By Brittany Rosso
You may be wondering what else the Halloween season offers when it comes to local activities besides your average fall festivities. If pumpkin picking, corn-mazes or scary hayrides don’t satisfy your needs for Halloween entertainment, these local places will likely have you anxiously waiting to visit. These three local properties offer great opportunities for exploration and adventure, waiting to fill the Halloween thrills you may be in search of this spooky season, not far from Niagara Falls.
Graestone Manor
The 1865 restored-Victorian Mansion of Gasport, NY has had several reports of ghosts, in addition to sounds and other paranormal activity, seen and heard by visitors. Public investigations are held throughout the year with psychic mediums on site and paranormal equipment available for use. Dates can be found on the manor’s social media sites and cost $25 per person.
Varn Horn Mansion
The 1823 Van Horn Mansion of Lockport, NY is known to be haunted today by several spirits. One of the most famous spirits claimed to haunt the property is Melinda Niles. Married to a man in 1836, she passed away within the following year. Niles‘ death still remains a mystery, though the ghosts of Niles and several others have surely stayed around to entertain visitors as they attempt to discover the unknown. Unusual sightings have been reported throughout the house, as well as doors slamming, with mysterious sounds and scents lingering. Private tours and group investigations are available year round with reservations. The property welcomes guests on Sundays by appointment between 1p.m. and 4p.m. for a donation fee of $5.
Wildwood Sanitarium
The Wildwood Sanitarium, located in Salamanca, NY was originally opened in 1906 as a Sanitarium and Bath House, welcoming patients of addictions and other health conditions. The property was later owned by several families and was soon after converted into apartments. The Wildwood property has been known for its ample amount of paranormal activity over the past few years. Ghost tours, ghost hunts and overnight hunts are available for visitors with advanced registration and limited spots available.
These local paranormal hot-spots have plenty of thrill and ghosts awaiting you this Halloween season. To find out more information about contact information, event dates and other local haunts, visit hauntedhistorytrail.com.