Lackawanna County Haunted Trail
Are you afraid of the dark? Uncover the mysterious and paranormal side of Lackawanna County with the Lackawanna County Haunted Trail. We compiled our area's most haunted and spooky locations. Follow along the map as you read about the bone-chilling tales of ghostly figures and unexplainable phenomena, many with unique historical backgrounds. You may have an otherwordly experience of your own... you know what they say, history loves company!
Looking for a guided tour?
The Lackawanna Historical Society offers Scranton After Dark Haunted Walking Tours that cover most of the walkable Downtown Scranton locations on our map. Guided tours run every Friday throughout October.
• 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘄 - 𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗘 𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 •
👻 INTERACTIVE MAP 👻
Plan your ghostly self-guided tour... if you dare.
1. Catlin House • Lackawanna Historical Society
This three-story English Tudor Revival building, built in 1912, is the home of the Lackawanna Historical Society. It was designed by the renowned Scranton architect Edward Langley and originally served as the private residence of George Catlin, a prominent Scranton banker and lawyer, along with his wife, Helen. The Catlin House contains an extensive collection of artifacts and period furnishings donated to the Historical Society by Lackawanna County residents.
In recent years, the Catlin House has gained a reputation for experiencing various forms of paranormal activity. These strange occurrences include unexplained shadows and eerie, unsettling feelings reported in the second-floor fashion room. One volunteer even recounted a bizarre incident where they felt momentarily transported back in time after hearing a train whistle emanating from the closet, almost as if they got caught in an unexplainable vortex. Another volunteer felt he was constantly being watched and witnessed one of the antique gowns float above him.
As you explore the rooms of this exquisite building, take note if you sense the presence of the Catlin family or any other supernatural visitors who may have never left these historic grounds.
2. The Colonnade
In 1870, The Colonnade was constructed as the residence of Colonel Austin Blair. This elegant Victorian estate was the scene of many extravagant parties attended by local socialites and prominent residents of Scranton. The building fell into ruin after being neglected for years before the current owners restored it to its former splendor. Today, The Colonnade functions as a bed and breakfast as well as a venue for special events. Beyond the bridal showers and family reunions this iconic building may host, it is also the site of one very well-documented apparition.
The Colonnade has been visited by the apparition of a young boy. His presence became apparent in a photograph taken during the building's restoration; remarkably, he was not physically present when the picture was captured, only revealing himself after the photo was developed. To date, there have been no further sightings or photographic evidence of this mysterious young boy, and his identity remains uncertain. Intriguingly, the upper floors of the building were once said to echo with the voices of unseen children.
If you decide to pay a visit, keep an eye out for a possible sighting of this young visitor from another era. Whether or not you encounter the ghostly figure, you can still appreciate the historical beauty of this remarkable building.
3. Scranton Public Library
The Scranton Public Library (Albright Memorial Library Building) was completed in 1893 by businessman John Joseph Albright, who constructed this elegant building in the style of the famous Cluny Museum in Paris.
Over the years, the library has become known for various paranormal phenomena. Visitors and staff have reported sightings of mysterious shadows in the basement, doors opening and closing on their own, orbs appearing on the staircases, and books seemingly falling from shelves without any apparent cause. Whether these incidents are the result of ghostly hands remains a mystery. Recently, paranormal investigators have documented numerous instances of supernatural activity throughout the building, including the basement.
Stop in to browse through books or explore this historic building to see if you feel the presence of otherwordly spirits. Who would've thought that ghosts like to read?
4. Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple
The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is a regional hub for the arts, education, and community activities in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This magnificent building was completed in 1930 as a Masonic Temple of the Scottish Rite. The primary material used during the construction, Indiana limestone, is believed to store significant amounts of residual paranormal energy.
Within the 180,000-square-foot structure "lives" a curious apparition known as Sarah, a young girl who occasionally observes performances from the left balcony. Witnesses have also seen peculiar lights and elusive shadows lingering around this balcony, along with the sightings of Sarah's translucent image. Yet, this barely scratches the surface of eerie encounters inside the Scranton Cultural Center.
Sounds of children laughing and playing, along with the distinct sound of footsteps, often resonate throughout the theater's upper rows. Visitors and performers often hear what sounds like an object being dragged across the stage when no one is present. There have also been documented sightings of a ghostly figure in the library.
The next time you attend a Broadway in Scranton show at the Scranton Cultural Center, you may experience the unexplainable firsthand. The spirits there might leave the ghost light on for you!
