For those with a taste for the adventurous, ghost town exploration can be a thrilling hobby – while for many, it can simply be a spooky endeavor. Ohio is home to numerous ghost towns, each with its own intriguing tales of deserted pasts. Here are seven hauntingly fascinating ghost towns in Ohio that invite exploration – or perhaps a bit of avoidance:
1. Boston Mills (“Helltown”)
Currently, Boston Township is home to two villages: Peninsula and Boston Heights. However, there was once a thriving community known as Boston Mills in this region. In the early 1970s, residents of Boston Mills, now informally called “Helltown,” were forcibly relocated by the U.S. government. The government’s justification for this evacuation was to claim the land for the creation of a National Park. This sudden departure left behind empty houses, deserted buildings, and overgrown streets, which are now said to be haunted by the lingering spirits of those who were compelled to leave their homes. Some tales suggest that the evacuation might have been motivated by darker factors, hinting at potential environmental hazards and even allegations of occult activity in the area. Much of what was once Boston Mills is now part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. For more information on the eerie lore surrounding Helltown, we invite you to explore our comprehensive article on the subject.
2. Sabina
Since 1929, the small town in Clinton County has been marked by a chilling event that forever changed its atmosphere. An unidentified body, later nicknamed “Eugene,” was discovered alongside a road and for several decades became an unusual roadside attraction showcased at the local funeral home. This peculiar exhibit continued until 1964, when Eugene was finally laid to rest. In the years that followed, the town has gradually fallen into decline, leading it to become one of the eeriest ghost towns in Ohio.
3. Moonville
Nestled in the Vinton County of southeastern Ohio, the once-thriving coal mining community of Moonville emerged in 1856, sparked by the construction of the Marietta and Cincinnati railroad that sliced through the region’s lush woodlands. Among the few remnants of this ghost town is the Moonville Tunnel, a site steeped in eerie legends. According to local folklore, the spirit of a man who met his tragic end at the hands of a speeding train still roams the track bed near the tunnel after dark. A trip to the Moonville Tunnel promises an unforgettable adventure filled with haunting history and chilling tales.
4. Shawnee
Established in 1873 amidst coal mining operations, this town was once the largest in Perry County. However, it is now facing the fate of becoming a ghost town. Although some residents still call this small community home, numerous buildings remain deserted and empty.
5. Carpenter’s Mill
Remnants of an early 19th-century mill town can still be found in Delaware County, though much of it has vanished over time. The crumbling pillars of an old stone bridge and the skeletal framework of Bieber Mill are the few traces left behind from what was once a thriving community, making it one of Ohio’s most intriguing ghost towns.
6. Cheshire
One of Ohio’s latest ghost towns is Cheshire, located in Gallia County near Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The town was significantly affected by its nearby power plant, which led to the release of sooty residue and toxic chemical fogs. This environmental disaster prompted a buyout that ultimately forced all residents to leave Cheshire. Below, you can see containers found in an abandoned bunker within the town, which may very well violate EPA regulations on hazardous materials.
7. Findlay Ghost Town
As you drive along State Route 68, you may come across a sign directing you to “Ghost Town.” Established by the Galitza family, this distinctive roadside attraction in Findlay showcases a replica of an 1880s ghost town, which opened its doors to the public in the 1950s. Today, the site exudes an even more authentic ghost town atmosphere, largely due to limited maintenance and waning public interest.
What do you think? Are you excited to visit some of Ohio’s ghost towns for yourself, or do you prefer to learn about them from the safety of your home? Either way, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!