From Ohio.org staff
Posted: September 11, 2023
Ohio is the perfect place to find some spooky fun this fall. Explore haunted or just plain weird attractions, from paranormal hotspots to spooky tunnels and even haunted parks.
MacArthur’s Moonville Tunnel
This abandoned railway section leading to an old mining town has been attracting paranormal enthusiasts over the years to catch a glimpse of the unfortunate souls killed by trains. Sometimes you’ll see train lights or find an image of Frank’s low head* on camera. Those hoping for such ghostly encounters can trek the nearby trails. Part of it follows part of an old railway line.
*Legend has it that in 1880 train engineer Frank Lawhead was driving a train when another incoming train caused a head-on collision.
South Bass Island Lighthouse in Put-in-Bay
Ohio’s popular vacation spot has its fair share of spookiness and mystery. Reports of eerie footsteps, slamming doors, and unexplained noises coming from the lighthouse may come from a century-old mystery. During a smallpox epidemic, Samuel Anderson’s death was ruled a suicide by falling, jumping, or being pushed off a cliff near a lighthouse. The lighthouse is currently closed, but you can walk around the grounds.
Licking County Historic Jail in Newark
This historic spot offers ghost hunts and historic tours of its buildings. See if you can hear a disembodied voice calling out to you. It could be one of the three sheriffs or 19 inmates who died unexpectedly in the jail.
Molly Stark Park in Louisville
This 35-acre park is home to the former Molly Stark Sanatorium, which opened in 1929 to treat tuberculosis patients. And stories about former patients haunting the premises continue to this day. The Stark County Park District offers tours from time to time, where you can also hike the trails and enjoy a picnic. Or check out gardens like Celebration Gardens.
Ohio House of Correction in Mansfield
One of Ohio’s most haunted treasures is hidden in Mansfield. The Ohio House of Corrections, once used as a state prison, housed more than 150,000 prisoners throughout its time. This prison is famous for being the setting for the movie “The Shawshank Redemption”. Throughout October, you can also check out Brad’s haunted experience with Escape from His Prison.
Spring House Gazebo in Eden Park, Cincinnati
One of Cincinnati’s most popular spots, Eden Park features beautiful, otherworldly grounds. Stroll along the boardwalk and footbridge and see if you can spot the otherworldly ghost of Imogene Remus. The ghost is said to haunt his gazebo at his spring home near Mirror Lake.
Ridges of Ohio University in Athens
The Ridges is located on a hill overlooking Ohio University. Some buildings, like the Kennedy Museum of Art, are under renovation or have already been completed. However, this place was originally a psychiatric hospital for the insane in Athens. You can feel the eerie atmosphere just walking around. For more spooky encounters, check out some of the area’s nature trails, including the trail that leads to Ridges Cemetery.
Lucas’ Malabar Farm State Park
Malabar Farm and its “Big House,” home of the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield, are said to be haunted, with visitors experiencing unexplained noises, strange smells, and ghostly apparitions. , and experience the sensation of a cat grazing your leg. Shake off your fears by challenging him to hike his trails at Malabar Farm State Park, or settle in for a picnic at his spot and let him tell you a ghost story or two.
franklin castle in cleveland
Perhaps one of Ohio’s most infamous buildings, Franklin Castle is a landmark in its haunted history. People report flickering lights, babies crying, and even a ghostly image of a woman dressed in black. You can now book an overnight stay at Franklin Castle. Also keep an eye out for ghostly guests roaming the halls of this historic location.
For more #FallinOhio initiatives, check out #OhioTheHeartofitAll on Ohio.org.
