With centuries-old history and colonial roots, it’s no surprise that Long Island is home to its fair share of chilling tales and urban legends. Packed with eerie estates and lore that’ll give even the most skeptical visitors goosebumps. As Halloween approaches, grab a brave friend and explore these 13 haunted hotspots… If you dare…
Sagtikos Manor
Bay Shore
Once occupied by the British during the Revolutionary War (and later a host to George Washington himself), this historic manor is said to be haunted by a Native American princess who died on the grounds. Visitors report strange mists, turning doorknobs, and shadowy figures around the outdoor cemetery. Witnesses say they’ve seen the princess ghost in the loft of the property on different occasions.
Camp Hero
Montauk
In the 1650s, the Montaukett Indians were ambushed by a warring tribe near the Montauk Plaza, the same spot where Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders were quarantined after the Spanish-American War. Native American spirits supposedly still wander here, while soldiers snatched away by yellow fever still seek respite. And at Camp Hero, rumor has it that not only is the former air force base haunted by humans, but also by non-human spirits. The creepy Netflix hit, Stranger Things, is inspired by Camp Hero in Montauk, so when visiting be prepared for the upside down!
Fire Island Lighthouse
Fire Island
The original Fire Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1826 and was replaced by the current lighthouse which was built in 1858. It is believed that the caretaker of the lighthouse who lived there before the resurrection was distraught over the illness of his child. After waiting days for a doctor to show up at the isolated lighthouse, the child tragically passed away. Feeling responsible and full of grief, the caretaker sadly took his own life in the lighthouse. It is said that to this day both their spirits roam the lonely rooms.
The Gateway Playhouse
Bellport
Constructed way back in 1827, The Gateway Playhouse is one of the oldest active theaters on Long Island. Allegedly, in the late 1800s a murder took place at the theater, and employees say that they still hear the sounds of the groaning victim. A man wearing a top hat has been seen in the sound booth, and there have been reports of flickering lights and random tapping.
Visit Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse this Halloween season!
Port Jefferson Ferry
Port Jefferson
It’s been reported that a ghost haunts the night ferries as they travel across the Long Island Sound. Many riders have seen the ghost of a former captain who wears a weathered uniform.
Blydenburgh County Park
Smithtown
Whispers in the woods and ghost sightings down the paths are just a few reasons the scenic park is visited by thrillseekers during spooky season. The fall foliage ties it all together for the perfect Halloween-time hike.
Lady of the Lake
Ronkonkoma
Long Island’s largest freshwater lake is also home to the Lady of the Lake. Lake Ronkonkoma’s infamous Native American princess was in love with a member of her tribe who was murdered by a settler on the eve of their wedding. Other legends say she was in love with a settler, but her father forbade the match. Either way, according to urban legend, the princess drowned herself in the middle of the lake and her body was never found. Now, the Lady of the Lake has been seen on the shore, mourning her love, and rumored to be somehow responsible for several drownings at the lake.
Roger’s Mansion and Halsey House
Southampton
Made up of a dozen historical buildings, the Southampton History Museum has two of the most haunted places on Long Island: the Rogers Mansion and the Halsey House. The Rogers Mansion was owned by the Rogers family from 1650 to 1889 and after two additional owners, the Village of Southampton purchased it in 1932. The Halsey House was built in the 1680s by Thomas Halsey Jr., the son of pioneer Thomas Halsey Sr.
At both houses, guests and employees have documented unexplained footsteps, items being thrown across the basement, and shadowy figures following people through the house. The activity is so widespread and regular that ghost tours are offered.
Stony Brook Village Center Walking Tour
Stony Brook
Presented by the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, Stony Brook Village Center has a historical tour called, “Hidden Beneath the Floorboards,” on October 29-31 where visitors discover stories of piracy, the Long Island witch trials, the history behind the haunting at Country House Restaurant, and the woman in white at the Stony Brook Grist Mill.
Stony Brook University Campus Windmill
Southampton
Not far from Southampton’s Halsey House, atop a hill in the center of the Stony Brook University Southampton campus, sits a windmill. Built in 1713, the windmill is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl. The lore goes that the owner of the property in the 19th century let his daughter play in the windmill, only she fell down the steps and died. According to Stony Brook University students, the face of a small girl looking out from the windmill's windows can often be seen as they pass by.
Oheka Castle
Huntington
Long Island’s dreamiest French-chateau-style mansion has some ghost stories. Guests and staff have seen shadowy figures, unexplainable footprints, and even experienced cameras gaining a mind of their own and taking pictures near Otto Kahn’s portrait.
Sweet Hollow Road
Huntington
From ghost children pushing stalled cars, to shadow figures, to phantom police officers with severe gunshot wounds, Sweet Hollow Road in Huntington is often foggy and filled with myths that will keep you checking your rear view mirror during your drive.
Amityville Horror House
Amityville
Though closed to the public, no Suffolk haunted list is complete without the infamous Amityville house. A grisly family murder and reports of paranormal terror inspired a best-selling book and a string of films, but locals know the stories hold more fact than fiction.
