haunted places in Pennsylvania

13 Of The Most Haunted Places In Pennsylvania [With Proof]

Last Updated on November 21, 2022 by Urbex Underground

If you’re searching for haunted places in Pennsylvania, we’ve got you covered! Below are 13 different haunted places you can explore across the great state of Pennsylvania along with their status and exact GPS coordinates.


1. Farnsworth House Inn

401 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325

haunted places in Pennsylvania that you can stay the night

History:

Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the Farnsworth House Inn is a historic building that is now used as a bed and breakfast. The building was built in 1810 making it one of the oldest surviving buildings in the area. The structure has been used as a bed and breakfast, a restaurant, and a tourist shop.

The Shultz family purchased the Farnsworth House Inn in 1972. They have been the caretakers of the property ever since.

They believe that the inn is haunted by 16 different spirits, each with its own personality. The spirits include several civil war soldiers, an eight-year-old boy named Jeremy, and a former midwife.

One of the most popular spirits is a cranky cook in the kitchen. The cook is usually seen wandering around the building and looking over the kitchen shelves. He has also been known to knock staff members down.

The spectral Confederate soldiers have been known to be quite cheeky. They have been known to rub shoulders with the Union ghosts. They also create pockets of cold air around the house, which are reported by inn employees.

They have also been known to wake guests and ask where their beds are located. Some guests have also reported that their beds are being pressed down.

The cellar of the Farnsworth House Inn is also said to be haunted. It is decorated with antique coffins and church pews. The cellar is a place for “Mourning Theater.” This theater was supposedly a place for young soldiers to plan attacks against Union troops.

Evidence:

Many people have seen apparitions and heard voices, with some even capturing part of these ghostly figures on camera. The Farnsworth House Inn is said to be one of the most haunted inns in the country. The Shultz family claims that there are at least 16 spirits that now permanently reside at the inn.

With so many spirits and captured evidence, it’s no wonder The Farnsworth house is one of the most haunted places in Pennsylvania.


2. Hill View Manor

2801 Hill View Manor Drive, New Castle, PA 16101

haunted hill view manor in new castle PA
Photo Credit: Devon Christopher Adams – flickr.com

History:

Hill View Manor is one of the most haunted houses in western Pennsylvania. It was a poor farm before it was converted into a nursing home for the elderly in 1926.

The residents were elderly or mentally ill people who did not have family members to care for them. The facility finally closed in 2004 after staffing issues and allegations of poor living conditions.

The ghost of an older man is said to haunt Hill View Manor. He is usually seen in the boiler room. According to the owners, he does not like people in his space.

Some visitors have reported hearing footsteps and voices. Others have seen an older woman staring out of the window. Sudden cold chills and a feeling of static electricity is also common phenomenon at Hill View Manor.

Proof:

Hill View Manor has been the subject of several investigations by ghost hunters. Ghost Adventures, SyFy’s Ghost Hunters, Ghost Lab, and Destination America have all investigated this haunted building. There is evidence of apparitions, EVPs, footsteps, banging, and even physical touching.

Ghost Adventures recorded dozens of easily recognizable EVPs. The team also discovered strange occurrences, such as objects moving from room to room sporadically and sounds like pipes rattling.


3. Jean Bonnet Tavern

6048 Lincoln Hwy, Bedford, PA 15522

haunted Jean Bonnet Tavern circa 2005

History:

The Jean Bonnet Tavern has been welcoming travelers to Bedford since 1762. It was originally a trading post and later became a tavern. It’s known for spooky happenings such as dishes breaking, unexpected screams, and shadowy figures roaming the building.

Proof:

There are numerous stories from many guests and even skeptics that can’t explain the happenings inside the Bonnet Tavern. With the documented deaths and physical interactions, you’ll definitely want to stop at the Bonnet if you’re in the area.


4. Eastern State Penitentiary

2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Photo Credit: Jimmy Emerson, DVM – flickr.com

History:

The Eastern State Penitentiary is a historic site that features the ruins of an abandoned prison. Visitors can take a guided tour of the abandoned prison, and learn about the intriguing history of the place. In addition to historical tours, the penitentiary offers a variety of hair-raising haunts. 

The former prison has been visited by hundreds of paranormal researchers each year. In the 1940s, many stories of ghosts and eerie experiences were reported. In fact, many of the cellblocks remain unchanged since they were built.

Visitors also report hearing whispering, giggling, and weeping. It is believed that these sounds come from the guard tower.

Proof:

Whether you’re looking for a spooky Halloween night or a place to explore the haunting history of the American criminal justice system, the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia is a perfect destination.

