What was that sound? If you find joy in creaky doors, bleak hallways, and spooky rooms in old buildings, pursue your happiness at 13 of our must-see haunted attractions. Pennsylvania’s storied past creates the perfect setting for ghost stories and frightening tours – be it an eerie battlefield or ghost-ridden prison. Check out these haunted and historic hot spots in Pennsylvania, and be ready for some bizarre encounters with the supernatural.
Eastern State Penitentiary - Philadelphia and its Countryside
Philadelphia
www.easternstate.org
In 1829, the first prisoner walked through the doors of Eastern State Penitentiary. It closed as a penitentiary in 1971 and now lies deteriorated and empty. 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. Today, that same intrigue remains, and guests can experience the haunted prison on a tour or at special events offered year-round.
Farnsworth House - Dutch Country Roads
Gettysburg
www.farnsworthhouseinn.com
Deemed by the Travel Channel as “one of the most haunted inns in America,” this creepy inn takes much pride in its history and ghost lore. During the infamous and bloody battle of Gettysburg, sharpshooters used to hide in the attic of the Farnsworth House and shoot through the windows. Today, the ghosts of those same soldiers, and their victims, have yet to rest in peace. To continue the haunted experience, visitors can take a walk-through or go on one of various tours available for this haunted location to experience looming spirits for themselves. Be sure to check out the schedule for their Paranormal Nights, held monthly.
Carbon County Old Jail - Pocono Mountains
Jim Thorpe
www.theoldjailmuseum.com/tours.html
In June 1877, one of the leaders of the famous Molly Maguires, a secret union of coal miners, was sentenced to his death at the Carbon County Jail. It is said that on his way to be executed, he slammed his hand on the wall and pronounced he didn’t commit the crime. He went on to proclaim that his handprint will remain as proof of his innocence. Years later, after cleaning, repainting and even remodeling, the handprint still remains. To this day visitors can walk the cold hallways of the jail and view the mysterious handprint in cell 17. On the first three Saturdays in October, the Old Jail hosts ghost tours of the property.
Hotel Bethlehem - Lehigh Valley
Bethlehem
www.hotelbethlehem.com
The Hotel Bethlehem dates back to 1741, and stories of the supernatural amongst old rooms and corridors of the hotel are plentiful. Ghosts are said to invade the hotel, including Mary Yohe, once the hotel’s piano player; Daddy Thomas, an always gracious host; and former landlady Mrs. Brong, who appears to kitchen staff in death as she did in life – with no shoes or stockings. Guests can even rent Room 932 – the “Room with a Boo” – for a chance at meeting some of the hotel’s “special” guests.
Jean Bonnet Tavern - The Alleghenies
Bedford
www.jeanbonnettavern.com
With numerous paranormal happenings reported by both guests and staff, it is no wonder visitors to the Jean Bonnet Tavern might experience more than just the charming atmosphere and excellent dining. A strange man in the bar after hours, doors being opened and closed, and the sensation of being touched when no one is around are some of the many so-called paranormal encounters experienced at this haunted hot spot packed with history and stories dating back to the 1760s. In 2013, Smarter Travel named the tavern one of America’s most haunted restaurants and bars.
Conneaut Lake Park - Pennsylvania Great Lakes Region
Conneaut Lake
www.newconneautlakepark.com/index.cfm
Conneaut Lake Park is packed with the gleeful screams of children by day, but at night, other eerie sounds tend to take the stage. The nostalgic Hotel Conneaut is said to hold haunted surprises around every corner. Legend has it that the historic location is home to the spirits of a dancing couple and a haunted bride named Elizabeth. During the fall, guests can face the “13 Levels of Fear” at the haunted amusement park.
Jennie Wade House - Dutch Country Roads
Gettysburg
https://www.ghosttour.net/gettysburg.html
Visit the Jennie Wade House in Gettysburg to learn the story of 20-year-old Jennie Wade, fiancée to Corporal "Jack" Skelly, and the only civilian casualty during the Battle of Gettysburg. You'll get a first-hand look at the kitchen door still peppered full of bullet holes. During the Ghost Tour, visitors will take a 90-minute walking tour, stopping at four locations before entering the Jennie Wade House.
