Want to enjoy a vacation with a bit of the historic and a dash of the paranormal? Then think about visiting Pennsylvania—with a history dating back to the 1600s, the state is chock full of fabulous destinations that have plenty to see and do—especially for those with a taste for the macabre.
Below are some of the best cities and towns to visit in the Keystone State for travelers who want a spooky experience and a fun vacation destination all rolled into one.
Jim Thorpe’s Old Jail Museum
Jim Thorpe is a historic Pennsylvania town just south of the state’s lovely Pocono Mountain region. Filled with charm and scenic beauty, Jim Thorpe is also known as the site of The Old Jail Museum—a spooky spot where visitors can take a tour and see the place where seven accused coal miners (known as Molly Maguires) were jailed and eventually executed in the 1800s. Full of local lore and eerie historical heritage, this creepy tour is the perfect introduction to the town’s distinctive history that dates back centuries. Tours $11 Adults, $9 Teenagers Ages 13-17, $6 Children Ages 6-12, Active Duty Military Free With ID
Gettysburg’s Farnsworth House Inn
Gettysburg is a city steeped in history—most notably due to the famous Civil War battle that took place there in 1863, and as being the site of Abraham Lincoln’s subsequent post-battle Gettysburg Address. But it’s not the battlefield that is the site of Gettysburg’s most haunted spot, but rather its famous lodging, the Farnsworth House Inn. Many consider this lodging one of the most haunted places in the country, due to its history of housing soldiers during the bloody Civil War battle—and the property definitely embraces this heritage through its ghostly reputation and events that include tours and local ghost hunts. Rates start at $145/night
Bedford’s Jean Bonnet Tavern
Bedford is a charming town in South Central Pennsylvania that is known for its beautiful natural scenery and distinctive history that goes back centuries. Not only was the city the site of military headquarters that famously hosted George Washington, it’s also home to the reportedly haunted Jean Bonnet Tavern—known for its ghostly vibes and paranormal occurrences. Now a quaint, lovely spot that has both lodging and dining options, this over 250-year old Tavern is a great place to visit for those who want to experience the area’s haunting history. Rates in the historic B&B start at $120/night
Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Bethlehem is known for its storied history that dates back centuries; from colonial times through the Industrial Revolution and into the 21st century, the city has embraced its historic heritage with a number of local landmarks—most notably on its historic Main Street, the site of the famous Hotel Bethlehem. A beautiful hotel recently named USA Today’s 2021 Most Historic Hotel, this lovely Bethlehem institution is also reportedly home to more than just history—it’s also known as a haunt for several ghosts and paranormal sightings. Rooms start at $269/night
Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary
The city of Brotherly Love has its fair share of history—and the largest city in PA doesn’t fail to impress with a multitude of attractions that keep visitors coming back year after year. A vibrant, eclectic city known as the home of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and so many more historic spots, the Eastern State Penitentiary is simply one of many popular landmarks—albeit arguably the most haunted of them all. Boasting an almost 200-year history, the penitentiary is known for its tours that are eerie during the day, and downright spooky at night—be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the ghosts of former prisoners that are said to wander the abandoned cellblocks. Daytime tickets purchased online are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $13 for children 7-12. Winter Night Tours are also available, tickets start at $19
PA’s Most Popular Haunted Tours
Want to embrace more of Pennsylvania’s unique history and haunted tourist attractions? Then check out some of the Keystone State’s most popular haunted tours to add a hint of spookiness to your PA getaway.
- Ghost Tour of Lancaster City Lancaster is the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country and has no shortage of culture and history to explore. This tour introduces visitors to the spookier side of the historic Amish city. Tickets are $20/person, $15 ages 4-12, and can be purchased online or by phone
- Ghost Tours of New Hope This charming riverside community is known for its small-town feel and myriad of cultural and historic attractions. With an over 200-year old history, it also boasts its share of haunted happenings, too—that can be experienced by taking this lantern-led tour of the town. Public tours are $10 per person and are every Saturday at 8 PM, June through November
- Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour The Steel City has its share of history and is known for being a dynamic and vibrant tourist destination in Western PA. However, with all that history comes a haunted reputation—some even say the Burgh is one of the country’s most haunted spots—and one of the best ways to experience it is by taking this self-described “spine-tingling tour” that includes sites like the Allegheny County Jail. Tours run from Spring through early November. Tickets are $18 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under and can be purchased online.
Pennsylvania is packed with history that dates back to colonial times, and there’s no shortage of diverse towns and cities throughout the state that showcases its historic heritage beautifully—including its more haunted and eerie side. For those looking for a vacation that is part history, part paranormal, and all charm, you can’t go wrong with the lovely Keystone State.