Exploring the Abandoned Cresson State Prison in Cambria County

See inside the abandoned SCI Cresson in Cambria County PA

If you’re looking for information about the abandoned Cresson State Prison (AKA SCI Cresson, AKA the Haunted Cresson Sanatorium) in Cambria County, you’re in the right place!

Razorwire and Tudor-style architecture at the former Cresson STate Prison in Cambria County.
Razorwire and Tudor-style architecture at the former Cresson State Prison in Cambria County.

Thanks to new, private ownership, you can LEGALLY explore this maze of buildings, some dating back more than 100 years.

Inside the Grace Chapel at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
Inside the Grace Chapel at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

Let me reiterate: THE PRISON GROUNDS ARE NOW PRIVATE PROPERTY – YOU MUST SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT!

Inside a control room at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
Inside a control room at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

Unfortunately, as of the summer of 2023, a legal battle is playing out in the courts between Big House Produce, the hydroponic farmers who also operate the tours of the grounds, and the landlord of the property.

Cresson Sanatorium and Prison social media announcement in June 2023.
Cresson Sanatorium and Prison social media announcement in June 2023.(Image credit: Facebook)

Which means at least for now, all tours of the former Cresson Sanatorium are on hold (I’ll remove these paragraphs if the legal matters are sorted out and tours resume).

Cresson Sanatorium and Prison social media announcement in August 2023.
Cresson Sanatorium and Prison social media announcement in August 2023. (Image credit: Facebook).

In the meantime, please enjoy these photos of the abandoned Cresson State Prison and the accompanying history of the facility.

outdoor basketball court at the former Cresson Sanatorium.
Hoop dreams at the former SCI Cresson.

Brief History of the Abandoned Cresson State Prison

What began as the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium when it opened in 1913 morphed over the years into a state hospital and finally a state prison (SCI Cresson).

Looking out a barred window at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
Looking out a barred window at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

SCI Cresson opened in 1987 as a medium-security correctional facility for male inmates.

A rather non-sympathetic sticker on a lamp at the former SCI-Cresson in Cambria County.
A rather non-sympathetic sticker on a lamp at the former SCI Cresson in Cambria County

SCI Cresson closed June 30, 2013, with the State citing the antiquity of the prison and rising costs of maintaining it as the primary reasons for the closure.

Control panel in A WIng at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
Control panel in A WIng at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

Now SCI Cresson sits mostly abandoned on a parcel of land just off of Route 22 between Altoona and Ebensburg.

Aerial view of the former SCI-Cresson near Altoona.
Aerial view of the former SCI Cresson near Altoona.

I said mostly abandoned because at least part of the former prison grounds is now being used by a new company for a new purpose.

Hydroponic Life sign reflecting the name of the current tenants of the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
Hydroponic Life sign reflecting the name of the current tenants of the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

Hydroponic Life took over the SCI Cresson campus in late 2019 with plans to build hydroponic equipment, grow hydroponic produce and hemp, and develop sustainable energy projects on the property.

Approaching the Grace Chapel on the grounds of the former SCI-Cresson in Cambria County.
Approaching the Grace Chapel on the grounds of the former SCI-Cresson in Cambria County.

Though the day-to-day focus of Hydroponic Life is on growing crops and building equipment for other hydro farmers, they began offering photographers and explorers a chance to tour portions of the former prison in May of 2021, as a way to help offset the costs of restoring vandalized infrastructure more quickly. 

Inside the Grace Chapel at the abandoned Cresson State Prison near Altoona.
Inside the Grace Chapel at the abandoned Cresson State Prison near Altoona.

They are continuing to offer self-guided exploration events throughout 2023 while simultaneously remodeling, cleaning, and protecting the historical buildings at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.


What You’ll See at the Abandoned Cresson State Prison

The portion of the prison grounds made available for tours by the folks at Hydroponic Life (AKA Big House Produce) is MASSIVE!

Aerial view of the abandoned Cresson State Prison complex.
Aerial view of the abandoned Cresson State Prison complex.

Wear study boots and bring a flashlight, so that you are prepared to safely explore the former prison grounds.

Gated entrance at the former Cresson State Prison in Cambria County.
Gated entrance at the former Cresson State Prison in Cambria County.

The tours are self-guided and self-paced, and there is really no right or wrong way to make your way around and through the various structures.

Hallway in one of the cell blocks at the former SCI-Cresson prison in Cambria County.
Hallway in one of the cell blocks at the former SCI-Cresson prison in Cambria County.

You definitely WILL encounter flaking paint, broken glass, dark corridors, and other hazards typical when exploring abandoned buildings, so dress appropriately and come prepared for that.

A cell at the former Cresson State Prison in Cambria County.
A cell at the former Cresson State Prison in Cambria County.

By voluntarily exploring this location, YOU assume the risk of any personal injury or damage to personal property, and shall not hold the author liable for any injuries, losses, or damages that may occur while visiting.

A policy and procedure manual at the former SCI Cresson.
A policy and procedure manual at the former SCI Cresson.

