Pennsylvania has its fair share of haunted spots, from battlefields to creepy old asylums and historically haunted inns. These places in PA are believed to be home to old spirits, scary screeches, and ungodly ghosts adding a spooky layer to the state’s history. Whether you’re a skeptic or just looking for a thrilling adventure, these five haunted locations are a spooky journey.
Harrisburg State Hospital (Harrisburg PA)
- Opening in 1851, this site was originally a hospital for the mentally insane. It was closed in 2006 when the State of Pennsylvania downsized its mental health facilities. Being one of the most infamous haunted sites, tour goers have reported hearing doors close, footsteps and overall odd noises like screams and creaks. One tourist described hearing yelling as well as footprints on walls and feeling suddenly sick in some rooms. With an overall spooky atmosphere, this former and almost certainly cursed ward is a must see for both Keystone and other fear lovers alike.
The Flatwoods Monster (Elk Country PA)
- While actually originating in West Virginia, the Flatwoods Monster has made its fair share of appearances in Pennsylvania. About 10 feet tall with glowing eyes are arms like sticks, it has a diamond shaped head and strikes fear into anybody unlucky enough to catch a glimpse of it. In fall of 1952, the Susquehanna River paper describes locals seeing a “UFO” like object. Later, multiple people reported seeing a “spade shaped, red eyed and flying monster” coming from the trees, but the cops were just a bit too late and it happened to get away too quickly. Were the witnesses’ eyes deceiving them? Or is this monster still flying and haunting both east coast commonwealths to this day? We might not ever know.
Farnsworth House Inn (Gettysburg PA)
- Opening during the civil war, this building played a key role in the Battle of Gettysburg. Many southern troops crowded into this house and took care of themselves, ate, drank, and rested in this cozy cottage built in 1810. While confederate troops were sleeping, the union stormed the house and killed many snipers. Seemingly, many of those snipers didn’t want to leave this horrid house. The owners even claim to have heard more than 16 spirits at one time. Besides the classic screaming and singing that most haunted locations have, when quiet many visitors report hearing drum beats and harmonicas. Those being a constant pastime of soldiers during the Civil War, it’s no surprise this made its way into the top three
Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia PA)
- By far one of the most popular haunted locations in the United States, the Eastern State Penitentiary draws hundreds of thousands of visitors consistently any given year. With gray walls and empty cells, this prison definitely has a gloomy atmosphere. Supposed spirits of its past prisoners the prison held come up from the grave after from murder, illness, and even torture. Even though it closed in 1971, its popularity and population remain, but for a different reason. More than 70% of visitors reported hearing shrieking, loud voices, faces and even a force gripping a worker so tightly he passed out. What makes this location stick out is two things. First, people in large masses all hear and see the same thing, so it’s hard to discredit. Second, they don’t claim to be haunted, it’s just a reputation, so you know it’s not fake. Is the prison really haunted by its past occupants, or is it just a big show? Only the ghosts know.
Sayre Mansion (Bethlehem PA)
- And finally, we have the Sayre Mansion. Opening in 1858, just a day before the Civil War, the Robert Sayre private estate was built to be haunted. While Sayre was necessary to the livelihood of the Lehigh Valley by funding businesses like St Lukes and Bethlehem Steel, this mansion has a bit of a different reputation. The Robert Sayre Suite is untouched and is known to house paranormal activities. Seeing pens move and papers fly off is not an uncommon site when visiting the original office on the first floor. When moving up to the second floor in Room 23 where Robert’s wives were known to live, many people report seeing ghosts and even real faces in mirrors. Finally, when visiting the wine cellar, visitors almost always report seeing the ghosts of Robert and fellow Lehigh Valley businessman Asa Packer as well as wine shake out of nowhere. While I might just be biased, this location in the heart of Christmas City seems to be just too uncommonly haunted to not be location number one.
The Keystone state has a rich and spooky history alike, and these locations do nothing but add to that factor. Which of these locations do you think are the most haunted? Vote in this poll down below!
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