Pennsylvania is home to some of the most spine-chilling haunted locations in the United States, with eerie tales of restless spirits, ghostly whispers, and unexplained phenomena lurking in every corner. From abandoned asylums to historic battlefields, these places have gained a reputation for their unsettling paranormal activity. A thrill-seeker or just curious about the supernatural, these haunted places in Pennsylvania will send shivers down your spine. Each site has its own terrifying story, making them must-visit destinations for anyone fascinated by the unknown.
If you’re brave enough, visit these top 5 most haunted places in Pennsylvania that will send shivers down your spine.
- Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia
- Gettysburg Battlefield – Gettysburg
- Pennhurst Asylum – Spring City
- The Hotel Bethlehem – Bethlehem
- Harrisburg State Hospital – Harrisburg
1. Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia
Distance & Location:
Eastern State Penitentiary is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, just 2 miles from downtown Philadelphia and approximately:
- 15 miles from Philadelphia International Airport
- 100 miles from New York City
- 140 miles from Washington, D.C.
Why It’s Haunted:
Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the most chilling and historically significant haunted places in Pennsylvania. Built in 1829, it was designed to enforce strict solitary confinement, a form of punishment that drove many inmates to insanity. Prisoners were kept in complete isolation, with minimal human contact, leading to extreme psychological distress. The prison’s grim reputation was further cemented by its use of brutal punishments, including the “Iron Gag,” where inmates’ tongues were chained to their wrists, and the “Mad Chair,” which forced prisoners into agonizing positions for hours. Over its 140 years of operation, countless prisoners suffered within its stone walls, and many believe their tormented souls never left.
Among the most infamous criminals to be held here was Al Capone, whose luxurious cell contrasted sharply with the dark, claustrophobic conditions endured by other inmates. Despite its closure in 1971, the penitentiary’s oppressive atmosphere lingers, drawing in visitors who report feeling an unshakable presence watching them.
Paranormal Activity:
Eastern State Penitentiary has become a hotspot for paranormal investigators and ghost enthusiasts due to its extensive history of supernatural encounters. Visitors frequently report disembodied whispers echoing through the empty corridors, unexplainable cold spots, and ghostly apparitions. One of the most haunted sections of the prison is Cell Block 12, where guttural voices and sinister laughter have been recorded.
Another eerie location is Cell Block 6, where shadowy figures have been seen darting through the cells. Witnesses claim to have spotted a full-bodied apparition of a former inmate pacing the hallways, dressed in ragged prison attire. In the Death Row section, visitors have experienced an overwhelming sense of dread, as if an unseen force is pressing down on them. Some even report feeling unseen hands grabbing them or hearing metallic cell doors slamming shut when no one is around.
One of the most famous ghost stories involves a guard tower apparition, where the spirit of a former prison guard is said to still patrol the grounds, his spectral figure appearing high above the decaying cellblocks. Paranormal teams investigating the site have captured chilling EVPs (electronic voice phenomena), with voices warning them to “get out” or whispering cryptic messages.
Tour Information:
Eastern State Penitentiary offers both daytime historical tours and nighttime ghost tours, giving visitors a chance to enjoy its haunting past up close. The daytime tours focus on the prison’s rich history, detailing its architectural innovations, infamous inmates, and controversial solitary confinement system.
2. Gettysburg Battlefield – Gettysburg
Distance & Location:
Gettysburg Battlefield is located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, approximately:
- 55 miles from Harrisburg, PA
- 85 miles from Washington, D.C.
- 115 miles from Baltimore, MD
- 170 miles from Philadelphia, PA
Why It’s Haunted
Gettysburg Battlefield stands as one of Pennsylvania’s most infamous and haunted locations. Over three brutal days in July 1863, Union and Confederate forces clashed in the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the bloodiest conflicts of the American Civil War. The battle left more than 50,000 casualties, filling the landscape with unimaginable suffering and death.
