As the seasons shift dramatically in Ohio, it’s natural for the mind to start to drift into the realm of the supernatural. During the colder, darker months, thoughts often turn to the eerie locations scattered throughout the state. Surprisingly, Ohio is recognized as one of the most haunted states in the U.S., home to a multitude of restless souls and wandering apparitions. This upcoming road trip will lead you through some of Ohio’s spookiest sites, including haunted hotels and eerie graveyards.
Prepare for an unforgettable long weekend getaway spanning four days and three (or possibly four) nights as you delve into some of Ohio’s spookiest locations — if you’re brave enough! Begin your adventure at the site closest to your home. (And remember, it’s best not to explore solo!)
1. The campus of Ohio University and The Ridges (Athens)
If possible, we suggest kicking off your adventure at Ohio University in Athens. This campus is often considered one of the most haunted in the United States, likely due to its location in one of Ohio’s spookiest cities. Numerous residence hall rooms and various buildings around the campus are rumored to be haunted. Among the most notorious are Wilson Hall, Washington Hall, and Jefferson Hall, which are known for their ghostly legends.
The Ridges:
Once known as the Athens Lunatic Asylum, the property is now part of Ohio University, yet remnants of its past linger, filled with the echoes of former patients who endured harsh treatments like lobotomies. The site still features several eerie cemeteries that contribute to its unsettling atmosphere. Many of the asylum’s patients were laid to rest on the very grounds they inhabited, and their unsettled spirits are said to roam the area. Most of the gravestones are anonymous, marked only by numbers that correspond to the individuals who once called this place home.
2. Moonville Tunnel (McArthur)
Nestled in southeastern Ohio’s Vinton County, the forsaken coal mining settlement of Moonville was established in 1856, with the construction of the Marietta and Cincinnati railroad cutting through its forests. Among the remaining relics of this once-thriving town is the Moonville Tunnel, a location shrouded in eerie tales. According to local legend, the spirit of a man who met an untimely death from a train passing through the tunnel is said to roam the area, appearing along the tracks near the old tunnel at night.
3. The Buxton Inn (Granville)
After a day spent visiting some of Ohio’s spookiest locations, head over to Granville for an overnight stay at one of the state’s most storied (and reportedly haunted) inns. Established in 1812, this charming hotel is said to be inhabited by the spirits of its former innkeepers, with rooms 7 and 9 being favored by those hoping for a ghostly experience.
4. The Ohio State Reformatory (Mansfield)
Start your second day of exploration at one of Ohio’s most renowned haunted destinations. Once called the Mansfield Reformatory, this historic facility is said to be inhabited by the state’s most restless spirits. The echoes of inmates who engaged in deadly confrontations within the cramped isolation cells linger in its corridors. Guests have the opportunity to delve into the reformatory’s eerie history through guided tours, ghost hunting experiences, and even overnight stays.
5. Spitzer House Bed and Breakfast (Medina)
After a full day of delving into the eerie tales of prison spirits, unwind for the evening at a delightful (and possibly haunted) inn. Located at 504 West Liberty Street in Medina, this exquisite Victorian house from the 19th century is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former servant girl who resided there. Visitors and staff have claimed to hear her tinkling the ivories of the piano, adding a mysterious charm to this lovely bed and breakfast.
6. Franklin Castle (Cleveland)
Take a trip to Cleveland to get a glimpse of Ohio’s most haunted location from the outside, as tours are currently unavailable. Nestled among trees along the architecturally intriguing Franklin Boulevard, the recently restored but notorious Franklin Castle, or Hannes Tiedemann House, carries with it a chilling history. Constructed in the late 1800s for German immigrant Hannes Tiedemann, this historic residence towers four stories high and boasts over 20 rooms. The home is filled with concealed passages and hidden chambers, and it has witnessed its share of sorrow and misfortune over the years.
7. Lake View Cemetery (Cleveland)
When you’re visiting the area, make sure to check out Cleveland’s spookiest cemetery, sprawling across 285 acres and containing over 100,000 graves. This serene resting place is the final home to many prominent figures, such as John D. Rockefeller, James A. Garfield, and Eliot Ness, who played a key role in transforming Cleveland’s police department but famously could not apprehend the notorious Torso Killer. One of the cemetery’s standout features is the Haserot Angel, known for its haunting portrayal of “The Angel of Death Victorious.”
8. Lockkeepers (Cleveland)
Feeling peckish for lunch? Nestled on Rockside Road in Cleveland, this charming upscale restaurant is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of Sophie Sarnacki, who once owned a tavern situated right across from Lockkeepers. Tragically, Sophie was murdered at Zimmerman’s Tavern in the 1950s, and it’s said that her ghost pays visits to Lockkeepers regularly. Perhaps she is drawn by the lively atmosphere and the delightful food, coming back to enjoy the scene long after her own establishment has closed and her story has faded from memory.
9. Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn (Hanoverton)
Relax at the Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn, a charming establishment steeped in history. Constructed in 1837 in the elegant Federalist style, this inn was created by skilled masons during the canal boom era. Over the years, it has welcomed several U.S. presidents among its guests. Today, tales suggest that the inn is haunted by the spirit of a woman who took her own life from a window on the third floor. Will you be brave enough to pay a visit to the Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn? Your adventure awaits… if you have the courage!
10. Marietta
Conclude your exploration of Ohio’s spookiest locations with an optional overnight visit to the state’s oldest town, renowned for its spine-chilling experiences. This historic community boasts haunted restaurants, hotels, and even certain streets. Among these is Hotel Lafayette (as shown), where guests have been sharing tales of bizarre happenings for many years. Reports include misplaced belongings, suitcases found upside-down, and shampoo bottles mysteriously emptied. Many believe that the hotel’s third floor is haunted by the spirit of a former owner.
Spanning from the northern to the southern regions, Ohio boasts some of the most eerie locations hidden within its delightful and seemingly ordinary towns. Do you have the courage to embark on this haunting journey?