9 Spine-Chilling Road Trip Spots Near Syracuse, NY

In the heart of the state lies the Greater Syracuse Area, a spooky centerpiece to our terrifying Trail. Settle into your downtown hotel and start to explore the “frights” of the city—from a haunted theatre to an abandoned quarry, the untold history of the Erie Canal to an offbeat Irish Pub. There’s no telling what you might find.  

Start your getaway with a meal and a spooky tale at this haunted restaurant:  

Wayside Irish Pub | Elbridge, NY 
Sip on a favorite beverage, enjoy delicious pub fare, and make room for guests from somewhere beyond. Staff will tell you all about the ghostly activity found here—apparitions of Sara or Squire Munro, poltergeist-like pranks, shadow figures in the basement, strange touches or pokes. Dig in but hold on to your glass, it might go flying.  

Visit these nearby locations for a guided tour or seek out the spirits on a ghost hunt: 

The 1890 House Museum | Cortland, NY 
According to local legend, the spirits of the 1890 House Museum are the former inhabitants of Cortland’s castle—historical figures who lived and died there. Arrange for a late-night rental of the museum, or a guided ghost-hunting experience. Will you see the silhouettes of figures in the windows or see shadows move about the rooms? 

Erie Canal Museum | Syracuse, NY 
Docent-led haunted history tours include the recounting of paranormal activity that takes place at this 150-year-old building, also the last existing Weighlock Building in America. Visit, and in addition to stories of the canal’s important past, you may find translucent children playing in the courtyard or hear a pair of men arguing near the replica canal boat.  

Seneca Falls Historical Society | Seneca Falls, NY
This 23-room Victorian Mansion was once a grand residence that today houses the Seneca Falls Historical Society. Several spirits are believed to still call it home though—including original owner Edward Mynderse, a former nanny, and a young Irish girl. One-hour guided ghost tours are available by reservation, and group ghost tours are held each October.  

Check out these unusual experiences:  

13 Curves on Onondaga Hill | Syracuse, NY 
Haunted by a bride that was killed in a tragic car accident, 13-Curves shares the story of a Woman in White. According to legend, a newlywed couple died along Cedarvale Road on their wedding night, over 60 years ago. Motorists claim to see her still searching for her groom to this day. Take a drive to see if the tale is true. 

Split Rock Quarry | Syracuse, NY 
An unexpected explosion in 1918 brutally killed more than 50 men just outside of Syracuse, at the site of a hazardous munitions plant called Split Rock Quarry. Today, the site sits abandoned in the woods… yet visitors claim activity, including the sound of footsteps, voices, and the revving of the long-gone Crusher’s engine. Explore at your own risk… 

For private ghost hunts and tours, add these locations to your trip:  

Fingerlakes Mall | Auburn, NY 
The Fingerlakes Mall has been a hotspot for ghost investigators who have recorded over 200 top-notch EVPs (electronic voice phenomenon), and footage of entities roaming the property. Those on-site claim to have been pushed, touched, spoken to, and more. Why are spirits attracted to this mall? Schedule a private after-hours investigation and find out.  

Seward House Museum’s Haunted History Tours | Auburn, NY
Death was a returning and unwelcome guest of the Seward Family during the time of William H. Seward, a prominent 19th-century politician, and Secretary of State to President Lincoln. Join a museum guide as they share chilling true tales of the area and take you down the darkened streets of historic Auburn. Tours are held each October or by appointment.  

The Landmark Theatre | Syracuse, NY 
The Landmark Theatre is one of the most impressive area venues for live productions. It is also known as the home of Clarissa, a young woman who fell from the balcony to her death and still haunts the theatre to this day. Take a guided tour and see if she may come out to greet you. Group investigations are also available by appointment.