Do you dare to believe in the unknown? Are you curious about the existence of spirits and the paranormal? If you're a thrill-seeker with a fascination for the supernatural, then the Haunted History Trail of New York State is your portal to a world of eerie mysteries and spine-tingling encounters.

While the trail itself is a treasure trove of haunted inns, guided ghost tours, and haunted dining experiences, there's one aspect that truly sets it apart – the Ghost Hunts. These are not your ordinary excursions; they are immersive journeys into the realm of the unexplained. Skeptic or a believer, these ghost hunts promise an unforgettable adventure that might just lead you to answers that defy explanation.

But what exactly can you expect from these ghostly quests? Some locations on the trail allow you to roam freely, armed with your courage and curiosity, as you seek out spirits on your own. Others provide guided experiences, complete with specialized equipment that could detect the presence of otherworldly entities. From historic inns to eerie museums, these haunted locales each have their own tales to tell.

Are you ready to take the first step into the unknown? Join me as we venture into the world of ghost hunts on the Haunted History Trail of New York State. The spirits are waiting; are you brave enough to answer their call?

Did You Miss Part 1 of My Haunted History Trail Series? Check It Out Here.

Get the Salt! Ghost Hunt on the Haunted History Trail of New York State

If you've ever wondered about the existence of the spirit world or yearned for an encounter with the unknown, the Ghost Hunts on the Haunted History Trail of New York State are your gateway to the paranormal. These captivating experiences are designed to offer you a chance to seek proof of the supernatural and, just maybe, receive answers to age-old questions.

Here's a glimpse of what these haunting experiences have to offer:

Carry On Wayward Son: Free-Roaming Ghost Hunts

Some locations on the Haunted History Trail grant you the freedom to explore at your own pace, allowing you to navigate dimly lit corridors, shadowy rooms, and eerie landscapes in your quest for ghostly encounters. It's an opportunity to connect with the paranormal on your terms.

Please note that while these locations allow for independent ghost hunting, it's essential to respect their rules and regulations, as well as any visiting hours or guidelines they may have in place.

1867 Parkview Inn

The 1867 Parkview Inn in Owego, New York, offers a ghost hunting experience for visitors. The inn has a rich history as a hotel and restaurant, operating for over 150 years, and it has seen many souls pass through its doors. In 2019, it was restored to its former glory as a hotel with nine rooms, each decorated with a historic theme.

While most guests have a peaceful stay, there have been reports of paranormal activity. Owner Beth Johnson has witnessed bells ringing and objects moving in empty rooms in the restaurant. Legend has it that a small girl perished in a fire, and evidence of fire damage was uncovered in a sealed room during renovations. These incidents, along with accounts from paranormal investigators and ghost hunting groups, suggest that spirits may be present at the 1867 Parkview Inn.

Visitors to the inn can stay overnight in its haunted rooms, dine in the haunted restaurant and pub, and participate in ghost hunts and guided tours. The inn welcomes investigations on all three floors, making it an intriguing destination for those interested in paranormal experiences.

The 1867 Parkview Inn is conveniently located in downtown Owego, providing easy access to historic buildings, parks, boutique shops, and eateries. It offers pet-friendly and ADA accessible rooms and provides guests with a complimentary breakfast during their stay.

Please note that investigations and tours are available by appointment, and the inn's bar and restaurant have specific operating hours.

Bull's Head Inn

The Bull's Head Inn in Cobleskill, New York, offers a ghost hunting experience for visitors. This historic building, dating back to 1802, has a rich history serving as a town hall, masonic temple, courthouse, meeting hall, inn, residence, and once again an inn since the 1960s.

The haunting experiences at the Bull's Head Inn are believed to have started after a previous owner acquired a liquor license. Unbeknownst to him, he had established the bar in the bedroom of Mrs. Grace Steacy, who was a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union and a committed anti-alcohol advocate. Mrs. Steacy's spirit is said to make minor trouble, including tossing silverware off tables, knocking over glasses, and throwing napkins about. Guests and staff have reported seeing her apparition in a long white dress or nightgown wandering through the dining room, particularly during late-night hours. Other strange events have also been reported.

