Pennsylvania is one of the oldest states in the country and has numerous Revolutionary War and Civil War sites. It’s where history meets the haunted, and you should visit the historical site, which is considered one of the most haunted places in Pennsylvania. If you’re brave enough to explore the unknown—whether it be unexplained phenomena or paranormal activities—consider visiting some of the state’s most notorious haunted locations. Known as the mecca for ghost hunters, visitors can discover fascinating historic sites in every corner of the state, many of which have their own ghost stories to share!
Most Haunted Places In Pennsylvania
Some consider the haunted places in Pennsylvania or the most creepy places in Pennsylvania; nevertheless, as to what should be called, it screams spooky and weird, that’s for sure. Here is a list of the most haunted places in Pennsylvania that ghost hunters can visit.
1. Farnsworth House Inn, Gettysburg
One of the bloodiest battlefields of the Civil War, Gettysburg comes with no surprise to be considered one of the most haunted places in Pennsylvania. Built in the 1800s, the Farnsworth House Inn played a vital role in the Battle of Gettysburg as it opened its door to the Confederate sharpshooters. “Jennie”, a 20-year old was accidentally shot by one of those shooters, who turned out to be the only civilian who died during the battle. On the final day of the battle, the Union soldiers took control of the Farnsworth Inn and killed the Confederate shooters who were stationed there.
With more than 100 bullet holes in the house walls, it only reminds us of the horrific time. Later, at the end of this battle, Farnsworth House was turned into a hospital to treat the soldiers; many succumbed to their injuries and died a painful death. As a result, this house has been actively reported for its paranormal activities. The former residents claimed that each ghost had its name and personality and included an array of ghosts, from an 8-year-old boy to a midwife and several soldiers. In contrast, soldiers’ spirits are understandable; it is unsure who the 8-year-old kid and midwife are. While there are speculations of the midwife being the former owner, it remains a mystery. It is regarded as one of the most haunted houses in Pennsylvania.
Location: 401 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
Timings: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays
Also Read: Haunted Places In Michigan
2. Devil’s Den, Gettysburg
Talking about the most haunted places in Pennsylvania, the second tops the list is the Devil’s Den. One of the bloodiest sites where the battle of Gettysburg took place, the formation of rocks in the middle of the battlefield witnessed the deaths of more than 2,000 young men on July 2nd 1863. The unburied dead bodies of soldiers were left behind at the Devil’s den for many weeks. Even some soldiers’ bodies were left in the deep cracks between the rocks.
This battlefield was previously believed to be the area of Native American hunting ground where the battle of the crows took place, like the Gettysburg war, where many people lost their lives in the crows battle. There have been rumours of unnatural sightings and eerie sounds coming from the Devil’s Den. Former settlers have complained about seeing the spirits of Native American chiefs roaming around the area. In recent times, the spirits have been said to increase with power, and people have reported seeing a ghost of a man with long hair hanging around the rocks. This has to be one of the most talked about haunted places in Gettysburg Pennsylvania.
Location: Devil’s Den, Sickles Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325, United States
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 6 am–10 pm
3. Old Jail Museum
One of the old prisons of Pennsylvania, it is the place where seven members of the Molly Maguires, a secret union of Irish coal miners, were imprisoned and executed. Dubbed as ‘Pennsylvania haunted locations’, the Jim Thorpe’s jail was closed in the mid-1990s and was restored as a haunted attraction. Handprints and gallows of the executed prisoners can be found by the visitors on the wall. Although the prison was restored and cleaned and painted, the mysterious handprints keep appearing again and again. Some say it stands as a reminder of the miserable things the prisoners went through.
Location: 128 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, United States
Timings: Thursday & Friday 12 – 1:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday 12–4 pm. (Monday – Wednesday are closed)
Related Post: Haunted Places In America
4. Mishler Theater
Categorised as one of the most popular gems and the absolute owner’s beloved Mishler Theater in Altoona, it is known as one of the most haunted places in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It has been an entertainment spot for over a century with endless hours of joy for the locals. However, the times have changed and the once beloved by the visitors are now petricifed of this place. Many believe that the owner Mishler haunts the theater now. Built in 1907, it is one of the haunted theaters in the area that still features small plays and performances.
