Spooky Cities: The Most Haunted Urban Spots in New York

New York, a state known for its vibrant cities, rich history, and diverse culture, also holds a more mysterious distinction. It's a haven for ghost enthusiasts, travel aficionados, and the para-curious, with several cities across the state boasting a high concentration of haunts. From the historic streets of the Capital City to the chilling winds of Lake Erie on the western coast, New York offers a ghostly adventure at nearly every turn…

Spirits of Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga Springs, known for its mineral waters and thoroughbred horse racing, also boasts several haunted establishments. Venture into this beautiful area of the state and find:

Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours 
Have you heard of Old Smoke, said to haunt the Canfield Casino? Angeline, known as the Witch of Saratoga? Delve into the chilling tales of Saratoga’s spooky inhabitants—as you wander through the city's haunted landmarks on this leisurely 90-minute walking tour.

Saratoga Springs History Museum/Historic Canfield Casino
In 2010, Ghost Hunters investigated Saratoga Springs' Canfield Casino due to reports of eerie phenomena. Strange events increased after unveiling an exhibition featuring antique clothing worn by deceased elites. Take a self-guided tour of the 140-year-old building and see if anything strange arises or join a pre-schedule ghost tour taking place from July-October. 

Creepy Spots in the Capital City of Albany, NY

Albany, New York's capital, is rife with haunted locales, including the New York State Capitol and the Ten Broeck Mansion, where ghostly sightings and unexplained phenomena are commonplace:

Eerie Albany Ghost Tours
Join Discover Albany for a bone-chilling tour through Downtown's haunted sites. Encounter ghostly figures at Olde English Pub, unravel mysteries at Ten Broeck Triangle, and brave the shadowy figures lurking in the Capitol halls at night. 

New York State Capitol Hauntings Tour (Fall Only)
Embark on a chilling journey through the haunted Capitol, where ghostly spirits linger. Discover the legend of the "Secret Demon" near the Great Western Staircase and learn about two Presidents who visited even after death. Explore hidden murals in the state Assembly Chamber, each telling a haunting tale of the tormented artist behind them. Tours are offered in the fall only, September-October.

Shadows & Legends of Cooperstown, NY

In this corner of New York State, the tales of spirits are as abundant as the history that unfolded here—none more prominent than at the local mansion, Hyde Hall:

Hyde Hall
Hyde Hall, spanning two centuries of haunting history, holds chilling encounters within its 22,000-square-foot expanse. Visitors recount eerie experiences—whispers, knocking, footsteps, and apparitions—as they explore the corridors. Designated as a National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site, Hyde Hall offers ghost tours in-season.

Cooperstown Candlelight Ghost Tours
Join Cooperstown Candlelight Ghost Tours for a one-hour stroll blending the village's history with chilling ghost stories. From its 1786 founding by William Cooper to haunted landmarks like the Christ Church Graveyard and River Street's trio of eerie houses, uncover Cooperstown's spectral legacy.

Untold Stories of Utica, NY

In the city of Utica, ghosts take a bow at the local theatre as they put on a show. Explore this strange location to learn more:

The Stanley Theatre
Since its grand opening in 1928, the Stanley Theatre has stood as a majestic landmark in Utica, captivating visitors with its beauty. Yet, beneath its opulent façade, whispers of the paranormal abound. Guests, employees, and intrepid ghost hunters alike have reported eerie phenomena—echoes of footsteps, disembodied laughter, chilling EVPs, and sightings of full-bodied apparitions and shadowy figures—suggesting that something otherworldly may indeed lurk behind the curtain.

Watertown, NY’s Paranormal Wonders

Amidst the region's renowned beauty and tranquil waters, uncover a side that promises to mesmerize and intrigue like never before:

The Paddock Mansion
The Paddock Mansion, erected in 1878, once belonged to Olive and Edwin Paddock, prominent figures in Watertown's history. Legend has it that Olive's spirit roams the halls, and locals claim to have seen figures in the upper bedroom window and front parlor, adding to the mansion's eerie aura. With its mysterious atmosphere, the Paddock Mansion has become a hotspot for local paranormal investigators.

Thompson Park Vortex
Within this beautiful park in Watertown lies a chilling secret: a time vortex shrouded in mystery. Whispers among locals speak of a haunting phenomenon, where unsuspecting wanderers are whisked away to another location within the park's boundaries. Witnesses swear that the spot of this sinister portal shifts and wavers, evading capture and leaving those who stumble upon it in a state of perplexed dread.

