Ohio doesn’t offer traditional ghost towns for overnight stays, but you’ll find something better—historic haunted inns where spirits actively share the space with guests. Properties like Buxton Inn (1812), Punderson Manor (1929), and Hotel Millersburg (1824) let you sleep in rooms where paranormal activity occurs regularly, from phantom footsteps to apparitions in vintage clothing. These aren’t abandoned ruins—they’re fully operational hotels combining modern amenities with genuine supernatural encounters, especially during peak activity season from late September through early November when the veil between worlds grows thinnest.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio offers historic haunted inns rather than traditional ghost towns, with properties dating back to the early 1800s.
- Buxton Inn, Ohio’s oldest continuously operating inn since 1812, provides haunted overnight stays in 25 guest rooms.
- Hotel Millersburg, established in 1824, offers accommodations in Ohio’s third oldest continuously operated hotel with spectral legends.
- Spread Eagle Tavern features overnight stays in an 1837 building with Underground Railroad tunnels and paranormal activity.
- Columbian House Hotel, built in 1828, combines historic accommodations with ghost legends from former jail cells and ballroom.
Buxton Inn: Where Presidents and Spirits Meet in Granville
Nestled in the heart of historic Granville, the Buxton Inn stands as Ohio’s oldest continuously operating inn, where antebellum charm mingles with paranormal intrigue.
Built in 1812 as “The Tavern,” this 24,000-square-foot property showcases stunning historical architecture across five interconnected buildings housing 25 distinctive guest rooms.
You’ll walk the same halls where Abraham Lincoln once slept in Room 7, and where William Henry Harrison famously rode his horse into the ballroom.
The original stone cellar and Prohibition-era speakeasy remain intact, offering glimpses into America’s past. Stagecoach drivers once cooked their meals and slept on straw beds in this very cellar, complete with its original stone fireplace and wooden beams.
But it’s the ghostly legends that’ll captivate you most.
Major Buxton himself reportedly haunts his namesake establishment, while the spirit called Bonnie appears throughout the property.
After surviving a devastating fire in October 2022 and undergoing extensive renovations completed by April 2024, the historic landmark has reopened its doors to guests.
You’re not just booking accommodation—you’re experiencing living history where presidential legacies and supernatural encounters intertwine.
Punderson Manor: Newbury’s Five-Star Haunted Retreat
You’ll find Punderson Manor’s haunted reputation centers on specific locations within the 1929 English Tudor mansion, where employees first reported unexplained phenomena in the late 1970s.
Guests have witnessed everything from a hanging apparition in the lounge that lingered for three hours before vanishing to mysterious figures wandering the halls of this five-star retreat overlooking Punderson Lake.
Your overnight stay at this 505-acre estate offers modern amenities alongside encounters with spirits tied to tragic legends from the property’s complex past. The Windsor Suite remains the most actively haunted room, where visitors report rocking chairs moving on their own and doors slamming without explanation.
The mansion’s construction involved Karl Long’s Tudor mansion, a lavish 43-room estate that cost approximately $250,000 before Long defaulted on his mortgage in 1929.
Manor’s Paranormal Activity Hotspots
Since the 1970s, visitors and staff at Punderson Manor have reported unsettling paranormal encounters throughout the historic lodge. The most chilling incident occurred in 1979 when park employees witnessed a man hanging by his neck from the lounge rafters—the apparition remained visible for three hours before fading away.
Many believe it’s Karl Long, who allegedly took his own life in the manor’s attic after the 1929 stock market crash devastated his fortune. You’ll find the attic remains a focal point for paranormal investigation, along with the lounge where that haunting figure appeared.
Spirit communication attempts have centered on these locations, though the apparitions’ identities remain mysterious. The Windsor Suite has earned a reputation as the most haunted area of the manor, where guests have reported feelings of being held down and extreme terror. Despite numerous strange occurrences, the manor welcomes guests seeking both luxury accommodations and supernatural thrills. The property’s English Tudor architectural design adds to the gothic atmosphere that paranormal enthusiasts find irresistible.
Guest Encounters and Phenomena
Guests at Punderson Manor describe experiences that range from subtle unease to terrifying confrontations with the unexplained. You’ll hear urban legends about phantom footsteps echoing through empty corridors at midnight and doors that lock themselves from within.
