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As fall nights lengthen and the chill sets in, Cleveland’s rich history brings more than colorful leaves. Everywhere you look, the city holds echoes of its past—some far more mysterious than others. From stately castles to historic cemeteries, the city’s past lives on in whispers, shadows and tales told around campfires. Whether you’re a skeptic, a storyteller or just in the mood for a seasonal thrill, these haunted sites offer a peek into the city’s eerie history. 

In honor of Halloween, we’re sharing some sites across the city members of the �Ӱ���Ƶ can learn more about.

1. Franklin Castle (Ohio City) 

Often called “the most haunted house in Ohio,” Franklin Castle looms large over Franklin Boulevard in Ohio City. Built in 1881 by Hannes Tiedemann, the house’s striking turrets and stone façade are matched only by its dark reputation. Rumors of hidden passageways, strange noises and ghostly figures have surrounded the property for generations. While it’s privately owned, its imposing presence makes it a must-see for fans of Cleveland’s gothic past. 

2. Cleveland Grays Armory Museum (Downtown Cleveland) 

The Cleveland Grays Armory has stood downtown since 1893, once serving as the headquarters for a volunteer military company. The museum’s cavernous halls have hosted concerts, gatherings and—according to some—a few uninvited guests. Visitors and staff have reported the faint echo of footsteps, piano music from empty rooms and even the sight of a “Lady in White” drifting across the ballroom floor. 

3. Erie Street Cemetery (Downtown Cleveland) 

Established in 1826, Erie Street Cemetery is Cleveland’s oldest public burial ground and one of its most atmospheric places. Located just across from Progressive Field, the cemetery is the resting place of early settlers and local legends alike. Some visitors have claimed to see spectral figures among the headstones or hear whispers in the wind at dusk. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, it’s a hauntingly beautiful place for reflection. 

4. Squire’s Castle (North Chagrin Reservation) 

Deep within the North Chagrin Reservation lies Squire’s Castle (pictured above), a stone gatehouse built in the 1890s for a mansion that was never completed. During the day, it’s a popular spot for photos and picnics, but after dark, stories abound of strange lights and a ghostly woman is said to roam the ruins. The castle’s quiet isolation in the woods adds to its eerie allure, making it a fall favorite for both hikers and ghost hunters. 

5. Renaissance Cleveland Hotel (Downtown Cleveland) 

For a haunting with a side of luxury, check into the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. Since opening in 1918, guests have reported the sound of footsteps in empty hallways, flickering lights and faucets that seem to turn on by themselves. The hotel’s ornate architecture and storied past make it one of downtown’s most atmospheric places to stay, if you’re brave enough to keep the lights off.

Whether you’re drawn to old legends or simply enjoy the thrill of a good ghost story, Cleveland’s haunted landmarks remind us that the past is never too far away. This fall, take a walk through the city’s spookier side and you might just leave with a story of your own…