Many soldiers fell in violent hand-to-hand combat, while others succumbed to untreated wounds. Mass graves held the bodies of the fallen, and their restless spirits still roam the battlefield, unable to find peace. Makeshift hospitals in nearby homes and barns witnessed grisly amputations without anesthesia, adding to the lingering energy of despair and pain. With so much tragedy and unfinished business, it’s no surprise that Gettysburg ranks among the most haunted places in the country.
Paranormal Activity
For decades, visitors have reported eerie encounters across Gettysburg’s battlefield. Many claim to hear phantom gunfire, cannon blasts, and agonized screams echoing through the fields, as if the battle never ended. Ghostly soldiers in full Civil War uniforms appear in formation or march across the grounds—only to vanish without a trace. Some visitors feel unexplained chills, as if unseen hands have brushed against them.
Several locations in Gettysburg stand out as paranormal hotspots:
- The Devil’s Den – This rocky outcrop saw some of the fiercest fighting. Visitors often describe shadowy figures moving among the rocks and eerie whispers carried by the wind. Some have even captured ghostly soldiers posing in photographs before disappearing. Others report feeling a mysterious push or tug, as if an invisible presence still fights for survival.
- Sachs Covered Bridge – This historic wooden bridge played a important role in the battle’s aftermath. Legend says Confederate soldiers, accused of being spies, were hanged here. Visitors frequently see full-bodied apparitions of soldiers standing on the bridge and hear the sound of phantom footsteps and distant voices. Some claim to have captured orbs and misty figures in their photos.
- Little Round Top – Many visitors have encountered a ghostly Union soldier, who hands them ammunition before vanishing into thin air. Paranormal investigators believe this spirit is trapped in a time loop, endlessly reliving his final battle.
Investigators using electronic voice phenomena (EVP) recorders have picked up disturbing messages from the battlefield. Voices whisper, “Get down!”, “Hold the line!”, and “Help me!”, as if the spirits are still trapped in battle. Ghost-hunting equipment frequently detects energy spikes, and some visitors report their phones and cameras malfunctioning without explanation.
Tour Information:
Gettysburg isn’t just a historical landmark—it’s a paranormal hotspot offering unforgettable ghost tours year-round:
- Walking Ghost Tours – Guides lead visitors through Gettysburg’s most haunted locations, including Sachs Covered Bridge, Devil’s Den, and the battlefield itself. Along the way, they share chilling ghost stories and firsthand accounts.
- Candlelight Tours – For an even spookier experience, candlelit tours take visitors through fog-covered fields and abandoned pathways after dark.
- Ghost-Hunting Experiences – Some tours provide paranormal investigation equipment, such as EMF detectors, spirit boxes, and night-vision cameras, allowing visitors to hunt for ghosts in the battlefield’s most active locations.
- Haunted Inns & Buildings – Several historic hotels and homes offer overnight stays for the brave. The Farnsworth House Inn, where Confederate spirits still roam, remains a favorite for ghost hunters.
3. Pennhurst Asylum – Spring City, Pennsylvania
Distance & Location:
Pennhurst Asylum is located in Spring City, Pennsylvania, approximately:
- 35 miles from Philadelphia, PA
- 80 miles from Harrisburg, PA
- 120 miles from New York City, NY
- 150 miles from Washington, D.C.
Why It’s Haunted:
Pennhurst State School and Hospital, later known as Pennhurst Asylum, remains one of the most notorious and chilling haunted locations in Pennsylvania. Originally opened in 1908, the institution was designed to house individuals with mental and physical disabilities, but over the decades, it became infamous for its inhumane treatment, abuse, and neglect of its residents.
At its peak, Pennhurst housed more than 10,000 patients, many of whom endured horrific living conditions. Reports from former employees and investigative journalists revealed that patients were physically restrained, overmedicated, and even subjected to cruel experiments. Many residents, including children, were confined in dark, overcrowded rooms, rarely receiving proper care. Some were abandoned by their families and never saw the outside world again.
