The Susquehanna Valley is home to a rich abundance of historical events and history dating all the way back to the beginning of the United States. With the area’s roots as old as they are, it’s only natural for ghost tales, ancient legends and spooky theories to surface. Check out these five historical—and haunted— local walking tours for a good scare.
1. GHOST TOUR OF STRASBURG
717-687-6687 | ghosttour.com/strasburg.html
Located 10 minutes away from downtown Lancaster, the Ghost Tour of Strasburg is sure to leave you feeling spooked when it’s over. Join a candlelight walking tour of Strasburg, a quaint and historic town in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, and stay for an evening of folklore stories that will keep you up at night. You’ll hear tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards and spirits that roam the night, all told by a costumed tour guide. Tickets are $24 and must be booked in advance online or by calling.
2. COLUMBIA’S HAUNTED LANTERN TOUR
717-587-5368 | columbiahlt.com
For two weekends only in October, experience Columbia’s Haunted Lantern Tour and meet “ghosts from the past” as you walk along darkened sidewalks and through historical buildings in this quaint river town. Step into Victorian-era mysticism with this year's theme, "The Afflicted," and explore history and haunting lore through costumed actors portraying historical figures and ghastly spirits during the hour-long tour. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling.
3. CIVIL WAR GHOSTS OF GETTYSBURG TOUR
717-997-7511 | civilwarghosts.com
Gettysburg is a mecca for spooky legends and haunted history. During the Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour, be ready to visit some of the most historic and haunted buildings in the country. If you’re feeling extra brave, try the Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Tour and tread on bloody grounds where Civil War soldiers died, and their lost souls are claimed to linger. Book tickets online at civilwarghosts.com.
4. GHOST TOUR OF LANCASTER CITY
717-687-6687 | ghosttour.com/lancaster.html
Lancaster is one of America’s oldest cities, so there’s plenty of ghostly tales to keep you entertained during this candlelight walking tour. Starting at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Penn Square, you’ll learn about a spooky past of otherworldly vigils, starcrossed lovers and fatal curses as you explore 300 years of haunted history in the Red Rose City. Purchase tickets in advance online or by calling.
5. MARK NESBITT’S GHOSTS OF GETTYSBURG CANDLELIGHT WALKING TOURS
ghostsofgettysburg.com/our-tours
Mark Nesbitt’s Ghosts of Gettysburg Tours take you through the most haunted parts of the town and share stories from the Ghosts of Gettysburg series, written and researched by Mark Nesbitt, a historian and former park ranger for the National Park Service. A spooky journey through Gettysburg’s old jail and a church await you on the Civil War Spirits tour. Or try a Haunted Campus tour on the Gettysburg College campus. There are also self-guided tours to complete at your own pace. Visit their website to book in advance.
