“Hidden among the historical artifacts in exhibits across New York are the spirits of lives long past. At the Saratoga Springs History Museum, these spirits resemble the elite upper class that once resided in the town. At the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, NY, these are the orphaned and immigrant children, many of whom died through tragic boating accidents or by drowning in the waters of the canal. And at the Dr. Best House & Medical Museum, you’ll find a time capsule from the earliest form of medicine, with medical apparatuses that will turn your blood cold… 

Six spooky locations along the Haunted History Trail contain these treasured memories. Curious to learn more? The spirits are happy to help you explore their living history.

Historic Palmyra WM. Phelps General Store and Historic Palmyra Museum

Lovingly dubbed “the most haunted place in the Finger Lakes,” over 190 years of activity have been recorded at the Historic Palmyra WM. Phelps General Store and Historic Palmyra Museum. But it should come as no surprise – the stories that come out of this location are tragic, devastating, and downright shocking. One story tells of a fire that ravaged the building just before Christmas, claiming the lives of seven family members, including a mother and her children ages two to eight years old. Another involves a murder, a man stabbed to death – though the details regarding who and why are still unknown.

If you want to learn more, you need only ask. The museum isn’t shy about letting visitors seek out its spirits and offers ghost hunts seven days a week with a minimum of four people. The old General Store is sure to intrigue and fascinate, but it’s only the beginning. Whispers fill the air, guests have been known to feel a touch or poke, and the young family who passed still comes out to play from time to time…

Museum of Wayne County History

Also found in the Finger Lakes is a museum whose reputation proceeds it. William Fee was the only man ever hanged in Wayne County, but to say was laid to rest in 1860 is simply not true. The jail operates today, not as a penitentiary, but as the Museum of Wayne County History. All 24 cells remain, and so does William Fee – his ghost is known to walk the cellblock to this day.

Ghost hunts and paranormal investigations are available by appointment, and guided historical tours are offered daily. See the 13 rooms of exhibition space and immerse yourself in the past, visit a seasonal Carriage House, see the original inmate artwork that still decorates the walls of the jail, and set foot in the very spot where Fee took his last, living breath.

Erie Canal Museum

In Syracuse, NY, things get eerie on the Erie Canal. Listen closely and you might hear a pair of arguing men who never seem to settle their ongoing debate, tromping through the 150-year-old hallways of the Erie Canal Museum. Or catch a glimpse of a woman, killed where the model canal boat now sits. Or see a group of see-through children playing in the courtyard – perhaps happier now in death than they ever were in life.

Docent-led history tours include the recounting of paranormal activity that occurs, or the facility can be rented for private events. Erie Canal history tours are available daily. Whichever way you choose to experience this stop, you’ll be sure to have a tale to tell about this monumental waterway.  

Starr Clark Tin Shop & Underground Railroad Museum

The Underground Railroad is engrained in one of America’s darker moments in history – and its significance comes to life at Starr Clark Tin Shop & Underground Railroad Museum. Abolitionist and tinsmith Starr Clark hosted meetings and gave refuge to African-American slaves in the building where the museum now stands. Many artifacts remain from that era and might just be the cause of the unusual activity that mysteriously happens there. Paranormal investigators have found the site to be “very interesting,” and others have reported shadows, voices, and the feeling of being touched.

The museum is now open by appointments only. Please call 315-963-7853 to book a guided tour or paranormal investigation. 

Saratoga Springs History Museum and Historic Canfield Casino

At the Saratoga Springs History Museum and Historic Canfield Casino, unusual events were once sporadic and infrequent. But after the opening of an antique clothing exhibit featuring garments from Saratoga Springs’ most influential families (now all deceased), activity increased – exponentially. The Walworth family in particular had a tumultuous history and could be the cause of it all – from an abusive marriage, to a scandalous divorce, and eventually, a murder.

Guests visiting the museum have seen full body apparitions of a woman in Victorian-era clothing, objects moving on their own, the smell of cigars, carpets pushed against doors in locked rooms, and a hostile presence on the third floor. Just come and see for yourself. The museum offers pre-scheduled ghost tours from June through October and is open year-round for self-guided tours and exploration.