Location: 1208 12th Ave #206, Altoona, PA 16601, USA
Timings: 10 am – 4 pm
5. Old Crowley Mansion
Considered one of the most haunted houses in Erie and it is also the first haunted building that was documented in Erie. The Crowley Family were incredibly rich however their misfortune of murders, illness and untimely deaths followed. Can you believe one member of the family was brutally killed by his own wife? But the husband made it his mission to torment her beyond the grave causing destruction and chaos throughout the nights. Whosoever has visited this haunted house also believes that the property is filled with unwavering sadness and negativity.
Location: 3506 E Lake Rd in Erie, Pennsylvania
Timings: Not applicable
Related Post: Haunted Places In Singapore
6. Gannon University
Another popular haunted location in Erie Pennsylvania is Gannon University. Hotspot for paranormal activity is their fraternity house on campus. The most commonly shared incidents involved a tragic halloween party where a dark figure in black cowboy hat appeared. Apparently, it is said that the figure was followed by one partygoer and upon reaching the top, he tipped his hat to the person following behind before disappearing. Afterwhich there have been numerous sightings with weird stuff happening upstairs like window opening/closing on their own. The last sighting of this man was for his last warning to leave the premius before disappearing again.
Location: 109 University Square, Erie, PA 16541, USA
Timings: Class timings are 8:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m or from 2:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.
7. Watson-Curtze Mansion
Watson-Curtze Mansion is a museum that is highly haunted and spirits said to be responsible for numerous paranormal activities in the museum is General Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War Hero. It is said that he died and was buried locally. However, a few years later his son demanded his father’s remains be relocated to a South-Eastern cemetery. As fulfilling this wish was a struggle as moving bones are easier than the decomposed body. Anthony’s body was exhumed and placed inside an iron cauldron to remove all traces of flesh. The same tools that were used to burn out his flesh is displayed in Watson-Curtze museum and that’s the reason why everyone believes it to be haunted by his spirit.
Location: 356 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16507, United States
Timings: 10 am – 5 pm
Related Post: Haunted Places In Miami
8. Erie Cemetery
Erie Cemertery which has been reported for number of haunted graves within its premises is described as one of the most haunted places in Pennsylvania. Well, that is undoubtably as many bodies have been cemerted there. If you are daring enough to explore these spots, then the most talked-about hotspot is a series of headstones that are arranged in a circle.
Locally called ‘Witched Circle’, tales have that Satan himself pulled some of his worshippers underground during his Satanic ritual. Some of the tombstones even appear to have scorch marks, while one of them is said to be adorned with gothic ornaments. The tomb appears to have been on a fire at some point because of its darkness.
Location: 2116 Chestnut St, Erie, PA 16502, United States
Timings: 8 am – 4 pm
Haunted Hotels In Pennsylvania
With all things beautiful, Pennsylvania is also home to its rich history and dark past. Would you mind staying at some of the most haunted hotels in Pennsylvania? If yes, then read on:
1. Cashtown Inn, Gettysburg
Cashtown is known for its paranormal activities and has been on air for some. The Inn dates back to 1797 and the name comes from its innkeeper, Peter Marck who only accepted cash as payments. But where’s the haunted, you ask? Well, it is believed to be ghostly by not Peter but the soldiers from the nearby Gettysburg battle site. One of the common complaints the guests have reported is of the door opening and slam shutting on its own, as spooky as it sounds, would you plan your stay at Cashtown Inn?
Location: 1325 Old Rte 30, Orrtanna, PA 17353, United States
Price: Starting price for a room $160.
