What to See & Do: Western NY & the Greater Niagara Region

Seymour Place
Artistic pieces adorn the walls of Seymour Place, but it's the eerie occurrences that capture visitors' attention. Rumors abound of spectral activity, including sightings of a tall man in 1860s attire and mysterious sounds captured on audio recordings. Some guests have even sensed the presence of a young girl in one of the rooms. Call ahead for a guided tour of the building and ghostly stories or book an evening investigation.

Located in Batavia, NY. Just up the road from Seymour Place, visit Oliver’s Candies! Established in 1932, Oliver’s is home to some famous sweet treats, including homemade ice cream, boxed assorted chocolates, and  sponge candy, a local delicacy.

Rolling Hills Asylum
Established in 1827 as a working farm, the Genesee County Poor House later became a refuge for the less fortunate, housing widows, orphans, and the mentally ill. With over 1,700 documented deaths and a haunting history, it's ranked as the second most haunted site in the United States by Haunted North America. Public ghost hunts, tours, special events and investigations are offered almost daily, year-round.

Located in East Bethany, NY. A 20-minute drive from the fantastic and fun Six Flags Darien Lake! Enjoy amusement park rides and games by day, then explore the asylum for a night of frights.

Pratt Event Center
The Pratt Event Center, comprising three interconnected buildings, holds a rich history and a haunted reputation. The Day and Day Building, once a meeting place for Civil War veterans, still resonates with their camaraderie. The Grand Opera House, now Pratt Opera Theater, evokes a range of emotions from joy to tragedy, with spirits of performers and patrons lingering. The Stone Building, dating back to the 1840s, has seen its share of mercantile activity and rumors of a brothel. Take a guided tour of the property by appointment or sign up to participate in one of two paranormal investigation experiences for groups of 6 or more. 

Located in Albion, NY. Also in Albion, take your fear to new heights with WNY Skydiving. Experience the thrill of the (ghost) hunt and then of weightless wonder with a full service skydiving team that will have you in the skies in no time.

Winery at Marjim Manor
Maybe wine tasting is more your speed? At the Winery at Marjim Manor, wine tasting involves more than just sips—it's an encounter with spirits of the past. Hear stories about former residents like Shubal Scudder Merritt, who built the manor in the 1800s and tragically shot his son Lewis. Experience ghostly encounters firsthand, from sightings of a Victorian boy to hearing mysterious questions.

Located in Appleton, NY. Just a 5-minute drive from the winery, is Olcott Beach Carousel Park, a vintage amusement park featuring a 1928 Herschell-Spillman Carousel, arcade with skee ball, and rides for the kids (still just 25 cents per ride!).

The Van Horn Mansion
The Van Horn Mansion, haunted by Malinda Niles Van Horn and other spirits, has a history of mysterious occurrences. Witnesses have seen doors closing on their own, heard whistling, and smelled tobacco smoke where no one was present. Call to schedule a guided tour of this living museum—from cellar to attic—or paranormal investigation. The secrets that lurk within the 200-year-old mansion may not stay secret for long…

Located in Burt, NY. Also a 5-minute drive from Olcott Beach Carousel Park and 10-minute drive from the Winery at Marjim Manor.

Para Niagara at the Western Block
The Former Western Block, dating back to the early 1800s, holds a rich history and a haunted reputation. Former tenants, workers, and visitors have reported numerous paranormal experiences, including voices urging them to leave and references to past fires. With its ties to the Erie Canal and a hotel that once stood on the site, the property has seen its share of accidents, murders, and mysteries. Explore the historic complex and uncover its secrets—if you dare.

Located in Lockport, NY. ParaNiagara puts you right next to the famous Erie Canal! Down the road, find the Erie Canal Discovery Center, a multi-media interactive museum that will transport you back to the 1820s to learn about the early days of the Erie Canal.

Ivy League Psychic Academy
Step into the spectral embrace of the Rhodes House, a Victorian relic haunted by its past as a funeral home. Ghostly residents, including the former owners and departed son, roam its halls, using cat toys and balls to communicate with the living. Now, as the headquarters of Psychic Medium Ivy Rivera and the Ivy League Psychic Academy, the house offers a gateway to the otherworldly. Check out their popular Haunted Sleepover Experience (bring your sleeping bag) for a night you won’t soon forget.  

Located in Dunkirk, NY. Positioned 5-minutes from Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse and within an hour’s drive of Peek N’Peak Resort, Panama Rocks State Park, Holiday Valley Resort and more.

Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse & Veterans Park Museum
Step into the haunting embrace of Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse, a 61-foot relic featuring a large collection of WWI, WWII, and Korean War memorabilia. As you explore the labyrinthine corridors and climb the ancient tower stairs, be prepared for more than just history—phantom footsteps, spectral voices, and chilling sensations may reach out from the shadows. Ghost hunts are available on select dates or by reservation, with access to the property, house and tower.

Located in Dunkirk, NY. 5-minutes from Ivy League Psychic Academy. Continue 30-minutes down Lake Erie to find the Grape Discovery Center, the official visitor’s center for the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt, for a glass of wine or grape juice, artisanal cheese board, and “grapey” gift shop.

Lily Dale Assembly
In Lily Dale, where the living and the dead converge, lies the world's largest hub for Spiritualism. During its 10-week summer season, amidst sacred melodies and clairvoyant workshops, seekers gather to unlock the mysteries of the beyond. Year-round, registered Mediums offer appointments, inviting curious souls to explore the ethereal realms. Tickets grant access to a place where the whispers of the past intertwine with the present, where Lily Dale's enigmatic secrets await those brave enough to seek them out.

Located in Lily Dale, NY. South of Lily Dale lies Jamestown, NY the official home of Comedy! Visit the National Comedy Center for an afternoon of laughs and the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum for a look at the late comedy legend and star of I Love Lucy.

“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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