Get The Brochure
Request a Haunted History Trail of New York State brochure and visitor guides from each county on the trail.
Step into the Supernatural: Ghostly Guided Tours Offered Across the State
These ghost tours invite guests to explore historically haunted areas across our state, and get up close and personal with buildings and landmarks that tell a more sinister tale than meets the eye…
New York’s haunted history exists in places you’ll least suspect, such as the state Capitol building. But with its history of tragedies and terrifying legends, it’s not that much of a stretch to expect haunted activity to be afoot. Highlights of this Capitol Hauntings Tour include venturing to the exact spot where a night watchman died in a fire, hearing lore of the “Secret Demon,” and learning of posthumous visits by two presidents… Haunted tours take place on select dates and times in late September through October.
Oswego holds a rich history with its streets, tunnels, homes and businesses hiding secrets of the past. These places fuel ghostly activity and perfectly set the stage for curious minds to learn more about those who walked the Port City in the past—and who may still linger today, including in broad daylight! The ghosts here seem to move about with the living crowd—moving items or leaving some behind, making noise and engaging in conversation. Ghosts have even dictated remodeling, giving new meaning to the phrase “ghost in the machine.” Tours take place May through Halloween, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Take a leisurely stroll through Saratoga Springs and hear of its haunted underbelly. You’ll discover that ghostly activity is more common than a shadow at dusk, and you’ll learn of some of the region’s notable spirits: There’s Old Smoke who billows through the old Canfield Casino; Angeline—quite a lovely name for someone known as the Witch of Saratoga; and Hattie, who has been known to make ghostly appearances in her restaurant—perhaps extending her hospitality from her place in the afterlife? Tours are offered May through mid-November on Fridays and Saturdays. Private tours available by appointment.
Once the site of a bloody massacre in the late 1600s, it’s no wonder there may be restless souls stirring the neighborhood, giving locals and passersby a fright. The reports of eerie happenings are countless, ranging from relatively harmless incidents such as water turning on by itself, to heightening accounts of objects moving on their own, to alarming tales of evil spirits and a property cursed to always hear footsteps echoing in the hallways at night. Embark on a guided haunted tour to hear more about the unsettling tales that blanket this historic district; choose from the “Colonial Hauntings” or “Ghostly Victorian” tours for two different historically haunted takes of various sites in the area.
Visit Downtown Albany, where whispers of sinister stories and sightings of mysterious figures drift through the city like aimless ghosts. The historic Olde English Pub is said to be frequented by a ghostly figure who lingers past closing time. The beautiful homes along Ten Broeck Triangle may be a façade for a storied history of mysteries. And even the Capitol’s halls are rumored to be haunted by shadowy figures… Join Discover Albany to experience this haunted history for yourself! Private walking tours are available by appointment March 1-October 31; public walking tours are available in October; and virtual lectures are available year-round.
When you’re looking for ominous activity against a deep historical backdrop, you’ll truly find the best of both worlds in Cooperstown. As you explore, you’ll encounter chilling tales at some of the village’s most haunted locations, including the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Christ Church Graveyard, River Street—the most ghostly street in the village—and Hyde Hall. Tours are offered year-round, so you have plenty of chances to discover the legends and spirits that have lingered through the ages.
The setting at Empty Pocket Ranch sounds like a plotline of a supernatural thriller: a picturesque ranch that beckons guests with its tranquility, beauty and promise of a relaxing escape—but unbeknownst to its bright-eyed visitors, there are other forces also waiting to offer their own, chilling welcome. From documented murders that have occurred on the property, to rumors of the land being built on a cemetery—it’s no surprise that disembodied voices, moving objects and the unexplainable feeling of a presence have been reported in the property’s home, barn and ominous woods. Join a public ghost hunt, take a guided tour of the property or inquire about a private investigation.
“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.
