10 Secretive US Spots That Are Almost Impossible to Access
Ever wondered what’s behind the locked doors and restricted fences of some of the world’s most secretive spots? From hidden islands in Hawaii to super-secure government sites in the US, these are places where you might catch a glimpse through heavy security, but gaining full access is another story.
Unless you have strong strings in high places, these are some of America’s most forbidden and exclusive places you are not allowed to visit.
1. Area 51, Nevada
Tucked away in the middle of the Nevada desert, Area 51 is the ultimate no-go zone. The US government only acknowledged its existence in 2013, despite decades of speculation.
Conspiracy theorists love to talk about UFOs and secret alien tech being stored here, but all we know for sure is that it’s a military testing site with zero public access. The perimeter is guarded with signs warning against trespassing. The closest you’ll get is a selfie with one of the warning signs.
2. North Brother Island, New York
Just off the Bronx in the East River, North Brother Island has a spooky past and a bird-filled present. It used to be a quarantine site for patients with infectious diseases, including Typhoid Mary herself, and now it’s an eerie, crumbling relic of a hospital.
Today, it’s a protected bird sanctuary, home to nesting herons and other rare species. The city strictly controls access, meaning the closest most of us will get is an aerial shot or distant boat view.
3. Club 33, Disneyland, California
Club 33 is Disneyland’s most exclusive hangout, as only a few memberships are handed out each year. This secretive club has a waitlist rumored to be about four years long, and membership fees reportedly start at $25,000 plus a $10,000 annual fee.
The location is so well hidden that most visitors don’t even realize it exists. If you’re lucky enough to be invited, you’ll find fancy decor, fine dining, and maybe a glass of wine. Regular folks can only dream of stepping through those doors.
4. Bohemian Grove, California
Bohemian Grove, located in Monte Rio, is the ultra-exclusive retreat where the world’s elite come to…relax? Every July, some of the most powerful men on the planet gather here for two weeks, but what they do is shrouded in mystery.
The Grove is heavily guarded, with no women allowed and extremely tight security. A giant owl statue and bizarre rituals are rumored to take place, but unless you’re a former president or a corporate bigwig, you’ll never get to find out firsthand.
5. Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center, Virginia
High in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Mount Weather is a government facility built to protect high-ranking officials in the event of a national emergency. This place is on full lockdown, with armed guards and strict no-access rules.
Only a handful of people know what’s really inside. It’s said to be fully stocked with food, water, and everything needed to sustain life for a long time.
6. Niihau, Hawaii
Known as the “Forbidden Island,” Niihau is privately owned and almost completely off-limits to outsiders. Only native Hawaiians and invited guests are allowed to set foot on this isolated piece of paradise.
It’s the smallest of Hawaii’s inhabited islands, with no roads, no electricity, and absolutely no tourists. Helicopter tours fly over the island, but they don’t have permission to land.
With a population of about 170 people, it’s a tight-knit community that prefers to keep the rest of the world out.
7. Fort Knox, Kentucky
Fort Knox is famous for housing the U.S. Bullion Depository, where the country’s gold reserves are stashed behind impenetrable walls. This comes out to about 147.3 million ounces!
The facility is one of the most secure places on earth, with armed guards, surveillance systems, and many other top-secret measures in place. Only a select few government officials have ever set foot inside.
8. Y-12 National Security Complex, Tennessee
Located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the Y-12 National Security Complex is where nuclear magic happens, the stuff of atomic energy and national security.
Access is limited to government employees with high-level clearance; the public isn’t allowed anywhere near this place. Its history goes back to the Manhattan Project, but today, it’s all about keeping America’s nuclear arsenal in check. Definitely not a tourist spot.
9. Plum Island, New York
Just off the coast of Long Island, Plum Island is where the US conducts research on animal diseases that could potentially jump to humans. Because of the sensitive nature of the work, no visitors are allowed.
The island has been a research facility since the 1950s, and the government keeps it tightly controlled to prevent any biosecurity risks. Despite its proximity to popular beach towns just outside New York City, the average person will never set foot on this highly restricted island.
10. heyenne Mountain Complex, Colorado
Buried beneath 2,000 feet of granite, the Cheyenne Mountain Complex is like something out of a spy movie. Located near Colorado Springs, this underground bunker was built during the Cold War to withstand nuclear attacks, and it’s still a fully operational military facility today.
The place is locked down with tight security. In rare cases, limited public tours have been allowed in the past for educational purposes, but they are extremely restricted.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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