23 Haunted Houses in NEW YORK (Creepy, Scary & Terrifying)
While New York State is famed for having world-class museums, iconic landmarks, and Broadway shows, the Empire State also hides a darker side.
The state boasting a rich history, culture, and traditions, is packed with sinister secrets, macabre stories, and trapped souls.
It has everything from centuries-old cemeteries and possessed theatres to haunted houses, spooky attractions, and historical forts.
As one of the top tourist destinations, you’re bound to hear plentiful legends and tales of the ethereal.
The state entices visitors to come and discover hundreds (or maybe thousands) of haunted houses throughout the state.
Here are some terrifying places in New York.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Escape Rooms in New York.
Haunted Houses in Syracuse, New York
1. The Fright Nights
Looking for a good scare? Head to the Fright Nights in Syracuse, New York!
One of the scariest Halloween houses in the region, The Fright Nights in Syracuse offers a spine-chilling experience.
Also rated as one of the 20 best-haunted houses in the Northeast by the US Today, it is a scary place to get spooked.
The chilling spot features many other terrifying attractions, such as Jurassic Dark, Dungeon Slide to Hell, Burgen Manor, Penny’s Playhouse, and Lady Lamson’s Cursed Voyage, where you encounter evil clowns.
While visiting the place, bring your friends along, as this mysterious place offers a fun but chilling experience that you may not be able to handle alone.
The place is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October, offering terrifying Halloween fun and fright.
Address: 1 Lepage Pl, Syracuse, NY 13206
2. Demon Acres
Sitting on the rural acres in Hannibal, Demon Acres offers a frightening experience with three haunted attractions.
It includes Jail Break, which takes handcuffed visitors to a notorious jail.
The screaming guards will then hand you over to the angry inmates.
And the depths of the Dark Forest lead you to the mouth of an evil forest.
Amidst the frightening woods, you will see deadly hillbillies and witches wanting to snatch your soul.
Demon’s Den, where demons possess everyone, may let you see your tortured spirit.
In addition, you may also want to check out their Insane Asylum to experience insanity.
So, do you have the courage, and can you face all these deadly creatures that want nothing but fear in your eyes as they torture you?
Address: 341 Co Rte 36, Hannibal, NY 13074
3. Erie Canal Museum
Home to many dark forces, including some see-through children, a woman, and a group of arguing men, the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse is one of the famous haunted landmarks.
The Greek reviving building boasts centuries-old hallways filled with many otherworldly tales.
Some visitors also claim sightings of mysterious lights and a strange presence in certain areas.
In addition, some also report the sighting of a little girl ghost named Sally, who died inside the building.
Moreover, doors slamming on their own, voices echoing through the museum, and objects moving without being touched have also been reported by many.
If you are brave enough to explore this spooky place, you might get a glimpse into some of its frightening secrets.
Who knows what else may await you in this spooky place?
Address: 318 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13202
Also see our article on Abandoned Places in New York.
Haunted Houses in Binghamton, New York
1. The Historic Bundy House
One of the favorite places for paranormal investigation, the Historic Bundy House in Binghamton offers a hair-raising experience.
The place offers regular monthly otherworldly tours and paranormal investigations on the 3rd Friday of every month.
However, visitors are allowed to enjoy paranormal tours throughout the year.
With the Mansion boasting a rich history, it is no surprise that stories of ghosts and haunted spirits have emerged throughout the years.
For instance, locals believe that the soul of Julia Bundy, the wife of Harlow Bundy, still resides here because this Mansion meant so much to her.
Moreover, the Bundy Museum hosts enthralling Halloween celebrations and a captivating music festival with costumes.
If you are fascinated with bizarre and sinister stories, the Historic Bundy House in Binghamton is a must-visit place.
Address: 129 Main St, Binghamton, NY 13905
2. Slaughterland Scream Park
Sitting in the Upstate New York in Binghamton, Slaughterland Scream Park is one of the most thrilling haunted attractions.
Their four most chilling haunted attractions include Dar Magic, Fright Mares 3D, Wendigo Woods, and Fallen Fairgrounds.
Dark Magic, featuring a façade and a brief indoor haunt, is perhaps the most intense attraction that will lead you to a dark maze.
Along the dark corridors, you will encounter bones, scary skeletons, and a creepy voodoo priestess guarding the entryway.
Fright Mares 3D also boasts an impressive façade and great scare-acting of clowns.
Fallen Fairground is a disturbing haunted attraction featuring creepy clowns.
The colorful circus tent infuses an environment bursting with ambushing clowns and freaky props.
Once you survive these hair-raising attractions, head to the common area and enjoy other fun activities.
Address: 666 Barrier Rd, Binghamton, NY 13905
3. New York State Inebriate Asylum
Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL) was originally a Masonic Temple.
However, the site is now a famous attraction for plenty of reasons.
