The Finger Lakes’ Most Haunted Places
When fall settles over the Finger Lakes, colorful days give way to crisp nights and more than a few ghost stories. Historic taverns, Victorian mansions, old theaters, and cemeteries across the region have collected legends of their own, including several stops along New York State’s Haunted History Trail.
Ready for a spooky fall adventure? Here are a few places to add to your haunted Finger Lakes road trip.
Monroe County: Union Tavern & Durand Eastman Park
Start at Union Tavern, where nearly two centuries of history come with stories of unexplained footsteps, cold spots and mysterious figures. Nearby, Durand Eastman Park is home to one of Rochester’s best-known legends: the White Lady, said to wander near Lake Ontario searching for her lost daughter.
Onondaga County: Landmark Theatre & Split Rock Quarry
The grand Landmark Theatre has entertained Syracuse audiences since 1928, along with stories of a mysterious woman said to appear inside the historic theater.
For an outdoor adventure with an eerie edge, explore the history surrounding Split Rock Quarry, the site of a devastating 1918 explosion and decades of local ghost stories.
Wayne County: Wm. Phelps General Store
Step back in time at Palmyra’s Wm. Phelps General Store, preserved much as it was when it closed in 1940. Today, visitors can explore the property’s history through daytime ghost tours and private paranormal investigations.
Ontario County: The Naples Hotel
Built in 1895, the Naples Hotel has welcomed generations of travelers and, according to local legend, a few guests who never left. Stories include mysterious voices, flickering lights and appearances by a woman known as Alice. Stay for dinner or make it an overnight adventure in one of the hotel’s ten suites.
Yates County: Miles Wine Cellars & The Mansion at Keuka Lake
At Miles Wine Cellars, a historic Greek Revival mansion overlooking Seneca Lake, tales of mysterious figures and unexplained activity inspired the winery’s appropriately named Ghost wine.
On Keuka Lake, The Mansion at Keuka Lake dates to 1838 and offers plenty of historic atmosphere for a fall dinner or overnight getaway.
Steuben County: Days of Incandescence
Corning embraces the mysterious side of its history during Days of Incandescence, October 22–24. Explore the Gaffer District on an actor-led walking tour, wander through a cemetery tour or follow the story with special events throughout downtown.
Cayuga County: Fort Hill Cemetery & Seward House Museum
Auburn’s long history comes with plenty of stories. Explore beautiful Fort Hill Cemetery, the final resting place of Harriet Tubman and William H. Seward, then discover the city’s darker tales through seasonal programming at the Seward House Museum.
Cortland County: The 1890 House Museum
This elaborate Victorian mansion offers a fascinating look at Cortland’s past. The 1890 House Museum leans into its more mysterious side with paranormal investigations and Halloween programming inspired by Victorian spiritualism.
Tompkins County: Haunted History Downtown Ithaca
See downtown Ithaca from a different perspective on the History Center in Tompkins County’s Haunted History walking tour. The 75-minute experience explores local landmarks while sharing stories of crimes, disasters, and unexplained events from the city’s past.
Make It a Haunted FLX Getaway
Turn these spooky stops into a Finger Lakes road trip, then add your favorite wineries, breweries, restaurants and scenic overlooks along the way.
Explore even more eerie destinations on the New York State Haunted History Trail and remember to check tour schedules and reserve fall events in advance. Your next Finger Lakes story might just come with a ghost.
www.flxoutdoorexperience.com
This project/program/event is supported by a grant awarded to Finger Lakes Region from New York State’s Empire State Development and the I LOVE NY Division of Tourism.