Pennhurst’s dark reputation intensified when a 1970s exposé uncovered the physical and emotional abuse inflicted on patients. The scandal led to public outrage, and after years of legal battles, the facility shut down in 1987. However, many believe the tortured souls of former residents never left, trapped in the decaying hallways of the abandoned asylum. Today, Pennhurst stands as one of the most haunted and tragic places in America.
Paranormal Activity:
Visitors and paranormal investigators report terrifying encounters inside the asylum’s remains. The most common phenomena include:
- Disembodied Screams & Cries – Echoing throughout the hallways, visitors hear the agonizing cries of patients who suffered abuse. Some report hearing children sobbing, while others describe unsettling laughter or whispers from unseen entities.
- Ghostly Apparitions – Full-bodied apparitions of former patients and staff have been seen roaming the corridors. Some appear as shadowy figures lurking in corners, while others vanish into thin air when approached.
- Objects Moving on Their Own – Chairs, wheelchairs, and medical equipment shift without explanation, often captured on camera during paranormal investigations. Some visitors claim they have seen doors slam shut violently, even when there’s no wind.
- Overwhelming Feelings of Dread – Many who enter Pennhurst describe a sudden, unshakable sense of sadness, fear, or anxiety. Some feel as if they are being watched, while others experience phantom touches or the sensation of cold fingers brushing against them.
- The Quaker Building – One of the most active locations, this former ward for the most disturbed patients contains violent energy. Reports include objects being thrown across rooms, ghostly figures darting through the hallways, and chilling EVP recordings of voices pleading for help.
- The Mayflower Building – Another hotspot for ghostly activity, this dormitory once housed hundreds of mistreated residents. Paranormal investigators frequently capture orbs, shadow figures, and chilling voices in this area. Some visitors report feeling hands grabbing at them, only to turn around and find nothing there.
Investigators using spirit boxes and EVP recorders have captured voices saying “Help me,” “Get out,” and “They hurt me”, reinforcing the belief that some spirits remain trapped in their suffering.
Tour Information:
Today, Pennhurst Asylum has become a popular destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers, offering multiple haunted attractions and paranormal investigations:
- Haunted House Experiences – Each fall, Pennhurst transforms into one of the scariest haunted attractions in the country. Visitors walk through the abandoned buildings, encountering actors, special effects, and eerie real-life paranormal activity.
- Paranormal Investigations – For those seeking an authentic ghost-hunting experience, Pennhurst offers overnight investigations. Participants use EMF meters, spirit boxes, and thermal cameras to enjoy the asylum’s haunted corridors.
- History & Ghost Tours – These guided tours take visitors through Pennhurst’s eerie history, sharing chilling accounts of its dark past and the spirits that linger.
- Private Ghost Hunts – Serious paranormal investigators can book private tours to conduct their own investigations in some of Pennhurst’s most active locations.
4. The Hotel Bethlehem – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Distance & Location:
The Hotel Bethlehem is centrally located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, making it an easily accessible destination for ghost hunters and history lovers:
- 10 miles from Allentown, PA
- 60 miles from Philadelphia, PA
- 90 miles from New York City, NY
- 180 miles from Washington, D.C.
Why It’s Haunted:
The Hotel Bethlehem, a grand historic landmark in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, carries a rich yet ghostly past that has fascinated visitors for decades. The hotel, built in 1922, stands on the site of the first Moravian settlement’s inn, which dates back to the 18th century. This early inn, known as the First House of Bethlehem, was a gathering place for travelers, soldiers, and notable figures, many of whom are believed to have never truly left.
Over the centuries, the site witnessed countless joyous occasions, tragic losses, and mysterious deaths, all contributing to its haunted reputation. As the modern Hotel Bethlehem took its place, reports of ghostly encounters and paranormal activity only grew. Guests, staff, and even paranormal investigators have documented unsettling encounters with spirits who seem locked in time, forever roaming the elegant halls of this historic hotel.
