I shouldn't have to ask this, I've read all the other Gary threads, but whatever.

My friend and I have been planning a trip to Gary for a few months now. We are expecting to go sometime this week. I've got dozens of spots mapped out, but we've picked the most popular ones since this is the first time for us. We hope to at least get one more friend to go with us.

I know people say downtown is the safest. The church, the station, and one of the high schools are on our list along with a few other spots.

Parking? What do you guys do? Park near the place, on the property or a few blocks away and walk? This I'm not entirely sure of. Most of my explores in Chicago, we just used public transportation and would walk it.

Safety wise, have you ever had dangerous encounters? I've heard most of Gary is a ghost town. But my parents keep trying to scare me to stay away, they absolutely hate that I go into abandoned places! I did see this article, https://www.nwitim...-455bdce93a1d.html but I didn't think much of it since it's most likely Gang related and most of the incidents happened at night. And I've been to spots on the south side of Chicago, not a problem. I know about being aware of your surroundings and hiding any valuables, avoid being there at night. I want to hear what you guys have to say.

I know there's 2 high schools that are really good to check out, but I'm not sure which is the better one. My friend wants to only do one school, but I am not sure which is easier/better to explore.

I've heard about some urbex permit to get into some places. Do I need to have it or should we be fine without it?

Any other tips would be helpful! I just want to be prepared and know what to expect. I imagine we'll be fine.

I would always be cautious when going to Gary. Others have had no issues, but I personally had a bad experience there and have not been back since... Dangerous incidents can happen at anytime during the day. Mine was bright and early in the morning on a Sunday. And no matter where you go, I would not recommend to park right in front or on the property, that's just asking for trouble.


and just a note, but be careful about naming locations. Yes, we all know Gary is a ghost town, but others might not know where these places are or the names of them.

Posted by urbexchick07 I would always be cautious when going to Gary. Others have had no issues, but I personally had a bad experience there and have not been back since... Dangerous incidents can happen at anytime during the day. Mine was bright and early in the morning on a Sunday. And no matter where you go, I would not recommend to park right in front or on the property, that's just asking for trouble. and just a note, but be careful about naming locations. Yes, we all know Gary is a ghost town, but others might not know where these places are or the names of them.

thanks for letting me know. I figured it wouldn't be good to park on vacant property.

I'll remove the names as well.

Posted by urbexchick07 I would always be cautious when going to Gary. Others have had no issues, but I personally had a bad experience there and have not been back since... Dangerous incidents can happen at anytime during the day. Mine was bright and early in the morning on a Sunday. And no matter where you go, I would not recommend to park right in front or on the property, that's just asking for trouble. and just a note, but be careful about naming locations. Yes, we all know Gary is a ghost town, but others might not know where these places are or the names of them.

Is there a story that goes along with said dangerous incidents that you would care to share? I LIKE STORIES!!!

I have been to Gary about 30 times since 2009. Personally, I take the South Shore train whenever I can. The few times I've driven, however, I've parked on Broadway without issue. In front of the Palace or Church are fairly safe bets, though I have seen a guy trying to slimjim a car by the church in broad daylight, with the school across the street letting out.

There are three big schools in Gary (and others that are totally destroyed) that are/were worth seeing:
-HM: huge, wide-open, but utterly destroyed. Cops sometimes like to nap in front of it. Go there first so you know what to expect in any others.
-LW: huge, better condition than HM, but had a guard as of January
-ES: cool stuff upstairs, notoriously sketch neighborhood. Avoid on your first or second trip.

See my musing about those permits. Gang activity and watchful neighbors are what you need to beware of, especially in the summer. Cops are too busy to worry about us.

I haven't had issues with getting stopped or parking in the 8 or so years I've gone. Just use your head, be safe, and of course share your photos when you get back.

Have fun!

Posted by jonrev I have been to Gary about 30 times since 2009. Personally, I take the South Shore train whenever I can. The few times I've driven, however, I've parked on Broadway without issue. In front of the Palace or Church are fairly safe bets, though I have seen a guy trying to slimjim a car by the church in broad daylight, with the school across the street letting out. There are three big schools in Gary (and others that are totally destroyed) that are/were worth seeing: -HM: huge, wide-open, but utterly destroyed. Cops sometimes like to nap in front of it. Go there first so you know what to expect in any others. -LW: huge, better condition than HM, but had a guard as of January -ES: cool stuff upstairs, notoriously sketch neighborhood. Avoid on your first or second trip. See my write-up about those permits. Gang activity and watchful neighbors are what you need to beware of, especially in the summer. Cops are too busy to worry about us.

All great info! Thank you.

I had my eyes on another school, HSN, but I may save it for another day. HS should be fine though. Hopefully entrance is easy to find

Cops in Gary are unusually nice to explorers.

A little over 10 years ago, we were in the Post Office and a cop came inside and asked us to move the car so he wouldn't have to write a ticket.

Sidebar: my 8 year old has been in that church.

Posted by Radio2600 Cops in Gary are unusually nice to explorers. A little over 10 years ago, we were in the Post Office and a cop came inside and asked us to move the car so he wouldn't have to write a ticket. Sidebar: my 8 year old has been in that church.

That's very nice to hear. I really doubt the cops would arrest you, they know Gary is popular for urban exploring. They would rather just keep the city alive and welcoming.

I've heard of someone doing wedding photos at the church. It looks like a such beautiful place! I've heard of parents taking their children to the Silos in Chicago. I question it, but whatever, that's up to them.