Are you ready for a spine-tingling adventure?
Pennsylvania is home to some of the most haunted and mysterious places in America.
From eerie abandoned mansions to ghostly graveyards, this state has more than its fair share of supernatural secrets just waiting to be uncovered.
So get your courage up and join us as we explore the top five most haunted locations in Pennsylvania!
1. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia
The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is said to be one of the most haunted places in America. The prison opened its gates in 1829 and housed some of the most notorious criminals of that time including Al Capone. This former penitentiary has been abandoned since 1971, but it is no less filled with paranormal activity. Visitors have reported hearing strange sounds coming from cells and hallways, seeing ghostly figures walking through walls, and feeling an eerie presence within the walls of this once notorious prison.
Eastern State Penitentiary offers a variety of tours for those interested in experiencing its haunted history firsthand. During these tours guests can explore areas such as Death Row, solitary confinement cells, and even visit Al Capone’s cellblock! There are also special events like flashlight tour nights where visitors can experience what it was like inside during nighttime hours or choose a special holiday event such as “Terror Behind the Walls” which runs every year around Halloween.
For more information about Eastern State Penitentiary’s haunted history you can visit their website at www.easternstatepenitentiarytoursinfo/haunted-history/. You may also call 215-236-3300 to speak with someone directly or email info@easternstatepenitenciarytoursinfo for additional inquiries.
2. Pennhurst Asylum, Spring City
Pennhurst Asylum is located in Spring City, Pennsylvania and has a long history of paranormal activity. The asylum opened its doors in 1908 as the Eastern State Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic, but due to overcrowding and poor conditions it was eventually closed down in 1987. Since then Pennhurst has become infamous for its hauntings, which are said to be caused by the many tortured souls that remain within its walls.
According to local legend, visitors have seen strange figures wandering around the halls, heard disembodied voices whispering from empty rooms or felt mysterious cold spots throughout the building. Others claim to have had unsettling experiences with shadowy figures that follow them through corridors or dark entities lurking just out of sight in corners. With so much activity reported over the years it’s no wonder why Pennhurst Asylum is considered one of the most haunted locations on Earth!
Visitors can explore this eerie location during organized tours and events hosted by Pennhurst Paranormal Investigations (PPI). PPI offers overnight investigations where guests can search for evidence of spirits using state-of-the-art ghost hunting equipment. To learn more about their upcoming events visit www.pennhurstparanormalinvestigationsllc.com/.
3. Union Cemetery, Feasterville-Trevose
Union Cemetery in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, is a historic graveyard with a spooky and mysterious past. The cemetery was established in 1812 and has been the final resting place of thousands of people ever since. It is rumored to be one of the most haunted cemeteries in all of Pennsylvania as many visitors have reported paranormal activity on its grounds. Reports include sightings of ghosts, strange noises coming from inside some old mausoleums, and an overall feeling that something eerie lurks within the cemetery’s confines.
The Union Cemetery is also known for being home to a number of mythical creatures such as “the Lady in White” who supposedly appears at midnight during full moons or when someone calls out her name three times consecutively. Another figure often seen roaming around Union Cemetery at night is called “the Black Man”, who reportedly wears an all-black suit but no face can be seen beneath his hat. Whether these figures are real or merely figments of people’s imaginations remains unknown even today!
For those looking to explore this haunted location themselves – it should be noted that while tours are not available due to COVID restrictions – you may still visit the cemetery during daylight hours without prior notice or appointment (please respect social distancing guidelines). For more information about visiting Union Cemetery please contact: info@unioncemeterypa.com or check out their website http://www.unioncemeterypa.com/.
4. The Oxford Hotel and Bar, Gettysburg
The Oxford Hotel and Bar in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania has a long-standing haunted history. It was built in 1797, originally known as the Eagle Hotel, making it one of the oldest buildings still standing in downtown Gettysburg. Throughout its lifetime it has served many purposes including a hotel for travelers, an inn for soldiers during the Civil War, and even a morgue to house casualties from the battle of Gettysburg. All these years later it is said that ghosts from this time period remain at The Oxford Hotel and Bar today.
Witnesses have reported seeing mysterious figures moving about the building late at night as well as strange lights appearing out of nowhere. Guests have also experienced eerie sensations such as being touched or feeling someone breathing on their shoulder when no one else is around. Some say they hear whispering voices coming from empty rooms while others report catching glimpses of ghostly figures walking down hallways or silently gliding through doorways.
If you’d like to experience The Oxford Hotel and Bar’s haunted past first hand there are paranormal tours available every Thursday evening at 6pm throughout October – May (weather permitting). The tour includes storytelling with evidence gathered by paranormal investigators along with access to areas not typically open to guests such as attics and basements where some believe spirits may reside! Unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions all tours must be pre-booked online prior to attending so please visit www.oxfordhotelgettysburgpa/paranormaltours for more information and ticket bookings!
5. Conneaut Lake Park, Meadville
Located in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Conneaut Lake Park is a popular tourist destination with many attractions and activities. However, it also has a haunted history that dates back to the 1800s. The park was opened in 1892 by H.B. Reid as one of the first amusement parks in the United States. For years people have reported hearing strange noises and seeing apparitions around the park’s lakefront area at night. There have been reports of an old man wearing a tattered coat who wanders near the beach searching for something he lost long ago, as well as sightings of an eerie figure walking along the boardwalk after dark. Some visitors have even claimed that they’ve heard disembodied voices or seen unexplained lights throughout this historic location.
