Ohio is home to many haunted places, including abandoned tunnels, historic jails, and even hotels. Some of the most haunted places in Ohio include the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, the Licking County Historic Jail in Newark, and the South Bass Island Lighthouse in Put-in-Bay. Other haunted places in Ohio include Malabar Farm, the Buxton Inn, and the Moonville Tunnel. Visitors to these places have reported unexplained noises, ghostly apparitions, and other paranormal activity. Ohio is a great destination for those looking for spooky fun this fall.
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Most Haunted Places In Ohio In 2024
Some of the most haunted places in Ohio are:
- Moonville Tunnel in McArthur
- Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield
- Licking County Historic Jail in Newark
- South Bass Island Lighthouse in Put-in-Bay
- Malabar Farm
- Buxton Inn in Granville
- The Ridges in Athens
- Franklin Castle in Cleveland
- Fudge Road Bridge in Gratis
- Prospect Place Mansion in Trinway
- Staley Road in New Carlisle
1. Moonville Tunnel in McArthur
The Moonville Tunnel in McArthur, Ohio, is considered one of the most haunted places in the state. This abandoned tunnel, part of a defunct coal mining town, is said to be inhabited by the ghosts of those who died along the railway.
Local legends claim that the ghost of a railroad worker, who was fatally injured in 1859, haunts the tunnel, often appearing with a lantern. Visitors have reported unexplained phenomena, making it a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
If you’re interested in exploring more haunted places in Ohio, other notable locations include the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, the Licking County Historic Jail in Newark, and the South Bass Island Lighthouse in Put-in-Bay.
2. Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield
The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield is widely believed to be haunted by the spirits of its former inmates. This historic site, also known as the Mansfield Reformatory, was designed with rehabilitation in mind but eventually became a place of violence and suffering, leading to numerous deaths and a reputation for paranormal activity.
The reformatory has been the subject of various claims of unexplained phenomena, including sounds of chains, growls, footsteps, tormented voices, and apparitions. The site is known for its eerie atmosphere and has attracted paranormal investigators and enthusiasts. The reformatory is open for tours, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its haunted history and potentially experience the reported supernatural occurrences.
3. Licking County Historic Jail in Newark
The Licking County Historic Jail in Newark, Ohio, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of former inmates. This Richardsonian Romanesque structure, which cost $120,000 to build, has a history of unexplained phenomena and has become a popular destination for ghost hunts, historic tours, and haunted houses.
The site has attracted the attention of paranormal enthusiasts and has been the subject of investigations by shows like Ghost Adventures. Visitors have reported experiencing disembodied voices and other unexplained occurrences, adding to the jail’s reputation as a paranormal attraction.
4. South Bass Island Lighthouse in Put-in-Bay
The South Bass Island Lighthouse in Put-in-Bay, Ohio, is considered one of the most haunted places in the state. Visitors have reported seeing the ghost of Sam Anderson, the assistant lighthouse keeper who committed suicide.
The lighthouse is also said to be haunted by the ghost of a man who died after falling off a cliff near the lighthouse, as well as other unexplained phenomena such as creepy footsteps, slamming doors, and unexplained noises. Although the lighthouse is now closed to the public, visitors can still walk the grounds and learn about its history and mystery.
5. Malabar Farm in Lucas
Malabar Farm, located in Lucas, Ohio, is said to be haunted, with visitors reporting unexplained noises, mysterious smells, ghostly apparitions, and the feeling of cats brushing up against their legs. This historic site, once the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield, is now a state park that has gained a reputation for its paranormal activity.
The farm’s “Big House” is particularly associated with ghostly encounters, adding to its allure for those interested in the supernatural.
6. Buxton Inn in Granville
The Buxton Inn in Granville, Ohio, is rumored to be haunted, with a long history of reported paranormal activity. Built in 1812, the inn has welcomed famous guests such as Abraham Lincoln and Henry Ford. It is said to be spiritually active, with a documented history of being haunted at least back to the 1930s.
The property is known for unexplained phenomena, and guests have frequently reported experiencing ghostly encounters, particularly in the tower suites, with the Windor Suite being a notable hotspot for paranormal activity. The inn offers haunted tours that take visitors through areas not normally open to the public, adding to its allure for those interested in the supernatural.
