From spirit-filled battlefields to ghost-ridden hotels and spooky tours that are sure to give you chills, Pennsylvania is full of haunted attractions. Here are 11 of the most spook-tacular spots across the state.
HISTORIC HAUNTINGS
1. York’s Penn Park
York
With its basketball courts, splash pad, and tranquil setting, it’s hard to imagine that the beautiful York’s Penn Park was once the location of a U.S. Army Hospital where 14,000 soldiers were treated during the Civil War. Their spirits are known to haunt the park to this day.
2. Paoli Battlefield Historical Park
Malvern
Paoli Battlefield Historical Park was the site of one of the most gruesome battles of the American Revolution. The British troops attacked the Americans at midnight with bayonets and swords, leaving many dead and perhaps a few spirits in their wake. Some visitors claim they have spoken with some of the fallen soldiers.
3. Sachs Covered Bridge & Farnsworth House
Gettysburg
Spend Halloween in one of the most haunted towns in America, Gettysburg. With more than 51,000 casualties across the three days, Gettysburg is known for being the site of the bloodiest battle in the Civil War. Places such as the Sachs Covered Bridge, the Farnsworth House, and other historic buildings stake claims to paranormal sightings. Take a self-guided walking tour around the historic town if you dare to face potentially spooky activity up close.
4. Night of the Living Dead Cemetery
Evans City
In a remote cemetery in Evans City, hidden from view, the “living dead” rose from the ground and walked the Earth in search of human flesh — or, at least, that’s what happened in the 1968 film Night of the Living Dead, directed by George A. Romero. Scenes of this horror-cult classic were filmed throughout Evans City, including the Evans City Cemetery, where the opening sequence of the movie takes place.
5. Haunted Hill View Manor
New Castle
Previously known as the Lawrence County Home for the Aged, that once housed the county’s mentally ill, severely destitute, and elderly residents who didn’t have any known family, the home is now one of the most haunted houses in western PA. Visitors have reported activity including voices, footsteps, being touched, doors slamming, things moving on their own, and various apparitions. One story of a little boy dubbed “Jeffrey,” who appears to be about six or seven years of age, says if you lay eyes on this boy, you would die soon after. For more paranormal contact, go to room 105 if you dare to encounter the home of a former patient named Mary Virginia. These are just some of the occurrences that make Haunted Hill View Manor still active today. Haunted Hill View Manor is open to public investigations, overnight investigations, paranormal conventions, and tours.
6. Eastern State Penitentiary
Philadelphia
In 1829, the first prisoner walked through the doors of the Eastern State Penitentiary, which remained a penitentiary until it closed its doors in 1971. Now, the building lies deteriorated and empty…or so it might seem. It is said that the lingering spirits of the isolated prisoners still haunt the cell blocks of this National Historic Landmark, making it one of America’s most haunted prisons. See if you can spot any roaming spirits during a day or nighttime tour.
HAUNTED STAYS:
7. Farnsworth House Inn
Gettysburg
Guests of the Farnsworth House Inn are in for a spooky experience. The Bed & Breakfast, which was once used as a shelter for Confederate sharpshooters and a makeshift hospital after the Battle of Gettysburg, is now considered one of the most haunted places in America. Choose from a variety of haunted attractions, including ghost hunts and guided walks through the hospital and battle sites.
8. Medix Hotel
Medix Run
You can’t have a ghost story without an old building with lots of history, and that’s exactly what Medix Hotel does. Built in 1896, the hotel owner routinely weaves spine-tingling tales for visitors to enjoy as they sit at the bar. So, sit back, grab a drink, and prepare for stories that are sure to leave you uneasy after dark.
TERRIFYING TOURS:
9. Old Mill Village
New Milford
Chilly weather won’t be the only thing giving you shivers when you embark on the haunted candlelight tour at historic Old Mill Village. Filled with tales of ghosts and hauntings of the Endless Mountains, the ghost walks — which run every 20 minutes — end with apple cider, hot chocolate, and donuts. Historic Ghost Walks take place Oct. 14-15 and 20-21.
10. Brinton Lodge
Douglassville
Step inside Brinton Lodge if you dare. The 300-year-old mansion is home to several spirits. Explore the haunted mansion by candlelight, and discover a hidden world of ghosts, mysteries, and supernatural encounters! Brinton Lodge is also available for private paranormal investigations and ghost hunts.
11. Elysburg Haunted House
Elysburg
Elysburg Haunted House is the only haunted attraction in Pennsylvania that includes haunted pathways through the woods and a walk-through, two-story haunted house and cellar! This haunted house is one of the longest-running and is so scary that “emergency escapes” have been added for those who are too spooked to continue.
To see what other haunted attractions there are in Pennsylvania check out the VISIT PA website, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, X, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great trip ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter.