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All the United States Illinois Chicago Damen Silos

Damen Silos

These abandoned grain silos and tunnels are an urban exploration dream.

Chicago, Illinois

Added By
C. Jo Della Abbott
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Remaining structures surround the main silos.   ZBRAH / Atlas Obscura User
Remaining structures surround the main silos.   ZBRAH / Atlas Obscura User
View from the northside of the west towers, peering south.   ZBRAH / Atlas Obscura User
6-11-23   Darrell Powers / Atlas Obscura User
6-11-23   Darrell Powers / Atlas Obscura User
6-11-23   Darrell Powers / Atlas Obscura User
6-11-23   Darrell Powers / Atlas Obscura User
6-11-23   Darrell Powers / Atlas Obscura User
East entry access at the end of the Canalport riverwalk.   ZBRAH / Atlas Obscura User
  ZBRAH / Atlas Obscura User
  ZBRAH / Atlas Obscura User
Exploring the inner tunnels   Emma Kumer / Atlas Obscura User
The back of the silos is decorated with colorful graffiti.   Emma Kumer / Atlas Obscura User
Close-up of some vibrant graffiti   Emma Kumer / Atlas Obscura User
The light shines into the silos   Emma Kumer / Atlas Obscura User
Cool stairway at Damen Silos   joevalesh / Atlas Obscura User
Damen Silos   joevalesh / Atlas Obscura User
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign!   joevalesh / Atlas Obscura User
Damen Silos, June 2021   joevalesh / Atlas Obscura User
Damen Silos   prototypepd / Atlas Obscura User
  Beatrice VH / Atlas Obscura User
Second floor of one of the buildings.   Beatrice VH / Atlas Obscura User
Drone shot of the Silos - TagTeamTravel   TagTeamTravel / Atlas Obscura User
The ‘basement’ of the one fo the Silos   hcelewicz / Atlas Obscura User
One of the silo edifices   hcelewicz / Atlas Obscura User
The warehouse by the Silos   hcelewicz / Atlas Obscura User
  loganslade24 / Atlas Obscura User
6-11-23   Darrell Powers / Atlas Obscura User
Approaching access fom the riverwalk   loganslade24 / Atlas Obscura User
6-11-23   Darrell Powers / Atlas Obscura User
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About

This dilapidated landscape was once a working system of interlocking grain elevators. Now abandoned but still left standing, the structures beckon urban explorers, graffiti artists, and general thrill seekers who wish to attempt the climb to the top.

In 1977, an explosion left the processing factory unusable. It was abandoned, but the many tunnels snaking throughout the sprawling property were never sealed. The tunnels and silos have since become canvases for graffiti artists.

Certain silos can still be accessed through basement tunnels. These dark passageways take you inside the enormous funnel bases, which are adorned with guide ropes that lead to questionably dangerous ladders to the top. The view from the top provides a vista of the Chicago skyline like no other, but be aware that climbing up there isn't at all safe. 

Exploring the tunnels and lower levels of the site is an accessible day adventure for even an inexperienced urban explorer. In most areas, there's a sense of safety as you wander through the rows and rows of gorgeous color that graffiti artists have left behind. 

Related Tags

Abandoned Graffiti Tunnels Subterranean Sites

Know Before You Go

Car access is available off of S Damen Ave, or you can reach it by foot or bike from the Canalport Riverwalk. There's a sign that says "State Property, No Tresspassing," so explore at your own risk. Security on site!

Community Contributors

Added By

ZBRAH

Edited By

jeffheif1, Darrell Powers, Emma Kumer, prototypepd...

  • jeffheif1
  • Darrell Powers
  • Emma Kumer
  • prototypepd
  • Beatrice VH
  • TagTeamTravel
  • hcelewicz
  • loganslade24
  • joevalesh

Published

May 4, 2018

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Damen Silos
2900 S Damen Ave
Chicago, Illinois
United States
41.840787, -87.673892
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