Pennsylvania’s rich history, from colonial settlements to industrial booms, also left behind eerie landmarks and chilling legends. For those fascinated by the macabre, the state offers prisons, cemeteries, haunted sites, and supernatural tales that rival any horror film. Here are eight must-see creepy attractions in Pennsylvania.
1. Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia)
Once one of the world’s most notorious prisons, Eastern State Penitentiary housed infamous criminals like Al Capone. Abandoned in 1971, its crumbling cellblocks now host chilling daytime tours and haunted experiences each fall. Visitors report eerie sounds, cold drafts, and ghostly figures among the decaying halls.
2. Gettysburg Battlefield (Gettysburg)
Site of the bloodiest battle in the Civil War, Gettysburg is hallowed ground—and one of America’s most haunted locations. Ghost tours recount sightings of phantom soldiers, cannon fire, and voices on the wind. Its somber history and tragic loss of life create a haunting atmosphere.
3. Centralia (Columbia County)
Centralia, a near-ghost town, has been smoldering since an underground mine fire ignited in 1962. Once home to over 1,000 residents, only a handful remain. The cracked, graffiti-covered highways and smoke rising from the ground give the town an apocalyptic, otherworldly feel that attracts the curious.
4. Pennhurst Asylum (Spring City)
Opened in 1908 as a state school for people with disabilities, Pennhurst became infamous for overcrowding and abuse. Abandoned for decades, its sprawling campus is now a chilling relic of institutional neglect. Today, it operates as a haunted attraction and historical site, drawing paranormal investigators year-round.
5. The Mütter Museum’s Traveling Exhibits (Philadelphia)
Although technically housed in a medical museum, the Mütter’s collections spill into Pennsylvania with touring exhibits and lectures. Preserved organs, medical oddities, and anatomical specimens fascinate and disturb visitors. While the main museum is in Philadelphia, its influence extends statewide through educational programs and eerie displays.
6. The Hex House & Pennsylvania Dutch Lore (York County)
Pennsylvania Dutch country holds tales of witchcraft and hexes. The infamous 1928 “Hex House” murder trial in York County shocked the nation when a suspected witch was brutally killed. Folklore tours explore charms, hex signs, and stories of witch trials that still cast a chilling shadow.
7. The Haines Shoe House (York)
Though whimsical at first glance, this giant shoe-shaped home carries an eerie reputation. Built in 1948 by shoe salesman Mahlon Haines, its unusual architecture, strange tours, and unsettling atmosphere earn it a spot on Pennsylvania’s creepy list. Some visitors even report ghostly whispers in the hallways.
8. Laurel Hill Cemetery (Philadelphia)
This Victorian-era cemetery blends Gothic beauty with an unmistakably macabre atmosphere. With elaborate mausoleums, statues, and scenic grounds, Laurel Hill is both a National Historic Landmark and a popular site for ghost tours. It’s the final resting place of Civil War generals, Titanic victims, and prominent Philadelphians.
From haunted asylums to battlefields steeped in tragedy, Pennsylvania’s eerie attractions offer plenty for fans of the creepy and macabre. Exploring these sites reveals not just ghost stories, but also the darker side of history—where loss, folklore, and mystery converge in hauntingly unforgettable ways.
Sources
[1] https://traveltriangle.com/blog/haunted-places-in-pennsylvania/
[2] https://www.visitpa.com/blog/post/haunted-places-pennsylvania/
[3] https://pennhurstasylum.com
[4] https://fieldofscreams.com
[5] https://thebatesmotel.com
