Get The Brochure
Request a Haunted History Trail of New York State brochure and visitor guides from each county on the trail.
Ghostly Encounters for the Scaredy-Cat in Us All
Not all hauntings are the stuff of nightmares! Some spirits prefer a gentler presence, offering a whisper on the wind, a fleeting glimpse, or a playful nudge to let you know they’re still around. These softly spooky spots provide just enough mystery to intrigue, without sending scaredy-cats running for the door. Perfect for those who love a good ghost story without sleepless nights, these places are more enchanting than eerie.
Once a church, later a funeral home, and now a museum, Iron Island is rich in Buffalo’s history—and its hauntings. Visitors come for the spirits but stay for the stories, from the railroad to the military and beyond. Among its ghostly residents are Edgar Zernicke, whose unclaimed remains rested here for years, and two young boys waked in the 1960s. Guests have captured spirit voices, eerie photos, and flickering figures, but the presence here feels more watchful than worrisome. Public ghost hunts and investigations are available or join a guided haunted history tour for a softer glimpse into the past.
Casey's Cottage at Mexico Point State Park
Casey’s Cottage in Mexico, NY is a unique slice of history—an 11th-century-style manor crafted from a simple carriage house by Dr. William Casey. But since his passing in 1978, strange happenings have woven an eerie charm into its rustic beauty. Visitors report faint organ music drifting through the air, furniture moving on its own, and lost keys appearing in odd places. Some feel an unseen presence, while others have spotted a young girl near the tree where she is said to be buried. Ghost hunts and guided tours are available, by reservation.
⬆️ Brian’s Spectral Selection: "This hidden gem feels like it was created via a magical spell out of the forest itself. I felt like a kid again, playing in a fortress of my imagination—but this one was real!”
How about a haunted chocolate shop? Since 2013, Barkeater Chocolates staff have encountered eerie activity—phantom footsteps, moving objects, and voices from empty rooms. Even a construction crew heard whispers upstairs with no one there. The building, dating back to 1884, holds secrets, including at least one mysterious death. Is it the playful boy seen running through the shop, the shadowy man in the basement, or the muffled-voiced woman causing mischief? Stop into their North Creek shop for a “Haunted Chocolate-Making Experience” or to browse their sinful selection of goodies.
“This project is supported through the Tourism Matching Funds program, administered by Empire State Development and I Love NY, New York’s Division of Tourism.”
® I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.
