Must-See Mansions & Museums: Meet the Residents Who Refuse to Leave

Phelps Mansion Museum

The Phelps Mansion was constructed in 1970 for Sherman D. Phelps—a prosperous businessman and the fifth mayor of Binghamton. In 1871, the Phelps family proudly moved into their lavish new residence… but by 1882, every member of the household had met their end. But did they ever really leave? Today, eerie whispers of the past linger in the halls of this grand mansion. Visitors report ghostly figures donned in period attire, watching tour groups from the shadows. A mysterious clock, never wound, chimes at odd hours, as if marking unseen moments in time. Objects shift, doors creak open and slam shut on their own, and eerie footsteps echo through the halls. Could it be that Sherman Phelps himself still roams the halls of his cherished home? Visit for a guided, haunted tour or book a ghost hunt or paranormal investigation to find out.  

Roberson Mansion

Step into the past and tour the Roberson Mansion in Binghamton, NY by lantern light, where whispers of former residents still linger in the air. Built in 1907 by Alonzo and Margaret Roberson, this grand estate was never meant for an heir. Instead, Alonzo entrusted it to the community, hoping his name would live on. Is he still looming the halls to make sure it does? Chilling encounters abound… phantom footsteps, unseen presences, and one eerie night a few years ago when a staff member heard a man clearing his throat from the empty first floor. Perhaps Alonzo was reminding them who the estate truly belongs to. Guided ghost tours are offered each October, with self-guided and virtual experiences year-round.  

The Historic Bundy House

Built in 1982, Binghamton’s Historic Bundy House has lived many lives—much like the spirits that linger in its halls. Its last private resident, Elizabeth Hopton, passed away in 1942. From there, the residence transformed into a boarding house, office space, and printing shop before it was eventually preserved as a museum. The house has become a hotspot for paranormal investigators and brave visitors who wish to experience its eerie charm firsthand… and they often leave with more questions than answers. Join them for monthly ghost tours, paranormal investigations, or special haunted events held throughout the year.  

The 1890 House Museum

Step into the house where history and hauntings intertwine within the grand halls of Cortland’s own castle. Once the home of entrepreneur and industrialist Chester Wickwire, this Victorian masterpiece has long been shrouded in mystery—and ghostly whispers. Visitors and staff have reported many eerie encounters; shadowy figures gliding from room to room, doors creaking at night, and rhythmic knocks from unseen hands. At night, silhouettes have been seen through the windows, as if the spirits are still watching. Could these restless souls be former residents who lived and died in these very walls? Or does something else linger in the mansion’s dark corners? Arrange a late-night rental of the Museum to conduct your own ghost hunt, or call ahead for a guided ghost hunting experience with Dream Seekers Paranormal.  

Seneca Falls Historical Society

What began in 1823 as a humble one-room wooden house transformed over the decades into the grand 23-room mansion that stands today in Seneca Falls. Many believe the mansion is haunted by three restless spirits: one of the original owners who dislikes change and plays tricks on staff; one former nanny, whose ghostly footsteps echo through the third floor; and a sorrowful young Irish girl, heard weeping on the back stairs… perhaps longing for the home she left behind. Call ahead to book a one-hour guided ghost tour or check the calendar for group ghost tours, held twice a month.  

The Paddock Mansion

History isn’t the only thing lingering within the walls of the Paddock Mansion in Watertown… many believe the spirit of the previous owner, Olive Paddock, still calls the mansion home, especially following the 100-year anniversary of her passing. Mysterious figures have been spotted gazing from the upstairs bedroom window, and shadowy apparitions have appeared in the front parlor. These eerie encounters have made the Paddock Mansion a magnet for paranormal investigators, who have captured chilling evidence of unexplained activity throughout the building. Whether you visit for the history or the hauntings, one thing is certain—the past is very much alive at the Paddock Mansion. Join Excelsior Paranormal for their “Ghost Hunting 101” series at the mansion to tour its most haunted areas and find what might be lurking inside.  

Hyde Hall

For over two centuries, Coopertown’s Hyde Hall has been shrouded in mystery, its halls alive with ghostly whispers, phantom footsteps, and spine-tingling apparitions. The mansion’s endless corridors and stately rooms seem to hold echoes of the past, where visitors have encountered unseen hands knocking on doors, faint music playing from nowhere, and chilling figures appearing in the dimly lit halls. Some say the original owner, George Clark, never truly left—and you can find out for yourself when you book a guided ghost tour, by appointment. Public ghost hunts also take place every October.