There is something about October that peeks our interest in paranormal activities. From storytelling to investigating, these night trips and special events encourage you to explore the other side of Rochester.
Table of Contents
- Rolling Hills Asylum Ghost Hunts
- Genesee Country Village Spirits of the Past
- White Lady’s Castle
- The Fox Sisters
- Mount Hope Cemetery
- Landmark Society Ghost Stories
- Rochester Candlelight Ghost Walks
- Cobblestone Museum 1862 Ghost Walk
1. Ghost Hunts
Rolling Hills Asylum
Events all year, amped up in October
RHA has been featured on Ghost Hunters and several other prominent investigation television series. There is a year-long events calendar on their website that includes guided and self-guided walking tours, public, private and group ghost hunts, themed dinners, and special events.
2. Spirits of the Past: A Walk in the Dark
Genesee Country Village
Weekends Oct 16-24, 2020
When Autumn shadows are long and the sun goes down, the Historic Village cloaks itself in an atmosphere unlike any other!
This self-guided, completely-outdoor walking tour will wind you through the less-traveled Historic Village lanes. At night, even the villagers will surprise you with their creepier side by telling you spine-tingling tales. Beware! Body snatchers, grave diggers, witches, and prowlers are lurking about.
A night sure to send a chill down your spine as you walk through the dark recesses of the Village and explore hair-raising tales of history and folklore. Guided only by lanterns, you’ll see the Village in a whole new – and sinister – light.
This event is not recommended for children under age 12. Reservations are required for these paranormal activities.
3. Paranormal Activities at The White Lady’s Castle
Durand-Eastman Park
self-guided
Driving on Lake Shore Blvd. you’ll find a little parking lot across from Lake Ontario, between Log Cabin Rd. and Zoo Rd. Park and look up the hill to this view of the White Lady’s Castle.
Well, not really a castle—is was actually a dining hall for beach-goers, torn down in the 1930’s. Atlas Obscura does a wonderful job of telling the story of the White Lady, her daughter, her vengeance, and her two white ghost dogs.
So take a walk and see if you can find any of the rumored apparitions of the White Lady searching for her daughter.
Rumor also has it that this story was the inspiration behind the 1988 movie, The Lady in White. And don’t forget the White Lady tree!
4. The Fox Sisters and the Birth of Spiritualism
Hydesville
self-guided
Make a pilgrimage to Hydesville in Wayne County to visit the birthplace of The Fox Sisters. It was on this site, in the Fox Family Cottage where Kate & Maggie Fox first made contact with the spirit of Charles B. Rosna on March 31, 1848.
Their story has been widely attributed as the beginning of the Spiritualism movement, and the creation of Lily Dale, the World’s Largest Center for the Science, Philosophy and Religion of Spiritualism. Lily Dale was incorporated in 1879.
The Fox cottage had been moved to Lily Dale in 1915 piece by piece, but burned down in 1955.
Learn more from smithsonian.com and Crooked Lake Review
Postponed for 2020
Even though these particular paranormal activities aren’t taking place in 2020, they are great annual events to keep on your radar. Mark your calendar for 2021.
5. Torch Light Tours (2019)
Mount Hope Cemetery
Experience historic Mount Hope Cemetery after dark by moonlight and torch light!
The tours begin after sunset and are guided by knowledgeable experts. The guides will take participants on a leisurely one-hour walk of approximately one mile on paved roads and uneven terrain. They will share stories of Rochester’s history through the people who are laid to rest here.
Tours leave every 15 minutes.
6. Ghost Walk (2019)
Landmark Society
Tours start at the Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word at the corner of East Avenue and Goodman Street every fifteen minutes between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. The tour lasts about one hour.
The Halloween-season walking tour featuring actors portraying about macabre events, personalities, and places in Rochester’s history returns for its 26th year.
7. Rochester Candlelight Ghost Walks (2019)
Locations Vary
Multiple Dates, Times & Locations in October, downtown Rochester and suburbs
Guided walk themes include Dinner & Ghost Stories at The Union Tavern, Ghosts of Mt. Hope Avenue, Jack the Ripper, Spirits of Sea Breeze, the Lady in White, Phantoms of Fairport, Haunts of Henrietta, and a Haunted Pub Crawl (where you can visit with spirits and drink them, too!)
8. Guided Ghost Walks (2019)
Cobblestone Museum
Come and experience a glimpse of one day in Orleans County history—October 19, 1862.
Our gentle spirits will enlighten you about the Civil War and its local effects as you travel throughout the museum campus in 90 minute guided walking tours.
Scenic train rides, leaf-peeping, bird migrations and ghost walks happen only in autumn in Rochester–take advantage of them while you can!
Fall Foliage: 7 Breathtaking Views Near Rochester
These destinations offer colorful fall foliage and varied landscapes so you can appreciate them each in their own unique way.
Pumpkin Patches & Farm Markets Around Rochester
Spending time on our Rochester-area pumpkin farms—hayrides, fresh apple cider & donuts, corn mazes—is the perfect autumn experience.
It may seem odd to think of a cemetery as a family-friendly destination, but Mount Hope Cemetery is as park-like as Highland Park next door.
What are your favorite paranormal activities?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!