Haunted in Pennsylvania
I was born and lived most of my life in Pennsylvania. I love its beauty and history, and I can tell you all the best places to visit on your bucket list. But I also have a bit of a dark side, and I’m fascinated by ghosts and hauntings. If you are, as well, this is for you.
There are many haunted places in Pennsylvania: both haunted according to legend, and haunted houses you can buy tickets to get into. If you like finding off the beaten path haunts, Pennsylvania is a gold mine! If commercial attractions are more your thing, you’re in luck! They have some of the top rated haunted houses in the nation.
Haunted in Pennsylvania
Ghosts of Gettysburg – There are many legends and myths circling about ghosts in and around Gettysburg, dating back to 1863. The most popular and recent ones being camera malfunctions, random fog, and flashing lights at National Military Park. Oh, and at the Farnsworth House Inn, guests have claimed to hear (ghost) children in the halls… spooky!
Centralia – Many believe this town is haunted because of the horror movie, Silent Hill. Bizarre things like steam rising from the ground, cracked roads, and noises with no apparent source are among things visitors and locals alike have claimed to have seen or experienced in Centralia.
Eastern State Penitentiary – Experience hands-on history (and haunts) dating back to 1829, when the first prisoner walked into the Eastern State Penitentiary. It’s been abandoned since the 1970s, when it permanently closed its doors. They may have closed their doors to new prisoners, but tours are available for the rest of us. It’s said to be one of America’s most haunted prisons.
If you can’t make it in person to tour the penitentiary, they have an online tour available! Google Maps also offers a free virtual tour.
Haunted Houses and Attractions
Bates Motel – If you’re looking for a real scare, Bates Motel’s got you covered! Arasapha Farm has been offering up a scary good time for 25 years now, with their Haunted Hayride being featured on the Travel Channel and rated the Number 1 Haunted Attraction in America by USA Today.
PennHurst Asylum – Called a “must see haunt” by Haunt Magazine, PennHurts Asylum is one of those haunted houses that gives you nightmares! Be sure to visit the Tunnel of Terror while you’re there. What is the Tunnel of Terror? I’m so glad you asked: The Tunnel of Terror takes you through a 900-foot long gauntlet underneath the grounds of Pennhurst Home for the Feeble Minded. Sounds like loads of fun, right? Sleep with one eye open!
Sleepy Hollow Hayride – There’s bonfires, live music, refreshments (BYO or buy them there), and a 1.25 mile haunted hayride through the dark woods and fields of Bucks County. You can explore the Malfate Manor, and if you’re really brave, you can also check out the Field of Fright.
Which one will you be visiting first?
Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.
