You’ll find a slew of haunted attractions throughout Niagara County this spooky season — or any season.
From natural wonders to the supernatural, Niagara Falls USA is home to an unearthly share of spooky spectacles. Packed with centuries of history, it’s no wonder Niagara County is haunted by its storied past— think haunted inns, man-made caves by foot, historic sites by flashlight and hiking to the Cave of the Evil Spirit. In fact, many of these locations are part of the Haunted History Trail of New York State, a collection of over 90 haunted hot-spots across the Empire State.
Here are our picks of the most fun haunted attractions in Niagara Falls USA to enjoy during Halloween season or throughout the year.
Get a Front-Row Seat to a Spine-Tingling Stage
The Rapids Theatre is one of Niagara Falls’ most historical buildings, and one of Western New York’s most haunted too. Featured on Syfy’s Ghost Hunters, this event venue not only offers must-see concerts, but also hosts guided ghost hunts to the public. Interested in a private ghost hunt? Secure at least 10 guests (max of 50) for a night of investigation from the Green Room to the VIP Balcony.
If it wasn’t obvious by its name, The Ghostlight Theatre in North Tonawanda is notoriously haunted. According to legend, the cornerstone of the theatre was laid on a dark and stormy Halloween night in 1889. Spirits have appeared on stage (during performances!) and throughout the building. Aside from seeing a performance at this award-winning theatre, you can get to know the ghosts of the Ghostlight by participating in a family-friendly ghost tour around Halloween or at one of the public ghost hunts hosted throughout the year.
Pair the Paranormal with Vino
Spirits and wine don’t mix — that’s unless you’re at The Winery at Marjim Manor. The historic vineyard and homestead on the shores of Lake Ontario are perhaps one of the few wineries where you can pair a tasting with a ghost story. The antics don’t stop there — you can also indulge in the manor’s haunted Victorian teas or one of their several paranormal soirées. Tastings are $4, and ticket pricing for events vary. Call ahead.
Spend the Night with Ghosts — If You Dare
Situated near the raging rapids, the Red Coach Inn is cozy, quaint — and haunted. If you dare, reserve a room for a night or two and you may just see or hear the ghosts who roam this historic inn, including a bride and groom who took their lives on their wedding day. Afraid of the dark? Dine at the on-site restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
The Graestone Manor, a Victorian mansion in Gasport that now operates as bed and breakfast, was built in 1865 by Mr. Curtis Root, a gifted trainer and breeder of racehorses. Guests can stay overnight in one of the manor’s three bedrooms: the red room, the green room, or the gold room. Each room comes with reports of spooky sounds, smells and even sightings. If an overnight stay is too unnerving, the Manor also offers paranormal investigations for groups.
Find the Cave of the Evil Spirit
Thinking of a hike along Devil’s Hole State Park? You may need to keep your pulse in check when you reach the Cave of the Evil Spirit. In 1763, a wagon of 80 British soldiers was ambushed and killed by a Seneca tribe at this turbulent site — and legend has it that a few souls are still echoing its chamber today. Who knows what your GoPro might capture.
Discover Niagara After Dark
While Old Fort Niagara is known for its rich history, every October visitors can experience the darker side of this 18th century fortress at night, during the limited engagement Lantern and Lore tours. Led by guides dressed in period clothing, guests will journey through the dark fort and hear haunted stories of the “ghost in the well” and more. Must be ages 10 or older for tour.
Haunted mansion, anyone? Visitors can tour the grounds and estate of the hair-raising Van Horn Mansion in Newfane from March to December. However, in October, candlelight tours are available for guests to creep through the mansion from cellar to attic while hearing scary stories of its haunted halls.
Go Underground, Where No One Can Hear You Scream
They don’t call it Erie for nothing. Lockport Cave located along the banks of the Erie Canal is one of the few places in the world to have hosted underwater ghost hunts. Don’t worry — visitors don’t have to don their sub-aqua gear to experience the haunts. Every Halloween season, the Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride is transformed into a haunted happening – a lantern-lit tour allowing you to discover this man-made wonder’s shady past. Must be over the age of 8 for tour.
Saunter Through a Cemetery
Take ‘ghost in the graveyard’ to a whole new level on a guided walking tour through Oakwood Cemetery. Hear stories of notorious Niagara Falls legends that are buried at Oakwood, including daredevil Annie Edson Taylor, the first person to survive a trip over the Falls in a barrel! Available year-round on Sundays at 11 a.m.
Immerse yourself into the haunted history of Lewiston with a Marble Orchard Ghost Walk. During this 90-minute walking tour, theatrical guides will lead you through the village while sharing the town’s tales of tragedy, crime, mayhem and murder. Available in September and October.
Bring the Family
Looking for some not-so-spooky good family fun? Becker Farms and Coulter Farms are real local favorites for G-rated haunts!
Tickets to Becker Farms in Gasport include all-day activities including parking, apple picking, a corn maze, access to hiking trails, live music and so much more. Ticket pricing varies.
Coulter Farms in Lockport offers a corn maze, pumpkin market and delicious apples and treats. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can hop on the hayride for views of vibrant fall foliage. Ticket pricing varies.
As you can see, Niagara County does not fall short when it comes to it haunted attractions. Check out these Halloween events in Niagara County for more ideas!
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