Abandoned places in Texas are hiding in practically every nook and cranny of the state, both in major cities and along desolate highways. The legendary Houston Astrodome is one of them, and it’s truly striking to see how such a legendary building has fallen into an alarming state of disrepair. Take a look inside:
Built in 1965, the Houston Astrodome is one of the most recognizable structures in the world.
Carol M. Highsmith via Wikimedia Commons
This historic landmark was the world’s first multi-purpose, domed sports stadium, and it served as home to several sports teams - including the Houston Astros - over the years. The stadium also hosted the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo from 1966 until 2002.
EricEnfermero via Wikimedia Commons
Several other “firsts” can be attributed to the Astrodome, including the installation of the artificial grass now known as AstroTurf.
Bill Wilson/Flickr
The Astrodome also boasted the world’s first animated scoreboard, known as “Astrolite.”
Bill Wilson via Wikimedia Commons
In 2002, NRG Stadium opened adjacent to the Astrodome, taking away its last major tenant, the rodeo. After that, it hosted events sporadically and was also used as a shelter for displaced New Orleans residents during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Glen Campbell/Flickr
Today, the Astrodome is a far cry from the high-energy entertainment venue it once was. After being declared non-compliant with the fire code by the Houston Fire Department in 2008, the stadium’s rows, once packed with cheering fans, gave way to empty seats that slowly began succumbing to the elements.
Jonathan Haeber/Flickr
Parts of the building were demolished in 2013, and it has sat abandoned ever since. A restoration plan was approved in late 2016; however, it was scrapped three years later by Commissioners Court Judge Lina Hidalgo.
Jonathan Haeber/Flickr
No new plans have emerged to save the Astrodome. However, the city seems equally unhurried to fully tear it down. For the time being, at least, this once-legendary icon will continue to harbor the memories created in its heyday.
Jonathan Haeber/Flickr
Watch this interesting mini-documentary about the history and current state of the Astrodome in Houston:
Please note: we do not recommend actually going inside the abandoned Astrodome, as it is likely unsafe and definitely illegal to do so.
Carol M. Highsmith via Wikimedia Commons
EricEnfermero via Wikimedia Commons
Bill Wilson/Flickr
Bill Wilson via Wikimedia Commons
Glen Campbell/Flickr
Jonathan Haeber/Flickr
Watch this interesting mini-documentary about the history and current state of the Astrodome in Houston:
Did you know the Houston Astrodome was abandoned? What other abandoned places in Texas are worth noting? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a nearby underwater train ride that’s anything but creepy.
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Address: Astrodome, Houston, TX, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
More abandoned places in Texas January 28, 2023 Chris Muras Is the Astrodome still standing? The Huston Astrodome is indeed still standing. If you’ve ever wondered why the city doesn’t tear the Astrodome down since the NRG Stadium was now built over 20 years ago, it’s because the Astrodome is classified as a state antiquities landmark. In 2017, the Texas Historical Commission made this designation which prevents the dome from being torn down. What are some abandoned places in TX? Some of the most historic abandoned places in Texas include: Douget’s Rice Mill, Beaumont, TX: The Doguet’s Rice Milling Company has been producing rice since 1920 and their former mill now sits abandoned - many believe it to be haunted by former employees who suffered terrible accidents on the job. Baker Hotel, Mineral Wells, TX: The Baker Hotel has been shut down since 1972. Its heyday was in the 1920s and 30s when it was a popular destination because of the healing waters of Mineral Wells. Water Wonderland, Odessa, TX: There isn’t a more creepy abandoned place than a once thriving children’s amusement park. Water Wonderland has been abandoned since the mid-1990s. Mosheim School, Mosheim, TX: This abandoned K-12 school was built in the 1920s, but it didn’t turn out to be the driving center of education as it was hoped. In all of its years of operation, it never had a graduating class larger than a handful of students. Dr. White’s Sanitorium, Wichita Falls, TX: The name alone sounds like it comes straight from a Stephan King novel, but this once progressive home for the mentally ill is now only filled with ghosts. Read more about the history of these abandoned places in Texas and several more in this article of 13 abandoned Texas places.
The OIYS Visitor Center
More abandoned places in Texas
January 28, 2023
Chris Muras
Is the Astrodome still standing? The Huston Astrodome is indeed still standing. If you’ve ever wondered why the city doesn’t tear the Astrodome down since the NRG Stadium was now built over 20 years ago, it’s because the Astrodome is classified as a state antiquities landmark. In 2017, the Texas Historical Commission made this designation which prevents the dome from being torn down. What are some abandoned places in TX? Some of the most historic abandoned places in Texas include: Douget’s Rice Mill, Beaumont, TX: The Doguet’s Rice Milling Company has been producing rice since 1920 and their former mill now sits abandoned - many believe it to be haunted by former employees who suffered terrible accidents on the job. Baker Hotel, Mineral Wells, TX: The Baker Hotel has been shut down since 1972. Its heyday was in the 1920s and 30s when it was a popular destination because of the healing waters of Mineral Wells. Water Wonderland, Odessa, TX: There isn’t a more creepy abandoned place than a once thriving children’s amusement park. Water Wonderland has been abandoned since the mid-1990s. Mosheim School, Mosheim, TX: This abandoned K-12 school was built in the 1920s, but it didn’t turn out to be the driving center of education as it was hoped. In all of its years of operation, it never had a graduating class larger than a handful of students. Dr. White’s Sanitorium, Wichita Falls, TX: The name alone sounds like it comes straight from a Stephan King novel, but this once progressive home for the mentally ill is now only filled with ghosts. Read more about the history of these abandoned places in Texas and several more in this article of 13 abandoned Texas places.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Huston Astrodome is indeed still standing. If you’ve ever wondered why the city doesn’t tear the Astrodome down since the NRG Stadium was now built over 20 years ago, it’s because the Astrodome is classified as a state antiquities landmark. In 2017, the Texas Historical Commission made this designation which prevents the dome from being torn down.
What are some abandoned places in TX?
Some of the most historic abandoned places in Texas include:
Douget’s Rice Mill, Beaumont, TX: The Doguet’s Rice Milling Company has been producing rice since 1920 and their former mill now sits abandoned - many believe it to be haunted by former employees who suffered terrible accidents on the job.
Baker Hotel, Mineral Wells, TX: The Baker Hotel has been shut down since 1972. Its heyday was in the 1920s and 30s when it was a popular destination because of the healing waters of Mineral Wells.
Water Wonderland, Odessa, TX: There isn’t a more creepy abandoned place than a once thriving children’s amusement park. Water Wonderland has been abandoned since the mid-1990s.
Mosheim School, Mosheim, TX: This abandoned K-12 school was built in the 1920s, but it didn’t turn out to be the driving center of education as it was hoped. In all of its years of operation, it never had a graduating class larger than a handful of students.
Dr. White’s Sanitorium, Wichita Falls, TX: The name alone sounds like it comes straight from a Stephan King novel, but this once progressive home for the mentally ill is now only filled with ghosts.
Read more about the history of these abandoned places in Texas and several more in this article of 13 abandoned Texas places.
