Haunted History Trail of New York State: Orleans County
Discover the Haunted History Trail of New York State, where ghost enthusiasts can indulge in their passion—or face their deepest fears. Experience the eerie, the spooky, and the supernatural through ghost hunts, guided tours, haunted inns, and more.
Orleans County currently has two attractions listed in the Haunted History Trail of New York State, The Hart House Hotel and Pratt Event Center.
The Pratt Event Center
The Pratt Event Center in Albion, NY consists of three adjoining buildings, all of which have been connected at different times in their history. All three buildings have been undergoing serious restoration efforts over the last 15 years. The three buildings consist of The Day and Day Building, The Grand Opera House/Pratt Opera Theater, and The Stone Building. To learn more about the connected buildings that make up the Pratt Event Center, click here.
A few months ago the Orleans County Tourism team was able to take a tour of the historic building and experienced the paranormal action firsthand. From seeing what appeared to be a white shadow floating quickly around the theater and then hearing keys jingle, The Pratt Event Center truly has paranormal presence. For those who want a paranormal experience or are just lovers of history, we encourage you took book a tour. The owners have recently made the premises available for paranormal investigations. To book a private investigation/tour please call or text 585-200-2400. To explore their website click here.
The Hart House Hotel
The Hart House Hotel first opened its doors to travelers in Medina in 1876. As the town’s premier inn, it featured over 30 elegantly furnished rooms, along with a restaurant, bar, and billiards room. Its grandeur matched the prosperity of the industrialized canal port village. The hotel’s owner and namesake, Elizur Kirke Hart of Albion—a banker, U.S. congressman, and founder of the Rochester Post Express—had accumulated a considerable fortune by the time of its opening, which was evident in the hotel’s high Italianate architecture and luxurious details. To read more about the history click here.
Spend the night or several at The Hart House Hotel in Medina, NY. Among all the buildings in Medina, the Hart House likely welcomed more souls through its doors than any other. With its rich history, original flooring, and preserved historic windows, it’s no wonder this building is considered haunted. Visitors have reported hearing names called out when no one else is around, but the most frequently seen spirit is a woman in a long, flowing dress with shoulder-length brown hair, who stands at the top of the first staircase and unexpectedly greets guests.
Also located within the Hart House Hotel is the Shirt Factory Cafe. The Shirt Factory offers a wide range of beverages, fresh baked goods, salads, soups, sandwiches, and more. In 2018, they opened an evening cocktail program that highlights local wine, beer, and specialty craft cocktails.
We, at Orleans County Tourism, encourage you to explore the hauntings of Orleans County...if you dare. If you have any questions or want more information visit our website, call 585-589-3100, or email info@orleanscountytourism.com. If you would like a FREE Orleans County travel guide or Haunted History Trail of NYS guide, click here.
If you are a business in Orleans County that has paranormal activity and would like to get your business listed in the Haunted History Trail of NYS, please contact the Tourism Director, Dawn Borchert at 585-589-3102 or email dawn@orleanscountytourism.com.