5. AV Restaurant & Lounge
AV Restaurant & Lounge, formerly Eisner and Sons Dry Goods and later The Banshee Pub, has a rich history steeped in supernatural occurrences. This popular dining establishment is located along the Penn Avenue Historic District, a charming area with many restored buildings that showcase the breathtaking architecture of 19th-century Scranton's commercial district.
In a testament to its ghostly reputation, the Food Network named AV the most haunted restaurant in Pennsylvania in 2019. Beneath the restaurant's floors lies a chilling reminder of the past, as its basement once served as a temporary morgue during the 1918 Influenza epidemic, tragically claiming the lives of countless local residents. The paranormal evidence is compelling, with unexplained icy drafts and numerous accounts from visitors who claim to have felt the touch of an unknown presence lurking in the basement. There have also been sightings of an otherwordly apparition that floats above the second-floor stairway.
Share a delightful meal with friends where the possibility of encountering a spectral visitor looms tantalizingly close. Perhaps these ethereal guests have simply come to savor a delectable dinner, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your unforgettable dining experience!
6. Hotel Jermyn
The former Hotel Jermyn, constructed in 1895, has since been transformed into residential apartments. The hotel was a premier destination in its prime, hosting renowned actors, historical figures, performers, and prominent businessmen. However, from its very inception, an unsettling aura shrouded Hotel Jermyn. During its construction, a carpenter named Charlie Weiss met a fatal end, plummeting 80 feet to his demise. Yet, the tales of tragic occurrences don't end there!
Staff members and residents have encountered a ghostly presence known as "Eleanor," believed to be an actress from the 1930s. The tragic narrative surrounding Eleanor involves a fateful fall, voluntary or at the hands of another, from a balcony on either the sixth or seventh floor of Hotel Jermyn, ultimately leading to her untimely death. She is known to play tricks on people in the building, such as mischievously misplacing and hiding others' personal belongings.
In 2010, a paranormal team conducted an investigation in the former hotel's theater, successfully making contact with Eleanor. During their session, the spirit revealed clues about her identity, disclosing that her last name began with the letter "B" and that the date of her passing was May 2, 1940. Intriguingly, no historical records prove the existence of an individual with her name paired with that specific death date. To this day, Eleanor's lingering spirit remains a mystery.
7. The Ritz Theater & Performing Arts Center
Constructed in 1906 under the original name "The Poli," The Ritz Theater & Performing Arts Center has a prestigious history, hosting famous performers such as Harry Houdini, W.C. Fields, and Will Rogers. Over the years, this acclaimed establishment has undergone various transformations, from renovations to rebranding efforts, each alteration providing more opportunities for spectral entities to stick around.
Throughout its existence, The Ritz has gained a reputation for unexplained phenomena, with reports of faint footsteps echoing on the staircases, ethereal singing emanating from the attic, and otherworldly apparitions haunting its corridors. This supernatural activity has prompted numerous paranormal investigations and even earned the theater a featured spot on an episode of the television series, "The Ghost Finders."
The Ritz Theater & Performing Arts Center is now home to the Creative and Performing Arts Academy of NEPA, an arts program for all ages, and the Ritz Mainstage Players, a semi-professional theater company. We encourage you to see a live performance at this historic venue and savor the unique architecture surrounding you. When the curtain closes and the lights dim, you may just hear the eerie echoes of performances long past.
8. Jason Miller Memorial Bust
Here lies the memorial bust of Jason Miller, the acclaimed actor known for his role as Father Damien Karras in the iconic film "The Exorcist" (1973). While supernatural apparitions may not grace this location, it is rumored that a portion of the late actor's ashes live inside the bronze statue. Whether this claim will ever be confirmed or denied, it's still interesting for horror fans to discover that this classic film has ties to Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Jason Miller spent most of his life residing in Scranton and graduated from The University of Scranton before starting his journey to fame. After reprising his role in "The Exorcist III," he returned to Scranton in 1982 to become the artistic director at Scranton Public Theatre. One could say that he was truly "possessed" by his passion for the arts. Miller went on to direct the film adaption of his famed play, "That Championship Season," which was based and filmed in Scranton.
On May 13, 2001, Jason Miller suffered a heart attack at the former Farley's Eatery & Pub, now known as City Market and Cafe in Downtown Scranton. In honor of his remarkable life and outstanding achievements, the bronze memorial was unveiled in 2008, still standing in the heart of Downtown Scranton, in Courthouse Square.
9. Everhart Museum
The Everhart Museum, located on the grounds of Nay Aug Park, is one of Northeastern Pennsylvania's oldest museums. Founded in 1908 by Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart, the museum is not only known for its vast collection of art, natural history, and cultural artifacts but also for its mysterious and longstanding reputation as a hub of paranormal activity.