Visitors have the opportunity to experience the haunting firsthand through guided tours for groups of 4-12 people or by reading about the spirits in the one-pager provided by the inn. Ghost tours, which last for one hour, and paranormal investigations (ghost hunts) are available by reservation. The inn also offers haunted dining experiences.

The Bull's Head Inn is handicap accessible on the first floor, including dining and restrooms. It has received media attention for its haunting, with features on FOX23 News and ABC News10.

Please note that haunted tours and investigations are available by appointment or as scheduled events, and there are specific costs associated with these experiences.

Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum

The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum in Chittenango, New York, offers a unique ghost hunting experience that explores the history and folklore of the Erie Canal and its workers.

The museum's drydocks, built in 1855, were where craftsmen constructed and repaired the 96-foot long cargo boats that transported materials along the Erie Canal. The Erie Canal boatmen and workers of the 19th and early 20th centuries were known for their superstitious nature, and the museum delves into the origins of these superstitions, the language, and culture of the canal folk, and some of the most popular ghost stories associated with the Erie Canal.

During the ghost hunting experience, visitors can hear the stories of various historical events and figures, including thieves and murderers who once lurked along the Erie Canal towpath, a boiler explosion that tragically killed two workers, and a young boy who accidentally lost his life while jumping off a bridge into the water.

The museum offers pre-scheduled ghost tours for groups of 5-15 participants during the in-season period and by reservation. Professional ghost hunters are also welcome year-round. For those who prefer a self-guided exploration, the museum is open in-season, allowing visitors to learn about the haunted history at their own pace.

The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum is handicap accessible and has specific admission fees, which vary by age group. They also offer private investigations, and pricing for those can be obtained by contacting the museum directly.

This unique experience provides a fascinating look into the haunted history of the Erie Canal and the people who worked on it.

Graestone Manor Bed and Breakfast

Graestone Manor Bed and Breakfast, located in Gasport, New York, offers a ghost hunting experience in a large Victorian mansion built in 1865. The property has a rich history dating back to 1833 and includes two sections: the main house and the servants' side or wing.

The haunting at Graestone Manor includes various paranormal phenomena. Visitors have reported hearing the sounds of horse hooves and a carriage, as well as a man's voice and whistling. The ghost of a woman has been seen looking out of windows, and she is known to follow people around, creating an eerie presence. There are reports of a vortex or portal area in the basement and another in the upstairs children's room, which are believed to be linked to Victorian seances held in the home in the 1800s and Ouija board use. Dark shadow masses, the smell of cigar smoke, perfume, and disembodied voices have all been experienced at Graestone Manor.

For those interested in ghost hunting, the manor offers the following opportunities:

Overnight Stays: Guests can spend the night in this haunted B&B, experiencing the paranormal activity firsthand.
Private Ghost Tours: These tours are available for groups of 5-10 people and are conducted from 6 pm to 11 pm or 7 pm to midnight. The tour includes a brief history of the location and a walk-through of the hotspots where paranormal experiences have occurred. Owners Bob Mattison and Psychic Medium Heather Rease Mattison guide participants and provide paranormal equipment for the investigation.
Public Paranormal Investigations: These investigations are held throughout the year, and dates and times can be found on the manor's social media sites.

The manor has specific check-in and check-out times for lodging, and private ghost tours are available for a fee.

Graestone Manor Bed and Breakfast has been featured on various TV shows, including The Travel Channel's "most Terrifying Places," Discovery Plus' "Kindred Spirits," Roku TV Spirit Channel's "The Ghost Finders," and Amazon Prime and Apple TV's "Within These Walls- Graestone Manor."

This experience offers a unique opportunity to explore a haunted Victorian mansion and potentially interact with the spirits that reside within its walls.

Seymour Place

Seymour Place, originally the Bank of Genesee built in 1831, has a fascinating history and is known for its paranormal activity. It was occupied by the Batavia Club, a fraternal men's club, from 1886 until 2000. The building was later donated to the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) in 2002. Today, it serves as a space for art exhibits, workshops, meetings, and social events. However, it's also home to several spirits.