Visitors report spectral sightings of a woman in vintage clothing near the grand staircase, while others describe sudden temperature drops in specific rooms. You might encounter objects mysteriously relocated overnight or experience the unsettling sensation of being watched in the manor’s oldest wing.
Some guests have photographed unexplained orbs and shadow figures, particularly around the original Tudor-style architecture. The manor features 31 guestrooms and 26 cottages, providing ample accommodations for those seeking paranormal experiences throughout the property. The property’s scenic lakeside location adds an eerie atmosphere when fog rolls across the water during early morning hours.
Whether you’re a skeptic or believer, these encounters have transformed Punderson Manor into Ohio’s most intriguing overnight destination for paranormal enthusiasts.
Booking Your Haunted Stay
Ready to spend a night among the spirits? Booking your stay at Punderson Manor is straightforward through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ official website. You’ll choose between the 31-room manor house with its haunted architecture or one of 26 cozy two-bedroom cabins nestled in the park.
The Windsor Suite—formerly known as the Tower master bedroom—offers the most immersive experience among ghostly legends. You can also reserve special haunted history tour packages that dive deep into the mansion’s paranormal past.
What awaits you:
- Gothic Tudor mansion where Karl Long’s unfinished dreams still linger
- Year-round availability for spontaneous ghost-hunting adventures
- Conference facilities perfect for hosting your own paranormal investigation group
This state-operated lodge welcomes both skeptics and believers seeking authentic haunted encounters. The property is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Cleveland in Northeast Ohio’s Punderson State Park, making it an easy getaway for urban ghost hunters. Guests have reported hearing sounds of children’s laughter echoing through the halls despite no children being present in the manor.
Hotel Millersburg: Nearly Two Centuries of Spectral Encounters
Nestled in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, Hotel Millersburg has welcomed weary travelers since 1824, when it first opened as a humble stagecoach stop and tavern. The 1847 building you’ll enter today, erected by Sampson Bever, ranks as Ohio’s third oldest continuously operating hotel.
Since 1824, this historic stagecoach stop has offered refuge to travelers, standing as Ohio’s third oldest continuously operating hotel.
Its haunted architecture features Amish-handcrafted hallways where spectral legends come alive after dark.
You might encounter the elderly gentleman in early 1900s attire who vanishes through lobby walls, or hear the little girl’s footsteps on the second floor—she’s rumored to have fallen through a window decades ago.
Guests report stolen valuables, mysterious door knocking, and flickering lights in empty hallways.
Security cameras capture ghostly orbs, while staff members experience unexplained cold spots and moving objects throughout the building.
Spread Eagle Tavern: Hanoverton’s Underground Railroad Haunt
You’ll discover one of Ohio’s finest examples of Federal architecture when you step into the 1837 Spread Eagle Tavern, where canal artisans built this historic inn along the Sandy and Beaver Canal route.
Beneath your feet lies a secret Underground Railroad tunnel that once connected neighboring buildings, guiding freedom seekers toward Canada through Hanoverton’s Quaker abolitionist community.
The spirit of Olivia Nicholas, daughter of the original owner who tragically ended her life here, still wanders the hallways alongside whispers of Abraham Lincoln’s legendary stagecoach stop.
Federal Architecture and History
Rising three stories above Plymouth Street since 1837, the Spread Eagle Tavern stands as one of northeast Ohio’s finest examples of Federal period architecture. Built by Will Rhodes using skilled canal artisans idled by the 1837 Bank Panic, this structure showcases colonial-style proportions and authentic saltbox design.
The two-year restoration from 1988-1990 demonstrated exceptional historical preservation, maintaining original wood framing while reviving heritage features.
You’ll discover history layered throughout:
- Revolutionary War muskets and founding-era flags adorning walls where free travelers once gathered
- Antique-filled guest rooms with period furnishings that transport you beyond modern constraints
- The Lincoln Room’s fireplace where an alleged pre-dinner speech honored individual liberty
The tavern adjoins its pre-existing Justice of the Peace office, creating an architectural testament to America’s formative years.