The Spooky Side of Syracuse, NY

Syracuse, known for its pivotal role in the salt industry, is also recognized for its ghostly inhabitants—namely those at the local theatre, Erie Canal Museum, and two unusual sites for common ghost sightings:

Erie Canal Museum
The Erie Canal Museum stands as a tribute to the Erie Canal's significance, housed within the last remaining Weighlock Building in America. And it appears to harbor a host of spectral residents, from transparent children frolicking in the courtyard to a woman haunting the site of the model canal boat, where she met her demise. The echoes of history reverberate through the 150-year-old hallways, visit for a tour and to explore the tales.

The Landmark Theatre
The Landmark Theatre is one of the most impressive area venues for live productions. It is also known as the home of Clarissa, a young woman who fell from the balcony to her death and still haunts the theatre to this day. Take a guided tour and see if she may come out to greet you.

13 Curves on Onondaga Hill
For over 60 years, Cedarvale Road, dubbed "13 Curves," has been shrouded in ghostly lore following a tragic car accident southwest of Syracuse. Legend has it that the souls of the victims still haunt the road, forever bound to the site of their untimely demise. Take a drive to see if the spirits will make themselves known.

Split Rock Quarry
In 1918, Split Rock, a munitions plant, suffered a devastating explosion, claiming the lives of over 50 men. Now, the Quarry stands desolate, with only the Crusher, an old piece of machinery, left behind. Visitors have reported eerie phenomena, including the sound of footsteps, distant voices, and the engine of the Crusher, which fell silent after the blast. Explore the quarry (at your own risk) at any time.

Binghamton’s Haunted History

Discover the hidden mysteries of Greater Binghamton—a community rich in history and intrigue. Whether you're drawn to the spectral or the historical, your visit promises an unforgettable blend of excitement and fascination in the heart of Binghamton's enigmatic landscape:  

The Historic Bundy House
The Historic Bundy House, built in 1892 for Harlow and Julia Bundy and their kin, harbors a rich tapestry of history. Today, it beckons paranormal enthusiasts, drawn by its intriguing past, inviting the public to join in investigations and tours, delving into the mysteries that linger within its hallowed halls.

Phelps Mansion Museum
The Phelps Mansion, built in 1870 for Sherman D. Phelps, former Mayor of Binghamton, hides a chilling secret. Following the tragic demise of every family member by 1882, spectral figures in period garb haunt its corridors, watching from afar.

Roberson Mansion
Under the wavering glow of lanterns, explore the chilling legends of the Roberson Mansion, where the spirits of former residents may yet roam. Recent tales tell of late-night decorators encountering mysterious sights and sounds.

Spirits of the Flower City of Rochester, NY

Rochester isn't just famous for its lilacs or as the birthplace of Kodak. In this city, the strange can be found in the most unlikely of places:

Hose 22 Firehouse Grill
After years of neglect, contractor Craig Ristuccia restored the Hose 22 Firehouse to its former glory in 2007, recreating its original features and repurposing the building into a local restaurant. Yet, alongside its restored beauty, present-day staff report eerie encounters—figures on cameras, running faucets, and unexplained sounds. Stop in for a bite and take a self-guided tour of the building’s three floors.

Union Tavern
This New England-style tavern offers delicious food, cold drinks, and a warm atmosphere, but it's also known for ghostly sightings, including a woman by the fireplace and apparitions in the basement. With a history dating back to 1819, including ties to the Underground Railroad and Prohibition, the tavern has plenty of mysteries to explore.

Durand Eastman Park
The hauntings of "The White Lady" in this Rochester, NY park are shrouded in mystery. For decades, sightings of a spectral figure have persisted along the park's roadways near Lake Ontario.

Buffalo’s Ghosts in the Queen City

Buffalo, known as the Queen City, harbors a dark past beneath its industrious veneer. Explore this strange location to find out more:

Iron Island Museum
The Iron Island Museum, formerly a church and funeral home, dates to 1883 and now serves as a museum preserving the history of Buffalo's Iron Island neighborhood. Spirits, including Edgar Zernicke and two young boys from the 1960s, are said to haunt the building. Despite its haunted reputation, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's history.

For ghost enthusiasts and paranormal curious travelers, New York's spooky cities promise an adventure that blurs the lines between the past and the present, between this world and the next.