Visitors have reported encounters with a 6'2" man dressed in 1860s clothing, often seen in the bar area, sometimes surrounded by other ghostly men.
Paranormal experiences include sightings of a white shadow crossing between rooms on the second floor.
There have been reports of smelling cigar smoke, hearing voices, and even recorded audio capturing unusual sounds like a man clearing his throat and saying phrases like "peek-a-boo" and "and you as well."

For those interested in ghost hunting, Seymour Place offers the following opportunities:

Guided Tours: Visitors can take guided tours of Seymour Place to learn about the spirits that reside there. These tours last for an hour and are available by appointment only.
Investigations: For those looking for a more immersive experience, paranormal investigations are conducted from 9 pm to 2 am and are also available by appointment only.

Seymour Place is handicap accessible on the first floor.

For those intrigued by history and the supernatural, Seymour Place offers a unique opportunity to explore a haunted location and potentially interact with the spirits that call it home. The experiences are available by appointment only, so it's best to contact them directly for scheduling and availability.

Who Ya Gonna Call? Guided Ghost Hunts

Guided Group Hunts: Joining a group hunt offers a different level of immersion. Led by knowledgeable guides, these experiences equip you with ghost-hunting tools and equipment designed to detect the presence of spirits. You'll embark on thrilling journeys through haunted locales, following the guidance of experts who understand the intricacies of the supernatural.

Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse & Veterans Park Museum

The haunting activity at this location is attributed to a collection of military artifacts from WWI, WW2, and the Korean War. Some visitors have reported encounters with lighthouse keepers who seem to have never left. During your visit, you might hear footsteps, voices, humming, and even feel a ghostly touch.

For those interested in ghost hunts, private groups can book their own investigations of the historical working lighthouse and the adjacent Victorian keeper's house, which dates back to 1875. The lighthouse, established in 1827, features its original third-order Fresnel lens, and its light can be seen from a remarkable 27 miles away on Lake Erie.

Ghost hunts are available on select dates and require reservations. During the experience, you'll receive information about paranormal activity in the area, tour the house and tower, and have the opportunity to set up your own equipment for investigation.

Additionally, the site hosts public paranormal tours led by the local paranormal group "Village Haunts" during specific dates. These tours provide an opportunity to visit this historic haunted location, explore the buildings with paranormal equipment, and try to experience the phenomenon for yourself.

Whether you're a ghost hunting enthusiast or simply curious about the supernatural, Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse offers an intriguing and potentially spooky experience for visitors.

Hyde Hall

Experience 200 years of bone-chilling paranormal activity at Hyde Hall in Cooperstown. This historic mansion, owned by the same family for six generations, has witnessed various supernatural occurrences. When the builder, George Clarke, passed away in 1835, it is said that he never truly left his neo-classical masterpiece, and he's not alone. Other spirits are believed to linger in the mansion's enduring corridors.

Visitors have reported experiencing a range of paranormal phenomena, including whispers, knocking sounds, footsteps, distant music, and even sightings of full-body apparitions.

Hyde Hall, recognized as a National Historic Landmark and a New York State Historic Site, is filled with many of its original furnishings dating from 1817-1835.

For those interested in ghostly experiences, Hyde Hall offers guided ghost tours of the mansion, available by appointment for groups of 10 or more throughout the season. Additionally, they host public ghost tours called "Hyde & Shriek" on most Fridays and Saturdays in October. Public investigations are conducted with Orange County New York Paranormal.

The ghostly tours and investigations provide a unique opportunity to explore the history and supernatural tales associated with this historic location.

Late May through Halloween, Hyde Hall is open for house tours every hour on the hour from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Private ghost tours are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more.

The costs for these experiences vary, so it's best to inquire about pricing for private ghost tours, Hyde & Shriek Ghost Tours, and Orange County NY Paranormal Investigation directly with Hyde Hall.

Hyde Hall has been featured on TV shows like "Ghost Hunters" (Season 9, Episode 16).

Please note: These events are not recommended for small children. Hyde Hall is not handicap accessible.