Underground Railroad Tunnel Secrets
Beneath the floorboards of this 1837 tavern lies a darker chapter of American history—one where desperate footsteps echoed through underground passages toward freedom. You’ll discover remnants of tunnels connecting George Sloan’s “Brick Row” to Dr. James Robertson’s home across Plymouth Street.
Fugitives hid in secret upstairs rooms accessible only through second-story windows. Ancient legends and folklore traditions speak of nighttime escapes via Sandy and Beaver Canal boats bound for Canada.
Built by Quaker abolitionists who settled Hanoverton in 1813, this midway canal stop provided perfect cover for Underground Railroad operations. The canal’s closure in 1854 preserved these secrets beneath ten national historic trust buildings.
Today, you can witness where courage traveled through darkness toward liberation.
Olevia and Presidential Spirits
When Peter Johnson purchased the crumbling Spread Eagle Tavern at auction in 1988, he didn’t realize he was acquiring a resident spirit along with the 1837 Federal-style building.
Olivina Nicholas, daughter of original owner Will Rhodes, returned from her New York acting career in the late 1800s only to face heartbreak when her fiancé abandoned her. Her nightly hallway crying drove her father to lock her bedroom door, but tragedy struck when she hanged herself outside her window.
Today, Olivina’s spirits haunt this haunted tavern alongside presidential history—Abraham Lincoln allegedly stopped here, delivering a fireside speech in what’s now the Lincoln Room.
You’ll discover:
- Revolutionary War muskets mounted beside worn Senate chairs
- Third-floor Masonic meeting spaces from 1863
- Olivina’s restless presence prompting midnight guest departures
The 180-year-old inn blends colonial atmosphere with unsettling encounters.
Rider’s Inn: Painesville’s Civil War Soldier Still Stands Watch
Just two and a half miles from Lake Erie’s shores, Rider’s Inn has welcomed travelers since Joseph Rider constructed it in 1812 as a stagecoach stop on the essential route between Cleveland and Buffalo.
You’ll discover layers of American history here—from its Underground Railroad refuge in the basement to its Prohibition-era speakeasy days.
Historical preservation meets paranormal research at this 213-year-old landmark.
You might encounter Suzanne near the nailed-shut door, or Roseanne roaming the halls.
The Civil War soldier spirit still stands his eternal watch, recognized by locals who’ve witnessed his presence.
Self-lighting candles and unlatching doors punctuate your stay in one of eleven unique guestrooms.
Currently operating as Pub 1812, you can enjoy Monday tacos, weekly cruise-ins, and spirited sleepovers in Ohio’s most haunted destination.
Columbian House Hotel: Waterville’s Pioneer Ghost Legacy
Along the Maumee River’s historic banks, the Columbian House Hotel has anchored downtown Waterville since 1828, when town founder John Pray constructed this Federal-style masterpiece as the settlement’s first hotel.
You’ll discover this three-story landmark at Farnsworth and River Road, where it served as stagecoach inn, post office, and social hub.
The 1837 expansion added a third-floor ballroom and second-floor jail, creating spaces where haunted legends now flourish.
Experience the pioneer spirit through:
- Ghostly legends surrounding the building’s former jail cells and ballroom gatherings
- Henry Ford’s documented stays within these historic walls
- Architecture showcasing Roman aqueduct influences and 19th-century innovation
This Federal-style structure remains one of Northwest Ohio’s oldest buildings, preserving Waterville’s founding era.
What to Expect During Your Paranormal Overnight Stay
Beyond architectural marvels and founding-era tales, Ohio’s historic inns deliver supernatural encounters that transform your stay into an otherworldly experience.
You’ll witness apparitions materializing in rooms like Buxton Inn’s Room 7, where Lady in Blue appears and a phantom cat cuddles guests at midnight. Expect invisible footsteps echoing through hallways, self-opening basement doors, and voices calling your name from empty corridors.
Civil War soldiers stand sentinel near windows at Rider’s Inn, while Major Buxton warms his spectral hands by fireplaces.
You can explore normally restricted areas during haunted tours, discovering Underground Railroad tunnels where paranormal activity peaks.
Ghostly photography opportunities abound as these entities manifest throughout the night. Your chances of collecting haunted souvenirs—both tangible artifacts and supernatural memories—increase dramatically when staying in documented hotspots.