The site is one of the most popular haunted places in the United States, and has been featured on Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures, Syfy’s Ghost Hunters, and MTV’s Fear.


5. Historic Hotel Bethlehem

437 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018

History:

The hotel is located on the land where the famous Moravian log house once stood. The hotel is steeped in Moravian culture. Its history is rooted in the early 18th century when the Moravian Brethren built the first hotel in Bethlehem.

It was named the Sun Inn and was well known for its hospitality in Colonial times. It was a popular gathering place for dignitaries and offered excellent food and accommodation.

Hotel Bethlehem is a great place to spend a vacation. It’s located in the middle of the historic district and is only two hours from Gettysburg. The hotel has been a favorite for paranormal investigators, and guests often request one of their many haunted rooms.

Proof:

While the proof isn’t as well-documented as some of our other haunted places in Pennsylvania, many people who aren’t investigators have experienced strange voices and the feeling of being watched.


6. Sachs Covered Bridge

39.797401, -77.276224

History:

Located in the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the Sachs Covered Bridge is one of the most haunted bridges in the country. During the war, Union and Confederate forces used the bridge as a strategic crossing point.

It was built by David Stoner in 1852. In 1863, two brigades of the I Corps crossed over the bridge into battle. The bridge was also used as an execution site for three southern soldiers, tainting the land with a darkness that can still be felt today.

One of the more interesting stories about the bridge is that three Confederate soldiers were hung from its trusses. These three soldiers disguised themselves as Union soldiers. According to the legend, the three soldiers were hung because they deserted the Confederacy.

Proof:

Many ghost hunters claim that the bridge is haunted. Some have even photographed the ghosts of Confederate soldiers. Others have reported that they saw three heads floating on the bridge at night. They have also reported hearing voices and footsteps.


7. Candle Shoppe of the Poconos

1900 PA-611, Swiftwater, PA 18370

History:

Located in Swiftwater, Pennsylvania, Candle Shoppe of the Poconos is a famous landmark and haunted attraction. This three-story commercial building was once a medical research laboratory. Today it is a retail location with 18 rooms all filled with candles.

The building was first owned by Doctor William Redwood Fisher, who used it as a residence and laboratory. His research led to the development of vaccines for yellow fever and smallpox. He also experimented with monkeys.

It has been reported that visitors have heard the screams of a monkey, felt fur on their ankles, and had their hair pulled. Some have even seen the doctor’s image.

In the early 1900s, Doctor Fisher was conducting medical experiments on monkeys in the basement of his house. Cages were kept in the basement, and spider monkeys were kept in them. The monkeys were infected with disease, and the animals were dissected for analysis.

Doctor Fisher’s laboratory is now a “haunted house” attraction at night, and a quaint candle shop during the day.

Proof:

Many people claim to hear the monkeys howling and feel unexpected cold blasts of air, especially in the basement. If people can become ghosts, who’s to say monkeys can’t exist in the afterlife as well?


8. The Gettysburg Hotel

1 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA 17325

Photo Credit: fauxto_digit – flickr.com

History:

Located near the Gettysburg Battlefield, the Gettysburg Hotel is one of the most haunted hotels in the country. Many guests have reported apparitions and strange happenings while staying at the hotel. 

Paranormal investigators claim that the Gettysburg Hotel is haunted by the spirit of a Union soldier named James Culbertson. He was wounded and brought to the hotel for medical treatment. However, he died within the walls of the hotel.

Another famous ghost is Rachel, a Civil War nurse who died in the hotel during the battle. She has been seen wandering the streets of Gettysburg, and has taken clothing and souvenirs from guests. She is also known to make an appearance in the hotel’s ballroom.

Many hotel guests have also claimed to have seen spectral soldiers. They have been seen by guests walking in unison around the hotel property. It’s unclear why these soldiers appear, but it’s possible they are searching for medical supplies.

Proof:

Evidence includes unexplained knocking, luggage being moved, and whispy figures caught moving through walls and around corners.


9. Jennie Wade House

548 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325

History:

Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the Jennie Wade House is one of the most haunted places in the state. Its history and reputation has made it a popular tourist destination in Gettysburg.

Jennie Wade was a twenty-year-old woman who was killed by a stray bullet during the Civil War. She was cooking bread for Union soldiers at the time of her death. She was the only civilian killed in the Battle of Gettysburg. Her body was moved to a cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where it is still laid to rest today.

The house is also a popular museum. Visitors can take a 90-minute tour to see the house and its surrounding area. The museum offers a number of exhibits that showcase the domestic life of the Civil War era. It also has an extensive gift shop with items including Jennie Wade souvenirs and collectibles.

