Ohio may be known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and Midwestern charm, but it also holds a darker reputation—one rooted in ghost stories, unexplained occurrences, and haunted locations. From abandoned asylums to eerie penitentiaries, these sites have frightened visitors for decades.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, here are eight of the most haunted places in Ohio that might just make your skin crawl.
1. Ohio State Reformatory – Mansfield
Once a functioning prison, the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield is now a notorious hotspot for paranormal activity. Operational from 1896 to 1990, the Gothic-style building housed thousands of inmates—and witnessed its fair share of violence, riots, and death. It’s best known for being the filming location of The Shawshank Redemption, but ghost hunters are more interested in the spirits said to roam its dark, crumbling halls.
Visitors have reported unexplained footsteps, cold spots, shadow figures, and voices echoing through the old cell blocks. Some even claim to feel an overwhelming sense of dread in certain areas of the prison, especially the solitary confinement cells.
2. The Ridges (Athens Lunatic Asylum) – Athens
The Ridges, formerly the Athens Lunatic Asylum, is among the most haunted sites in the state. Opened in 1874, this asylum treated patients with a variety of conditions using what are now considered cruel methods, such as lobotomies and electroshock therapy. Many of those who died were buried in unmarked graves on the grounds.
One of the most chilling legends is that of Margaret Schilling, a patient who mysteriously disappeared in 1978 and was found dead weeks later. Her body left an eerie stain on the floor that couldn’t be removed—still visible today. People have claimed to hear her whispers and laughter late at night in the now-vacant buildings.
3. Franklin Castle – Cleveland
Franklin Castle is a Victorian-era mansion steeped in mystery and tragedy. Built in 1865 by German immigrant Hannes Tiedemann, the house saw numerous deaths within a short period, including several of Tiedemann’s children and his wife. Rumors swirled about secret passageways, occult practices, and even murders within its walls.
Today, Franklin Castle is widely considered one of the most haunted houses in the Midwest. Witnesses describe hearing children crying, doors slamming on their own, and ghostly figures roaming the halls. Some even report feeling watched or physically touched by unseen forces.
4. Moonville Tunnel – McArthur
Hidden deep in the Zaleski State Forest, the Moonville Tunnel is all that remains of a long-gone mining town. Isolated and surrounded by dense woods, the tunnel is shrouded in ghostly legends. The most famous tale is that of a railroad worker who was struck and killed by a train in the 1800s. Many believe his spirit still lingers, waving a lantern in warning.
Hikers and thrill-seekers often report cold breezes, disembodied voices, and even apparitions. It’s not uncommon to hear footsteps echoing inside the tunnel—despite being alone.
5. Licking County Historic Jail – Newark
Built in 1889, the Licking County Historic Jail housed murderers, thieves, and violent offenders. The building itself resembles a fortress, with thick walls and heavy iron bars. Over the years, several inmates died under suspicious circumstances, and one sheriff even took his own life in the building.
Today, the jail is no longer active but welcomes ghost tours and paranormal investigators. Reports include screaming, door slamming, and shadowy figures roaming the cell blocks. It’s widely considered one of the most active haunted locations in central Ohio.
6. Buxton Inn – Granville
Dating back to 1812, the Buxton Inn is not only one of Ohio’s oldest continuously operating inns but also one of its most haunted. Over the years, the inn has hosted many travelers—and, allegedly, some who never left. Several former owners and staff members are believed to haunt the building, including a former innkeeper known as “Major Buxton.”
Guests have reported seeing apparitions, particularly a woman in blue, hearing footsteps on empty staircases, and even experiencing cold spots in specific rooms. Despite the ghost stories, the inn remains a popular and cozy destination.
7. Sedamsville Rectory – Cincinnati
Located on the west side of Cincinnati, the Sedamsville Rectory was once a residence for Catholic priests. The building is now abandoned, but its past is anything but forgotten. Paranormal investigators claim that the rectory is plagued by dark energy, possibly due to past abuse allegations and documented tragedies within the church community.
Visitors often describe being overwhelmed by sadness, seeing shadow figures dart down hallways, and experiencing electronic malfunctions. It has been featured on several ghost hunting TV shows and continues to attract those curious about the paranormal.
8. Loveland Castle (Château Laroche) – Loveland
While this medieval-style castle might look like a fairy tale on the outside, it’s said to hold some ghostly secrets. Built by a single man, Sir Harry Andrews, beginning in the 1920s, Loveland Castle is now a museum and historical site. Sir Harry lived in the castle until his death in 1981, and many believe his spirit never left.
Visitors and staff have reported seeing a man in medieval garb walking the halls, strange lights at night, and sudden temperature drops in certain rooms. Some even claim to have seen ghostly knights standing guard over the castle grounds.
Final Thoughts
Ohio’s haunted history offers more than just eerie tales—it reflects a past filled with tragedy, mystery, and the unexplained. Whether you’re exploring old prisons, tunnels, or historic mansions, these locations continue to attract those brave enough to seek a brush with the supernatural. So if you’re up for a ghostly adventure, these eight haunted sites should be at the top of your Ohio itinerary—just don’t forget your flashlight.