The Hudson Valley is more than just a picturesque stretch of land nestled between the Catskill Mountains and the eastern shores of the Hudson River. It’s a region rich in history, culture, and—of course—ghosts. If you're looking to explore a side of the Hudson Valley that’s not mentioned in the average travel guide, then buckle up. We're about to embark on a journey through the most haunted places in the area. From eerie mansions to haunted lighthouses, these spots will make you reconsider your next weekend getaway. So grab a pumpkin spice latte, settle into your favorite comfy chair, and let’s dive into the spooky side of the Hudson Valley.
A Brief History of the Hudson Valley and Westchester County
Before we get to the ghosts, let’s talk history. The Hudson Valley has long been a site of significant cultural exchange and conflict. Originally inhabited by the Lenape people, the valley was explored by Henry Hudson in 1609 during his search for a northwest passage to Asia. Dutch settlers arrived soon after, establishing trading posts and settlements that laid the foundation for the vibrant communities that exist today.
Westchester County, often considered the southern gateway to the Hudson Valley, played a crucial role during the American Revolution. The area saw numerous skirmishes and was the site of several important military operations. It’s no wonder, then, that the region is steeped in stories of restless spirits. The combination of its historical significance and its natural beauty has made the Hudson Valley and Westchester County hotspots for both history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
1. Bannerman’s Island Arsenal, Beacon
Kicking off our haunted tour is Bannerman’s Island Arsenal, located on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River. The island is dominated by the ruins of a Scottish-style castle built by Francis Bannerman VI, who used the structure to store surplus military goods. The island's history, however, stretches far beyond Bannerman’s eccentric castle.
Native American tribes once feared the island, believing it to be possessed by evil spirits. Later, Dutch settlers used it as a refuge during conflicts with local tribes. The island has seen its fair share of tragedy, including a massive explosion in 1920 that destroyed part of the arsenal and a mysterious fire in 1969 that gutted the remaining structures. Visitors today report hearing disembodied cries during storms, attributed to the crew of a shipwrecked vessel said to haunt the waters surrounding the island. The sense of isolation combined with the eerie ruins makes this a top spot for ghost hunters
Can You Visit? Yes, you can visit Bannerman’s Island. Tours are available through the Bannerman Castle Trust, which offers guided excursions to the island, including walking tours of the castle ruins. The tours typically run from May through October, and you can book your adventure through their official website.
2. Sunnyside, Tarrytown
If you’ve ever read Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” you know the area around Tarrytown is steeped in ghostly lore. Irving’s own home, Sunnyside, is no exception. Located on the banks of the Hudson River, this quaint, gothic-revival cottage was Irving’s sanctuary in life—and, some say, in death.
Visitors to Sunnyside have reported strange occurrences, including ghostly apparitions believed to be Irving himself. Eerie sounds echo through the halls, and cold spots are frequently felt, particularly in the library where Irving did much of his writing. The connection to one of America’s most famous ghost stories only adds to the mystique of this haunted location
Can You Visit? Yes, Sunnyside is open to the public. It is operated by Historic Hudson Valley, which offers guided tours of the home and grounds. The site is especially popular during the fall, thanks to its connection to "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."
3. Shanley Hotel, Napanoch
The Shanley Hotel isn’t just haunted—it’s notorious. Located in Ulster County, this hotel has a reputation that extends far beyond the Hudson Valley. Paranormal activity is so frequent here that it’s been featured on numerous TV shows, including "Ghost Hunters" and "Ghost Lab."
Guests at the Shanley Hotel have reported a wide array of spooky experiences: chairs rocking by themselves, clocks chiming at odd hours, and the unsettling sound of children laughing. Perhaps the most famous ghost is that of a mobster named Joe, who is said to still roam the halls. The hotel also boasts a ghostly cat named Sweet Nothing, whose presence is often detected by guests with cat allergies. If you’re looking for a place where the spirits outnumber the living, the Shanley Hotel is it
Can You Visit? Yes, the Shanley Hotel is open for overnight stays, and they even offer paranormal investigation packages for those brave enough to spend the night. Reservations are required, and it’s advisable to book well in advance, especially during the Halloween season.
4. Mid-Orange Correctional Facility, Warwick
Moving on to something a bit darker, we have the Mid-Orange Correctional Facility. Originally opened in the 1930s as a reform school for troubled boys, this facility has a history that’s as tragic as it is eerie. The site was later converted into a correctional facility for adult inmates, but its reputation for hauntings has persisted.
Ghost hunters and paranormal investigators have reported seeing apparitions of young men, hearing disembodied voices, and even being physically touched by unseen forces. The facility’s dark past, including allegations of abuse, seems to have left a permanent mark on the property. This is one place where you might think twice before wandering off alone
Can You Visit? Unfortunately, the Mid-Orange Correctional Facility is not open to the public, as it is no longer in operation and access to the property is restricted. However, its eerie reputation continues to draw interest from paranormal investigators and enthusiasts.
