A Hidden Adventure Beneath New Jersey
When you think of New Jersey adventures, you might picture beaches, boardwalks, or bustling city streets. But the Garden State also holds secrets far below the surface. Tucked away in Newark lies one of America’s few underground tunnels you can actually visit—and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before.
According to travel site FarandWide, Newark is one of only 11 U.S. cities with tunnels open to the public. These passageways are not just stone and concrete. They carry history, mystery, and stories that make them fascinating destinations for curious travelers.
If you’ve been searching for a unique bucket-list experience, exploring this underground gem should be at the top.
Where to Find Newark’s Secret Tunnel
The hidden tunnel isn’t in an abandoned subway or an old military bunker. Instead, it sits quietly beneath the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Newark. Built in the 1930s, this crypt is a striking example of how history, creativity, and faith combined to create something truly unusual.
Unlike traditional crypts, this underground chamber doesn’t hold human remains. Instead, it houses wax replicas of saints. The design came from Father Mateo Amoros, who drew inspiration from the catacombs in Montreal. By using wax figures instead of burials, he avoided burial laws of the time while still creating a space steeped in spiritual meaning.
The result? A surreal underground tunnel where history and imagination intertwine.
What Makes It Special
Most underground spaces are either functional or forgotten—think sewers, utility tunnels, or old bootlegging routes. Newark’s crypt is different. It’s part museum, part sacred site, and part urban legend.
Walking through it feels like stepping into another world. Dim lighting, solemn statues, and the hush of the underground create an atmosphere both peaceful and mysterious. Unlike crowded tourist attractions, this tunnel offers quiet reflection and a chance to experience something very few know exists.
Other U.S. Cities with Secret Tunnels
Newark is not alone in preserving hidden underground worlds. Across the country, several cities offer public access to tunnels, each with its own fascinating backstory:
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Chicago – Known for its abandoned freight tunnels running beneath downtown.
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Seattle – Famous for its Underground Tour, where you can walk the buried streets of the old city.
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Portland – Home to the Shanghai Tunnels, linked to tales of smuggling and kidnapping.
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New York City – A labyrinth of forgotten subway stations and prohibition-era routes.
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Boston – Rich with Revolutionary War history and hidden passageways.
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Los Angeles – Tunnels once used for transporting alcohol during Prohibition.
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Washington, D.C. – Secret political tunnels connecting government buildings.
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Las Vegas – Flood tunnels that now house entire underground communities.
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Houston – A network of air-conditioned walkways connecting downtown buildings.
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Denver – Rumored tunnels tied to old political secrets and folklore.
Each city’s tunnels tell a different story, but Newark’s stands out for its religious roots and unusual use of wax saints instead of human remains.
Why Visit Newark’s Underground Tunnel?
Exploring this site is more than just a quirky day trip. It’s a way to connect with local history and discover a side of New Jersey most people overlook.
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Unique Experience – Few people can say they’ve walked through a crypt that never held a single burial.
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Cultural Insight – Learn how communities once adapted to burial laws and religious traditions.
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Atmosphere – Unlike museums or monuments, the underground tunnel offers an immersive, almost cinematic experience.
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Bucket-List Worthy – If you enjoy hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path adventures, this is one you won’t forget.
Tips for Exploring
If you’re planning a visit, keep these tips in mind:
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Check Access – As with many historic sites, hours and accessibility can change, so call ahead.
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Wear Comfortable Shoes – Underground floors can be uneven.
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Bring Curiosity, Not Flash – Respect the sacred atmosphere of the space.
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Pair It with a City Tour – Newark has a rich cultural scene, from museums to incredible food, so make a day of it.
Underground Wonders Across America
Exploring tunnels isn’t just about seeing something unusual—it’s about understanding the layers of history beneath our feet. In Seattle, you see where an entire city was buried after a fire. In Portland, you step into stories of smuggling and danger. In Newark, you discover how creativity turned a crypt into a one-of-a-kind sacred space.
These tunnels remind us that cities are living, evolving places. What happens underground often reflects the challenges, secrets, and ingenuity of the people above.
New Jersey may be known for its beaches and diners, but its hidden treasures lie below the surface too. The underground tunnel at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Newark is more than just a crypt—it’s a story of faith, ingenuity, and mystery that still captivates visitors today.
If you’re ready for a unique adventure, skip the usual tourist spots and head underground. This hidden tunnel is proof that the Garden State still has surprises waiting to be uncovered.