12 Famous Haunted Locations in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania, has rolling hill countries, historic towns, eerie forests, and much more. The Keystone State is full of ghostly stories of Civil War battlefields, haunted mansions, spooky inns, and old hospitals. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, these destinations will have you agreeing that something out of the ordinary is afoot.
Each site has its own dark secrets and plenty of spine-tingling details to keep your imagination working over time. A word to the wise: Some spirits aren’t friendly and some tales will have you looking over your shoulder at night. Do you have a brave heart? Then venture into these 12 Famous Haunted Locations for a thrill.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia was once a prison for alleged crimes in Al Capone and is now believed to be a haunted place. It’s reported that the spirits of the inmates who spent their time there now haunt the penitentiary. Visitors commonly say they hear eerie sounds, see shadow figures, and hear whispers in the halls. Halloween guided tours , allow you to experience just how dark and lonely the prison can feel.
Gettysburg Battlefield
One of the bloodiest battles in American history took place on Gettysburg Battlefield, and many think the soldiers never truly left. There are said to be ghostly apparitions roaming the fields, particularly Devil’s Den and Little Round Top, and some have even said they’ve seen fully formed soldier figures walking in the mist, reliving the tragic events of the past. Gettysburg’s haunted air is as thick as the fog that rolls over the battlefield.
The Pittsburgh Playhouse
Another historic theater in Pittsburgh that’s an area for paranormal activity is the Pittsburgh Playhouse. The staff has nicknamed some spirits, even a former stagehand dubbed “Weeping Eleanor,” which suggests that these encounters are common. Weird things have been reported by visitors and actors who claim to see flickering lights, mysterious footsteps, and cold spots on stage. With as rich a history as it has, shared by the ghostly tales, the Playhouse is a great place to stop if you’re interested in the supernatural.
Hansell Road, Bucks County
Hansell Road in Bucks County, Pa., may seem like any quiet country lane, but locals advise cautious wandering especially at night. The legend is that a ghostly woman, sometimes dressed in a long white gown, prowls the road searching for her lost child. Eyewitness accounts retell the experience of her sudden appearance in the middle of the road. A drive down Hansell Road after dark might mean a sudden encounter this apparition.
The Betsy Ross House
More than its historical significance, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia is known to be one of the city’s most haunted spots. Strange noises and footsteps echoing down empty halls have been reported by staff and visitors who have also said they’d seen a woman looking very much like Betsy herself. The Betsy Ross House is a perfect mix of history and hauntings.
The General Wayne Inn
The General Wayne Inn in Merion is teeming with historical reminders dating back to 1704. It’s rumored to be haunted too. Some say the inn is haunted by Hessian soldiers from the Revolutionary War, and by many others. Phantom footsteps and apparitions in mirrors are just some of the paranormal encounters that have been reported by staff and guests. Pair that with its haunted reputation and this historic inn is a favorite for paranormal enthusiasts.
Hickory Run State Park
Boulder Field in Hickory Run State Park is an unusual landscape with an equally unusual history. It’s also a place where spirits are said to be especially active, locals say. While walking among the stones, some of the visitors have felt a strange presence, and others have said they have seen shadows on the field. The park itself is a beautiful place to explore by day, but at dusk, its an eerie place.
Altoona’s Baker Mansion
Anna Baker is one of the most famous ghost stories that can be heard and told at Baker Mansion, a historic house museum in Altoona. She was told not to marry the love of her life and she’s haunted the mansion ever since. Some say they have seen her wedding dress move in its glass case, where it is displayed. Baker Mansion has all the chilling details if you’re looking for an old-school ghost story.
Brinton Lodge
Douglassville’s Brinton Lodge has a reputation for being haunted. This was once an 18th-century mansion turned into a hotel, and it’s had many owners, and each seems to have left their mark and as some believe, their spirit. At the Lodge, shadowy figures, cold spots, and strange sounds have been experienced especially in the basement. Here, paranormal investigations have produced many reports of ghostly presences, and with tales as thick as its historic walls, it’s one of the most haunted places around.
The Hotel Bethlehem
The Hotel Bethlehem is not just a historic gem. With its good taste, fantastic themes, and a long list of ghostly residents, it is no wonder that it is famous. Many guests and staff members say they have seen spirits, including a young girl named May Yohe, a 19th-century singer, who lived much of her life at the hotel. Some say they can hear her and have seen her reflection in mirrors, or fallen prey to a sudden chill in the air. Hotel Bethlehem is a must-visit for the luxury and supernatural fancy.
Raymondskill Falls
The Raymondskill Falls near Milford isn’t much to see however, local legends say you can hear strange sounds around the falls, especially after dark. Some say they’ve seen mysterious figures in the surrounding forest while it’s still claimed that the spirits of Native Americans protect the area. It’s an area so naturally haunting it appeals as much to nature lovers as it does to thrill seekers who just want to see what kind of ghosts are about.
The Jennie Wade House
The Jennie Wade House is the site where Jennie Wade was killed during the Battle of Gettysburg, the only civilian killed in that battle. People visiting have said they felt a strong presence in the house, and a lot of people claim to have seen Jennie’s ghost in the rooms. The house has become a museum and its icy air serves as a morbid memorial to the men killed in the historic battle.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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