7. The Ridges in Athens
The Ridges, formerly known as the Athens Lunatic Asylum, is a well-known haunted location in Athens, Ohio. The asylum, which operated from 1874 to 1993, has a long history of reported paranormal activity. One of the most famous ghost stories associated with The Ridges is that of Margaret Schilling, a patient who was tragically locked in a building and later found deceased, leaving a stain on the floor that remained after her body was removed.
The site is also home to the West State Street Cemetery, where many graves, including those of Civil War soldiers, can be found. The Ridges has been the subject of numerous alleged ghost sightings and is a popular destination for those interested in the supernatural.
8. Franklin Castle in Cleveland
The Franklin Castle in Cleveland, Ohio, is renowned as one of the most haunted houses in the state. Built in 1883 by Hannes Tiedemann, the castle has a history of reported paranormal activity, including flickering lights, sounds of crying babies, and other unexplained phenomena. The property has changed hands several times and has undergone restoration and renovation efforts. It is now open for tours, overnight stays, and paranormal research, attracting visitors interested in exploring its haunted history and potentially encountering supernatural experiences.
The castle’s eerie reputation is rooted in its mysterious past, including the deaths of Tiedemann’s family members and subsequent rumors of hauntings. The Franklin Castle remains a popular destination for those seeking spooky and paranormal experiences in Ohio.
9. Fudge Road Bridge in Gratis
Fudge Road Bridge in Gratis, Ohio, is considered a haunted place with numerous ghost stories and haunted lore. The bridge has a history of unexplained phenomena, and visitors have reported experiencing ghostly encounters. The site is known for its eerie atmosphere and has become a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
However, it is important to note that the bridge is located on private property, and visitors should respect the privacy of the people who live along Fudge Road. The site is not officially open to the public, and visitors should exercise caution if they choose to visit the bridge.
10. Prospect Place Mansion in Trinway
Prospect Place Mansion in Trinway, Ohio, is believed to be haunted, with a long history of reported paranormal activity. Built in 1856 by abolitionist George Willison Adams, the mansion has 29 rooms and a barn. The mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Ohio Underground Railroad. The mansion has a history of unexplained phenomena, and visitors have reported experiencing ghostly encounters, particularly in the tower suites.
The mansion is now the home of the non-profit G. W. Adams Educational Center, Inc., which focuses on the history and restoration of the mansion, George W. Adams, and his impact on local/regional communities, and Underground Railroad activities that took place at the mansion. The mansion is open for tours, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its haunted history and potentially experience the reported supernatural occurrences.
11. Staley Road in New Carlisle
Staley Road in New Carlisle, Ohio, is a residential area and not known as a haunted place. However, there is a legend of the “Bloody Barn” and the haunted Staley Road in the Dayton area, which is about an hour away from New Carlisle.
According to the legend, a farmer killed his family and then himself in the barn, and their ghosts are said to haunt the area. Visitors have reported experiencing unexplained phenomena, including ghostly apparitions and strange noises. The legend has become a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
Conclusion | Most Haunted Places In Ohio
Ohio is home of haunted places which offer knowledge of the state’s rich history and interesting past. These haunted sites, that vary from old shelters to historic hotels, attract travelers from all around who want to find their ghostly mysteries. Whether an expert ghost hunter or simply curious about the supernatural, Ohio’s haunted locales are sure to give a fascinating encounter you’ll never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
While many of Ohio’s haunted sites are open to visitors, it’s important to exercise caution and respect any posted rules or regulations. Some locations may have hazards such as uneven terrain or unstable structures.
- The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado.
- Hotel Chelsea, New York City.
- The Langham, London.
- Russell Hotel, Sydney.
- Dragsholm Castle, Hørve, Denmark.
Ohio’s rich history and varied scenery give the ideal setting for haunted stories and folklore, attracting paranormal enthusiasts from all over the world.
Yes, many of Ohio’s haunted sites offer guided tours led by knowledgeable experts who share the history and legends surrounding each location.
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