Dr Best House & Medical Museum

This Victorian house and office has witnessed many a death in its lifetime, including that of Dr. Best, his beloved son, and young wife. It should come as no surprise that investigators have captured recordings of distant voices, those souls still lingering from the beyond. Visit, and hear the tales of deaths and misfortune in this small, rural community with original obituaries, photos and death certificates.

Guided historical haunted tours as well as professional investigations are available by reservation. Special events are often held throughout the year, sharing the ghostly happenings at this haunted home with guests. 

In looking for new sites to repost worthy paranormal info and articles from, I found this site that recommends certain places in the New England North of the United States that looked awesome and had some great pictures to go with it. Each Tuesday for a while, I’m going to repost their blog articles here to share along with others.

Haunted History Trail of New York writes:

“At four spooky stops on the Haunted History Trail of New York State, it’s best to make a reservation – but be sure to save an extra seat for an unexpected guest. At our haunted restaurants, the main attraction isn’t always what’s on the menu. It’s the stories behind the buildings – tales of murder, fires, crimes, and more. You might find it hard to enjoy a meal in peace. The spirits are restless, and looking for a little attention…

Red Coach Inn

When The Red Coach Inn, a Niagara Falls USA historic hotel and B&B, opened its doors for business on August 30, 1923, Niagara Falls had finally gained a hostelry befitting its rank as the “honeymoon capital of the world.” 

Red Coach Inn is home to a few ghosts – including the bride and groom who took their lives on their wedding day. Ask the staff about the ghost stories or experience them for yourself; guests of the historic hotel have reported seeing jewelry move across dressers, hearing music playing in the middle of the night, and the sound of people walking and dancing above them when they are already on the top floor.

Union Tavern

This New England-style tavern offers delicious food, cold drinks and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Perhaps too welcoming of an atmosphere… as there have been sightings of a ghostly woman standing by the fireplace and men in the building’s basement. The Union Tavern owners have felt cold spots throughout the restaurant and smelled the scent of cigarette smoke in specific parts of the room. Doors open on their own and whistling can sometimes be heard from upstairs. You may even get touched on the arm or shoulder when no one else is around.

Mysteries surround the property, which was originally purchased in 1819 by a rumored ex-pirate. Since then, it has been a leg of the Underground Railroad, a residential summer home, a speakeasy during Prohibition and finally, a few iterations of a restaurant.

While you dine at this haunted tavern, ask the staff for history of the area and the unusual occurrences that have happened in the building.

1867 Parkview Inn

The 1867 Parkview Inn began as a hotel and restaurant and has operated as one or both of these for over 150 years. With so many souls passing through its doors during that time, one can only imagine the stories this historic building has to tell. It was restored to its former glory as a hotel in 2019 and now features nine rooms decorated with a historic theme and furnished with simple amenities for a comfortable stay.

Although most guests rest easy through the night, owner, Beth Johnson, has plenty of stories to tell. Bells ring and objects move in empty rooms in the restaurant. Legend has it that a small girl perished in a fire and a room with evidence of fire damage was uncovered in a sealed room during the renovations. Although the renovations have turned the spooky upper floors into a cheerful place to stay, paranormal investigators and ghost hunting groups have received signs that spirits are walking among the living at the 1867 Parkview Inn.

The Bull’s Head Inn

The oldest building in Cobleskill, NY has quite the history – one that is well-known by the owners of the Bull’s Head Inn. It was burned twice in battles during the French and Indian War, then served as town hall, courthouse, and meeting space, and eventually, a private residence. But it seems that one person in particular – Mrs. John Stacy – is the cause of all the trouble at this Central New York restaurant. Mrs. Stacy was a fierce anti-alcohol advocate, and has been known to knock over glasses, throw napkins about, and toss silverware off the tables – making her discontent with the operations known. If you’d like to meet her, you need only swing by – grab a bite, schedule a ghost hunt, or call ahead to request a guided tour of the Bull’s Head Inn.

These four stops are not all the Haunted History Trail has to serve – there are actually several haunted dining opportunities across the state to fill your plate. Navigate our website to find information on hours, opportunities, and spooky stories at each of our locations. Call directly to book your reservation or to get answers your questions. But beware, you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew…

All information and pictures come from https://hauntedhistorytrail.com/blog/bites-and-boos-4-spooky-spots-to-sink-your-teeth-into.