Phelps Mansion Museum

The Phelps Mansion, built in 1870 for Sherman D. Phelps, has a long history of paranormal activity. Every family member who lived in the mansion had passed away by 1882. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions of spirits in period clothing observing tour groups from a distance. Unusual occurrences include reports of a clock that is never wound yet chimes at random times, items moving on their own, doors opening and closing, and phantom footsteps when no one is around.

Guided Tours: Visitors can take a haunted tour of the mansion, where docents share stories of the haunted happenings that have occurred and continue to this day. During this hour-long tour, you'll learn about the history of the family and the mansion itself.

Ghost Hunts: For those seeking a more immersive experience, Phelps Mansion has partnered with Empirical Paranormal to conduct public ghost hunting events. These sessions occur after museum hours and are based on museum availability. Private investigations can also be scheduled with the team for a minimum of 10 people at $40 per person for a 3-hour experience.

Days/Times of Operation: The museum is open from Friday to Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.

Tours and paranormal investigations are available by advance reservation only.

Phelps Mansion Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore a historic home while delving into its mysterious and haunted past. It's an ideal destination for those interested in the paranormal and history alike.

Roberson Mansion

The Roberson Mansion, built in 1907 by Alonzo and Margaret Roberson, has a rich history and is said to be haunted by the souls of those who once resided there. Staff and visitors have reported eerie encounters and experiences within the mansion. One chilling incident occurred in late fall 2019 when a staff member and his family heard a man clearing his throat on the first floor, despite there being no one else around.

Guided Tours: During the month of October, you can take guided ghost tours of the mansion, where you'll explore the stories of Alonzo and Margaret Roberson, as well as the paranormal tales that suggest lingering spirits. These tours provide a unique opportunity to delve into the mansion's history and hidden lore.
Self-Guided Tours and Virtual Experiences: For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, self-guided tours and virtual experiences are available year-round.

Ghost Tours take place on Fridays and Saturdays during the month of October. Ghost Hunts available by appointment.

Roberson Mansion offers an intriguing blend of history and ghostly lore, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the paranormal in a historic setting.

The Bushnell House

The Bushnell House, constructed in 1839 by John Bushnell, has a rich history and is believed to be haunted by several spirits. The Bushnell family lived there for 62 years until Elvira Bushnell's death in 1901, and research indicates that at least six people have died in the house. The previous owners, who operated a restaurant in the building, reported paranormal activity, including moving silverware and flying dishes. There have also been reports from neighbors of lights and shadows moving throughout the upstairs rooms. Visitors to the property have described being touched, poked, and experiencing uneasiness, particularly outside a large walk-in closet in the upstairs hallway. Some have even witnessed the shadow of a child darting down the stairway.

The property is believed to have several regular spirits, including Elvira Bushnell, who is said to have hung herself in the backyard, Walter (a relative of John Bushnell from before the Bushnell family's ownership), Andrew (associated with the upstairs closet), Charles and Julie Bushell (children who died in the house in 1860), and Kitty Woods (a spirit connected to her late-19th century portrait).

Paranormal Investigations: The Bushnell House has hosted numerous investigations by its in-house team and other paranormal groups, as well as public ghost hunts. During these investigations, various paranormal phenomena have been reported, such as cold spots, shadows, banging on windows, footsteps, audible responses to questions, spikes on K-II meters, phantom music, feelings of anxiousness, and activity on the SB-07 Spirit Box, including the capture of foul language during backward sweeps.
Opportunities for Visitors: Visitors have several options for experiencing the paranormal at The Bushnell House. Public investigations are held 1-2 times per month on Friday and Saturday nights. Lectures about the building's haunted history, paranormal topics, and haunted history tours are available regularly and by appointment. Private investigations can be scheduled on any night of the week. The store on the premises is open on specific days, and paranormal activity is sometimes experienced during the day.

If you're fascinated by the paranormal and enjoy investigating haunted locations, The Bushnell House offers a unique and spooky experience in a historic setting.

Haunted Locations Abound:

The Haunted History Trail of New York State boasts a captivating array of haunted venues and historic sites. From historic inns with mysterious pasts to eerie lighthouses overlooking misty shores, you'll have the chance to explore a wide range of locations that are known for their spectral residents. These featured locations offer a diverse range of ghostly encounters, making the Haunted History Trail of New York State a thrilling destination for those seeking proof of the spirit world.

