The Haunted Cresson Sanatorium in Cambria County is without a doubt one of the coolest places I’ve had the pleasure to explore in recent years!
I was among the first groups of people to able to LEGALLY tour the massive compound back in June 2021 (you can read my trip report and see my gallery of photos from that visit here).
When I heard some additional areas of the complex had been opened to visitors (including tunnels BENEATH the facility), I simply had to make a return trip!
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.
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).
In the meantime, please enjoy these photos of the “haunted Cresson Sanatorium” and the accompanying history of the facility.
Brief History of the Cresson Sanatorium
The Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium treated more than 40,000 patients suffering from tuberculosis between 1913 and 1964.
The sanatorium opened as both a hospital and long-term residential care facility, to treat both individuals and entire families who had tuberculosis.
The Cresson Sanatorium was called “The San” by those who worked and spent time there as patients.
The impressive Tudor-style buildings at “The San” made it look more like a college campus than a hospital complex.
As new medications became available to treat TB in the 1960s, the sanatorium morphed into a state hospital to care for the mentally-challenged.
In the early 1980s, the purpose of the facility once again changed.
SCI Cresson opened in 1987 as a medium-security correctional facility for male inmates.
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.
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.
Hydroponic Life / Big House Produce is also who now hosts the tours of the former sanatorium/state hospital/prison, and you can check on the latest tour dates and events being offered at their official ticketing site.
What’s New on the Cresson Sanatorium Tour
The recently-opened tunnels beneath the former sanatorium were one of the main reasons I wanted to revisit the property.
Running between the chapel and several of the older buildings at the complex, the tunnels at the former Cresson Sanatorium are easy enough to navigate but PITCH BLACK inside, so definitely bring a flashlight if you plan to visit and explore them.
The power plant at the former sanatorium and prison was another new sight to see.
The complexity of the power plant was beyond my comprehension, but if this sort of industrial operation is of interest to you, then there’s plenty here to geek out over!
Exploring the Older Buildings at the Cresson Sanatorium
On my first visit to the former Cresson Sanatorium and SCI Cresson back in June, I spent a great deal of time exploring the various cell blocks.
This time around I wanted to spend more time exploring the oldest buildings at the complex, namely the stately, Tudor-style buildings.
Aside from their historical significance, they’re simply beautiful buildings to look at and appreciate.
If it weren’t for the bars on the windows, the older buildings at the former Cresson Sanatorium could be mistaken for college dorms, at least from the outside.
Classrooms at the Cresson Sanatorium
The original Cresson Sanatorium and the later SCI Cresson offered various classes to patients, employees, and inmates.
Many of these classrooms have survived, albeit in various states of disrepair.
Judging from the number of classrooms with maps, geography was apparently an emphasis at the former Cresson Sanatorium and SCI Cresson!
As with classrooms and workplaces today, motivational posters found their way into the former Cresson Sanatorium.
The Body Shop at SCI Cresson
During the SCI Cresson era at the property, the prison ran an auto body repair training program for inmates.
Since the program would have ended less than a decade ago, it’s likely that some alumni of this school are working in the field of auto body repair even today.
Next to the auto body shop you’ll find the former SCI Cresson auto mechanics school.
Only the silhouettes of the tools remain today, along with some miscellaneous small parts scattered about.
The garage at the SCI Cresson auto mechanics school would have been a bustling place in its prime.
Today, it’s the final resting place for a lone engine block.
And this sweet wolf painting on a cabinet that I’m guessing was done by someone from the neighboring auto body shop.
Medical Facilities at the Cresson Sanatorium
For a facility that started as a hospital, it’s not surprising to find various medical devices and healthcare-related offices scattered around the Cresson Sanatorium and SCI Cresson campus.
If you already have a fear of visiting the dentist, this scene at the former Cresson Sanatorium isn’t going to help matters much!
This abandoned X-ray table is one of the more interesting pieces of medical paraphernalia the state apparently just walked away from when the prison closed down.
The line for medications formed outside Building 4 at the former SCI Cresson.
While inside, those inmates who needed more care would have been housed in one of these cells.
Recreational Facilities at the Cresson Sanatorium
Basketball was apparently a big deal at the former TB sanatorium and state prison, as 2 large indoor basketball courts can be found on the grounds.
Both courts appear to have been beautiful in their prime, probably nicer than the one at my high school growing up.
There are also an abundance of outdoor basketball hoops scattered around the complex.
If you needed to work on your physical strength, this old Universal machine would have come in handy.
Prison Scenes
Since the final official use of this property (prior to Hydroponic Life coming on the scene) was as a state prison, there are plenty of reminders of what that life must have been like, both for inmates and staff.
Relics of the “tools of the trade” abound.
Plenty of training manuals and miscellaneous paper work are strewn about abandoned offices.
The entrance to this office was painted with a flair for the outdoors.
While this wall mural conjures up images of New Orleans.
It’s hard to imagine how many steel bars went into converting this former sanatorium and hospital into a prison.
Or how many miles of razor wire.
The chapel is one of the very few reminders of “life outside” to be found inside the fences of the former SCI Cresson.
While this shoe shine stand just seems totally out of place.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I got a LOT out of my second visit to the Cresson Sanatorium.
Not only did I get to see a bunch of new things, but being more familiar with the grounds I was able to relax and enjoy the experience and exploration even more.
If you want to schedule you own visit to the former Cresson Sanatorium and SCI Cresson, check out the Hydroponic Life/Big House Produce official ticketing page for details on upcoming events.
Related Attractions
Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia was the most famous and expensive prison in the world when it opened in 1829.
The prison closed in 1971, and slowly descended into ruin over the next 20 years.
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.
If the old and abandoned is your cup of tea, then you MUST check out 33 Abandoned Places in PA You Can Legally Explore!
From abandoned superhighways to forgotten cities, you’re sure to find something amazing to experience and enjoy!
Nearby Attractions
Prince Gallitzin’s crypt in Cambria County contains the remains of a former Russian prince turned trailblazing Catholic priest, Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin.
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.
The Gallitzin Tunnels are a trio of historic railroad tunnels through the Allegheny Mountains in the small town of Gallitzin, named in honor of Prince Gallitzin.
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