Related Post: Ghost Town In California To Become A Holiday Destination
2. Wedgwood Inn Bed & Breakfast
The second on the list of haunted hotels in Pennsylvania is none other than Wedgwood Inn. With its rich history, this site was built in 1870 as a Britsh fort. As per the local speculation, this is not only home to a secret staircase but also has a hidden basement tunnel. Wedgwood Inn Bed & Breakfast ticks all the boxes for the jumpscare, haunted by a spirit of 12-year old girl Sarah that appears to childrens only. It is said that she was a slave who escaped and found refuge at the inn at the time of the underground railroad. Some guests have experienced a good scare staying at the bed and breakfast.
Location: 1870 Wedgwood Inn Bed & Breakfast of New Hope, PA
Price: Starting price for a room is $225.
3. Inn at Jim Thorpe
Built in 1833, this Inn at Jim Thorpe has hosted numerous famous names including Ulysses S Grant, Thomas Edison, John D Rockefeller and even President William H Taft. However despite the famousness of this hotel, it is believed to be one of the most haunted hotels in Pennsylvania. Various guests have reported strange activities including seeing shadows, objects moving, television being turned on, and even guests waking up to find chairs in their rooms to turned upside down. As eerie as it sounds, this place is weirdly creepy.
Location: 24 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, United States
Price: Not all of the rooms are available online for booking.
Related Post: Haunted Places In Jerusalem
Haunted Houses in Pennsylvania
Here is a list of haunted houses in Pennsylvania that you should visit with your friends and families.
1. Pennhurst Asylum
One of the scariest things to do is visit this haunted house in Spring City. Situated at the original state school, this attraction features four thrilling parts. The first being the tortured inmates in the dark, which you must avoid in the inhabited rooms, the second is the Dungeon of lost souls; visitors would experience a spooky labyrinth filled with experiments gone wrong. The third is the tunnel of terror, which consists of vaults that have been weirdly decorated for the jumpscares. The last being the Ghost Hunt, guests would then explore the self-guided paranormal tour through the historic Mayflower building. This ghostly encounter is one of the most popular haunted houses in Pennsylvania.
Location: 601 N Church St, Spring City, PA 19475, United States
Timings: Friday, 6:30–10:30 pm, Saturday 12:00 pm –10:30 pm and Sunday 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm. (Closed on Monday to Thursday).
2. Field of Screams
As the name suggests ‘Field of Screams’ isn’t for the faint of heart. Located in Mountville, this haunted house provides thrill and is ideal to celebrate Halloween. This attraction features: Hayride that allows guests to clim on the tractor-pulled wagon through the creepy cornfield, as the wagon narrows through the field, you would be attacked by the monsters. After reaching the Den of Darkess, that is a three-story building, and it is as horrorify as it suggests. Lastly, the newest attraction of Field of Scream is the Nocturnal Wasteland trail that gives an experience of venturing through the woods with ghosts and ghouls and everything in between. It is one of the best haunted houses in Pennsylvania.
Location: 191 College Ave, Mountville, PA 17554, United States
Timings: Not applicable
Related Post: 25 Spooky Locations That Would Make Ideal Horror Movie Sets
Creepy places in Pennsylvania
One of the creepiest places in Pennsylvania is Hill View Manor, where you will find a guide to the most spooky and haunted locations in the state.
1. Hill View Manor
Talking about the creepy places in Pennsylvania, Hill View Manor tops the list. Built in 1926 and located in New Castle, it is spread over 80,000 Sq.Ft. It was known as ‘The Lawrence County Home’ for the elderly residents or mentally ill, severely destitute who were looked after.
After being abandoned in 2004, they started offering Historic Haunted Tours that included public investigations, private investigations and day tours facilities. Guests have reported hearing numerous voices and footsteps, also seeing apparitions of patients peeking out of rooms, a young lad and even a man who offers to take guests’ photos for a dollar. It also hosts many special events and has been featured on many Television shows.
Location: 2801 Ellwood Rd, New Castle, PA 16101, United States
Attractions: 1.5-hour Day Tour that costs $30 per person, 3-hour Day Tour is for $40 per person and a 6-hour Day Tour is $60 per person.
