If you have an interest in delving into abandoned and forgotten places, Ohio boasts an array of haunting ghost towns that are just waiting to be explored. (For further inspiration, don’t forget to check our earlier features on other abandoned sites in Ohio.) Ranging from decaying coal mining communities to intentionally deserted towns, Ohio is home to numerous unsettling, vacant locations that are perfect for the curious adventurer.
(Keep in mind that some of these sites may be off-limits, so it’s crucial to proceed with caution and respect private property. If a site appears to be privately owned, please refrain from trespassing.)
Gather a couple of friends and kick off an adventure at the closest ghost town to you. From there, explore other abandoned towns nearby as you go!
1. Boston Mills (Peninsula)
Once a bustling community, the town of Boston Mills was largely deserted when authorities mandated that residents vacate the area to make way for Ohio’s sole National Park. The resulting abandonment has given rise to captivating myths and eerie tales, including the infamous “Highway to Hell.” This has earned Boston Township and its neighboring villages the nickname “Helltown.” Located in Summit County, this area has become a source of intrigue for locals and visitors alike.
2. Ghost Town (Findlay)
While it may not fit the traditional idea of a ghost town, Ghost Town in Findlay, Ohio, is definitely worth a visit. Established by the Galitza family, this one-of-a-kind roadside attraction offers a glimpse into a replica of an 1880s ghost town, first welcoming visitors in the 1950s. After being temporarily closed, the site has since been revitalized and now hosts a variety of arts and crafts vendors, as well as antique and flea market stalls on designated days. You can explore this intriguing destination at 10630 County Road 40, Findlay, Ohio 45840.
3. Tadmor (Vandalia)
Located in Taylorsville MetroPark, just outside Dayton, you can explore the Buckeye Trail, which leads to the historical remains of a once-significant transportation hub that was devastated by the devastating flood of 1913. In the 19th century, the area thrived thanks to the Miami Erie Canal, but the canals fell into disuse following the flood, prompting the relocation of the railway to higher elevations. This site holds a wealth of history and can be found at 2000 US-40 in Vandalia, OH 45377.
4. Utopia
Nestled alongside the Ohio River in Clermont County lies a unique community that some have labeled as a ghost town, despite its sparse but present population. According to RoadsideAmerica.com, this small, unincorporated area is recognized as one of the “phalanxes” or social communes that were formed in America during the mid-1800s. Take a drive down this quiet, dead-end street and discover for yourself whether it truly qualifies as a ghost town, or if it possesses the eerie presence that many believe it does. You can find this intriguing location in the southern part of Franklin Township in Clermont County.
5. Moonville (McArthur)
Moonville, a deserted coal mining town in the Vinton County region of southeastern Ohio, was established in 1856. Its growth was spurred by the construction of the Marietta and Cincinnati railroad, which carved a path through the surrounding woodlands. Among the few remnants of the town is the eerie Moonville Tunnel. According to local legend, this tunnel is haunted by the spirit of a man who met a tragic fate when he was struck by a train. It is said that his ghost can be seen wandering the track bed near the tunnel during the night hours. The tunnel is located just off Hope-Moonville Road, in McArthur, OH 45651, and is accessible for those who wish to explore its haunted history.
6. Carpenter’s Mill (Delaware)
Not much remains of this once-thriving mill town from the early 1800s in Delaware County. Today, only the stone pillars of a bridge and the remnants of Bieber’s Mill survive, standing as a testament to a long-lost era. Constructed in 1840, the crumbling mill is located along the banks of the Olentangy River, close to Ohio Wesleyan University. If you’re looking for this hauntingly beautiful location, you can find it at 4919 Chapman Rd #4801 in Delaware, OH 43015.
What do you think? Are you ready to embark on a road trip to explore Ohio’s eerie ghost towns? We’d love to hear your thoughts and any experiences you’ve had in similar places in the comments!