Haunted History Trail: Home to Unusual Experiences

Encounter pure isolation from humanity during one of the most unique tours found on the Erie Canal. Explore the half-mile tunnel that was built in the 1880s to provide waterpower to the surrounding mills. Ghost hunter guests will experience four hours exclusively investigating one of most historic and hidden secrets of New York State at Lockport Caves -the water tunnel that was once blasted out of solid rock. View various geological formations and artifacts left behind by the men who built the tunnel in the early days of the Erie Canal, and experience for yourself why SyFy’s Ghost Hunters nicknamed it “Tunnels of Terror.” Visitors have reported faces appearing in the water and walls, shadows and a strange mist emerging from the water, and moans and footsteps echoing through the tunnels. Grab a group (up to 25 people), your ghost hunting equipment, and see what you will find…  

Certain stops along the Haunted History Trail will leave you scratching your head and clutching your partner. Pay a visit to these locations for a little bit of everything - from strange and mysterious to downright spooky.

The Dr. Best House & Medical Exhibit sits as a time capsule in Middleburgh, NY. As if awaiting the return of Dr. Best from a house call, the Victorian home and medical office displays some of the earliest forms of medicine. The unique collection includes medical bottles, clothing, quilts, and state-of-the-art medical equipment - including some apparatuses that will send shivers down your spine. Visit the house that witnessed the death of the doctor’s son, young wife, and Dr. Best himself. Take a historical haunted tour, available by reservation, to browse the site’s photo gallery, hear stories of unexplained events, and hear evidence from previous paranormal investigations - such as recordings of distant voices and mysterious piano playing.

The Haunted Bergen House has plenty of ghosts to greet. Built in 1858 in Bergen, NY the house is home to: a lady seen walking up the long driveway, a figure who stands at the top of the barn, another figure who stands outside and looks into the home, a grumpy man upstairs in the house, and children who are not shy to make their presence known. Then there’s the disembodied voices, growls, and shadows that appear out of nowhere. If that isn’t enough creepy, local legend says that witches would host ritual ceremonies at the swamp next to the property. Book a guided tour or private investigation and see who you’ll meet.

Don’t let the name of the Haunted History Trail fool you… it’s also home to the unique and unexplainable.

Enter into the world’s largest center for the religion of Spiritualism. For 10 weeks during the summer season, Lily Dale Assembly in Lily Dale, NY, hosts daily services and seminars demonstrating clairvoyance and healing, special workshops, and lectures on mediumistic phenomena. Visit the village from June to August and attend spiritual activities and workshops – pre-registration suggested. Or meet with a registered medium – sessions are available by reservation year-round.

With so many unusual options to choose from, where do you begin? Start on the Haunted History Trail website for the spooky stories of each of these locations, as well as information on available investigations, ghost hunts, and guided tours. Or call these stops directly for answers to your supernatural questions.