Bates Motel - Philadelphia and its Countryside
Glen Mills
www.thebatesmotel.com/
Check into the Bates Motel for the most incredible display of terror and mayhem. Considered one of the best haunted houses in America, the motel is filled with high-tech special effects and lighting, taking Halloween to a new level. The Bates Motel is one of three attractions at Arasapha Farm, which also features a Haunted Corn Maze and a 25-minute Haunted Hayride.
Cathedral of Learning - Pittsburgh and its Countryside
Pittsburgh
https://www.tour.pitt.edu/tour/cathedral-learning
Looming over the University of Pittsburgh is the Gothic Revival tower known as the Cathedral of Learning. The building was constructed to be more than just a schoolhouse; it was to be a symbol of the life and spirit of Pittsburgh. A decades-old tale asserts the Early American Room is haunted, with furniture moving on its own, the smell of fresh bread baking in the brick fireplace (which hasn’t been used since the 1940s), cold spots, and candles suddenly flaring. As one of the only classrooms not in use in the cathedral, this room is available for tours.
Mishler Theatre - The Alleghenies
Altoona
www.mishlertheatre.org
The uncovered testimony of a teenage girl claims the ghost of Issac Mishler haunts this beautiful building. Madeline Letsche befriended the founder of the Altoona Historic Mishler Theatre when her mother, Laura, would help with theatre productions. Over the years, many stage crew members, actors, office workers, and visitors have heard, seen, and even felt Issac Mishler’s presence.
Pennhurst Asylum - Philadelphia and its Countryside
Spring City
www.pennhurstasylum.com/
Head to the Pennhurst Asylum to send chills down your spine. The hospital-themed, walk-through attraction features items and artifacts that were part of the original state school. The attraction combines high-tech animatronics, digital sound, and motivated actors, as well as fine detail and realism. While visiting, guests will brave Containment, the Morgue, and the Mayflower After Dark.
Reaper’s Revenge - Upstate PA
Scranton
https://reapersrevenge.net/
From haunted hayrides to mazes of darkness, the terrifying attractions at Reaper’s Revenge are sure to have you jumping out of your seat. Encounter evil clowns and experience the wandering souls of The Lost Carnival, or take a walk through the aftermath of a massive bio nuclear attack at Sector 13. Whatever you choose, be sure you’re ready for some of the scariest entertainment in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Fulton Theatre - Dutch Country Roads
Lancaster
www.thefulton.org
Located in the heart of downtown Lancaster, this National Historic Landmark’s haunted legends of the “Woman in White” and other apparitions have even scared its own actors away from completing an overnight stay in the theater. One of the most mysterious Fulton stories is the tale of a strange, old man who was seen in the restricted section of the balcony. When questioned, he replied that he was watching his granddaughter in a production. The attendant later learned that both of the young actress’s grandfathers had been dead for years.
Hundred Acres Manor - Pittsburgh and its Countryside
Bethel Park
www.hundredacresmanor.com/index.html
From the twisted medical research facility named “South Valley Hospital” to the meat processing plant turned human butcher shop known as “Brine Slaughterhouse,” Hundred Acres Manor is a destination for thrill-seekers. This haunted experience lies minutes from downtown in South Park and spans over one mile with six different cringe-worthy attractions. Hundred Acres Manor has been featured on the Travel Channel, named one of the “Best Haunted House in the U.S.” by Forbes.com, recently called “Pittsburgh’s Best Haunted House” by HauntWorld.com, and the list goes on. Embrace the zombies and creatures of your nightmares to find out what this terrifying buzz is all about.
Fright Factory - Philadelphia and its Countryside
Philadelphia
http://frightfactory.tv/
As featured on the Travel Channel’s list of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions,” the Fright Factory lives up to its name. This 25,000 square foot haunted house is located within a 105+-year-old building in South Philadelphia. Join Hollywood’s famous villains for a ghoulish journey through all three startling attractions: Industrial Nightmare, Silent Screams Asylum, and Fright Factory Unearthed.