with visiting a place deemed unsuitable for human life.
If the lost city of Centralia beckons you as it did us, here are a few tips to consider.
► Observe—but don’t approach—the steam

► Respect the locals
If you do see people working in or around their homes, remember they are not a tourist attraction. Centralia’s history and subsequent demise is their own personal history, and while you may find yourself in a situation where your paths cross and you can ask a question or two, afford the people you encounter their privacy.
► Keep your expectations in check
You won’t find museums, a visitor’s center, or any other tourist conveniences in Centralia, so if you visit remember you likely won’t need more than an hour or two. Centralia is a great stop if you are driving through Pennsylvania, but you may be disappointed if you plan a whole weekend to visit and drive out of your way to do so.
Tips for Getting to Centralia
► Directions to Centralia
Centralia is about two hours northwest of Philadelphia, 90 minutes southwest of Scranton, Pennsylvania, about three hours west of New York City, and a little less than one hour northeast of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path trip from any of those cities, Centralia could be an interesting option.
More Information: Google Maps Location
► Set Peter and Paul Cemetery as your GPS destination

► Hotels and Food in Centralia?
It’s an abandonded town, so you won’t find restaurants or hotels in Centralia, but many neighboring towns have those amenities. Frackville and Pottsville are both close by and have major hotel and restaurant chains.
► How much time to explore Centralia?
Plan on 1-2 hours to explore Centralia. A drive through what remains of the town, a walk along a portion of the graffiti highway, and a visit to the church won’t take any longer than a couple of hours if you go at a relaxed pace.
See Centralia For Yourself
Ready to book a room for your own trip to Centralia? Harrisburg is the closest major city and it’s the state capital. Here are some hotels to consider:
Final Thoughts on Centralia
We were really glad we prioritized a visit to Centralia, Pennsylvania to see what has become a very peaceful, beautiful modern-day ghost town. Standing on the deserted road completely covered in bright artwork amidst a backdrop of dormant trees under the cold November sun felt just as eerie as it sounds.
When we remembered that directly underneath us a powerful fire burned bright, threatening to break free into the world above at any moment, we took a second to appreciate Centralia and its fascinating existence before departing for a more certain safety. Who knows when—or if—Centralia’s fire will threaten the town again, but we can certainly relate to how it can capture your imagination!
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