You May Also Like To Read: Haunted Places In Turkey
Plan your trip to the USA and embark on an unforgettable adventure by visiting these 14 most haunted places in Pennsylvania. This state is steeped in history with the iconic Gettysburg Battlefield, due to the civil war, Gettysburg noticed a numerous numbers of 50,000 soldiers roaming around the hallowed grounds, unable to find peace after such tragic endings. As you venture through Pennsylvania you would uncover chilling stories and perhaps encounter supernatural activities making it a trip to remember.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Source : Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions About Haunted Places In Pennsylvania
What are the most haunted places in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is home to several notoriously haunted locations, each with unique stories and eerie reputations:
- Eastern State Penitentiary: Visitors report strange sounds, shadowy figures, and sudden temperature drops, contributing to its status as a haunted hotspot.
- Gettysburg Battlefield: Known for the significant Civil War battle that took place here, the battlefield is said to be haunted by the spirits of soldiers. Many visitors claim to see apparitions and hear distant cannon fire and ghostly soldiers discussing battle tactics.
- The Hotel Bethlehem: Built in 1922, is rumoured to be haunted by the spirits of its past guests. Staff and visitors have reported strange occurrences, including flickering lights and footsteps echoing through the hallways.
- The Farnsworth House Inn (Gettysburg): This inn has a rich history tied to the Civil War and is believed to be haunted by soldiers who once took refuge there. Ghost tours at the inn reveal tales of eerie apparitions and unexplained phenomena.
Are there any haunted places in Pennsylvania?
Yes, many haunted places in Pennsylvania are open for exploration—some of the best being the Willow Grove Park, Pennhurst Asylum and the Woodlands Cemetery.
What is the most haunted place in Philadelphia?
Eastern State Penitentiary is widely regarded as the most haunted location in Philadelphia. Opened in 1829, it was the first of its kind to adopt a system of solitary confinement. Reports of ghost sightings, disembodied whispers, and the sensation of being watched are common. Notorious former inmates like Al Capone are said to possibly haunt the grounds, as well as those who met tragic ends within the prison walls.
Suggest some haunted house in Pennsylvania Penitentiary?
One highly recommended haunted house is in the Eastern State Penitentiary. Each Halloween season, the prison transforms into a haunted attraction featuring elaborate sets, professional actors, and terrifying themes highlighting its haunted history. Visitors can expect intense scares, immersive storytelling, and creepy encounters as they navigate the dimly lit hallways and echoing cells, all while hearing tales about the prison’s past.
What is the most haunted place in Gettysburg?
The Gettysburg Battlefield is widely recognised as the most haunted location in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The site of one of the bloodiest battles in the American Civil War, where approximately 51,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing, has left behind numerous ghost stories.
Which are the best haunted houses in Erie Pennsylvania?
In Erie, Pennsylvania, several haunted houses captivate thrill-seekers, such as Haunted Warehouse; this attraction features a series of themed rooms with creepy sets and professional actors who jump out to scare visitors. The second is the Hotel Horror, which offers a chilling experience as guests wander through dark hallways and encounter frightening characters, all while exploring spooky and unexpected happenings.
Is Pennsylvania a good destination for Halloween celebrations?
Yes, Pennsylvania is an excellent destination for Halloween celebrations! The state offers various events and attractions during the spooky season. Some highlights include Haunted Hayrides, Ghost Tours, Halloween Events at Theme Parks and Pumpkin Festivals.
People Also Read:
Haunted Places In Gatlinburg Haunted Places In Iowa Haunted Places In Kentucky
Experience the world through captivating stories of adventure and travel. As a senior content writer, I bring my passion for exploration to life, crafting tales that take you on a journey. With my words, you’ll feel the thrill of discovery and the joy of experiencing new cultures. Let me turn your imagination into a reality with stories that inspire you to explore and embrace the world.