5. Old Dutch Church and Burying Ground, Sleepy Hollow
No haunted tour of the Hudson Valley would be complete without a stop in Sleepy Hollow. The Old Dutch Church and its adjoining burying ground are perhaps the most famous haunted sites in the area, thanks to Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” The church itself dates back to 1685, making it one of the oldest in New York State.
The burying ground is the final resting place of many Revolutionary War soldiers, as well as the site of numerous reported ghost sightings. Visitors claim to have seen shadowy figures among the tombstones and heard whispers carried on the wind. The atmosphere here is so thick with history and mystery that it’s easy to imagine the Headless Horseman himself galloping through the night
Can You Visit? Yes, you can visit the Old Dutch Church and Burying Ground. It’s a popular tourist destination, especially in October, when Sleepy Hollow comes alive with haunted attractions and events. The church offers guided tours and special events throughout the fall season.
6. The Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown
The Tarrytown Music Hall might be one of the most beloved cultural institutions in the Hudson Valley, but it’s also one of the most haunted. Built in 1885, this historic theater has hosted countless performances—and, it seems, a few ghosts.
Staff and performers alike have reported strange occurrences, such as lights turning on and off by themselves and the sound of an unseen singer warming up backstage. The most unnerving part? Some high-profile artists have refused to perform here after experiencing the theater’s ghostly vibes firsthand. The Tarrytown Music Hall may be a beacon of culture, but it’s also a hotspot for paranormal activity
Can You Visit? Yes, the Tarrytown Music Hall is still an active venue, offering a variety of performances throughout the year. If you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on your perspective), you might catch a glimpse of one of its resident spirits during a show.
7. Smalley’s Inn, Carmel
Smalley’s Inn, though now closed, was once one of the most haunted spots in the Hudson Valley. The inn was built in the 1850s by James Smalley, who is said to have never really left. Smalley’s ghost, along with that of his daughter Elizabeth, who died as a toddler, were frequently reported by guests and staff.
People claimed to hear Elizabeth’s giggles echoing through the inn and felt the sensation of small hands tugging at their clothing. Mediums who visited the site often picked up on multiple spirits, including some of unknown origin. Even though the inn is no longer operational, its legacy as a haunted hotspot remains
Can You Visit? No, Smalley’s Inn is no longer open to the public, as it has been closed for several years. However, its haunted history continues to be a point of interest for those fascinated by the paranormal.
8. Rondout Lighthouse, Kingston
Lighthouses are often romanticized as beacons of hope in stormy seas, but the Rondout Lighthouse in Kingston comes with a much darker tale. Legend has it that the lighthouse is haunted by the ghost of a young bride who lost her husband to a boating accident on their wedding night.
Every year after the fall equinox, visitors claim to see her spirit roaming the lighthouse, still in search of her lost love. The combination of the lighthouse’s isolated location and the tragic story of love lost makes this one of the Hudson Valley’s most haunting tales
Can You Visit? Yes, you can visit Rondout Lighthouse. Tours are available through the Hudson River Maritime Museum, which offers boat trips to the lighthouse during the summer and fall months. These tours provide a glimpse into the lighthouse's history and its ghostly legends.
9. Burn Brae Mansion, Glen Spey
Located in the tiny hamlet of Glen Spey, Burn Brae Mansion is a grand, historic home that’s as beautiful as it is spooky. Built in 1908, the mansion has been the site of numerous paranormal investigations, and guests often report strange occurrences during their stays.
Footsteps echoing through empty hallways, unexplained cold spots, and the feeling of being watched are just a few of the experiences visitors have had. The mansion’s rich history, combined with its reputation for ghostly activity, makes it a must-visit for any fan of the supernatura
Can You Visit? Yes, Burn Brae Mansion is open to visitors. They offer accommodations for overnight stays, and you can even book the mansion for private events. For those interested in the paranormal, Burn Brae Mansion hosts ghost tours and special Halloween events, making it a popular destination for those looking to experience its haunted history firsthand.
10. 1 La Veta Place, Nyack
Finally, we come to 1 La Veta Place in Nyack, also known as the “Ghostbusters House.” This Victorian home gained notoriety in the 1990s when it became the subject of a legal battle that resulted in it being declared legally haunted. The house’s former owners experienced everything from violent bed-shaking to the sound of footsteps echoing through the halls.
The legal ruling has made this house a unique piece of real estate, but its ghostly residents are the real stars. If you’re looking for a place that’s as famous for its ghosts as it is for its history.
Can You Visit? No, 1 La Veta Place is a private residence and is not open to the public. However, its history as a legally haunted house has made it a point of interest for ghost enthusiasts and legal scholars alike. While you can’t tour the inside, the story behind this house continues to fascinate.
The Hudson Valley is a region where history and mystery collide. From the early days of Dutch settlement to its role in the American Revolution, the area is steeped in stories that have been passed down through generations. But it’s the tales of restless spirits, haunted mansions, and eerie occurrences that truly capture the imagination.