Haunted History Trail of New York State

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The 400+ mile long trail is a collection of 65+ locations across the state which provides visitors with a glimpse into the paranormal world. Some locations provide guided tours of their haunted history, some will allow groups and individuals to “investigate” the hauntings, while other locations are haunted inns, mansions, and hotels where visitors can stay overnight. The trail includes ghostly seasonal events, UFO-watching, and locations that are considered “creepy.” Visitors can discover the trail online, either by regions of the state or by the type of experience they would like to explore.

(9) VACATION REGIONS

Adirondacks

Greater Niagara

Chautauqua-Allegheny

Finger Lakes

Central New York

Capital Saratoga

Catskills

Hudson Valley

1000 Islands-Seaway

This trail overview offers detailed information for the variety of options that make touring the Haunted History Trail a truly one-of-a-kind experience. To better navigate the document, please feel free to click on the links below to move to sections of interest.

Haunted Inns

Haunted Dining

Haunted Tours – Guided

Investigations/Ghost Hunts

UFO

Creepy

Family-Friendly Ghostly Events

Trail Contact

Media Contact

HAUNTED INNS: As children, most of us checked under our beds for monsters. For those of you who didn’t have to sleep with the light on, here’s an opportunity to satisfy your curiosity. These inns are reputed to have ghostly residents that checked in — but never checked out. A full list of haunted inns is available here.

Heaven Sent B&B, Portageville, NY (Greater Niagara): Located at the southern end of Letchworth State Park, this 1800s converted church and rectory is now a delightfully charming, yet haunted bed and breakfast.

The Naples Hotel, Naples, NY (Finger Lakes): Built in 1895, it has been home to countless travelers over the years, some of whom have never left. Today, the hotel’s 32 rooms are haunted by at least six friendly spirits, including a woman and her children, as well as a gentleman named Topper. They are known to move pictures, turn lights on, and lock doors!

Glen Sanders Mansion Inn, Albany, NY (Capital Saratoga): The Glen Sanders Mansion was constructed in 1658, and has served as host to many historical figures including General George Washington and Louis Philippe of France. Intriguing stories surround this structure from the Mohawk Indians, the Underground Railroad, and even into present day with sightings, whisperings, and other unexplainable events.

Pine Bush House Bed & Breakfast, Pine Bush, NY (Hudson Valley): All of the rooms in this beautiful 1904 Victorian home have different décor and different ghosts. The quiet elegance is frequently interrupted by the sound of people walking upstairs, doors “accidentally” locking, and people laughing … but no one is there.

The Shanley Hotel, Napanoch, NY (Catskills): A paranormal hotel. Ghost tour along with a ghost investigation. Featured on TV shows “Ghost Lab” and “Ghost Hunters.” Refreshments served. Continental breakfast with an overnight stay.

HAUNTED DINING: Want to hang out with ghosts without the commitment? Grab a bite to eat and hear local patrons and staff tell you their stories. You may want to save an extra seat for an unexpected dinner guest. A full list of haunted dining experiences is available here.

Owego’s Parkview Restaurant & Pub, Owego, NY (Finger Lakes): The hotel building was built in 1867.In 2008, the Parkview received a grant from the North Avenue Gateway Revitalization Project, in order to improve commerce in the area through renovations of existing businesses. In 2011, Beth and Mark Johnson purchased the Parkview, despite heavy damage from flooding. After many renovations and repairs, the Irish pub and restaurant opened its doors in 2012 and has been serving Owego’s finest ever since! Secrets abound on the second floor, where rooms have remained dusty and quiet for many years. One room, sealed off after a small fire in the 1970s, was rediscovered 40 years later by Beth Johnson herself!
Calaboose Grille, Owego, NY (Finger Lakes): Built over 100 years ago, what was once the Owego Town Jail is now home to the Calaboose Grille. “Calaboose” is a Cajun slang term for jail, so the restaurant maintains a unique quality and atmosphere. The current foundation was built by the prisoners at the time, an actual chain gang, who were made to work in the town stone yard when not housed here. The Calaboose Grille provides quality food with great service and a unique atmosphere.
Wayside Irish Pub, Elbridge, NY (Finger Lakes): Most of the poltergeist-like activity is attributed to a friendly ghost named Harry. However, there are other ghosts also thought to be spending their afterlife in the building. They include the Inn’s original owner, Squire Munro, and an unknown traveler who died in the building. Multiple reports from employees andpatrons tell of a male figure dressed in a soldier uniform, and shadow figures in the basement.