Proof:

While proof is hard to find online, the strategy that happened inside and around the home is well-documented, and paints the picture as to how a lost soul could refuse to move on.


10. Pennhurst Asylum

250 Commonwealth Dr, Spring City, PA 19475

Photo Credit: Alexander Synaptic – bostonghosts.com

History:

Visiting haunted places in Pennsylvania can be an exciting experience. There are many places to choose from, with one of the most infamous being Pennhurst Asylum. This historic property in Spring City, Pennsylvania is known for its horrific acts of abuse in 1908. 

During the time when the Pennhurst Asylum was in operation, many patients were children with disabilities, abandoned by their own parents.

Overcrowding, underfunding, and a lack of staff screening made life for these children a literal hell.

Several former staff members and patients are believed to be active in the hospital. This makes it a very believable haunt. The Pennhurst Asylum has a built-in cult following.

Many people have reported experiences with souls who perished at the hospital, with children crying the most frequently heard paranormal event.

Proof:

Pennhurst Asylum has been featured in many television shows. It has been featured on Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. It is also part of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.


11. Larimer Mansion

50 Maus Dr, Irwin, PA 15642

Larimer Mansion

History:

During the 1800s, Larimer Mansion in Irwin, Pennsylvania played a significant role in the history of the United States. This historic property is a two story log cabin that was renovated in 1870 by Andrew Lewis McFarlane.

The building changed hands several times, including the Larimer family. Currently, Larimer Mansion is a bed and breakfast, and owner Lynne Moisey tells WTAE-TV that the property is a hot spot for paranormal activity.

One of the most popular stories is that of the ghost of Margaret Ann Larimer, who died at the age of 36. Supposedly, her spirit is still present in the mansion. Other stories state that a woman digs up a baby and re-buries it in the cemetery.

Proof:

Hauntings Research, a paranormal research organization based in Pittsburgh, has documented a number of paranormal activities at Larimer Mansion. The organization also found five cases of electronic voice phenomena. These include a number of different voices, including swearing and growling noises.


12. Iverson’s Pit

39.843598, -77.242927

History:

Iverson’s Pits was a part of a larger Rebel attack on the Union’s right flank. Iverson’s North Carolina brigade was assigned to outflank the Union First Corps at Oak Hill. The brigade consisted of the 5th, 12th, 20th, and 23rd North Carolina Infantries.

In order to outflank the Union, Iverson’s brigade advanced towards a line of trees 300 yards away. It was there that they met their demise. A single volley of fire killed 500 men in a straight line. Sadly, there were only a handful of survivors who fled the field and left wounded comrades behind.

What is it about Iverson’s pits that makes it a hotspot for paranormal activity? A former owner of the property claimed that farmhands were terrorized by phantoms, but that wasn’t all. One of the most haunted sites on the battlefield is the Devil’s Den, also known as the Reynolds Death House.

It isn’t uncommon to hear a ghostly apparition flitting about the hallowed grounds. However, there are many other haunted sites on the battlefield.

The infamous Battle of Gettysburg left a lasting impression on the town. In fact, it is one of the most visited places in the state, easily making it one of the most haunted places in Pennsylvania

Proof:

In addition to Iverson’s Pits, there are numerous other ghostly places to see on the battlefield. Among the most popular are Little Round Top, the Devil’s Den, the aforementioned Reynolds Death House, and Sach’s Covered Bridge. It is said that spectral figures may appear at the Doubleday Inn, but that isn’t the only place where spirits are said to linger.

Iverson’s pits is the oldest reputed haunted site on the Gettysburg Battlefield. Although many of the legends surrounding it have died out, there are a few rumors of ghostly activity at the site.


13. Old Allegheny County Jail

414 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

haunted Old Allegheny County Jail in Pennsylvania

History:

The Allegheny County Jail is a super haunted prison that has been reported by inmates and prison guards. It’s believed to be haunted by the ghost of a prisoner that took his life. This ghost is said to have terrorized cellmates and guards alike. It has also been reported that inmates have heard strange noises or seen shadows in the building.

Old Allegheny Jail has a long history of hauntings. In the 1930s, prisoners were subjected to electroshock therapy. The prison guards have also reported seeing unexplained shadows. In addition, a woman was hanged inside the jail in the 1800s.

Proof:

The Allegheny County Jail is located in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was replaced with a new jail in 1995. It has been renovated and is now equipped with state-of-the-art security.

The building is now used as the Court of Common Pleas, leaving little opportunity to gather proof of the paranormal.


Go out and explore!

That concludes our list of haunted places in Pennsylvania, but there are plenty of other haunted locations located across the country.

If you’re having trouble finding haunted places be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Finding Abandoned Places, or explore other ghost towns across the country.

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