Six Serious (and Spooky) Paranormal Investigations in New York State

Over 1,700 deaths have been documented on the site where Rolling Hills Asylum now stands in East Bethany, NY. A place where widows and orphans once mingled with the mentally ill - and the unclaimed dead were buried on the property - linger lost souls doomed to forever roam the grounds, unsettled even in death. It comes as no surprise that Haunted North America rated Rolling Hills the “second most haunted site in the United States.” And it’s just one of many stops along the Haunted History Trail of New York State that offers ghost hunts, paranormal investigations, and up-close encounters with the seriously spooky.    

Do you dare pay them a visit? See what it’s like to be “Quarantined” for a nine-hour private hunt, held “Captive” on an eight-hour public hunt, get “Detained” for a four-hour tour and hunt, or experience the three-hour “Psych Hold.” Every month brings new events and ways to experience Rolling Hills Asylum.

Not ready to start with such a hair-raising haunt? Work up your courage by starting with these five other investigations found across New York State:

Sylvan Beach Amusement Park’s “Park After Dark” Tours

The lights whirl by in a blur as guests make their way through the vintage amusement park at Sylvan Beach. But it is not the classic rides and games that are the true source of intrigue – it’s the legends of those who roam the park at night, long after closing.

Guided “Park After Dark” tours lead guests through the empty buildings, past old arcade games and the shadow of the looming Galaxy Roller Coaster. Cameras and recorders are encouraged as visitors seek out poltergeist activity, figures, and the ghosts of playtimes’ past. The tours take place seasonally, on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer, after the park has closed.

Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse & Veterans Park Museum

With history often comes tales of tragedy, as is the case at Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse. The building is home to a large collection of military artifacts from WWI, WWII, and the Korean War, said to be the cause of the unexplained activity heard by guests and staff – footsteps wandering the house and climbing up the tower stairs, disembodied voices, and the soft touches felt on a shoulder or the back of a hand. Or maybe it’s not the artifacts, but the former lighthouse keepers who still watch over Dunkirk today…

Wherever you place the blame, Dunkirk is a place shrouded in mystery – one that visitors can experience through public ghost hunts (on select dates, seasonally) or by booking a private ghost hunt with advance reservation.

Casey’s Cottage at Mexico Point State Park

Dr. William Casey is said to have poured his heart and soul into transforming Casey’s Cottage into the 11^th century manor house that stands there today. And it wasn’t until after his death in 1978, that the building began experiencing strange and unusual activity – like the sounds of faint organ music, cries for help, furniture moving on its own, candles jumping off shelves, and missing keys turning up in bizarre locations. Visitors often feel like they are being watched – either by the young girl sometimes seen standing under the tree where she was buried – or possibly by Dr. Casey himself.

Despite the activity, Casey’s Cottage is a gathering place for the living as well as the dead. The cottage can be booked for smaller events and gatherings, for those looking for a more unique venue. Or join a team of professional investigators for a ghost hunt or guided tour of the property, available by appointment and during special events throughout the year.

Shoppes at the Finish Line

In September of 1871, a fire ripped through The Utica Globe Mill, destroying the building and its contents. Though the structure was rebuilt and the mill reborn just two years later, the dark tragedy still lingered within its walls, in the form of shadowy apparitions and unseen phenomenon. The building is known today as the Shoppes at the Finish Line, and is haunted by numerous ghosts, including a young boy and an older gentleman who does not like visitors on the third floor. Investigations and ghost hunts can be scheduled by appointment.

Union Station

And finally, built in 1914, Union Station in Utica, NY has seen its fair share of tragedy in the form of numerous accidental deaths that occurred along the railways. Today, it is not uncommon to witness ghostly lights moving along the tracks, phantom passengers riding in the rail cars, and transparent conductors pacing the platforms as their voices echo through the station. Visitors can schedule a time to explore the eerie with CNY Shadow Chasers, and participate in a ghost hunt or paranormal investigation to see what they can uncover.

Before you grab your flashlight and venture into the unknown, swing by the Haunted History Trail website to review specific information on ghost hunts, private and public investigations, and guided tours, along with the hours that you can visit each of these haunted stops. Or call directly for questions.