In addition to being populated by the living, it is also one of the favorite haunted places for sinister forces.
Many visitors reported seeing many ethereal figures, including an elderly gentleman and a lady in a red coat.
Some also claim that the apparition of the old gentleman often hangs around backstage and has been seen moving things from time to time.
In addition to apparition sightings, there have also been rumors of mysterious voices coming from inside the empty theatre.
This magnificent attraction with four balconies, an ornate lobby, and 4,200 seats entices paranormal enthusiasts to come and solve these unexplained mysteries.
Address: 885 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14605
4. Souls of Roberson Mansion
Grab the lantern while walking the dim halls of the eerie Roberson Mansion in Binghamton.
The haunted place of three floors will let you hear ethereal stories of souls who lived here – and perhaps still do.
Engineered in the age of wealth, the Gilded Age Mansion had only two occupants who resided and died within it – Alonzo and Margaret Roberson.
You will hear plenty of captivating tales that staff and visitors have had with echoes from the past.
What’s terrifying is perhaps people’s history and status, which restrained them from living as ghosts of the past.
The most recent sinister activity in the Mansion was recorded in 2019 when a staff member and his family were busing in decorating a room for an upcoming event.
They were well into the night when they heard a cut in the silence.
That noise was from the first floor and seems like someone was clearing his throat.
The Robersons were very strict about their privacy, and perhaps this was Alonzo saying, “It’s time for you to leave now.”
Address: 30 Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905
5. Phelps Mansion Museum
The Phelps Mansion belongs to Sherman D. Phelps, a businessman and the 5th mayor of Binghamton.
Today, the place is a chilling haunted attraction where people report encountering ghosts of spirits, keeping an eye on tourists from a distance.
In addition, some visitors also claim to witness supernatural activities, such as moving items, doors opening and closing on their own, and the sound of heavy footsteps when nobody is around.
So, is Sherman D. Phelps’s soul still living and watching over his beloved home?
Or can these ghostlike incidences be clarified in some other way?
You can enjoy hair-raising tours to the Mansion and hear haunted incidents stories from docents.
Moreover, you will also explore the family’s history during your tour and the history behind Binghamton’s most charming homes.
Address: 191 Court St, Binghamton, NY 13901
Also see our article on Ghost Towns in New York.
Haunted Houses in Queens, New York
1. Terror on Totten
Now that October is around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get eerie Northeast Queens.
And what’s better than exploring a magical place to get into the Halloween spirit?
Listen closely, and you will hear soulless walks near you.
Terror on Totten sitting in Bayside is a gateway to a world where misfortune, sinister, and evil coexist.
The place allows you to join deranged specters and ghosts and experience some of the scariest moments you can have while keeping yourself safe.
Whether you are into Totten’s 2 Floors of Horrors, Killer Clown Circus, or Demon Spawn Doghouse, the ethereal place is full of horrors and exciting yet frightening experiences.
So, do you have the courage, and can you survive in a place full of spirits?
Address: 604 Little Bay Rd, Bayside, Queens, New York
2. A Haunting in Hollis
The legend of A Haunting in Hollis is a chilling tale passed down from generation to generation.
A Haunting in Hollis in Queens is one of the scariest attractions linked with terrifying scenes of supernatural events that occurred centuries ago.
With three floors of genuinely terrifying fun, A Haunting in Hollis is transformed into one frightening zone.
It has winding hallways, two outdoor mazes with dead ends, and great gruesome décor, making the place a scream factory.
Grab a laser gun, be precise, and shoot at relentless zombies as they chase you inside.
The place amps up the scare factor and offers an interactive, exhilarating, and spine-chilling experience that you and your family will remember forever.
It is a place where evil and sinister forces await you.
Address: 21117 Hollis Ave, Queens, NY 11429
Also see our article on Pumpkin Patches in New York.
Haunted Houses in Rochester, New York
1. Nightmare Manor Rochester
The place may seem like a fine restaurant from the outside where you can enjoy a peaceful, laid-back dining experience, but it has some dark secrets waiting to unfold.
Sitting in South Town Plaza in Rochester, Nightmare Manor Rochester is one of the genuinely haunted attractions that fascinate and entice daredevils to come and enjoy a frightening experience.
This restaurant-themed place with dim lighting is creepy and awesome and features ghastly creatures and fun events like bungee runs.
You will see a sudden chill as you step inside the creepy house.
The haunted restaurant invites you to a safe but scary experience while pushing boundaries with many otherworldly terrors.
With over fifteen years of spine-chilling patrons and the terrifying Dr. Jack Limon’s Manor Foundation, Nightmare Manor is one of the scariest places.
So, are you ready to step in and defeat the dark forces inside?
Address: 3333 W Henrietta Rd, Rochester, New York 14623
2. The White Lady’s Castle
Few Rochester folklores are as famous as that of the “White Lady.”
