7 Haunted Places in Albany County & Beyond

Eerie tales of haunted happenings and sinister scares are at the crux of many urban legends and lore in Albany County and the surrounding area.

From famous buildings, to lively cemeteries, to historic parks, these places are filled with spine-chilling stories of rumored spirits. Scroll on to read a few ghost stories about places in Albany County and beyond where things go bump in the night! 

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Cohoes Music Hall

The historic Cohoes Music Hall was established in 1874 and is the fourth oldest music hall operating in the United States. Over the years, there have been many tales of ghostly sightings at the landmark venue. The playful spirit of vaudeville star Eva Tanguay is rumored to be the Cohoes Music Hall's resident ghost. At age 12, Eva performed at the Hall in Little Lord Fauntleroy. She grew up to be the "Lady Gaga" of her time with an electric personality and elaborate costumes. Her ghost plays tricks on the performers and staff and has made herself known through EVP recordings. To ward off her meddling tricks, many performers who come through the venue today leave her a small tribute before taking the stage. 

Learn more about the haunted history of Cohoes Musical Hall, now operated by Playhouse Stage Company at this link. 

Albany Rural Cemetery

From glowing orbs, to floating old-fashioned pajamas, local lore has it that the historic grounds of Albany Rural Cemetery are haunted. In 1869, a Troy newspaper reported a mysterious ghostly figure wandering around Consecration Lake. The lake was drained later on, but the spine-chilling story remains. In the early 1900s, an out-of-control horse was tragically killed by colliding with a monument. The horse was buried on the grounds. Rumor has it that brave visitors might still hear a phantom horse galloping the down the cemetery roads today. 

New York State Capitol

Many urban legends and famous hauntings are connected to the historic New York State Capitol Building.

During the late 1800s, construction foreman Cormac McWilliams was tragically killed in a fall from scaffolding in the Assembly Chamber. Over the years, unearthly sounds and paranormal apparitions have been reported from that room. Many believe that Cormac might just be the spirit behind them. His final resting place is the historic St. Agnes Cemetery.

In 1911, a blazing fire swept throughout the State Library, the Million Dollar Staircase, and the fourth floor. After the flames were subdued, the body of nightwatchman Samuel Abbott was found in a fourth-floor corridor. As time has gone on, there have been many reports of mysterious sounds such as jangling keys and locking doors. These strange occurrences, among others, are often attributed to spirit of the nightwatchman continuing his nightly rounds. 

These are just two of the many ghostly stories surrounding the NYS Capitol Building. Book a NYS Capitol Hauntings Tour to explore the buildings full haunted history.

Historic Cherry Hill

It is not confirmed that Historic Cherry Hill is haunted, but it was the location of a frightening murder in 1827. The harrowing tale begins with Elsie Lansing-Whipple meeting Jesse Strang. The two fall in love and conspire (at the building that is now the Tailored Tea!) to kill Elsie's husband, John Whipple. The Whipples reside as boarders at Cherry Hill and Elsie secures a job for Jesse as a hired hand. On a dark and stormy night in May, John Whipple is shot through the window of Cherry Hill and killed by Jesse Strang. After the crime is investigated through two sensational trials, Elsie is found not guilty and Jesse is found guilty of first-degree murder. Soon after, Jesse is hung during Albany's last public hanging at Gallow's Hill, now the Empire State Plaza. While there are no confirmed paranormal sightings at Cherry Hill, local lore says that it may be haunted. Could the ghosts of Elsie, John or Jesse still roam the halls?

Washington Park

Washington Park is an urban oasis within the city of Albany, dating back to the 1870s. Before transforming into the picturesque park we know it as today, Washington Park was the final resting place for thousands. It was a cemetery! Over ten thousand people were buried on this land as it was public property. Eventually as downtown Albany became overcrowded, the Albany elite began to move uptown towards this area. It was decided that the land would be better used as park, so thousands of bodies were reinterred to Albany Rural Cemetery and other locations. Washington Park has a creepy past, so it could be possible that a ghost, or two, haunt Albany's beloved park.

New York State Education Building

The New York State Education Building is at the heart of an infamous Albany urban legend. It is said that during construction of the grandiose building in the early 1900s, an Italian stone mason named Jason was was working in the basement. He tragically stumbled and fell into the space where his fellow stoneworkers were pouring concrete. The foreman, allegedly an Irishman who was displeased by Jason's carelessness, uttered the ominous phrase, "Keep pouring." Over the years, Jason has become one of the most famous ghosts in Albany. Employees working in the building have nicknamed the basement, "The Dungeon" and Jason is at the center of many eerie occurrences.

Grapevine Farms

Embark on a paranormal adventure with a quick drive to Grapevine Farms in Schoharie County. Housed in a restored 1850's farmhouse, visitors might sense a supernatural presence among the gift shop, bistro and wine cellar. The original owner, David Hiltz, and his wife are buried on the premises. Mysterious apparitions and unusual sounds have been reported, so it is suspected that their spirits may still roam the farmhouse's halls. Hear an eerie giggle? It might just be one of the Hiltz children, who tragically died of the flu, playing in the halls.

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Beware, October in Albany brews up tales of spine-chilling spirits, historic hauntings and frightening folklore. Whether you desire an immersive walk-through experience or a ghostly guided tour, Albany County offers a variety of ways to enjoy the most haunted time of year. Scroll on for the details about how to get in on the hocus pocus. 

