What to See & Do: Finger Lakes Region

Historic WM. Phelps General Store & Historic Palmyra Historical Museum
Explore the historically haunted museums of Historic Palmyra, renowned as one of "the most haunted places in the Finger Lakes." The Phelps General Store and Residence is among the sites where ghostly phenomena occur. At the Historical Museum, delve into the 23 rooms of the old hotel, relocated to 132 Market Street after a tragic fire claimed the lives of a young mother and her six children in 1964. Visitors may hear the spectral laughter of children playing hide and seek, while footsteps and eerie sounds emanate from the Erie Canal Depot and Palmyra Print Shop.

Located in Palmyra, NY. Just 15-minutes from this spooky stop is Blue Heron Hills Golf Course, a championship 18-hole course. Play a round and then stop into their on-site Gananda Pub for appetizers and bites.

The Fox Sisters Property/Hydesville Memorial Park
Visit the site where Modern Spiritualism began: the humble cottage of Kate and Maggie Fox in Hydesville, NY. Strange noises and phenomena plagued the dwelling until the girls communicated with a spirit named Charles B. Rosna. Despite attempts to find his body, nothing was discovered. The Fox Sisters later became renowned mediums. Though the house is gone, the original foundation remains, along with the eerie rapping noises. Listen for them yourself...

Located in Newark, NY. In the summer, enjoy the Newark Farmer’s Market on Thursdays from 4-7pm. Pick out fresh produce, stop by numerous rotating food trucks, and sit in the shaded Central Park. Also in walking distance is Vintage Gardens Bed & Breakfast, a stunning historic Tudor property that provides a great place to rest your head.

Museum of Wayne County History
Step back in time to 1860 as you wander the 24 cells of the former Wayne County Jail and Sheriff's residence, where William Fee was convicted of murder and subsequently hanged—the only such instance in Wayne County history. Explore the museum housed within the 1856 jail, adorned with original inmate artwork, and uncover the mysteries of Fee's lingering presence, if indeed he still walks the cellblock. Ghost hunts and paranormal investigations are available by appointment, and guided tours are available during regular season hours. 

Located in Lyons, NY. Explore more of Wayne County each fall with the Apple Tasting Tour! As the largest apple producing county in New York State, the area is home to orchards, u-pick locations, farms, cideries and more. Find games, prizes and fall family activities each October—like the longest running corn maze in the state!

Seneca Falls Historical Society
This 23-room Victorian Mansion was once a grand residence that today houses the Seneca Falls Historical Society. Several spirits are believed to still call it home though—including original owner Edward Mynderse, a former nanny, and a young Irish girl. One-hour guided ghost tours are available by reservation, and group ghost tours are held each October. 

Located in Seneca Falls, NY. Seneca Falls is considered the birthplace of the women’s rights movement, with the first Women’s Rights Convention being held there in 1848. It is home to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, National Women’s Hall of Fame, and Café XIX (named for the 19^th amendment, which gave women the right to vote).

Fingerlakes Mall
A late-night watchman at the Fingerlakes Mall had his first spirit encounter within months of starting his job, prompting him to flee the premises. Subsequent investigations by ghost hunters yielded over 200 high-quality EVPs, with one group suggesting this to be one of Auburn, NY’s most haunted locations. Witnesses have reported being pushed, touched, and spoken to. What draws such activity to the mall? Discover for yourself by arranging a private ghost hunt.

Located in Auburn, NY. Less than 10-minutes down the road is the Seward House Museum, honoring the late politician William H. Seward.

Seward House Museum’s Haunted History Tours
Death was a returning and unwelcome guest of the Seward Family during the time of William H. Seward, a prominent 19^th-century politician, and Secretary of State to President Lincoln. Join a museum guide as they share chilling true tales of the area and take you down the darkened streets of historic Auburn. Tours are held each October or by appointment.

Located in Auburn, NY. Continue the story with a visit to the Harriet Tubman Home, the land sold to Harriet Tubman by the Sewards, on which she built her residence. Around the corner (a 2-minute walk or drive), is the Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church, where Ms. Tubman attended service for 22 years. Part of the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, it has been restored to how it looked in 1913 when it held her funeral.

Miles Wine Cellars
Miles Wine Cellars, housed in a Greek revival mansion overlooking Seneca Lake, has a history steeped in both bottled and spectral spirits. Originally built in 1802, the mansion has long been home to mysterious occurrences—slamming doors, footsteps, and unexplained sounds. To honor these otherworldly residents, Miles Wine Cellars produces a "ghost" wine, a blend of chardonnay and Cayuga grapes, adding to the allure of this historic estate. Book an overnight stay or stop in for a tasting.

Located in Himrod, NY. Just 5-minutes down the road on Seneca Lake, book a stay or plan a stop to Plum Point Lodge. The beautiful lakefront hideaway is home to 31 guest rooms and 6 glamping yurts, as well as a lounge, pool and over 300 feet of accessible shoreline. The in-house restaurant, Sapalta, is know for its high-end farm-to-table menu.

Bishop/Gillette Headstone
The "Lady in Granite" marks the Gillette family grave, with the ghost purportedly that of Matilda Gillette. Her reclining head, etched into the dark stone, defies removal despite repeated attempts. Legend foretells that her entire image will materialize over time, granting her the freedom to haunt the local community.

Located in Penn Yan, NY. On the outskirts of Penn Yan, visit Finger Lakes Rail Riders for a unique outdoor experience. Peddle the 5-mile former railroad tracks on a two or four-person railbike to see the beautiful Finger Lakes Countryside.

Spook Hill
Embark on a spooky journey by following Route 364 through Potter and Middlesex. Turn left onto South Vine Valley Road, then left onto Newell Road. Ascend the big hill and experience a chilling phenomenon: as you reach the top and descend slightly, stop before Spike Road. Just before the driveway on the right, put your car in neutral and prepare to be spooked as it rolls backward up the hill, defying gravity's rules.

Located in Middlesex, NY. Put your car in drive and make your way up the road to the Rochester Folk Art Guild while in the Middlesex area. This artisan community is home to craftsman who specialize in pottery, woodworking, weaving, clothing, toy-making and more. Residents live on side year-round, sharing meals and working together to build a more sustainable lifestyle. They welcome visitors to stop by for classes or to browse the gallery.

 “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.”

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