Grapevine Farms,Cobleskill, NY (Central NY): Join us on a journey through our 3 floors of themed rooms while searching for our ghosts. Perhaps you catch a glimpse or hear the children running in the halls. Paranormal activity at Grapevine Farms has been witnessed by numerous family members, employees and customers. Former residents have also visited and reminisced about their ghostly encounters.
Silvio’s Italian Villa, Warwick, NY (Hudson Valley): The building has had numerous renovations and many different residents since it was built in the late 1700s by Revolutionary War veteran Levi Ellis. The Vail family who occupied it from 1920 to 1960 has an especially frightful story. The house was later converted to a restaurant where strange occurrences continue to this day -- ghostly shapes, unexplained footsteps and sounds, disappearing items, a basement that brings on chills.

HAUNTED TOURS – GUIDED: Many haunted spaces offer guided tours that point out where paranormal activity has occurred. Or they tell stories of ghostly apparitions and tragic deaths. With a guide, you’ll be given the haunted past of the location and may experience new sightings. A full list of guided tours is available here.
Rolling Hills Asylum, Batavia, NY (Greater Niagara): Established in 1827, the Genesee County Poor Housesoon became a dumping ground for the outcasts of society. Widows and orphans mingled with lunaticsand the unclaimed dead were buried on the property. With over1,700 documented deaths and hundreds not recorded,it's no wonder Haunted North America rated it as the “2nd Most Haunted Site” in the U.S.

Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse & Veterans Park Museum, Dunkirk, NY (Chautauqua/Allegheny): A historical working lighthouse and adjacent Victorian keeper’s house (circa 1875).The Dunkirk Lighthouse was first established on Point Gratiot in 1827 to guide ships to the safety of Dunkirk Harbor. The 61-ft. lighthouse tower has its original third-order Fresnel lens and the light’s 27-mile range makes it one of the most prominent lights on Lake Erie.

Dr. Best House and Medical Museum, Middleburgh, NY (Central NY): Steeped in a village over 300 years old, the House is a time capsule from the earliest formation of medicine. The property contains medical apparatus’ that will turn your blood cold, tales of deaths and misfortune in this small, rural community with original obituaries, photos and death certificates.
NYS Capitol Hauntings Tours,Albany, NY (Capital Saratoga): Brave visitors will make their way through the Capitol to the exact spot where a night watchman died in a fire before exploring the legend of the “Secret Demon” near the Great Western Staircase. Discover which two Presidents visited the Capitol after they died and learn about the state Assembly Chamber’s hidden murals and the tormented artist who created them.
Fort William Henry Museum, Lake George, NY (Adirondacks): The area surrounding Fort William Henry has been the scene for countless battles, terrible disease and harsh climate. With hundreds of years of history, there are bound to be some ghost stories. Join us for a tour of ghostly places. See first-hand, the equipment used by investigators in their quest to research paranormal activity. Hear the stories that have been handed down over the years, as well as the personal experiences of those leading the tour.

INVESTIGATIONS/GHOST HUNTS: Searching for ghosts can be fun AND terrifying. Some of these hunts allow you to be the expert—bringing your own equipment and giving you time alone with the spirits. Others allow you to search as a group—taking pictures, comparing notes and listening for anything that goes *bump* in the night. A full list of investigations and ghost hunts is available here.

Rapids Theatre, Niagara Falls, NY (Greater Niagara): The Rapids Theatre is one of WNY’s most haunted locations. Some of the paranormal activity known to be happening are voices being heard, doors opening and closing, footsteps being heard, a mysterious whistling with keys jingling, and even sightings of full blown apparitions. Originally opening in 1921, The Rapids Theatre is one of the most historical buildings remaining in the great city of Niagara Falls, NY.