The most famous ghost story associated with Conneaut Lake Park is that of “the Lady in White.” According to legend, she can be seen wandering around late at night near her former home which was located on what is now known as Ghost Island – an area off-limits to visitors today due to its paranormal activity levels! Many believe she was once married to a wealthy man who died suddenly leaving her all alone until she eventually passed away herself some time later without ever finding any closure or peace from his death and subsequent abandonment of her life plans together with him…
If you’re looking for more information about this creepy location or want to experience it yourself, you can visit their website for hours and admission prices: https://www.visitconneautlakepark.com/
6. Reading Railroad Bridge, Hamburg
The Reading Railroad Bridge in Hamburg, Pennsylvania has a long and storied history of haunting. It is said that the bridge was constructed over an ancient Native American burial ground and since then has been haunted by numerous paranormal activity.
Witnesses have reported seeing strange lights appearing over the bridge at night, ghosts walking across it late at night, mysterious sounds coming from it during the day or evening hours, and people claiming to experience ghostly encounters while crossing it. Some reports even claim to have seen Native Americans dancing on top of the bridge!
In addition to these sightings there are also several stories regarding accident victims who haunt this location; some locals believe they can still hear their voices crying out for help in certain areas near the bridge. There are even rumors of a local doctor who was murdered near the railroad tracks being seen wandering around its vicinity late at night looking for revenge against his killers!
For those brave enough to explore this area themselves there is no official website or contact information available but if you’re interested in visiting please be aware that it is private property so always check with owners before entering any part of it!
7. Fonthill Castle, Doylestown
Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, Pennsylvania is a sprawling castle-like home built by Henry Chapman Mercer between 1908 and 1912. With 44 rooms spread over its 28,000 square feet of space, it has become one of the most iconic structures in Bucks County. It is also said to be haunted by multiple spirits who have been seen and heard throughout the property.
Legend tells that Henry Chapman Mercer himself still haunts Fonthill Castle as his spirit can often be felt around the building. He has even been spotted roaming the halls at night or enjoying a cigar on the terrace overlooking his beloved estate grounds. Other ghostly sightings include those of former servants and caretakers who are believed to still wander through various parts of the property up until this day.
Visitors report hearing strange noises coming from inside Fonthill Castle during their nighttime tours and feeling sudden chills for no apparent reason when walking near certain areas within its walls. There have also been numerous reports of objects moving on their own accord and disembodied voices speaking out loud within its chambers.
If you would like to learn more about Fonthill Castle’s haunted past or take part in an evening tour visit www.mercermuseum .org for more information or call 215-348-9461
8. Allegheny County Courthouse & Jail Museum Pittsburgh
Allegheny County Courthouse & Jail Museum Pittsburgh is a historic building that has been the site of many famous trials, as well as paranormal activity. Located on Grant Street in downtown Pittsburgh, the courthouse was built in 1888 and served as both a court house and jail until it closed down in 1995. It is said to be haunted by several former inmates who died during their stay at the jail and continue to roam its halls today.
The Allegheny County Courthouse & Jail Museum offers visitors a chance to explore this historic space with guided tours throughout the week where they can learn about its history and potentially experience some of its more supernatural aspects first hand. Visitors have reported feeling strange sensations, hearing disembodied voices, and even catching glimpses of mysterious figures roaming around inside.
The museum also hosts ghost hunts for those interested in exploring deeper into what may lurk within these walls after dark; along with other special events such as lectures from local experts on topics related to hauntings or paranormal activities occurring around town. The website www.alleghenycountyjailmuseumpgh.org provides additional information regarding visiting hours, admission fees, upcoming events and contact information if you wish to book a tour or event at this location!
9. Pithole Historic Site near Oil Creek State Park
Located in Venango County, Pennsylvania is the Pithole Historic Site. This area was once a major oil boomtown during the mid-1800s and was home to over 15,000 people at its peak. However, it quickly declined after the Civil War when oil production stopped and most of the residents moved away.
The site has since been known for its paranormal activity with many reports of ghostly sightings near or around some of the remaining buildings onsite such as an old saloon, post office and church. People have reported hearing voices calling out their names as well as seeing figures walking among the ruins late at night. The eerie atmosphere is said to be especially strong around White House Hill where wealthy landowners used to live before they all left town in 1865 following a disastrous fire that destroyed much of it overnight.
Those brave enough can experience this haunted history firsthand by taking one of two guided tours offered throughout August each year by volunteers from Oil Creek State Park Association (OCSPA). The OCSPA also hosts various events like Ghost Walks and Paranormal Investigations throughout October so visitors can learn more about Pithole’s past while searching for signs of any otherworldly spirits still lingering there today! For more information about these events or general inquiries about visiting Pithole Historic Site please visit www.oilcreekstateparkpa.org/pithole-historic-site/.
10. Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward School
Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward School is said to be haunted by the spirit of a teacher who died in an accident on the property. According to local legend, the ghost is often seen roaming around the school grounds and can be heard crying out for help late at night. The old building has been closed down since 1995, but rumors still swirl about strange occurrences there.
The story goes that one day in 1924, a teacher was walking down a hallway when she suddenly slipped on some loose floorboards and fell through them into an open basement below. She was never seen alive again and her body was found several days later in what remained of the basement area. It is believed that her spirit remains trapped inside the walls of this now abandoned structure, forever searching for an escape from its dark confines.
Those brave enough to venture onto these grounds after dark claim to have witnessed strange lights floating across windowsills or heard disembodied voices whispering throughout empty hallways. Others say they’ve felt a chill run down their spine as soon as they stepped foot onto this haunted site – like something had crawled up their skin just moments before their arrival!
If you’d like more information about Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward School and its haunting history, visit www.hauntedhistorytrailofpa.org/attraction/old-eighth-ward-school/.