Who is she, and why she’s haunting Durand-Eastman Park?
These are the questions locals face when Halloween rolls around.
Settled near a forest in Rochester is a crumbling old foundation that was part of an early 20th-century dining hall structure.
Locals know this place as the White Lady’s Castle.
Many claim they have seen the Lady staring at visitors from a distance.
While the eerie Staircase is the most popular spot for sightings of the White Lady, she has been seen roaming throughout the park, including the golf course, nearby neighborhoods, and the cemetery.
So, is the White Lady a distraught mother whose beloved son was murdered?
Or is she a loyal wife waiting for her husband to return to Lake Ontario?
Address: Lakeshore Blvd, Irondequoit, Rochester, NY 14617
3. Castle of Horrors
What if a zombie disaster hit Rochester?
Where would you find solace?
You will surely head to the city’s fortified structure – the Castle of Horrors- where you can find the Center for Disease Control.
Welcome to the chilliest and most terrifying haunted house in Rochester.
In addition to getting vaccinated, the castle’s basement is also stocked with food boxes, guns, and other essential supplies.
An ideal place to wait it out, no?
The structure spanning over 50,000 square feet, covers all of the Main Street Armory.
As soon as you get inside, you will be surrounded by screens broadcasting the apocalypse on the Rochester streets.
Even though you are vaccinated, the side effects of medicine could result in hallucination and madness – said a medical professional on duty.
In addition to this spooky storyline, the Armory is said to be haunted and has recorded many ethereal happenings.
It’s been investigated by ghost fanatics and was presented on Syfy channel’s “Ghost Hunters.”
Address: Castle of Horrors, 900 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14605
4. VerHulst Haunted Hayride
VerHulst Haunted Hayride is the ultimate Halloween experience.
Hiding in a remote area of Spencerport, VerHulst Farms hosts a haunted hayride with scares and thrills that will make your skin crawl.
From their pitch-black rides through the winding terror trails to the bone-chilling screams that can be heard throughout the night, there’s no shortage of terror.
The main attraction is the hayride, which takes you through a spooky landscape filled with terrifying ghouls and goblins.
Along the way, you will pass several different themed areas, such as haunted cabins, graveyards, and other sinister scenes.
There are also carnival rides available for those brave enough to try.
After the ride, you can explore the haunted house and participate in other activities and attractions.
With plenty of scares and surprises around every corner, this is one Halloween experience you won’t soon forget!
So if you’re looking for a terrifying scare this Halloween season, stop and look at this place.
Address: 5161 W Ridge Rd, Spencerport, Rochester, NY 14559
5. Warner Castle
It’s a frigid fall evening on the Friday before Halloween.
Grass covered with fallen leaves adorns the iconic Warner Castle with a festive aura.
Would you dare to step in and introduce yourself to sinister forces residing inside?
With some history, Warner Castle and the Sunken Garden in Highland Park invite you for a fascinating but scary tour.
Once a private residence, the beautiful estate and the replica of the Clan Douglas castle, Warner Castle is said to be populated by several sinister forces.
Some otherworldly occurrences recorded by visitors include items being moved when nobody is around, strange voices coming from the rooms, and an old-school music box starting to play when nobody has touched it.
Locals also report sightings of apparitions inside the castle in a shadow form.
Address: 5 Castle Park, Rochester, NY 14620
6. Rochester Broadway Theatre League
Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL) was originally a Masonic Temple.
However, the site is now a famous attraction for plenty of reasons.
In addition to being populated by the living, it is also one of the favorite haunted places for sinister forces.
Many visitors reported seeing many ethereal figures, including an elderly gentleman and a lady in a red coat.
Some also claim that the apparition of the old gentleman often hangs around backstage and has been seen moving things from time to time.
In addition, there have also been rumors of mysterious voices coming from inside the theatre.
This magnificent attraction with four balconies, an ornate lobby, and 4,200 seats entices paranormal enthusiasts to come and solve these unexplained mysteries.
Address: 885 E Main St, Rochester, New York 14605
Also see our article on Attractions in New York.
Haunted Houses in Albany, New York
1. New York State Capitol
Does the night watchman who died in the 1911 Capitol Fire still make rounds to the Capitol?
Is it true that two US presidents visited the Capitol after they died?
Explore these and many other questions while on your haunting tour of the New York Capitol in Albany, New York.
The place is famous for fascinating tales, ghost sightings, and strange occurrences that might haunt you forever.
If you are brave enough, explore the “Secret Demon” legend near the Great Staircase.
Your Halloween visit to the New York State Capitol will also bring you the opportunity to reveal the truth behind hidden murals of the Assembly Chamber and the eccentric artists who created them.
The fascinating New York State Capitol is rich in history and offers a blood-chilling experience to paranormal investigators.
