Cresson Sanatorium and Prison - Lilly, Pennsylvania

Address: 251 Correction Rd, Lilly, PA 15938, United States.

Website: imaginariumsanitarium.com
Specialties: Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Appointment required, Getting tickets in advance recommended.
Opinions: This company has 58 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.4/5.

📌 Location of Cresson Sanatorium and Prison

Cresson Sanatorium and Prison 251 Correction Rd, Lilly, PA 15938, United States

Cresson Sanatorium and Prison: A Journey Through History

For those seeking a unique and evocative historical experience, the Cresson Sanatorium and Prison presents a compelling destination. Located at 251 Correction Rd, Lilly, PA 15938, United States, this former institution offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, blending the somber atmosphere of a sanatorium with the stark realities of a prison. Itâs a place where history, architecture, and a touch of the macabre converge to create an unforgettable visit.

A Brief History

The story of Cresson begins in 1893 as the Cresson Sanatorium, established to treat tuberculosis patients. It quickly became renowned for its innovative, albeit often experimental, treatment methods. Over time, the sanatorium evolved, and in the 1930s, it transitioned into a prison, housing male inmates. This dual purpose â healing and confinement â contributes significantly to the buildingâs complex and layered narrative. The facility operated as both a hospital and a correctional facility for nearly a century, leaving behind a palpable sense of its past.

Key Features and Attractions

Visitors to Cresson Sanatorium and Prison can explore a remarkably preserved environment. The site boasts numerous original features, including:

Patient Rooms: Step into the rooms where countless individuals sought respite from tuberculosis, offering a poignant reminder of a bygone era of medical treatment.
Operating Theater: Witness the space where groundbreaking, and sometimes controversial, medical procedures were conducted.
Prison Cells: Experience the austere conditions in which inmates were held, providing a stark contrast to the earlier focus on healing.
Administration Building: Explore the offices and administrative spaces that governed the institutionâs operations.
The Chapel: Reflect upon the spiritual needs of patients and inmates within the building's structure.

The site has been meticulously restored and maintained, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past. Accessibility is a priority, with a wheelchair-accessible car park available for guests.

Practical Information & Recommendations

Planning a visit to Cresson Sanatorium and Prison is highly recommended. Appointment required â ensuring a more personal and controlled experience. Tickets in advance recommended, particularly during peak seasons, to guarantee entry. The phone number is currently unavailable, but the Website: imaginariumsanitarium.com offers comprehensive information and booking details. The Average opinion: 4.4/5, reflecting the overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors.

Visitor Experience & Reviews

The Cresson Sanatorium and Prison consistently receives positive reviews, with a total of 58 reviews on Google My Business. Visitors often comment on the building's eerie atmosphere, the fascinating historical details, and the knowledgeable guides. Many describe the experience as both educational and emotionally moving. Here's a summary of common sentiments:

Positive Aspects	Negative Aspects (Rare)
Well-preserved historical site	Limited accessibility for individuals with severe mobility issues (though the car park is accessible)
Knowledgeable and engaging guides
Unique and memorable experience

Itâs important to note that the atmosphere can be quite somber, reflecting the buildingâs history as a place of both healing and confinement. Visitors should be prepared for a potentially emotionally challenging experience.

Overall Recommendation

The Cresson Sanatorium and Prison is a truly exceptional tourist attraction. It provides a rare opportunity to step back in time and explore a building with a complex and captivating past. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique and thought-provoking experience, Cresson is well worth a visit. The combination of its former roles as a hospital and a prison creates a powerful narrative that resonates long after the visit concludes. Donât miss the chance to explore this remarkable piece of American history.

👍 Reviews of Cresson Sanatorium and Prison

Cresson Sanatorium and Prison - Lilly, Pennsylvania

Supernatural T. S.

5/5

I was just here this past weekend: But I have visited The San several times during the day and also private paranormals at night: I cannot say enough good things about this majestic and beautiful property: Wether you visit for the history, the paranormal, or both, you will not be disappointed. The size of the property and the amount of buildings you have to explore is amazing. You certainly could spend a weekend here and still not see it all. The history of the property is very interesting as it has been used for several purposes . We have experienced many paranormal things here as well. So there is something for everyone at Cresson.
The Owners and Staff are some pretty spectacular people and make this place and experience for you. They are always ready to answer your questions and help you along in your journey at The San. They want to hear what your experiences were there as well and that’s super fun to be able to hear that something you may have experienced, others have as well. The property is amazing but it is truly much more amazing due to the staff, who you can tell love this place.
Visit Cresson and see for yourself how truly amazing this place really is. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Kelly Marie

Lisa F.

5/5

Unique, historical shut down Sanatorium and Prison that is now a hydroponic farm and historical site. There is an active campaign to help save the facility from being completely closed, so it has limited public hours. Check the website to see when they are open. Recommend spending many hours exploring the area, go when the weather is good, wear bug spray and closed toe shoes, bring high powered flash lights with new batteries and a mask if you are sensitive to breathing in poor air quality.

Jftravels

5/5

This place is amazing! If you enjoy exploring then this is the place for you. There are a lot of buildings on site you can go through and take photos or videos. They offer tours and are very informative knowing the history of the place. The employees are very nice and helpful.

Lee W.

5/5

Had such an amazing time! I did one of their photography sessions. Got the full day ticket and so glad I did because there’s so much to see. My friend and I were too chicken to go into the tunnels tho. I definitely would love to go back and do more of a creepy photoshoot. Wear closed shoes, and bring flashlights.

Matthew

5/5

The place is rich in history. The staff is amazing. The owners are doing everything in their power to preserve the history of the property. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Would always go back and recommend to everyone! Definitely check out their history tour!

Corey

4/5

Great & fun historic grounds. Would recommend ghost hunting or firearms training/ airsoft milsims.

Paul

5/5

A criminally under seen gem. All this place needs is a ghost hunting show to come along and bring more spotlight to it to hopefully aid in preserving it for the future. But I will say this,my wife and I did a 6 hour round trip to come explore and it was worth every second. We spent over 4 hours scouring the grounds looking at the relics left behind,admiring the architecture,trying to communicate with spirits and just overall admiring the gorgeous views surround the grounds. One of the cell blocks had a very active spirit box session happening as well as some things in the basements and tunnels,but I’ll save my stories and let you find your own. We were there on a beautiful Sunday and we rarely ran into another person in any of the buildings. On the one hand it was great from a selfish stand point but on the other Cresson needs more visitors to help aid in the quest to save this place. I can’t recommend this exploration enough and I hope to be back again.

Update: I’ve tried several times to find out about a shirt I ordered a month and a half ago and can’t get anyone to respond. Just a heads up that their merch operation leaves a lot to be desired should you chose to purchase things to show support. I just wanted to wear the shirt during fall haunts to help bring awareness but that doesn’t seem to be happening.

Joe P.

5/5

Went here for a self guided exploration and was a awesome experience there's tons to see and many buildings to enter we will deffinately be back to explore again and see whatever we may have missed . Would recommend to anyone into history or exploring .