Haunted Western New York: 3 Unique Road Trips to Explore

On the western side of New York, you never know who—or what—you may see. Within an hour’s drive of Niagara Falls and Buffalo, NY you can find frightening overnights, guided tours and ghost hunts, and a few places that are just too strange to explain.  

Ready to feel the hair stand up on your neck? We’ve got you covered, and we won’t disappoint. 

NIAGARA FALLS AREA 

Start your getaway with a stay at one of these haunted inns:

Red Coach Inn | Niagara Falls, NY 

The Red Coach Inn has it all: the charm of a bed and breakfast, the history of Niagara Falls, and the hauntings of previous guests. Overlooking the great falls, the inn is home to some serious ghosts – including a bride and groom who are said to still roam its halls.  

Graestone Manor Bed & Breakfast | Gasport, NY 14067  

Paranormal sightings are found in almost every room of this Victorian Mansion—just ask owners Bob & Heather Mattison. Check in to see the home’s most frequent “hot spots,” join a public paranormal investigation, or book a private ghost tour (by request) for groups of 5-10 people.

Hart House Hotel | Medina, NY 

A former factory, now a hotel, the Hart House has had many a guest step through its doors. You can add to the number when you book an overnight or enjoy a meal at the Shirt Factory Café. With much of the original building still intact, catch glimpses of the past—such as a woman in a ghostly white dress on the staircase.  

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

The Van Horn Mansion | Burt, NY  

In 1836, 20-year-old Malinda Niles married James Van Horn Jr. The very next year, her untimely death was announced. Does she haunt her former home? Call to schedule a guided tour of this living museum—from cellar to attic—or paranormal investigation. The secrets that lurk within the 200-year-old mansion may not stay secret for long… 

Para Niagara at the Western Block | Lockport, NY

Book a guided public hunt, family hunt (for all ages!) or private tour of the former Western Block complex, a place where many eerie tales have been told. A hotel once stood on site but perished in a fire; will the ghosts warn you of “fire” and tell you to “get out?” Reported paranormal hotspots include the Stone Room, Speakeasy, Machine Shops and Tunnel.

Winery at Marjim Manor | Appleton, NY 

Sample Marjim Manor wines while staff share stories of the ghosts that inhabit this 1800s mansion near Lake Ontario or call ahead and book a ghost hunt. You may just hear the ghostly call of “who’s in my house?” said to come from young Lewis, who was fatally shot while standing in the doorway of his home.

Pratt Event Center | Albion, NY 

The Pratt Event Center consists of three buildings—the Day and Day Building, Grand Opera House/Pratt Opera Theater, and the Stone Building—all of which have experienced some seriously spooky haunts. Take a guided tour of the property by appointment or sign up to participate in one of two paranormal investigation experiences for groups of 6 or more.  

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

Rapids Theatre | Niagara Falls, NY 

One of the areas most haunted locations, take your time uncovering the secrets of Rapids Theatre. Book a group ghost hunt (10-50 people), and comb through the theatre’s tunnels, main floor and stage, VIP balcony and green rooms for sightings, sounds and strange occurrences. Investigations have no end time, so the fun lasts as long as your courage does.  

NEAR LETCHWORTH STATE PARK 

Start your getaway with a stay at this haunted inn:

Genesee Falls Inn | Portageville, NY 

Prepare for a soul-stirring experience that starts when you set foot on the property. Stay overnight, book a ghost tour or investigate hauntings with your paranormal team. The inn’s history of fires, suicides and a drowning set the stage for strange occurrences, sightings and mysterious activity – you may have your own story to add by the end of your visit here. 

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

Rolling Hills Asylum | East Bethany, NY  

Originally established as a working farm then poor house, this property ranked as the second most haunted site in the United States soon became a refuge for some of society’s less fortunate. Public ghost hunts, tours, special events and investigations are offered almost daily, year-round. With over 1,700 documented deaths and hundreds not recorded, there’s no telling who you might meet here.

Experience the center of Spiritualism, each summer season:  

Lily Dale Assembly | Lily Dale, NY 

Lily Dale is the world’s largest center for the science, philosophy and religion of Spiritualism. Registered mediums are available for appointments year-round, and every year during a 10-week summer season (June-August), the town hosts entertainment, sacred music, daily services, special workshops, and seminars on clairvoyance and healing.