Pennsylvania isn’t just packed with history—it’s packed with ghosts.
From eerie old prisons to haunted hotels where guests check in but spirits never check out, this state is crawling with paranormal activity.
We’re talking shadowy figures lurking in abandoned asylums, ghostly whispers in the halls of historic mansions, and mysterious footsteps echoing through battlefields where thousands once fought.
These 10 haunted places in Pennsylvania will have you questioning every creak, flickering light, and sudden chill in the air.
1. Fort Mifflin, Philadelphia
Fort Mifflin sits right on the banks of the Delaware River in Philadelphia, and it’s one of the oldest military forts in the U.S., dating back to the Revolutionary War.
This place is seriously haunted, thanks to centuries of battles, prisoners, and death.
One of the most well-known ghosts is the “Screaming Woman”, said to be the ghost of Elizabeth Pratt, whose ghostly cries still echo through the stone walls.
During the Revolutionary War, American troops held off the British here in a brutal fight, and later, the fort became a Civil War prison—so yeah, a lot of intense history (and restless spirits).
Visitors have reported flickering lights, eerie whispers, and even full-body apparitions, making Fort Mifflin a must-visit for anyone who loves a good ghost story with their history lesson.
Planning a visit? Fort Mifflin is typically open from March to mid-December but closes from mid-December to March 1 for private events and appointments.
2. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia
If Fort Mifflin gives you chills, wait until you step inside Eastern State Penitentiary, a crumbling, castle-like prison in the heart of Philadelphia.
Built in 1829, this place was the first to use solitary confinement, which meant prisoners spent 23 hours a day in total isolation.
It’s no wonder there are so many tormented souls still hanging around.
Al Capone even did time here, and visitors swear they can still hear ghostly whispers, footsteps, and eerie cackling echoing through the empty cellblocks.
With peeling paint, decaying walls, and shadowy hallways straight out of a horror movie, Eastern State is hands down one of the creepiest spots in Pennsylvania.
3. The Logan Inn, New Hope
If haunted prisons aren’t your thing, how about a ghost-infested colonial inn where you might wake up to a spirit standing at the foot of your bed?
The Logan Inn in New Hope has been around since 1727, and with nearly 300 years of history, it’s packed with eerie encounters.
Room 6 is a hotspot of activity, where guests report sudden temperature drops, mysterious shadows, and even the scent of old perfume lingering in the air.
One of the most famous ghosts is a Revolutionary War soldier, often spotted near the fireplace, along with a little girl who likes to giggle when no one’s around.
Whether you’re staying the night or just grabbing dinner, don’t be surprised if you feel an invisible tap on your shoulder or catch a ghostly figure in the corner of your eye.
4. Hotel Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Hotel Bethlehem in the charming town of Bethlehem is the perfect mix of elegance and eerie.
Built in 1922 on the site of the 1822 Golden Eagle Hotel, this grand hotel is said to be home to several friendly (but seriously persistent) spirits, including a victorian performer named Lady Francis Hope and the former landlady Mrs. Brong.
Room 932 is the hotspot for ghostly activity, with reports of lights flickering, objects moving on their own, and even a spirit who likes to hum old tunes in the middle of the night.
With its rich history, stunning architecture, and a few ghostly residents who refuse to check out, Hotel Bethlehem is a must-visit for anyone who loves a good haunt with their hospitality.
5. Pennhurst State School, Spring City
Pennhurst State School in Spring City cranks up the terror with a history so dark, even ghost hunters get the chills.
Opened in 1908 as an institution for people with disabilities, Pennhurst became infamous for its overcrowding, neglect, and horrific abuse, leaving behind a heavy, unsettling energy that lingers in its crumbling halls.
Shadowy figures, disembodied voices, and the sound of phantom footsteps are common here.
Visitors have reported everything from ghostly screams to unseen hands grabbing at them in the dark.
With its decayed buildings, rusted hospital beds, and an eerie silence that feels almost alive, Pennhurst isn’t just haunted, it’s downright terrifying.
Please note that Pennhurst State School’s haunted attractions usually run from September to October, with a special event in February. Tours and investigations happen from spring to fall, so be sure to check their website for details.
6. Gettysburg Battlefield, Gettysburg
Creepy forests and ghostly asylums are one thing, but Gettysburg Battlefield delivers next-level hauntings with real history to back it up.
This was the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, where over 50,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or went missing—and many of them never truly left.
Visitors report seeing ghostly soldiers marching through the mist, hearing the distant boom of cannons, and even smelling gunpowder in the air when there’s no one around.
From Devil’s Den to Little Round Top, nearly every inch of this battlefield has a story, making Gettysburg one of the most haunted (and historically chilling) places in the country.
7. Jean Bonnet Tavern, Bedford
Ghostly battlefields not spooky enough?
The Jean Bonnet Tavern in Bedford serves up history, hauntings, and maybe even a drink with a spirit, literally.
Built around 1762, this colonial-era inn has hosted frontier travelers and witnessed historic events, including the Whiskey Rebellion—some say a few spirits from its past still linger.
Guests and staff have reported shadowy figures moving through the halls, flickering lanterns, and even the feeling of invisible hands brushing against them while they eat.
Whether you’re stopping in for a meal or staying the night, don’t be surprised if you catch a ghostly patron pulling up a chair next to you.
8. The Mishler Theatre, Altoona
If haunted taverns don’t give you goosebumps, The Mishler Theatre in Altoona might, especially when the ghost of its founder decides to make an appearance.
Built in 1906 by impresario Isaac Mishler, this grand old theater survived a massive fire and decades of history, but some say Mishler himself never left.
Actors and staff have reported flickering lights, unexplained footsteps, and even the faint scent of cigar smoke drifting through the empty auditorium—Isaac’s signature habit.
Whether you’re catching a show or just exploring, don’t be surprised if you feel a mysterious chill or spot a shadowy figure watching from the balcony.
9. Allegheny County Jail, Pittsburgh
If ghostly theater performances don’t scare you, the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh might.
People claim the lingering spirits of prisoners who never escaped are still trapped within its walls, even in death.
This massive stone fortress, completed in 1886, once held some of the city’s most dangerous criminals, including the infamous Biddle brothers, who escaped in 1902 with the help of the warden’s wife.
Guards and visitors have reported hearing eerie whispers, cell doors slamming on their own, and shadowy figures pacing the corridors as if still waiting for their release.
Now part of the county courthouse, the former jail may no longer house inmates, but its ghostly residents don’t seem ready to leave anytime soon.
10. Hill View Manor, New Castle
Old jail cells are unsettling, but Hill View Manor in New Castle cranks up the creep factor even further with decades of death and restless spirits.
Once a nursing home and poorhouse, this massive building housed the elderly, mentally ill, and those with nowhere else to go.
Many of the people living there also took their final breaths inside its walls.
Visitors report seeing shadowy figures lurking in the halls, hearing eerie laughter echoing from empty rooms, and even spotting a ghostly man who stares out from the windows.
With its history of deaths and suffering, Hill View Manor is the kind of place where you’re never really alone—even if it feels like you are.
Please note that the manor typically operates from late March through November, offering guided tours and paranormal investigations. Be sure to check their official website for updates!
Related Posts