Over the years, accounts from museum staff, visitors, and even paranormal investigators have fueled stories of a lingering spirit within the museum – purportedly that of Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart himself. In 1911, Dr. Everhart slipped and fell on the museum's floor, resulting in a fractured hip. Tragically, he later succumbed to complications from his injury.
Many now believe that his spirit continues to wander the museum's halls, with witnesses reporting inexplicable phenomena such as sudden drops in temperature, faint whispers, and even objects mysteriously moving on their own. These occurrences have only added to the enduring mystique of the Everhart Museum. Pay a visit for his spirit and stay for the incredible exhibits!
10. Andy Gavin's Eatery & Pub
Originally constructed in the late 19th century as a private residence and physician's office, this beloved local eatery and pub has a rich history dating back to around 1890. Over the years, the building has seen numerous transformations and housed various businesses until it found its identity as Andy Gavin's in 1960. It is currently preserving its name even after an ownership change in 1988. Since then, there have been reports of paranormal encounters within the building, particularly during times of renovation.
Within these historic walls, a ghostly presence named "George" is said to roam, finding amusement in playfully teasing both the staff and patrons. Witnessed phenomena include flickering lights, tables and chairs moving around after hours, and glasses flying off the shelves. Some say the restroom stall doors lock on their own with no one inside, followed by an unexplainable flush!
George, who has frequented the pub for many years, has no ill intentions toward those who venture inside. He's just a mischievous spirit who enjoys playful antics. When you decide to pay a visit to Andy Gavin's for a delightful meal and perhaps a few libations, keep an open mind—you might have the opportunity to meet George!
11. Forest Hill Cemetery
Forest Hill Cemetery was chartered in April 1870. This historic cemetery holds about 350 Civil War veterans, a few Confederate soldiers, and Vietnam War veterans. Among the honored are also some of Scranton's earliest visionaries and entrepreneurs. It's no wonder that Forest Hill has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted cemeteries in our area.
Over the years, visitors to this sacred burial ground have shared tales of encountering ghostly figures that roam amongst the tombstones. More frequently, however, individuals have described having an eerie yet peaceful feeling while walking through these consecrated burial sites. Strangely enough, many find comfort in these old gravestones, and it's not uncommon to cross paths with living souls who, like you, are taking a contemplative stroll through Forest Hill.
While the cemetery is a final resting place for the departed, it also harbors a thriving haven for nature. Keep an eye out for plush moss, beautifully overgrown foliage, and an array of mushroom species that flourish in this unique environment. Experiencing Forest Hill Cemetary during the fall season is something otherworldly in and of itself!
12. The Theater at North
The Theater at North resides in the historic building that was once North Scranton Junior High School, constructed between 1922 and 1924. After the school's closure in 1987, it was significantly renovated in 2015. It now serves as 58 senior living units, leaving the fully restored theater in the heart of the building.
Among the local community, those who attended this school in days gone by can tell you many haunted tales and unexplainable occurrences that have unfolded within these very walls. Some will say these paranormal claims are legitimate, while others claim it was just lore spun by the imaginative minds of junior high school students. Local paranormal investigators have ventured into The Theater at North, finding compelling evidence of unseen forces at play in certain corners of the building.
The Theater at North frequently hosts live shows and performances. While you're sitting in the audience, keep an eye out for apparitions or sudden chilling gusts of air. Should you find yourself covered in goosebumps from more than an outstanding performance, you might just wonder if there's a ghostly figure nearby, enjoying the show from the shadows behind you!
13. Carbondale City Hall
The city of Carbondale constructed its first City Hall in 1851, but a devastating fire destroyed the wooden building. Rising from the ashes, it was reconstructed in 1860, and its transformation continued in 1895 with the addition of a three-story section and the iconic clock tower. While this building boasts many unique structures, one element sets it apart. Nestled within the basement of Carbondale City Hall remain jail cells that are over a century old.
There were two alleged deaths within the confines of these underground cells. Several paranormal investigators have reported feeling pockets of cold air, eerie noises, and unsettling feelings while exploring the building. In past investigations, the technology used to capture paranormal activity has detected disembodied voices uttering ominous words like "fear" and "run."
For most, access to certain areas within Carbondale City Hall, such as the basement, remains restricted. However, local ghost hunters periodically host events, granting you access to these haunted areas. Despite this, visitors have still felt and heard unexplainable things in other common areas of the building.