Paranormal Activity:
Hotel Bethlehem has no shortage of ghost stories, with several well-known spirits said to reside within its walls. Guests and employees frequently report unexplained phenomena, including flickering lights, sudden cold spots, and disembodied voices. Some of the most commonly encountered spirits include:
- The Lady in White – Perhaps the most famous ghost of the hotel, this mysterious woman appears dressed in elegant 18th-century clothing, often seen wandering the hallways or standing by the grand staircase. Many believe she is May Yohe, a former opera singer and socialite who once lived on the property. Guests who see her describe her as graceful yet sorrowful, vanishing into thin air when approached.
- Playful Young Boy – Several guests have reported seeing a small child running through the halls or peeking around corners, only for him to disappear instantly. Laughter and playful giggles have been heard in empty corridors, leading many to believe the spirit of a young boy from the hotel’s past still lingers.
- Spirit of Room 932 – One of the hotel’s most haunted rooms, Room 932, is notorious for strange occurrences. Guests have experienced doors opening and closing on their own, the sound of furniture moving at night, and the unsettling feeling of being watched. Some even report waking up to find a shadowy figure standing at the foot of their bed.
Tour Information:
Unlike many haunted locations, the Hotel Bethlehem remains an active luxury hotel, allowing brave guests to book a stay in its haunted rooms. Paranormal enthusiasts can experience ghostly encounters firsthand while enjoying the hotel’s elegant atmosphere and historical charm.
- Haunted Room Stays – Guests can request to stay in one of the most haunted rooms, including Room 932, where many of the most chilling encounters have been reported.
- Ghost Tours – The hotel occasionally offers guided ghost tours, sharing spine-chilling stories and leading guests through its most paranormally active areas.
- Dining with the Spirits – The hotel’s Tap Room restaurant is said to have its own ghostly activity, with reports of mysterious footsteps and glasses moving by themselves. Visitors can enjoy a meal while keeping an eye out for spectral guests.
- Paranormal Investigations – While the hotel does not officially offer investigations, several paranormal research teams have conducted ghost hunts on the premises, capturing compelling evidence of the supernatural.
5. Harrisburg State Hospital – Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Location & Accessibility:
Harrisburg State Hospital is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and is just a short drive from major cities:
- 2 miles from downtown Harrisburg, PA
- 18 miles from Hershey, PA
- 107 miles from Philadelphia, PA
- 205 miles from New York City, NY
Why It’s Haunted:
The Harrisburg State Hospital, originally known as the Pennsylvania State Lunatic Hospital, opened in 1851 as Pennsylvania’s first public mental institution. It aimed to provide care for individuals with mental illnesses, but over time, it became notorious for overcrowding, poor conditions, and controversial treatments. Doctors subjected patients to electroshock therapy, lobotomies, and physical restraints, often worsening their suffering rather than providing relief.
As the hospital expanded, thousands of patients lived within its walls, many of whom never left. Forgotten by society, they endured years of mistreatment, neglect, and despair. Some died under mysterious circumstances, while others simply faded away, their pain lingering long after their deaths. Reports suggest that the tragic history of the hospital left behind a heavy spiritual presence, fueling countless ghost stories and paranormal encounters.
In 2006, after 155 years of operation, officials shut down the hospital, leaving behind empty halls and decaying buildings. Paranormal investigators frequently visit the site, hoping to uncover evidence of the spirits that are said to still haunt its corridors. Today, the Harrisburg State Hospital remains one of Pennsylvania’s most chilling haunted locations, drawing those brave enough to enjoy its eerie past.
