15 American Places You Are No Longer Allowed Today

While the White House is the residence of the U.S. president and open for tours under strict conditions, certain areas of the White House are off-limits to the public. Access is restricted for national security reasons, and visitors can only see a small portion of the public areas unless they have specific clearance.

Fort Knox, located in Kentucky, is home to the U.S. government’s vast gold reserves, but the vault has been off-limits for decades. No one, except authorized personnel, can enter the vault, making it one of the most secure locations in the world. Even high-ranking government officials need clearance to access the facility.

Fort Meade, home to the NSA, is a highly secure facility responsible for national defense and cyber operations. The campus is heavily restricted, and even those with high-level clearance need special authorization to enter. Public access is strictly prohibited to protect sensitive information and operations.

The Snake River Canyon is a stunning location in Idaho, known for its dramatic cliffs and the infamous Evel Knievel jump attempt in 1974. However, certain parts of the canyon are closed off to protect visitors from dangerous conditions like steep terrain and swift currents. Access is limited to ensure safety and preserve the natural beauty of the area.

While Alcatraz Island is a popular tourist destination, not all parts of the former prison are accessible. Sections of the island, particularly its decaying hospital wing and certain administrative buildings, are closed to visitors due to safety concerns. Only select areas are open for public tours, keeping the more dangerous sections off-limits.

Located in the redwood forests of California, the Bohemian Grove is a private retreat for wealthy and powerful men, including politicians, business leaders, and former presidents. The site is heavily guarded, and only those with an invitation can attend the annual gatherings. The public is not allowed access under any circumstances.

Once one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the U.S., the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is now a historical site and tourist attraction. However, some parts of the asylum are restricted due to the building’s deterioration and the dangers posed by the unstable infrastructure. Areas such as the abandoned wings are off-limits for safety reasons.

Mount Weather is a critical facility for the U.S. government in the event of a national emergency. It serves as a continuity of government facility, protecting key government officials in the case of a catastrophe. The site is located in a remote part of Virginia and is off-limits to the public. Only government officials and emergency personnel are allowed to access it.

Oak Ridge is home to one of the world’s leading nuclear research facilities. Due to its role in nuclear energy and weapons research, the laboratory is highly restricted. Only authorized personnel with the appropriate security clearance are allowed to enter, and public access is not permitted.

The Greenbrier Resort, a luxurious getaway in West Virginia, is home to a secret Cold War-era bunker that was designed to house members of Congress in the event of a nuclear attack. While the bunker is now a historical site open for tours, certain sections remain off-limits to the public, including the operational facilities that remain classified.

Hill Air Force Base, located in Utah, is a key site for the U.S. Air Force, responsible for maintaining aircraft and conducting various military operations. Much of the base is off-limits to civilians, with only specific areas open to the public for tours. The rest of the base is restricted due to security and operational needs.

While the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is a key institution in the U.S. financial system, access to its gold vault is strictly prohibited to the public. The vault, located deep beneath the bank, houses a large portion of the U.S. gold reserves, and it remains closed to everyone except authorized personnel for security reasons.

Often referred to as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies,” ADX is the most secure federal prison in the U.S. It houses some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, and access to the facility is not allowed for the general public. The prison is designed to isolate its inmates in the highest level of security possible, making it impossible for outsiders to visit.