Here are a few more locations worth investigating:

Rolling Hills Asylum

Originally established in 1827 as the Genesee County Poor House, Rolling Hills Asylum served as a refuge for society's less fortunate individuals. Over its history, it witnessed over 1,700 documented deaths, with many more going unrecorded. Due to this eerie status and its paranormal activity, it has been rated as the second most haunted site in the United States by Haunted North America.

Rolling Hills Asylum offers a variety of Ghost Hunt options:

Public Ghost Hunts: These are open to the public and are available in various durations, including six-hour, five-hour, four-hour, and three-hour hunts. After an orientation, participants explore the building to capture any paranormal activity that may occur.
Private Ghost Hunts: Groups of 2-15 people can book private ghost hunts, offering exclusivity and privacy during the experience. Different options are available, such as the Winter Quarantined Hunts, Mid-Week Quarantined Hunts, and Quarantine Hunts, each with varying durations and pricing.
Special Events: Rolling Hills Asylum hosts special events throughout the year, including themed ghost hunts and tours. Check their website for details and schedules.
Self-Guided Tours: Steeped in history and mystery, you can also explore the asylum through self-guided tours. Learn about the building's history, architecture, and its haunting past.

It's important to note that Rolling Hills Asylum has limited wheelchair accessibility, with many stairs throughout the building.

The asylum has been featured on various TV shows, including BuzzFeed Unsolved, Destination America's Ghost Asylum, SyFy's Ghost Hunters, Travel Channel's Aftershocks, Ghost Adventures, Paranormal Challenge, Legendary Locations, and more.

For more information, including pricing, availability, and special events, you can visit their website or contact them to book private parties, weddings, birthdays, film shoots, and more.

Rolling Hills Asylum promises a spine-tingling experience for those who seek to explore its haunted history and paranormal activity.

The Shanley Hotel

The Shanley Hotel, located in Napanoch, New York, offers an intriguing ghost hunting experience in the heart of the Ulster County Catskills Region. This historic hotel is renowned for its paranormal activity, making it a destination for those seeking supernatural encounters.

During your visit to The Shanley Hotel, you can expect a range of eerie phenomena, including rocking chairs moving on their own, mysterious clock chimes, cold and hot spots, whistling, footsteps, piano music, voices, the laughter of children, and even the aromas of cooking when no food is being prepared. Many visitors have reported seeing shadows and apparitions and have felt as though they were being watched.

The hotel's paranormal reputation is well-known and has been featured on TV shows like "Ghost Lab" and "Ghost Hunters." If you choose to stay overnight, you'll have the opportunity to experience these ghostly occurrences firsthand. To make up for the scares, the hotel provides a continental breakfast with your stay.

For those looking for more intense experiences, The Shanley Hotel offers ghost hunts, guided tours, and private investigations. These activities allow you to explore the property while attempting to make contact with the spirits that are believed to reside there. Refreshments are served during these events.

The Shanley Hotel operates year-round and accommodates guests who wish to stay overnight as well as those interested in paranormal investigations without an overnight stay. Pricing for these experiences varies, so you can check their availability and pricing on their website.

Whether you're a seasoned ghost hunter or simply curious about the supernatural, The Shanley Hotel offers a unique and spooky experience for those looking to explore the world of the paranormal.

The Paddock Mansion

The Paddock Mansion, located in Watertown, New York, offers a fascinating ghost hunting experience. This historic mansion, built in 1878, was once the Victorian home of Olive and Edwin Paddock, prominent bankers, and business entrepreneurs who are considered one of the founding families of Watertown. Today, the mansion serves as the Jefferson County Historical Society Museum, but it is believed to be haunted by the spirit of Olive Paddock, especially on the recent 100-year anniversary of her passing.

During your visit, you have the opportunity to participate in ghost hunts organized by Excelsior Paranormal. These ghost hunts include a "Ghost Hunting 101" course where you'll learn techniques and use tools ranging from divining rods and Ouija boards to night vision cameras and Faraday cages. You'll also tour areas in the mansion known for paranormal activity and engage in guided investigations with the goal of capturing definitive proof that Olive Paddock's spirit still roams the halls of the Paddock Museum.

