If you love horror flicks and films about haunted houses, check out some of these haunted locations around Western New York! They will get your blood pumping and raise hairs on end!
Rolling Hills Asylum was established during the 1800s to house orphans, people suffering from fatal diseases like tuberculosis and poor families. Today it has a reputation for being haunted – one of America’s top haunted locations.
1. Dr. Best House & Medical Museum
From Victorian homes to old taverns, haunted places will keep your senses alert for spirits that lurk in the shadows. Whispering voices may appear, along with sensations such as someone brushing against you or even sudden urges to alter plans altogether.
Built in 1884, this museum and home served two generations as both their family home and medical office. Today visitors can explore a time capsule of 19th century medicine including an electrostatic machine and zinc-topped operating table featuring real human skulls – as well as Civil War artifacts from both railroads and Rotary clubs which trace America’s development over its early years.
Tri-City New York Paranormal Society uses this house for training sessions. Staff and visitors have reported hearing door slamming, piano playing, running footsteps and distant voices; guided tours and professional ghost investigations are also offered here; it also serves as one of six stops on the Haunted History Trail.
2. Casey’s Cottage
At first glance, this cottage on Lake Ontario may not look impressive from the outside; but once inside, it becomes evident that this property is indeed an incredible piece of artwork.
Decades ago, a Columbia College sociology professor and artist secured permission to turn their carriage house into what resembled an 11th century manor house by adding features like a moat and carving walls and beams reminiscent of 11th century manor houses; their fireplace also includes chains commemorating medieval hunting practices.
Since renovations were undertaken, strange occurrences have been reported by visitors. Furniture has moved by itself without prompting, lights flickered and translucent figures have passed by without anyone witnessing it. Some reports state a woman with light eyes and dark hair still lingers here from when the cottage housed a bordello; orbs, cold spots and disembodied voices have also been observed.
3. Fort Ontario
Fort Ontario State Historic Site in Oswego boasts an illustrious past. Over its 100-plus year existence, it has served as an army recruiting center during the Civil War, hospital for wounded soldiers during World War I and refugee camp for Jewish Holocaust victims between 1944 and 1946. Over this time period, hundreds of people died there – 77 officers and soldiers are buried here today alone! With such an intense history behind them, visitors to Fort Ontario often report hearing strange music, shadow figures in photographs and hearing ghostly voices while visiting.
Make the most of your upstate New York road trip and explore this fort on either a guided ghost tour, self-guided tour or both! Plus you’ll have access to two historic museum buildings as well as two that served as soldiers’ quarters! It’s the ideal combination of history and paranormal fun.
4. 1,000 Islands-Seaway Region
New York State is well-known for its glamorous New York City, spectacular Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, Niagara Falls, relaxing beaches and charming wineries; but it also features some unexpected secrets – its haunted past remains mysterious! Discover New York’s dark side through exploring haunted castles, creepy hotels and otherworldly graveyards along the Haunted History Trail.
The Thousand Islands Seaway Region lies along the peaceful border between northern New York State and southeastern Ontario (Canada) and is an unparalleled scenic gem that boasts endless shorelines, rich heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. Once known for pirates and Prohibition bootleggers, today this area welcomes visitors with charming village downtowns, boat tours and plenty of water activities to keep you busy for days on end!
Enjoy cozy waterfront cottages, historic island homes or full-service hotels across dozens of communities in this region. Private island rentals may also be available – for an unforgettable rustic retreat consider staying in Palmyra where Joseph Smith reported his initial visions!
