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Restless Rural Retreats: Discover Haunted Sites off the Beaten Path in New York

In the quietest corners of New York State lies a world of mystery and intrigue. Embark on an adventurous journey through the state's most remote and eerie locations, eight places where the thrill of solitude meets the allure of the unknown. These locations offer a hauntingly unique experience, alone, and away from it all…

Barkeater Chocolates

Barkeater Chocolates

North Creek, NY

Since 2013, Barkeater Chocolates' property has been plagued by unexplained phenomena: mysterious footsteps, bangs, and objects moved overnight. Construction crews have heard phantom voices and footsteps with no one around. The building's dark history dating back to 1884 hides a multitude of mysteries, from mischievous apparitions to spectral figures. But why do these ghosts seek heat in a chocolate shop? The answers remain shrouded in shadow, awaiting discovery by the brave. From March-October, the chocolate shop offers 90-minute guided haunted and chocolate making experiences—reservations are available online. 

Fort William Henry Museum

Fort William Henry Museum

Lake George, NY

Step into the spooky realm surrounding Fort William Henry, where centuries of battles have left behind more than just memories. Take a spine-chilling guided tour through ghostly locales, where the past and present intertwine. But beware, for as you wander these haunted grounds, you may find yourself entangled in an eerie encounter of your own.

The Mystery Spot of Lake George

The Mystery Spot of Lake George

Lake George, NY

In Lake George, NY, Mayor Blais Park holds a peculiar secret. Legend claims it was where a Native American god spoke to the land. Today, it baffles visitors with an audio phenomenon: speak aloud in its center, and your voice echoes as if you were talking through a cone. Step cautiously, as this site invites you into a realm of eerie sounds and ancient mystery.

Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum

Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum

Chittenango, NY

At Chittenango Landing's drydocks, erected in 1855, craftsmen shaped and restored the colossal cargo boats that traversed the Erie Canal. Steeping into the lore of the 19th and early 20th centuries, canal workers were rife with superstitions, echoing through the ages. Delve into the mystique of canal culture, from the origins of these superstitions to chilling tales of thieves, murderers, and tragic accidents. Guided and self-guided ghost tours are offered in-season. Call to book ahead or schedule an investigation, year-round.

Park After Dark Ghost Tours

Park After Dark Ghost Tours

Sylvan Beach, NY

Join the CasperCops for an otherworldly adventure at Sylvan Beach Amusement Park, a vintage gem steeped in ghostly tales. Explore the park's classic rides and games as you learn the legends of lingering spirits. Then, as the lights go down the investigation begins, taking visitors through buildings and around the towering rides. Will you capture evidence on camera? Taking place Friday & Saturday nights, each summer.

Woodland Farm Brewery Taproom at The Hulbert House

Woodland Farm Brewery Taproom at The Hulbert House

Boonville, NY

The Hulbert House, founded in 1812 in Boonville, NY, hosted notable guests like Ulysses S. Grant. Yet, it's also famed for spectral sightings, including "Wayne," a Civil War soldier, and ghostly children whose eerie sounds echo through the walls. Paranormal investigations reveal encounters with spirits like an elderly woman on the third floor. Now a brewery and taproom, stop in for a beer and bite and ask your bartender to share stories of the paranormal activity often found here.

The 1890 House Museum

The 1890 House Museum

Cortland, NY

Explore Cortland's historic past at the 1890 House Museum. With a rich history of reported ghostly encounters, visitors and staff have witnessed unexplained phenomena such as footsteps, moving shadows, and doors opening and closing on their own—believed to be linked to the spirits of historical figures who once inhabited Cortland's Castle. Interested in a ghostly encounter? Contact the Museum or join haunted programming around Halloween for a spine-chilling experience.

Warsaw Historical Society and Gates House Museum

Warsaw, NY

Built by Horace Hollister in 1824, the Gates House is a post-colonial home which still sports its original façade. Seth Merrill Gates and his family moved into the home in 1844, and it is said that he still visits to this day. Disembodied voices in the kitchen, cold spots in the basement, shadow people and apparitions in the parlor, mischievous children have all been experienced at The Gates House. Guided tours, public and private ghost tours are available year-round by appointment.


“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.

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