Tips for Booking Your Haunted Hotel Experience
Planning your paranormal adventure requires strategic timing and financial preparation to secure the most coveted haunted accommodations. Book during January or February to snag 30% discounts on private investigations at venues steeped in historical ghost stories. You’ll need to reserve early, as these authentic locations fill quickly with fellow thrill-seekers.
Smart paranormal investigators book their haunted accommodations in winter months to maximize savings while securing prime investigation dates at authentic locations.
Essential booking considerations include:
- Imagine walking darkened corridors where governors and mysterious figures once roamed, surrounded by haunted hotel decor that whispers tales of the past.
- Feel the anticipation build as you prepare your ghost hunting equipment for encounters in rooms 7, 9, 14, and 17.
- Experience true freedom from everyday routine while exploring basement passages and hidden areas closed to regular tourists.
Pre-order equipment during reservation, bring sturdy shoes and flashlights, and prepare for an unforgettable investigation.
Best Times to Visit Ohio’s Most Active Haunted Inns
When autumn shadows lengthen across Ohio’s historic landscape, the state’s most haunted inns pulse with heightened paranormal energy. Seasonal ghost activity peaks from late September through early November, when properties like Lafayette Hotel and Hackett Hotel report their most intense encounters.
You’ll find concentrated phenomena in specific locations—The Galley restaurant at Hackett Hotel, Buxton Inn’s Rooms 7 and 9, and Lafayette’s Room 17 deliver consistent spectral experiences.
October offers prime opportunities, with Halloween events drawing fellow enthusiasts to properties like Park Hotel’s October 26 celebration.
While fall dominates paranormal tourism, these inns operate year-round with documented activity across all seasons.
Consider visiting during quieter winter months for intimate encounters without crowds, though haunted hotel amenities and special programming concentrate during autumn’s supernatural surge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Children Allowed to Stay at These Haunted Hotels in Ohio?
Yes, you’ll find these haunted hotels welcome children for spooky sleepovers. While ghost stories create memorable haunted bedtimes, there aren’t documented age restrictions. You’re free to bring your family, though you’ll want to take into account each child’s comfort level.
Do Guests Need to Sign Liability Waivers Before Paranormal Overnight Stays?
Yes, you’ll need to sign liability waivers before paranormal overnight stays. These documents outline liability waiver requirements and paranormal activity disclosures, protecting venues from injury claims while acknowledging inherent risks you’re accepting during your supernatural adventure.
Can Skeptics Request Non-Haunted Rooms at These Historic Ohio Inns?
No formal policies exist for requesting non-haunted rooms at these historic Ohio inns. Historical preservation emphasizes authentic atmosphere throughout, while paranormal investigations document activity hotel-wide. You’ll experience the complete ambiance regardless of room assignment.
Are Pets Permitted at Ohio’s Haunted Hotels and Inns?
You’ll need to contact each haunted inn directly about pet-friendly policies, as they’re not publicly listed. Haunted hotel etiquette typically requires advance notice for furry companions, ensuring your four-legged friend won’t disturb spirits or guests exploring Ohio’s paranormal past.
Do These Haunted Properties Offer Refunds if No Paranormal Activity Occurs?
No, you won’t get refunds if ghosts don’t appear. These properties with 4-5/5 ratings sell their haunted history and ghost story atmosphere, not guaranteed encounters. You’re booking the experience and folklore, not paranormal performances on demand.
References
- https://heritageohio.org/haunted-ohio-hotels/
- https://www.ohiohauntedhouses.com/real-haunts/hotels.aspx
- https://ohioghosttowns.org/top-10-haunted-towns/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNHHNJ4NF00
- https://ohio.org/travel-inspiration/articles/haunted-getaways-for-fall
- https://landollsmohicancastle.com
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g50862-d1370425-r493537438-The_Island_House_Hotel-Port_Clinton_Ohio.html
- https://www.buxtoninn.com/about
- https://myfox28columbus.com/news/local/historic-buxton-inn-in-granville-hits-the-market-for-58-million-real-estate-haunting-main-house-warner-founders-pearl-street-ty-fy-mam-ohio
- https://www.thereportingproject.org/the-buxton-inn-a-landmark-and-historic-treasure-in-downtown-granville-is-for-sale/