Paranormal Activity:
Countless reports of ghostly encounters have surfaced over the years, leading many to believe that the souls of former patients, nurses, and doctors still haunt the grounds. Some of the most commonly reported paranormal occurrences include:
- Shadow Figures – Dark, humanoid figures have been spotted lurking in the hospital’s windows and hallways, moving eerily fast before disappearing into thin air. Visitors claim to have seen figures watching them from abandoned rooms, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
- Mysterious Voices & Whispers – Numerous EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recordings have captured disembodied voices, some whispering names, while others let out chilling screams. Visitors exploring the surrounding area often report hearing faint cries, moans, and murmured conversations, as if patients are still wandering the grounds.
- Sudden Temperature Drops – Many ghost hunters have experienced dramatic cold spots inside and around the hospital, even on warm days. Paranormal experts believe this could be the presence of unseen spirits trying to make their presence known.
- Unseen Touches & Physical Sensations – Some visitors have reported feeling a cold hand brush against them, a gentle tug on their clothing, or the sensation of being pushed or grabbed. These unsettling experiences suggest that some spirits may be reaching out from beyond the grave.
- Lights Turning On & Off – Despite being abandoned for years, people have claimed to see lights flickering inside the hospital’s vacant buildings, as if someone—or something—is still inside.
- Doors Slamming & Objects Moving – Heavy doors have been known to slam shut on their own, and objects appear to move without explanation. Paranormal investigators have even captured footage of chairs and equipment shifting when no one is near them.
Ghost hunters who have braved the hospital’s grounds describe an overwhelming sense of sadness, fear, and unease, as if they are not alone—and perhaps, they aren’t.
Tour Information:
Due to its closed status, the Harrisburg State Hospital is not open to the public. However, that hasn’t stopped dedicated paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers from exploring the surrounding areas, where ghostly encounters continue to be reported.
- Restricted Access – While the hospital remains closed, urban explorers and ghost hunters often visit the exterior grounds. However, trespassing inside is strictly prohibited, and law enforcement actively patrols the area.
- Ghost Hunting Events – Some paranormal groups occasionally host ghost-hunting expeditions near the site, using spirit boxes, EMF meters, and thermal cameras to detect supernatural activity.
- Nearby Haunted Locations – Those interested in the hospital’s haunted history can visit other eerie locations in the Harrisburg area, including the Fort Hunter Mansion and the Broad Street Market, both rumored to have their own paranormal activity.
FAQs
Are there ghost tours available in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania offers many ghost tours, including walking tours in Gettysburg, haunted house attractions at Pennhurst, and overnight paranormal investigations at Eastern State Penitentiary.
Which haunted place offers the best ghost tour experience?
Gettysburg Battlefield ghost tours are among the most immersive, often including historical reenactments and ghost-hunting equipment.
Can you stay overnight at any haunted places in Pennsylvania?
Yes, guests can book a stay at The Hotel Bethlehem, where paranormal activity has been reported in several rooms.
Are there age restrictions for haunted tours in Pennsylvania?
Some haunted tours and attractions, like Pennhurst Asylum, may have age restrictions due to their intense scares, while historical ghost tours in Gettysburg are more family-friendly.
Do you need reservations for haunted tours?
Yes, many haunted tours and paranormal investigations require advance reservations, especially during the Halloween season.
Is it dangerous to visit haunted places?
While most locations are safe for visitors, some abandoned sites pose structural hazards, and it’s always best to follow legal and safety guidelines.
Can ghosts follow you home from haunted places?
Some paranormal believers claim that spirits can attach themselves to visitors, but there is no scientific evidence to support this.
Are the ghost stories real, or just myths?
Many people have reported ghostly encounters, but skeptics argue that psychological factors and environmental conditions contribute to these experiences.
What should you do if you experience paranormal activity?
Stay calm, document your experience, and avoid provoking any spirits. Many believe that showing respect can prevent negative encounters.
What is the best time of year to visit haunted places in Pennsylvania?
Fall, particularly around Halloween, is the most popular time to visit haunted locations, as many offer special ghost tours and spooky events.
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