Exploring the Cell Blocks at the Abandoned Cresson State Prison

The cell blocks in the various housing units at the former SCI-Cresson were built in several different eras.

One of the most-recently built cell blocks at the now-abandoned SCI Cresson in Cambria County.
One of the most-recently built cell blocks at the now-abandoned SCI Cresson in Cambria County.

There is no artificial light in any of the buildings, leading to some dramatic natural light and shadow combinations.

Natural light illumintaes a cell block at the abandoned Cresson State Prison in Cambria County.
Natural light illuminates a cell block at the abandoned Cresson State Prison in Cambria County.

Some of the older cells have an enormous amount of peeling paint coming off the ceiling and walls, thus my recommendation to bring a dust mask along.

An older cells at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
An older cells at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

The more modern cells are far “cleaner”, but still not somewhere I’d want to call home!

Two of the more modern cells at the former Cresson State Prison in Cambria County.
Two of the more modern cells at the former Cresson State Prison in Cambria County.

Some of the older housing units are three stories high, while the more modern ones are only two stories high.

Stairwell between cell blocks at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
Stairwell between cell blocks at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

Corrections officers would have controlled access to the housing units at control panels like this one.

A control panel in one of the cell blocks at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
A control panel in one of the cell blocks at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

Inmate phones in the cell blocks were controlled by panels like the one below.

Inmate phone controls at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
Inmate phone controls at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

Corrections officers kept an eye on the cell block from behind reinforced glass windows.

One of the abandoned cell blocks at the former SCI Cresson.
One of the abandoned cell blocks at the former SCI Cresson.

Although some of that glass has since been shattered at the hands of vandals.

Looking at a cell block through shattered glass at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
Looking at a cell block through shattered glass at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

Essentially every building at the former SCI Cresson had some form of access control room.

An access control area at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
An access control area at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

This drinking fountain in one of the older cell blocks once quenched the thirst of the medium-security prisoners housed here.

A drinking fountain at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
A drinking fountain at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

Grace Chapel at SCI-Cresson

Grace Chapel was built in 1914, as part of the original Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium.

Grace Chapel at the abandoned SCI Cresson.
Grace Chapel at the abandoned SCI Cresson.

This might have been my favorite building to explore, as even with the ravages of time and vandalism, it still (fittingly) retains its grace and beauty.

Interior of Grace Chapel at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
Interior of Grace Chapel at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

If you visit, be sure to check out the exquisite small details like this rear door to the chapel.

An exit of Grace Chapel at the former SCI Cresson in Cambria County.
An exit of Grace Chapel at the former SCI Cresson in Cambria County.

A painting of Jesus in the foyer still greets visitors to the chapel as it has for many, many years.

Jesus painting in the Grace Chapel at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
Jesus painting in the Grace Chapel at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

If you like exploring older churches, you’ll enjoy the fine details that went into building Grace Chapel.

Grace Chapel at the former SCI Cresson.
Grace Chapel at the former SCI Cresson.

The Gymnasium at the Abandoned Cresson State Prison

The hardwood basketball court at the former SCI-Cresson is definitely showing its age, although at one time I’m sure it was magnificent.

Mid-court at the former SCI-Cresson gymnasium.
Mid-court at the former SCI-Cresson gymnasium.

No doubt countless pick-up games were played on this court over the years the prison was in operation.

SCI Cresson painted on the gymnasium floor at the now-abandoned prison just west of Altoona.
SCI Cresson painted on the gymnasium floor at the now-abandoned prison just west of Altoona.

One thing I noticed in here was echos of my footsteps seemed just a bit eerie!

Basketball court at the former SCI Cresson in Cambria County.
Basketball court at the former SCI Cresson in Cambria County.

A weight room off the side of the gymnasium is a throwback to the 80s, when multi-station weight machines became all the rage.

Weight room at the abandoned state prison in Cresson.
Weight room at the abandoned state prison in Cresson.

Service Buildings at the Abandoned Cresson State Prison

Housing a large number of inmates means providing an equally large number of ancillary services.

Kitchen at the abandoned SCI-Cresson in Cambria County.
Kitchen at the abandoned SCI-Cresson in Cambria County.

The kitchen (above) and the laundry (below) are just two of the more interesting service areas I explored while visiting the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

Laundry room at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
Laundry room at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

Exploring the Building Exteriors at SCI-Cresson

The Tudor-style structures dating back to the original days as a tuberculosis sanitorium are some of the more interesting building facades at the abandoned prison complex.

A structure from the era of the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium and later SCI-Cresson.
A structure from the era of the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium, later to become SCI-Cresson.

Contrast that with other areas of the prison where the more modern, industrial-style buildings are prominent features.

Building J at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.
Building J at the abandoned Cresson State Prison.

Almost all of the buildings have either a number or a letter emblazoned on them.

Standing outside Building Two at the abandoned SCI Cresson in Cambria County.
Standing outside Building Two at the abandoned SCI Cresson in Cambria County.

No matter where you look, you’ll see plenty of razor wire and chain link fences.