Fingerlakes Mall, Auburn, NY (Finger Lakes):A late-night watchman was only on the job a few months before his first "encounter" that sent him running out of the shopping center. Since then, ghost investigators have recorded over 200 top-notch EVPs, video footage of something roaming the halls, people have reported to have been pushed, touched and more. A local ghost hunting organization believes that it could be one of Auburn, NY's most haunted locations.
The Landmark Theatre, Syracuse, NY (Finger Lakes): The historic theatre, built in 1928, has had people talking of hauntings just years after it opened. After falling from a balcony to her death in 1930, Clarissa’s spirit has been haunting The Landmark, often seen by workers and visitors.
Fort Ontario State Historic Site, Oswego, NY (1000 Islands-Seaway): Known as the “Guardian of the Northern Frontier,” Fort Ontario was built in 1755. Hundreds of soldiers and civilians perished at the military fortress during three centuries of military activity. Reported paranormal activity includes a woman in an upstairs window, a child calling his cat, strange lights and music, and apparitions in the cemetery.
UFO:A feeling that we aren’t alone has been plaguing humans since time began. Do aliens exist? Are they friend or foe? There are places in New York where ET is welcome and discussions abound.
Village of Pine Bush: UFO Capital of New York, Pine Bush, NY (Hudson Valley): UFO enthusiasts have been flocking to Pine Bush since the early 1960s, gathering to sky-watch at night for the weird lights that emanate from the woods and bizarre objects flying in the sky. UFO enthusiasts stop by the Cup and Saucer Diner to share their experiences and give tips on the best locations for sightings.
CREEPY:Everyday events or objects can become terrifying. You’ll discover tombstones with a mind of their own and vehicles that defy physics. A full list of creep locations is available here.
Durand Eastman Park, Rochester, NY (Finger Lakes/Monroe County): The origins of the stories that surround the hauntings of "The White Lady" in this Rochester, NY park are open for interpretation.But what is real...is that for decades, a White Lady has been spotted along the roadways of this park near Lake Ontario. Rumors in these parts suggest that even the local law enforcement have seen things that they cannot explain. Is it a daughter that never returned? Or a widow waiting for her husband's ship to arrive? The stories told for decades cannot be ignored.
Spook Hill, Middlesex, NY (Finger Lakes): Follow Route 364 through Potter and Middlesex.Turn left onto South Vine Valley Road.Turn left onto Newell Road.Drive to the top of the big hill and when you get to the top you will descend a little bit.There will be a driveway on the right and then a sign for Spike Road on the left.Before Spike Road, and a little before the driveway on the right, you will want to stop and put your car in neutral. Sit and be spooked as your car rolls backward up the hill! (Hint – If it doesn’t work at first, your car may not be in the right spot. So either move forward or backward a bit. You will know when you have found it!)
Thompson Park Vortex, Watertown, NY (1000 Islands-Seaway): This Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park atop Watertown is said to contain a time vortex that transports those who discover it to another portion of the park. Eyewitnesses to the phenomenon have reported over the years that the location seems to move within the park.
Mystery Spot of Lake George, Lake George, NY (Adirondacks):In Lake George, NY there is a very peculiar spot inside Mayor Blais Park on Beach Road. You walk to the center of a map of Lake George and speak out loud. Your voice will come back louder than when it left - almost as if you're talking inside a cone. There is legend that it was the spot where a great Native American god shouted his wisdom for the mountains, lake and landscape to hear. One thing we do know, it's a perplexing audio phenomenonthat has stumped scientists - andvisitors love!
Laurel Grove Cemetery, Port Jervis, NY (Hudson Valley): It’s obvious that the renowned landscape architect, Howard Daniels, who designed this site in 1855, intended it to serve as a park as well as a final resting place for the departed. It’s not likely he could have imagined the unexplained crashing sounds that occasionally disturb the peace of this beautiful setting, or the woman dressed in a flowing white gown who suddenly appears from behind a mausoleum, runs from river to river, then disappears.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY GHOSTLY EVENTS: Enjoy family-friendly events where costumed actors bring the past to life. Wander through a cemetery or mansion, listening to startling stories by candlelight. Or become a zombie-slayer to help keep the world safe!

•Full Calendar can be viewed here:

TRAIL CONTACT: Kelly Rapone – Trail Founder/Administrator

Genesee County Chamber of Commerce

(585)-343-7440, ext. 23

MEDIACONTACT: Sarah Blackwell

585-394-0787 x4