New York is home to some eerie attractions ranging from haunted mental hospitals and an unnerving mansion where Mark Twain wrote his most beloved stories – here are 10 places across New York that are most unnerved by ghostly forces.
An East Village brownstone has long been considered to be haunted, with reports of ghostly green spirits, Civil War soldiers and even Sid Vicious being seen there!
Kings Park Psychiatric Facility
Kings Park Psychiatric Center was an integral part of Long Island psychiatric care for over a century, built by Suffolk County to offer an alternative to overcrowded and subpar local facilities.
This facility has long been reported as haunted, reportedly being home to patients who wander aimlessly through its empty buildings, leaving visitors hearing screams and doors opening or closing on their own.
Ghostly female spirits have also been seen roaming Morgan Hall, the home of J.P. Morgan. One ghost has been identified as Alice Morgan who died from Yellow Fever in 1910; other spirits seen roaming include bootlegger Charlie Klein and an older couple seen sipping cocktails at Katie’s Bar inside Grand Central Terminal.
Machpelah Cemetery
Machpelah Cemetery in Queens is undeniably one of New York’s creepiest haunted locations, and Harry Houdini spent much of his career escapating from coffins – this cemetery marks his final resting place here and is popular on Halloween as visitors hope to communicate with him from beyond the grave – his widow held seances every Halloween until her own passing in 1936 in hopes of communicating with him from beyond, yet she never heard back!
Miles Lampson, one of the village’s wealthiest residents, rests buried here at its center; also re-interred are Caroline and Julia Le Roy from their original burial ground when it closed down.
Kreischer Mansion
Staten Island’s Kreischer Mansion is widely considered one of the city’s most haunted homes, having been constructed in 1885 by brick manufacturer Balthasar Kreischer for his two sons, Edward and Charles Kreischer. Edward shot himself after becoming angry at Charles over an inheritance dispute at their brick factory; Charles shot himself shortly thereafter at Kreischer Mansion after an altercation ensued between himself and Edward; an weeping woman has also been reported.
After being used as a restaurant, patrons reported hearing strange banging noises and doors slamming unnecessarily. Unfortunately, this venture ultimately failed, and Isaac Yomtovian, an Ohio developer purchased it. Most recently, however, one of Bonanno crime family associates was murdered there by a caretaker hired for working on the mansion.
Conference House
From haunted townhouses to mysterious Escape Rooms, New York offers plenty of creepy places for visitors. Be wary when visiting these spots–the ghostly inhabitants may keep you up at night or alter your plans unexpectedly!
Conference House, better known by its nickname the “House of Death,” stands out among New York buildings for its unsettling aura. Dating back to 19th-century brownstone architecture, Conference House boasts a dark past which includes both murder-suicides and suicide attempts from its observation deck, in addition to being used as an infirmary, orphanage, tuberculosis hospital and nursing home at various times during its history. Mark Twain once lived here between 1900 and 1901 – his ghost has even been seen wandering the grounds wearing his signature white suit and cigar! Additionally, legendary punk rock duo Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen also once stayed here, when they both suffered injuries caused by something otherworldly during their stay – leaving their marks upon them all.
Canfield Casino
Canfield Casino in Congress Park is a beloved Saratoga Springs tourist destination, yet many may be unaware of its supernatural activity. Visitors and staff have reported hearing crystal clinking noises and sensing cigar smoke odor despite it being completely smoke-free; doors slamming shut, as well as furniture moving on its own!
Other mysterious incidents at this location have included being hit by an unseen spirit with a glass, seeing an inexplicable woman dressed in Victorian clothing, feeling watched by hostile energy, and hearing slapped glasses by unknown spirits. Even an episode of Ghost Hunters featured the area.
Canfield Casino is part of Saratoga Springs History Museum and tours are available to learn about its rich past. Take a tour if you find yourself nearby!