Entering an area of Tudor-style structures left over from the days of the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanitorium.
Entering an area of Tudor-style structures left over from the days of the Cresson Tuberculosis Sanitorium.

I enjoyed seeing the contrast of wildflowers juxtaposed against those fences and razor wire throughout the complex.

Flowers blooming between fences and razor wire at the former SCI Cresson.
Wildflowers blooming between fences and razor wire at the former SCI Cresson.

If you can ignore the fences and razor wire, it’s not hard to imagine yourself on the grounds of a grand English manor in the countryside, at least among the Tudor-style buildings.

One of the Tudor-style structures at the former SCI Cresson abandoned prison.
One of the Tudor-style structures at the former SCI Cresson abandoned prison.

Scheduling a Visit to the Abandoned Cresson State Prison

To schedule your own visit to the abandoned Cresson State Prison, contact Hydroponic Life / Big House Produce at this link.

Basketball court at the abandoned Cresson State Prison in Cambria County.
Basketball court at the abandoned Cresson State Prison in Cambria County.

You can find out more about Hydroponic Life / Big House Produce on their OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

Looking out over the former SCI-Cresson during a tour of the now-abandoned prison.
Looking out over the former SCI-Cresson during a tour of the now-abandoned prison.

The grounds here are so massive that I made a second full-day visit in November of 2021.

Basketball court beneath the Cresson Sanatorium.
Basketball court beneath the former Cresson Sanatorium.

On this visit I got to check out the tunnels that run BENEATH the complex.

Tunnels beneath the Cresson Sanatorium
Tunnels beneath the former Cresson Sanatorium.

As well as the prison power plant.

The power generating station at the former Cresson Sanatorium.
Power generation station.

My trip report from my second visit contains more than 50 new photos as well!

Garage at the auto mechanics school inside the former Cresson Sanatorium in Blair County.
Have a nice day!


Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia was the most famous and expensive prison in the world when it opened in 1829.

Eastern State Penitentiary was designed with a neo-Gothic look to instill fear into those who thought of committing a crime.
Eastern State Penitentiary was designed with a neo-Gothic look to instill fear into those who thought of committing a crime.

The prison closed in 1971, and slowly descended into ruin over the next 20 years.

The halls at Eastern State Penitentiary were designed to have the feel of a church.
The halls at Eastern State Penitentiary were designed to have the feel of a church.

Saved from the wrecking ball and now owned by a non-profit organization, Eastern State Penitentiary operates as a year-round museum and historic site.

A barber's chair at Eastern State Penitentiary.
A barber’s chair at Eastern State Penitentiary.

Looking for even more abandoned places to explore in Pennsylvania that won’t have you running from the law?

Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike Rail Trail at Rays Hill Tunnel.
The Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike Rail Trail at Rays Hill Tunnel in Bedford County.

Then be sure to check out 33 Abandoned Places in PA You Can Legally Visit!

Inside one of the abandoned Alvira bunkers.
One of the abandoned Alvira Munitions Bunkers in Union County.

Road Tripping to the Best Abandoned Places in PA will take you on an epic 819 mile road trip to nine of Pennsylvania’s most intriguing abandoned places.

The Best Abandoned Places in Pennsylvania Road Trip Map.

Nearby Attractions

The Allegheny Tunnel (known originally as the Summit Tunnel) in nearby Gallitzin was the longest railroad tunnel in the world at the time of its completion, at 3,612 feet.

A westbound Norfolk-Southern train exiting the western portal of the Allegheny Tunnel in Gallitzin.
A westbound Norfolk Southern train exiting the western portal of the Allegheny Tunnel in Gallitzin.

Completed in 1854, the Allegheny Tunnel is still in use to this day, and the Gallitzin Tunnels Park next to it is a popular spot for railfans to congregate and watch trains enter and exit this historic tunnel.

Tunnels Park and Museum in Gallitzin, PA.
Tunnels Park and Museum in Gallitzin, PA.

The Admiral Peary Monument in Cambria County honors U.S. Naval officer Robert Peary, a Cresson native credited with being the first explorer to reach the North Pole.

Close-up of the Admiral Peary Monument, portraying him in his fur parka.
Close-up of the Admiral Peary Monument, portraying him in his fur parka.

The World-Famous Horseshoe Curve was considered one of the “engineering wonders of the world” at the time of its completion in 1854.

Westbound train passing through the viewing area at the Horseshoe Curve.
Westbound train passing through the viewing area at the Horseshoe Curve.

In conjunction with the Allegheny Tunnel mentioned above, the Horseshoe Curve allowed trains to cross back and forth over the steep Allegheny Mountains, something that had been impossible before 1854.

One of the many exhibits inside the Horseshoe Curve Museum and Visitor Center.
One of the many exhibits inside the Horseshoe Curve Museum and Visitor Center.

Prince Gallitzin’s crypt in Cambria County contains the remains of a former Russian prince turned trailblazing Catholic priest, Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin.

Prince Gallitzin's crypt in Cambria County, PA.
Prince Gallitzin’s crypt in Cambria County, PA.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.