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New York State Capitol Hauntings Tour

Varying dates between October 2 and November 1

The popular Capitol Hauntings Tour returns! If you dare, dive into the urban legends and famous hauntings connected to the historic New York State Capitol Building on this eerie guided tour. Tour guides regale brave guests with spine-chilling tales about the "lost" Capitol murals and their eccentric artist, two United States Presidents who visited the Capitol after they died, and a secret demon carved into stone with a Capitol curse. Keep an ear out for jangling keys and locking doors! These mysterious sounds are often attributed to the spirit of the nightwatchman still making his nightly rounds. The tour is free, but registration is required.

Special Capitol Hauntings Open Houses offered in place of the walking tour on October 4 and November 1! This self-guided experience is offered to all, no reservations required!

Paranormal Report with Tri-City NY Paranormal Society

October 3

Centuries ago, America's first Shaker settlement was founded on the grounds where Shaker Heritage Society stands today. Over the years, the historic property has been the site of various paranormal experiences. Attend this event hosted by the Tri-City NY Paranormal Society and uncover their findings from investigations of the Shaker property. View audio and video recordings and discuss what these findings might reveal.

The Dark Side of Center Square

Varying dates between October 4 and October 26

Embark on a sinister tour exploring the "Dark Side of Center Square!" This guided tour will delve into the stories behind the buildings you see every day in the Center Square area of Albany, peeling back the layers of history to discover tales of true crime, spooky stories, and murderous mysteries. Follow in the footsteps of the infamous Silent Stalker, and uncover the stories previously told only in lost newspapers and hushed whispers. Find out more about the Dark Side of this historic neighborhood, including the assassination attempt of Albany’s Halloween Queen and the best spectator’s view of the notorious Gallows Hill. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly for this guided tour with Historic Albany Foundation and Discover Albany. Tours meet at New Scotland Spirits.

Nine Pin & Eerie Albany

October 5

Sip on Nine Pin cider and listen to tales of Albany's sinister past with Discover Albany's own Maeve McEneny-Johnson. This ghost talk will feature the hauntings of Olde English Pub, the New York State Capitol Building and more.

Eerie Albany Historic Ghost Tours

Sundays, October 6 to October 27

If you dare, embark on the Eerie Albany Historic Ghost Tour! This guided walking tour through historic downtown Albany is not made for the faint of heart. Your tour guide will regale you with spine-chilling stories about the mysteries surrounding the enchanting homes lining Ten Broeck Triangle and the ghostly figure lingering past closing time at the historic Olde English Pub.

City Séance​ Ghost Tour

Varying dates between October 8 and October 30

Roam the streets of the capital city with theREP and Discover Albany's Maeve McEneny-Johnson, your guide into the ghostly history that lurks in the nooks and crannies of the Capital Region. Together, we’ll cross the veil in search of historic Albany specters like Legs Diamond and his flamboyant paramour Kiki Roberts or the cursed couple who shared Lincoln's ill-fated theatre box - Henry and Clara Rathbone.  We may even encounter other nameless specters, who have been known to appear without introduction. 

Mulled Wine & Murder

October 9

Travel back in time to an eerie event in Cherry Hill's history. This event will tell the story of an infamous murder that took place at the historic site in 1827. Sip on mulled wine and taste foods from that year by the glow of jack-o-lantern light. Then trace in the footsteps of the crime on a murder-themed tour of the house. This tasting event is in collaboration with the Siena Beverage Institute.

PicturedHistoric Cherry Hill

Murder at Cherry Hill

Wednesday to Saturday from October 10 to October 26

Trace the footsteps of a murderer at Historic Cherry Hill this October. Murder at Cherry Hill, a popular historic walk-through experience, returns! Step back in time to May 7, 1827, and relive the night of a frightening murder that resulted in Albany's last public hanging and two sensational trials. Murder at Cherry Hill tends to sell out faster than you can say "BOO!", so purchase your tickets today!

Manifestations: A Shaker Ghost Tour

Varying dates between October 12 and October 24

The Shakers never saw the spirit world as frightening, instead they embraced visions, dreams, and communication with those who have departed. Dive into the spirit world and pull back the veil between our realm and the next at America's First Shaker Settlement. Learn stories of Shakers who once walked in the world of the living.

Another Ooky Spooky Musical Showcase

October 18

In one of Albany County's most notable haunted sites, Cohoes Music Hall, prepare for an evening of macabre melodies telling the stories of the region's eerie past. In between musical performances, the Cohoes Historical Society will tell tales of the haunted Hall.

Haunted Tales from the Crow's Wood

October 19

Gather around the campfire at the Crailo State Historic Site's Riverside Park to hear haunted tales like those of the 18th century used to tell. Enjoy mulled cider and donuts during this ghostly evening. Younger children and those of the faint of heart are welcome to join in on the fun at the pumpkin painting station that will be set aside.

Stories from the Past with Psychic-Medium Michele Lyons Polito

October 20

Join local psychic medium and ghost rescuer Michele Lyons Polito on a tour of the historic Albany Rural Cemetery. Learn local history and hauntings, visit a number of graves and tombs where Michele will share the history of those who rest there and connect with their spirits to share their stories.

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