Address: State St. and Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12224
2. Ten Broeck Mansion
Trying to get into the Halloween spirit?
Visit this 20th-century Mansion for a fascinating yet frightening experience.
According to locals, the place is occupied by sinister forces that appear from time to time in a dark shadow form.
Some visitors claim they have seen a ghostly figure marching upstairs halls of Ten Broeck Mansion.
In addition, children who resided here reported seeing an apparition on the top floor.
Locals also say that the ghostly figure often seen in empty hallways appears in a 17th-century Dutch soldier dress.
They also believe that this man was buried on the hill where this house stands in the 1600s.
So, is Ten Broeck Mansion having dark forces residing in it, or are these all just tales?
Take a haunted tour and discover the truth yourself!
Address: 9 Ten Broeck Pl, Albany, New York 12210
3. Shaker Heritage Society
The remains of a 1776 heritage site in Albany, New York, tell the story of America’s first Shaker establishment.
Home to over 350 Shakers, its residents shirked society and existed as a celibate community.
Today, Shaker’s abandoned building lures paranormal investigators to come and explore the hidden secrets.
Some also say they hear disembodied voices and heavy footsteps when nobody is around.
In addition, some visitors reported strange occurrences like shadowy figures roaming around the building and other mysterious activities.
A visit to the Shaker Heritage Society, with a farm, nature trail, and a historic graveyard, explains the birth of Shakerism.
So, is the Shaker Heritage Society home to dark forces, or its just locals trying to spice things up?
The place gives you an enthralling opportunity to come and discover the shocking history yourself.
Address: 25 Meeting House Rd, Albany, NY 12211
4. Schuyler Mansion
One of the popular hunted attractions in Albany, New York, Schuyler Mansion lets you dive into the beginnings of American history.
The Mansion of Philip J. Schuyler, Revolutionary War general, also has links to sinister forces.
During your candlelight tour, you might glimpse Liza Hamilton’s apparition.
Many visitors to the Mansion reported sightings of specters and strange occurrences.
While others say the photographs they took, there have strange shadows.
Some also claim they have seen objects moving independently and heard strange voices from empty hallways.
Does Liza Hamilton still make rounds to Schuyler Mansion, where she burned all the love letters from her husband?
The friendly and knowledgeable staff of the Schuyler Mansion has many tales to tell that you will love to hear.
Address: 32 Catherine St, Albany, NY 12202
Also see our article on Castles in New York.
Haunted Houses in Saratoga Springs, New York
1. Batcheller Mansion Inn
Currently serving as a bed and breakfast, the Batcheller Mansion Inn is an 18th-century landmark.
The place is one of the famous haunted attractions in the US and has been the subject of many visits from ghost fanatics.
Besides its spectacular structure, Batcheller Mansion Inn is said to have spirits of its founding Batcheller family that continue to roam its hallways.
Since the grand Victorian Mansion offers an intimate feel of bed and breakfast, paranormal experiences are available only to those courageous enough to book an overnight stay here.
Some supernatural occurrences reported by staff and guests include mysterious whispering sounds from empty hallways, moving flower pots, and shadowy figures roaming the Mansion.
So, are you brave enough to stay overnight in this haunted Mansion?
Address: 20 W Circular St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
2. The Parting Glass
This vibrant Irish pub in Saratoga Springs, New York, is always wicked full of patrons relishing a cold pint.
While live music and a game of darts keep visitors busy, the Parting Glass also holds some dark secrets within its centuries-old wooden walls.
Somewhere between now and then, this place seems to have gained some spirits, including the apparition of a man and a lady in white.
In addition to apparition sightings, some reported strange happenings, including moving objects, quirky additions to photographs taken there, and unknown sounds when nobody was around.
While enjoying their Irish-inspired cuisine, the Parting Glass might surprise you by seeing a ghostly figure.
Stop by for a spine-chilling experience at the mysterious Parting Glass if you are brave enough.
Address: 40 42Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
3. The Olde Bryan Inn
Within its wooden walls are tales dating back to the late 17th century.
As one of the historical attractions in Saratoga City, this old-fashioned restaurant houses spirits from the colonial era.
Some visitors reported the sighting of apparitions in a colonial grab, while others claim the presence of a Civil War-era widow named Beatrice or the “lady in green.”
The apparition has been seen by visitors in Victorian-style clothing, wandering in and out of what is rumored to be her bedroom.
Moreover, some also claim to witness strange experiences, like doors opening and shutting themselves, phantom footsteps when nobody is around, and glasses moving from one table to another.
So, are you ready to meet the Lady in Green at the Olde Bryan Inn?
Address: 123 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Date Ideas, Fun things to do, and Museums in New York.
Looking beyond New York? Check out our article on the best Haunted Houses in Texas and the Scariest Haunted Houses in Illinois.