Each year, four million tourists visit Liberty Island in New York to witness the iconic Statue of Liberty. If you are up for an adventure and don’t mind a challenging climb, you can make a reservation (months in advance) to access the crown. However, access to the torch, which was damaged in an explosion in 1916, has been closed for over a century. Although it was repaired in 1984, it remains inaccessible to visitors.
The torch has not been reopened to visitors since its repair in 1984.
The Eye of the Needle
The Eye of the Needle, a well-known sandstone arch near the Missouri River close to Fort Benton, Montana, was a popular spot for visitors due to its unique isolated location by the river. However, after Memorial Day Weekend in 1997, park rangers discovered that the arch had collapsed. Near the debris, they found discarded beer bottles and trash, suggesting possible vandalism. The arch had stood for over 10,000 years, and its sudden collapse remains a mystery.
The collapse of the arch, which had been a draw for visitors for generations, occurred unexpectedly without a definitive cause.
Mount Humboldt
Mount Humboldt, a former ski destination that housed the Glacier in the Northern Andes, has disappeared due to climate change. The lack of ice on the mountain has rendered all skiing facilities and businesses irrelevant. Scientists predict that the mountain peak will be ice-free within the next decade.
The disappearance of Mount Humboldt’s Glacier due to climate change has resulted in the loss of a once-thriving ski spot.
Mukurob “Finger of God”
The Mukurob, a famous sandstone rock formation known as the “Finger of God,” once stood in the Namib Desert near Asab, Namibia, attracting tourists from around the world. The impressive structure, measuring 12 meters in height and 4.5 meters in width, weighed about 450 tons. Unfortunately, the formation unexpectedly collapsed in 1998, with theories suggesting it was due to a prior rainstorm or possible earthquake.
The collapse of the Mukurob, a renowned rock formation in Namibia, left visitors and experts puzzled about the cause of its sudden downfall.
The Original Penn Station
The original Penn Station in New York City, a marvel of modern architecture, was a bustling transportation hub for many years after its construction in 1910. However, with the increase in air travel and decline in intercity train usage, the station lost its significance. In 1963, amidst controversy, the original Penn Station was completely demolished and replaced by Madison Square Garden.
The demolition of the original Penn Station in 1963 marked the end of an architectural marvel that once symbolized modern transportation innovation.
Palisades Amusement Park
Unlike some other parks that have vanished, Palisades Amusement Park enjoyed success for several years. Situated along the steep cliffs on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, the park opened its doors in 1908. It featured numerous rides and attractions, including a massive 600×400-foot saltwater pool, making it a popular destination.
In the world and the Cyclone, one of the biggest roller coasters around.
The park experienced a decline in attendance during the 1950s and decided to introduce rock & roll shows to attract visitors. They also smartly advertised on the back of comic books, which greatly increased the park’s popularity. By 1967, the city of Cliffside Park rezoned the site for housing to alleviate traffic congestion. The park closed for good in 1971, and an apartment building now stands in its place.
Jantzen Beach
In 1928, a 123-acre amusement park opened on an island in the Columbia River in Portland, Oregon. Jantzen Beach was the largest amusement park in America at that time, featuring a well-known merry-go-round from the 1904 World’s Fair, four swimming pools, a train, a funhouse, and a wooden roller coaster named “Big Dipper.” The park thrived until Labor Day 1970 when it closed, making way for the less exciting Jantzen Beach shopping mall.
Cuba
The relationship between America and Cuba has been complex, with restrictions on Americans visiting the communist country. Different US presidents like Obama and Trump had distinct approaches to this matter. Traveling to Cuba is technically still possible, but varying restrictions exist, so it’s advisable to check the rules before booking your trip, as these regulations may change with different administrations.
Pig Beach
An uninhabited island in the Bahamas, Pig Beach, became famous for its feral pig residents. The origin of these pigs on the island remains a mystery, with a legend suggesting they were brought as provisions for sailors who never returned. This once less-known beach has become popular among tourists, thanks to social media. However, the increasing number of visitors has altered the pigs’ diet, leading to some casualties. Unless this trend changes, the original pig population may not survive for long.
The Dead Sea
Located in Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, the Dead Sea, a hypersaline lake, has been shrinking rapidly, with water levels dropping over three feet per year. The lowest land elevation on Earth, combined with the surrounding area’s water demands, is causing a significant decline in the lake’s size. It is predicted that the Dead Sea may completely disappear in the near future.
Disney’s River Country
Disney’s River Country was the first water park at Walt Disney World Florida, designed as a traditional water hall with artificial features. Despite its initial success since opening in 1976, the park has been abandoned for several years, now in a state of disrepair with decaying attractions and stagnant pools. Disney opted to open newer, larger water parks, leading to the decline of River Country.