The ghost hunting experiences are typically offered on select dates each month, with each date limited to 20 participants. It's worth noting that the mansion may be under construction at times, but they work to accommodate interested groups during the season. It's advisable to call ahead to request an appointment or event.

The mansion is handicap accessible with a ramp, but it's recommended to call ahead for its use as the door remains locked, and there is no elevator in the mansion.

Explore the haunted history of the Paddock Mansion and try to uncover evidence of Olive Paddock's lingering presence during these intriguing ghost hunting adventures.

The Stanley Theater

The Stanley Theatre, located in Utica, New York, offers a unique ghost hunting experience. This historic theater, built in 1928, is known for its stunning architecture and has stood for more than 90 years as a gem of Utica. However, it is also said to have paranormal activity within its walls.

Visitors, staff, and ghost hunters have reported various supernatural encounters at the Stanley Theatre, including footsteps, laughter, EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena), full-body apparitions, and shadow people. To explore this haunted location, you can participate in guided tours and ghost hunts, which are available by appointment.

For specific pricing details and to arrange your ghost hunting experience at the Stanley Theatre, you can contact them directly at the phone number on their website. Enjoy your exploration of this historic and haunted venue!

The Van Horn Mansion

Located in Niagara County within the Greater Niagara Region of New York, The Van Horn Mansion offers a captivating ghost hunting experience for those seeking encounters with the supernatural.

This historic mansion is renowned for its paranormal activity, with a particular focus on the spirit of Malinda Niles Van Horn, who passed away mysteriously over 150 years ago. The mansion's eerie phenomena include unexplained sightings and occurrences:

The maid's bedroom door in the attic has been reported to close by itself.
The door to the attic has been known to slam shut on its own.
Witnesses claim to have heard whistling, attributed to a servant who once worked in the carriage house.
The smell of tobacco has been reported in the men's smoking room on the second floor, even when no one is present.
Some have witnessed a shadowy figure in the attic.
Volunteers have captured video evidence of unidentified figures in the kitchen.

The mansion has a history of paranormal encounters that have continued over the years. During the ownership of Noury Chemical, their attempts to convert the building into offices were repeatedly thwarted by hauntings, eventually leading to their decision to donate the building. Even during renovation work under the society's restoration project, workers reported seeing faces in windows, lights flickering for no apparent reason, and spirits appearing before them.

Tours: For visitors interested in exploring this haunted mansion, guided tours are available. These tours provide insights into the mansion's history, architecture, and its former residents, including the legendary Malinda and other resident ghosts. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and can be tailored to suit the interests of the group, including information about the hauntings.

For those interested in paranormal investigations, appointments can be arranged. Pricing for private tours and investigations can be requested separately.

Please note that while the mansion is partially handicap accessible, wheelchair access is not available to the second floor or attic.

Additionally, the Van Horn Mansion hosts special events, such as Candlelight Tours during October, where the ghost of 'Malinda' and other hosts provide candlelight tours and share eerie stories of the mansion's previous and current residents.

For those intrigued by the paranormal and historical mysteries, the Van Horn Mansion offers a fascinating and spooky adventure.

Are You Ready to Brave the Unknown?

With countless locations to explore and a rich tapestry of ghostly tales to uncover, these Ghost Hunts promise to be unforgettable encounters with the spirit world. But they aren't meant to just be spine-tingling; they also offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and legends surrounding each location. You'll learn about the stories, tragedies, and mysteries that have contributed to the ghostly reputation of these sites, providing a deeper appreciation for the spirits that may still linger.

So, grab your flashlight, charge your EVP recorder, and prepare to delve into the mysteries of the Haunted History Trail's Ghost Hunts. It's time to unlock the secrets of the afterlife and answer the age-old question: Do ghosts truly walk among us?

Stay tuned for Part 3 of my series on New York's Haunted History Trail where we delve into the Inns and Eateries teeming with ghosts!

Ghost Hunt on New York's Haunted History Trail