5 Scariest Places to Visit in Ohio

Ohio is a state rich in history, and with that history comes its fair share of haunted locations. While the Ohio State Reformatory often tops the list of spooky spots, there are plenty of other bone-chilling places across the state that offer their own terrifying tales. If you’re looking for a frightful adventure, here are five of the scariest places to visit in Ohio that will leave you sleeping with the lights on.

1. Franklin Castle (Cleveland, Ohio)

Franklin Castle, also known as the Tiedemann House, is widely regarded as one of the most haunted houses in Ohio. This Gothic-style mansion, built in the 1880s, has a history steeped in tragedy and mystery. The castle has been the site of numerous deaths, including those of several children, and is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of its former residents. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices, seeing ghostly apparitions, and experiencing sudden drops in temperature. If you’re brave enough to explore its halls, you might just encounter one of its lingering spirits.

2. Moonville Tunnel (Vinton County, Ohio)

Hidden deep in the woods of Vinton County lies the Moonville Tunnel, an abandoned railway tunnel with a dark past. In the 1800s and early 1900s, several tragic deaths occurred on the tracks, and it’s believed that the spirits of those who perished still haunt the tunnel. Ghostly figures, strange lights, and unexplained sounds have all been reported by those who venture into this eerie location. The Moonville Tunnel is especially creepy at night, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike.

3. Prospect Place Mansion (Trinway, Ohio)

Prospect Place Mansion is a historic home in Trinway, Ohio, that played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. Built in 1856, this mansion is said to be haunted by the spirits of slaves who died while seeking refuge, as well as the ghost of George Willison Adams, the mansion’s original owner. Paranormal investigators have captured ghostly voices, footsteps, and other unexplained phenomena in the mansion. The site also hosts ghost tours, where visitors can explore its haunted history firsthand.

4. The Ridges (Athens, Ohio)

The Ridges, formerly known as the Athens Lunatic Asylum, is one of Ohio’s most haunted locations. Operating from the 1870s until 1993, the asylum housed thousands of patients, many of whom died within its walls under tragic circumstances. The most famous ghost story associated with The Ridges is that of Margaret Schilling, a patient whose body was found weeks after she had gone missing. Her body left a permanent stain on the floor, and her spirit is said to haunt the building. Paranormal activity is frequent, with reports of shadowy figures, eerie sounds, and unexplained movements.

5. Licking County Jail (Newark, Ohio)

The Licking County Jail in Newark, Ohio, is another location with a reputation for being haunted. Built in 1889, this historic jail was the site of numerous deaths, including suicides, murders, and executions. One of the most famous spirits said to haunt the jail is Carl Etherington, a young Prohibition agent who was lynched by a mob in 1910. Visitors and paranormal investigators have reported hearing disembodied voices, footsteps, and seeing shadowy figures throughout the jail. The Licking County Jail offers ghost tours, allowing visitors to experience its haunted history for themselves.

Ohio is a state full of haunted history, and these five locations are some of the scariest places you can visit. From haunted castles to eerie tunnels and historic jails, each site offers its own unique blend of terror and intrigue. Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or just looking for a spooky adventure, these haunted spots in Ohio are sure to provide a frightful experience you won’t soon forget.

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