Ohio's Haunted Haunts: Ghost Stories from the Buckeye State | Ep. 35

In this episode, we’re uncovering ten of Ohio’s most haunted locations, where history meets the supernatural. From eerie prisons to ghostly mansions, the Buckeye State has plenty of haunted tales to keep you up at night. So grab a cozy seat, turn down the lights, and join me as we explore the haunted side of Ohio.

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Featured Locations:

Ohio State Reformatory
100 Reformatory Rd, Mansfield, OH 44905
The Ohio State Reformatory is also rumored to be haunted by a guard who once worked in the East Cell Block, where he was reportedly murdered by an inmate. The guard’s ghost has been seen wandering the upper levels, and some visitors have experienced sudden cold spots and the sensation of being watched. Ghost tours of the Reformatory are known to provide EVP sessions and access to areas where paranormal activity is most intense.

Moonville Tunnel
Hope-Moonville Rd, McArthur, OH 45651
In addition to the railroad worker, some visitors have reported seeing the apparition of a man dressed in 19th-century clothing, believed to be one of the miners from the old town of Moonville. The area surrounding the tunnel is also known for strange misty figures that seem to materialize along the tracks, leading some to believe that the entire ghost town of Moonville might be haunted.

Franklin Castle
4308 Franklin Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44113
Another haunting tied to Franklin Castle involves a ghostly child, believed to be the spirit of a Tiedemann child who died in the house. Visitors have reported hearing the sound of a child’s laughter and feeling sudden drops in temperature. The secret rooms and passageways within Franklin Castle are also said to conceal a dark history, and some believe the castle’s haunted reputation is tied to these hidden areas.

Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
The Music Hall is also known for its phantom orchestra—guests have reported hearing the sound of an entire ensemble tuning up and playing music that seems to come from the walls themselves. During a late-night renovation, workers reported strange lights in the grand ballroom, as if a ghostly ball was being held in the empty space.

Old Licking County Jail
46 S 3rd St, Newark, OH 43055
In addition to Carl Etherington’s ghost, the jail is also haunted by the spirit of a former inmate who was believed to have been wrongfully convicted. Visitors to the jail report hearing the sound of sobbing and have seen a shadowy figure sitting in one of the cells, as if still awaiting release. Some investigators have captured eerie EVPs, with voices calling out for justice.

Buxton Inn
313 E Broadway, Granville, OH 43023
Guests have also reported seeing a ghostly cat that roams the Buxton Inn, believed to have belonged to one of the inn’s previous owners. The phantom feline is often spotted lounging by the fireplace, and guests sometimes feel a sudden, inexplicable warmth when it appears. The inn’s basement is also rumored to be haunted, with reports of moving shadows and ghostly whispers.

The Ridges (Athens Lunatic Asylum)
78 Hospital Dr, Athens, OH 45701
In addition to Margaret Schilling’s ghost, some visitors report seeing shadowy figures in the old asylum’s graveyard, where thousands of patients are buried in unmarked graves. Paranormal investigators have captured unusual readings and cold spots in the graveyard, which many believe is a hotspot for spiritual activity tied to the asylum’s past.

Lafayette Hotel
101 Front St, Marietta, OH 45750
The Lafayette Hotel is also known for sightings of a ghostly couple dressed in formal attire, believed to be guests who perished in one of the hotel’s fires. Witnesses have seen the couple dancing in the hotel’s ballroom, as if reliving a happier time. There have also been reports of old-fashioned music playing in the background, only for it to stop suddenly when someone enters the room.

Majestic Theatre
45 E 2nd St, Chillicothe, OH 45601
The Majestic Theatre is also haunted by the spirit of a former performer who is said to linger in the backstage area, still preparing for his final curtain call. Staff have reported hearing the faint sound of a piano playing, as well as disembodied voices singing old show tunes, even when the theater is empty. The theater’s dressing rooms are known for their eerie vibes, with makeup mirrors lighting up on their own.

Prospect Place Mansion
12150 Main St, Trinway, OH 43842
Visitors to Prospect Place Mansion have also reported hearing the sound of horses’ hooves and wagon wheels near the barn, where many enslaved people were hidden during their escape. Some say they’ve seen the apparition of George Adams himself, standing near the mansion’s front door, keeping watch over the historic home.