8 of the Most Haunted Places in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has no shortage of ghost stories.

With centuries-old battlefields, abandoned prisons, historic hotels and taverns dating back to the 1700s, the Commonwealth is home to places filled with both fascinating history and unsettling legends.

Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy exploring unusual destinations, these eight Pennsylvania locations belong on your list.

1. Gettysburg Battlefield — Gettysburg

Few places in Pennsylvania are associated with more paranormal stories than Gettysburg.

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1 through July 3, 1863. More than 50,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, captured or reported missing during the three-day conflict.

Visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures, hearing distant cannon fire and encountering soldiers who seemingly disappear. Devil’s Den, the Triangular Field, Sachs Covered Bridge and the area surrounding Little Round Top are frequently mentioned in Gettysburg ghost stories.

The battlefield and National Cemetery can be explored through Gettysburg National Military Park. Numerous businesses in town also offer guided ghost walks and nighttime tours.

Even if you never encounter anything paranormal, standing on the battlefield after learning what happened there can be a powerful experience.

2. Eastern State Penitentiary — Philadelphia

Eastern State Penitentiary opened in 1829 as one of America’s most ambitious—and controversial—experiments in incarceration.

The prison became known for its system of isolation. Prisoners spent long periods alone in cells intended to encourage reflection and penitence. Overcrowding eventually ended that system, and the penitentiary continued operating until 1970.

Today, visitors can walk through its deteriorating cellblocks, see Al Capone’s furnished cell and learn about the institution’s complicated history.

Over the years, visitors and employees have reported unexplained footsteps, voices, shadowy forms and the feeling of being watched. Its long corridors, peeling walls and abandoned cells make it one of Pennsylvania’s most atmospheric historic sites.

Eastern State offers daytime historical programming and seasonal Halloween events. However, the theatrical Halloween attractions should not be confused with the paranormal stories associated with the property.

3. Pennhurst State School and Hospital — Spring City

Pennhurst opened in 1908 as a state institution for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The facility eventually became overcrowded and developed a documented history of neglect and abuse. Legal action and changing attitudes toward institutional care contributed to Pennhurst’s closure in 1987.

Because real people experienced suffering there, Pennhurst’s history deserves to be approached respectfully.

The remaining buildings have become well known within the paranormal community. Investigators and visitors have reported unexplained voices, footsteps, moving objects and other unusual activity.

Parts of the property now host historical tours, paranormal events and a seasonal haunted attraction. Anyone visiting should take time to understand the institution’s history and the experiences of the people who once lived there.

4. The Farnsworth House Inn — Gettysburg

The Farnsworth House Inn is one of Gettysburg’s most recognizable historic buildings.

The property stood in the middle of the fighting during the Battle of Gettysburg, and its exterior still bears scars associated with Civil War gunfire. Like many buildings in town, it reportedly served people affected by the battle.

The inn’s owners have described numerous spirits believed to inhabit the property. Guests have reported hearing footsteps, seeing figures and experiencing unexplained activity in rooms and common areas.

One of the best-known legends involves a young boy named Jeremy, although several other spirits have reportedly been identified over the years.

Today, the Farnsworth House operates as an inn and restaurant and offers ghost-related experiences for visitors who want to explore its darker stories.

5. Historic Hotel Bethlehem — Bethlehem

Historic Hotel Bethlehem opened in 1922, but the property’s story reaches much further into the past.

The hotel stands on a site connected to Bethlehem’s earliest history and has welcomed countless travelers, performers and prominent guests.

Room 932 is the center of the hotel’s best-known ghost story. Guests have reported lights flashing, objects moving and a mysterious voice asking why someone is in the room. Other stories involve apparitions and unexplained activity elsewhere in the hotel.

Unlike an abandoned prison or battlefield, this is one haunted destination where you can enjoy dinner and spend the night in comfort.

Whether the stories are supernatural or simply part of the building’s long history, the hotel embraces its reputation and remains one of Pennsylvania’s most intriguing overnight destinations.

6. Fort Mifflin — Philadelphia

Fort Mifflin sits along the Delaware River near Philadelphia International Airport.

Originally commissioned during the Revolutionary era, the fort endured a devastating British bombardment in 1777. It was later used during several periods of American history, including the Civil War.

Visitors and paranormal investigators have reported hearing footsteps, screams and conversations when no one else was nearby. The fort’s best-known legend concerns a woman whose cries have earned her the nickname “the Screaming Lady.”

Fort Mifflin offers historical programming and occasionally hosts paranormal events. Its stone structures, underground spaces and centuries of military history make it a compelling destination—even during daylight hours.

7. The Old Jail Museum — Jim Thorpe

The Old Jail Museum in Jim Thorpe served as the Carbon County Jail from the 1870s until 1995.

Its most famous story concerns Alexander Campbell, one of the men associated with the Molly Maguires who was imprisoned and later executed. According to local legend, Campbell placed his hand against the wall of Cell 17 and declared that the mark would remain as evidence of his innocence.

A hand-shaped mark can still be seen on the wall. Stories claim that efforts to clean, paint over or remove it have failed.

Visitors have also reported strange sounds, shadowy figures and uncomfortable sensations inside the former jail.

Seasonal tours allow visitors to see the cells, gallows and mysterious handprint while learning about the controversial history surrounding the Molly Maguire trials.

8. Jean Bonnet Tavern — Bedford

The Jean Bonnet Tavern is a historic stone building located near Bedford along the Lincoln Highway.

The tavern dates to the 1700s and has served travelers for generations. Its thick stone walls, exposed beams and fireplaces make it feel like a surviving piece of early Pennsylvania.

Local folklore describes a lone figure wandering through the building, unexplained footsteps and unusual occurrences around the tavern and guest rooms. Some believe the property is inhabited by more than one spirit.

Today, the Jean Bonnet Tavern operates as a restaurant, bed-and-breakfast and gift shop. That makes it another destination where visitors can combine Pennsylvania history, food and a possible ghostly encounter.

Plan Your Haunted Pennsylvania Road Trip

These locations stretch across Pennsylvania, so visiting all eight would require more than one trip.

Gettysburg offers the greatest concentration of ghost tours and historic locations. Philadelphia provides two very different experiences at Eastern State Penitentiary and Fort Mifflin. Jim Thorpe, Bethlehem, Bedford and Spring City can each become part of a larger weekend itinerary.

Before visiting, check each destination’s official website for current hours, admission requirements and tour availability. Some locations are seasonal, and access to certain areas may be restricted.

Always remain in publicly accessible areas. Never enter abandoned buildings or private property without permission.

Which Pennsylvania Location Would You Visit?

Have you visited any of these places? Did you experience anything you couldn’t explain?

Share your story in the comments on our social-media post—and follow Barclay Mountain as we continue exploring Pennsylvania’s fascinating destinations, roadside attractions, restaurants and hidden gems.

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