Convent School in Texas, abandoned since the 1990's built in 1895

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Nice name drop of a near pristine location in a public forum genius.

Posted by fr00tCake Nice name drop of a near pristine location in a public forum genius.

ima go my bad on that one

Posted by PurpleChairs ima go my bad on that one

PM me, I'm in Houston, not many active explorers here these days, Don't take the harsh comments personally, they are given with good reason. It's a process all of us (myself included) have gone through in our naive early days.

Cool place. I'm going to an abandoned convent near me tonight in fact. Wish me luck and I'll try to get some decent photos.

Posted by Thecurious Cool place. I'm going to an abandoned convent near me tonight in fact. Wish me luck and I'll try to get some decent photos.

Be real careful on that. I'm not sure which one you're trying (there's three in that part of Wisconsin) but I tried one of them a few years ago (initials HN) and the neighbors watch that place like a hawk and WILL call the cops on you, as I learned the hard way. The good news is that the cops straight up said they weren't allowed to follow anyone inside due to the structural instability from the fire damage, so if they do roll up you'll have to just wait them out.

Posted by Aran the neighbors watch that place like a hawk and WILL call the cops on you

+1 - can confirm....

Posted by Aran Be real careful on that. I'm not sure which one you're trying (there's three in that part of Wisconsin) but I tried one of them a few years ago (initials HN) and the neighbors watch that place like a hawk and WILL call the cops on you, as I learned the hard way. The good news is that the cops straight up said they weren't allowed to follow anyone inside due to the structural instability from the fire damage, so if they do roll up you'll have to just wait them out.

Yes, that's it. I was planning to go in the dead of night. You said the same as another explorer has, and I'm not crazy enough to try that place during the day. from what I've heard is that the people calmed down a little after a temporary roof was finally put on the place. My friend has been there with a group of 6 and is not a regular explorer, and had no issues. Since it's been nearly 9 years after its burning, from what I can tell it's poorly maintained and secured. (0 no trespassing signs from what I saw, open windows and doors), so at least part of it is justifiable hopefully. Though I am a bag of nerves about the place, as it will be my first "big" explore.

May I ask if you did it during the day or night?

Edit: Actually not going tonight as my friend I was going with didn't work out for him the next day. I still want to, but me being a rookie I don't like I should do that one alone. I just have a bad feeling about that. I'm already apprehensive enough, and I'll have to try it another time. Me also being a minor makes even leaving the house at night a pain in the ass and just another thing to worry about, hence why most of my explores can only occur at night.

Broad daylight on a weekend, I went in through the broken window built into the front door. Don't do that, the police were waiting right next to it and caught me as soon as I came out.

Posted by Thecurious May I ask if you did it during the day or night?

I was there at around 130a on a Friday night in fall of 2022. Historically, I have found at or around bar close is a good time on a weekend for places like this, as they are often busy with drunks. None the less, the FDL boys were waiting for me as I came out. They ran my ID, but didn't even make me wait in the squad or pat me down. While they ran ID, a 2nd showed up with with lights on, presumably to demonstrate to neighbors "we got this". I guess I can't say for certain the neighbors called - entry was quiet, and I was very careful with the flashlight, but it wasn't a coincidence they were there. If it was, they would have been just sitting in the car. Instead as I rounded the north side of the building to the west, there they were on the street both leaning against the push bumper staring right at me. So it was like they not only knew I was in there, they knew where I entered and would therefore be coming out the same way. I was of course questioned as to what I was doing in there, then given what has become common for a white haired guy like me running solo with no backpack stuffed with burgle tools and spray paint, "Don't come back", and sent on my way. I was also lectured as to the dangers in an abandoned building *eye roll*. I think in most cases, they expect drunk kids with paint on their fingers and reeking of weed to come stumbling out. I really think my white hair and age gets me a break on stuff like this. You being so young, may still not get a ticket, but I'd bet they'd hassle you a lot more than me, especially if you are with a group.

Speaking of groups, don't enter or walk around the neighborhood together. Voices carry. Inversely, a group walking in silence is suspicious. Neighbors will immediately assume your intentions - they've already seen it a million times. Walk/enter no more than 2 at a time, solo is even better IMHO. Pick a rally point inside before hand, i.e.; meet up 1st floor, NW corner. I'm sure I don't have to tell you, but be sure exploring companions STFU inside - tons of windows are missing, especially on the 3rd and 4th floor of the dormitory side - voices inside are a LOT louder outside than anyone would think, even from behind a boarded window. There is always that one guy that replies "Dude - no one knows we're here, no one can hear us". Yeah - eff that guy - when you exit, be sure and send him out first, and never invite him again!

Above all, exercise caution and stealth, and stay safe....

Posted by fr00tCake Speaking of groups, don't enter or walk around the neighborhood together. Voices carry. Inversely, a group walking in silence is suspicious. Neighbors will immediately assume your intentions - they've already seen it a million times. Walk/enter no more than 2 at a time, solo is even better IMHO. Pick a rally point inside before hand, i.e.; meet up 1st floor, NW corner. I'm sure I don't have to tell you, but be sure exploring companions STFU inside - tons of windows are missing, especially on the 3rd and 4th floor of the dormitory side - voices inside are a LOT louder outside than anyone would think, even from behind a boarded window. There is always that one guy that replies "Dude - no one knows we're here, no one can hear us". Yeah - eff that guy - when you exit, be sure and send him out first, and never invite him again!

I was planning to go with just one friend. He's never explored (sorta, he tried Northridge but to no avail), but he's a little older than I am and he's respectful and has common sense, so I thought I'd try to get him into a site with me. IDK how my other friend did it. They had 6 teenagers of different ages strolling through it. They were careful with their lights, but hearing both yours and Aran's stories makes me think they just got super lucky. And yeah, I have that friend too. They use the mentality "if I was them I wouldn't care if I saw someone try to get into a building like that", and I just say "yeah but you're not everyone, you'd be surprised". I'm trying to instead bring friends that are more quiet and reserved instead of the ones that are loud, albeit at the cost of fun, but it won't be fun anymore when our parents get a call in the dead of night of us trespassing in a whole other city. That's why I chose to go with an adult friend if I went. Some of my friends are just too reckless. I'm in for the adventure and stories while many of them seem to be in for the goofing around shenanigans and I don't need them to be the reason I'm in trouble with the cops. I also planned on going alone after he couldn't, but again I'm a rookie with a $1200 camera around my neck, and I don't need to encounter some thugs and lose the damn thing. I was thinking of bringing my leatherman, but didn't know if this would land me in more trouble. It wouldn't be considered burglary tools I think but it sure has a sharp knife. But I also want to be safe if shit hits the fan. But like you said, cops probably are going to be more strict if it was a teen, and I bet anything sharp would look bad.

Posted by AdventureDan PM me, I'm in Houston, not many active explorers here these days, Don't take the harsh comments personally, they are given with good reason. It's a process all of us (myself included) have gone through in our naive early days.

Holy shit, look at that 10 year star!

Posted by randomesquephoto Holy shit, look at that 10 year star!

I know right!??! time flies :')