Like all other places, Ohio has its fair share of dark stories to tell. The state is known for its scenic rivers and natural beauties such as Appalachian Mountains. It is even known for its art, media, and culture. However, recently, Ohio has gained popularity for its scary historical sites, ranging from old prison cells to murder-laden streets. For one, Ohio State Reformatory has received considerable attention from the public and has been featured in Hollywood films (e.g., Fallen Angels and The Wind is Watching). You may have also heard of Franklin Castle, a well-known building in Ohio where all the scary things happen - voices of little girls crying, sights of women in black by the window, or numerous accounts of vanishing objects by residents. If you’re in for some spine-tingling adventures, drop by Ohio for a long list of scary places. For starters, check out our shortlist of the most haunted places in Ohio, USA.
1. The Air Force Museum, Dayton
The Air Force Museum in Dayton, or National Museum of the US Air Force, is one of the oldest military aviation museums in the world. It features several displays of aircraft, even those used in World War II. It is said that the spirits of brave men who died defending their country remain attracted to the artifacts shown in the museum. While the museum reports that there are no reports of ghost sightings so far, some visitors feel heavy energy when they enter here. Entrance is free, so why don’t you give The Air Force Museum a quick visit one of these days and tell us your experience.
The Air Force Museum, Dayton
Address: 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45431, United States
Website: The Air Force Museum, Dayton
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Buxton Inn, Granville
Some devoted business owners never leave their offices. That is the case for Buxton Inn in Granville. Former employees have reported several sightings of Mr. Orrin Granger, the man who built the inn from scratch in 1812, and of Ms. Bonnie Bounell, the innkeeper who died in one of the rooms. Although it changed ownership several times, Buxton Inn is still in the business today with 25 tastefully curated rooms and a restaurant for guests. When in town, make a reservation to feed your curiosity. Rooms No. 7 and 9 are believably the most haunted.
Buxton Inn
Address: 313 E Broadway, Granville, OH 43023, United States
Website: Buxton Inn
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 4pm - 9pm (closed on Mon & Sun)
Price: From 99 USD
3. Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati
Cincinnati Music Hall is one of America’s well-known haunted places. The lot where the music hall now stands was first an orphan asylum and a hospital. There, hundreds of patients severely afflicted with cholera in the 1830s were treated until they passed away and had to be buried in the empty ground. Throughout the years, photographers have snapped pictures of ghosts in the music hall who are believed to be former patients. Musicians practicing overnight reported random shadows in a box, watching them. The grand music venue does uphold legendary ghost stories. Why don’t you consider watching a concert as you never know when the friendly ghost may show up?
Cincinnati Music Hall
Address: 1241 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
Website: Cincinnati Music Hall
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4. Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield
Mansfield’s Ohio State Reformatory used to be a military camp during the civil war. Sometime in the 1860s, the place was converted into a penitentiary that operated until 1990 when reports of abuse and inhumane conditions surfaced. Today, Ohio State Reformatory offers tours and is considered a desirable film location. Over two dozens of films have featured the reformatory. Besides its classic architecture, what attracts people to the old prison cells are the paranormal activities that loom over the place. If you get the chance to drop by, the chapel, the basement, the west attic, and the toilets in the east wing are the most haunted parts.
Ohio State Reformatory
Address: 100 Reformatory Rd, Mansfield, OH 44905, United States
Website: Ohio State Reformatory
Opening hours: 11am - 4pm (daily)
Price: From 23 USD
5. Kent State University, Kent
Many tales have been said about the ghosts and spirits lurking around Kent State University, which was established in 1910. One student heard a little girl running in Allen Hall. Others could vouch for the in-dwelling spirit of the deceased university graduate in Tri-Towers or that of a victim showing herself in the mirror in Engleman Hall. Stories of elevators sending you to a different floor and doors of dorm rooms opening are common too. This public university offers daily campus tours. Join one and while in a quest for ghost sightings, you may end up wanting to study here.
Kent State University
Address: 800 E Summit St, Kent, OH 44240, United States
Website: Kent State University
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
6. Mooney's Mansion, Columbus
Families that met tragic deaths commonly haunt a residence. Take Mooney’s Mansion in Columbus for example. It was once told that the master of the house was a jealous husband. One day, his emotions got the better of him and he ended up killing his pretty wife and daughters before he hanged himself. Specter of Mr. Mooney is seen by passersby every midnight coupled with eerie sensations. The house may be presently occupied, so if you’re in town and curious, you can pass by the mansion at night instead.
Mooney's Mansion
Address: 925 Taylor Station Rd, Columbus, OH 43230, United States
7. The Hammel House Inn, Waynesville
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Hammel House Restaurant & B&B on Saturday, January 16, 2021
Knowing the history of your holiday accommodation pays off sometimes. The 1812 Hammel House Inn in Waynesville is a local favorite. It is a homey place that serves good food and attracts many guests. At Room 4, however, something beyond normal goes on as a merchant was believably murdered there. Many accounts of ghosts in period costumes were reported even in the dining hall, hallway, and other places. Yet some other guests can sleep soundly without noticing anything eerie. Would you care to test your sensitivity to paranormal energies at this inn?
The Hammel House Inn
Address: 121 S Main St, Waynesville, OH 45068, United States
Website: The Hammel House Inn
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 8am - 3pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: From 140 USD
8. Prospect Place, Trinway
Prospect Place is also known as “Trinway Mansion.” Back in the 1850s, this 25-room mansion used to be a stopover of an underground railroad. Today, a non-profit education center - G. W. Adams Educational Center, Inc - uses it as their home and offers both historical and ghost-hunting tours to guests for a donation. It’s a favorite paranormal activity spot in Ohio, even featured by popular TV shows (e.g., Ghostbusters). Schedule a tour with them or, better yet, join an event such as their annual masquerade party.
Prospect Place
Address: 12150 Main St, Trinway, OH 43842, United States
Website: Prospect Place
9. The Anchorage, Marietta
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Are you interested in joining a paranormal hunt with friends? Consider exploring personalized group tours at The Anchorage, a historic home in George Street, Marietta. It is known to the public by different names, including Putnam’s Villa and Elmwood. After the Italian owner died, this private home was converted to a rest house. Many patients who died here still haunt the place. Tours, complete with tools, are available if you’re keen to chase after ghosts or simply admire the 1859 Italian architecture, which the deceased owner, Ms. Putnam, wholeheartedly built.
The Anchorage
Address: 424 George St, Marietta, OH 45750, United States
Opening hours: Fri: 6pm - 11pm; Sat: 1pm - 8pm (closed from Sun - Thu)
10. Chestnut Grove Cemetery, Ashtabula
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Graveyards are almost always presumed haunted. Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Ashtabula has a slightly different history. Back in 1876, a massive train accident in town left about 90 people dead. Rumor has it that Mr. Collins, the engineer of the bridge where the accident happened, took the blame for the untimely deaths of others and committed suicide. Today, cemetery goers report sightings of ghosts donned in 19th-century fashion and a man kneeling somewhere near the monument dedicated to that tragic crash. Dare yourself to walk in a cemetery at midnight and choose Chestnut Grove Cemetery.
Chestnut Grove Cemetery
Address: 79 Grove Dr, Ashtabula, OH 44004, United States
Spend a night you won't forget in Ohio
People crave experiences that last a lifetime. They bungee jump, ride rough white waters, and climb up a country’s tallest peak. All these are thrilling and memorable, but so is visiting a haunted place either in a local town or a remote country. You will get to explore historical attractions that are beautiful in themselves, with or without the spooky story. Start your adventure with this list of most haunted places in Ohio, USA.
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