20 Haunted Attractions In & Around Philadelphia

Many stories persist of the ghost of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin seen climbing down from his statue at the American Philosophical Society Library and dancing in the streets of the Historic District. The library is open for research visits by appointment only, but for a deeper dive into history, art and science, check out the open-to-the-public (and possibly less haunted) American Philosophical Society Museum, located across the street.

The ghost of famous flagmaker Betsy Ross is rumored to be wandering the halls of this historic house in Old City. Visitors say that Ross’ having dealt with the loss of a husband and several children in her lifetime could be why she’s often seen and heard crying in her old homestead.

The Bishop White House at Third and Walnut streets was once the home of the chaplain to the Second Constitutional Convention and the U.S. Senate. During the yellow fever epidemic of 1793, White lost one of five house residents, as well as many more from within his ministry and charity clientele, to the disease. While the inside of the house is currently closed to the public, the house is a stop along the Spirits of ’76 Ghost Tour.

The Christ Church Burial Ground, where Benjamin Franklin is buried, is said to be haunted by the spirit of the famous Founding Father who once said, “A penny saved is twopence dear.” He reportedly steals pocket change to this day — and even throws pennies at visitors.

The historic site of Cliveden was host to the Battle of Germantown in 1777, where many men met their fate. Over the years, seances have been known to conjure the spirit of Samuel Chew Jr., a former resident of the house.

Launched in 1892, the Cruiser Olympia is now stationed at the Independence Seaport Museum at Penn’s Landing. Shadowy figures and tales of murder and suicide are said to have inspired a paranormal presence aboard the ship. Guests might encounter the famous ghost of “Gunner” Johnson during their visits.

At Eastern State Penitentiary, spirits linger here year-round. Take a tour to experience the history of one of the country’s oldest and most famous former prisons. Today, it’s considered by some to be one of the most haunted places on earth.

Stroll along this eerie alleyway to try to catch a ghostly glimpse of one of the 3,000-plus people who have lived here over the last 300 years. There are rumors that a soldier was hanged on Elfreth’s Alley, and several visitors have even been able to nab what they consider to be photographic evidence of paranormal activity.

America’s first national bank was established by the first U.S. treasurer, Alexander Hamilton, in 1791. Hamilton died from wounds inflicted during a duel and left his surviving wife and children with a stack of debt and a haunting spirit. Several years later, when the bank finally reopened, the new owner requested that a priest bless the building. Despite the blessing, it’s said that Hamilton’s ghost still lingers. (You’ll have to spot the spirit from outside — the building is currently closed to the public.)

Named by the History Channel and the Travel Channel as one of the most haunted sites in the world, Fort Mifflin was the site of the greatest bombardment of the American Revolution. (The British fired more than 10,000 cannonballs at the fort.) Every October, the fort hosts candle-lit ghost tours.

A spooky adventure awaits at Grumblethorpe, the former summer home of the Wister family. The house is said to be haunted by the bloody spirit of British Gen. James Agnew, who was fatally wounded and died in the house during the Battle of Germantown. If the legends aren’t creepy enough to make visitors cower, the still-visible bloodstain on the floor just might do the trick.

The former home of Phillip Syng Physick, the Father of American surgery and the creator of the first carbonated soft drink in the United States, is said to be haunted by the ghost of his estranged wife, Elizabeth. Rumors persist that her spirit can be found crying near the site of her favorite tree, which was cut down shortly before her death.

One could argue that any cemetery could be haunted, but Laurel Hill is one of the oldest in the country and is filled with legendary “hot spots” of paranormal activity. The site offers tours throughout the year (and especially in the fall), and visitors are encouraged to walk through the grounds on their own — if they dare.

The Moshulu, one of the world’s biggest and oldest four-mast sailing ships still in the water, now serves as a riverfront restaurant and bar. During the ship’s heyday, 28 people died at sea while aboard, and some theorists surmise that this morbid history might have something to do with the murmurs and hysterical laughter that the owner and staff have reported hearing. The vessel is said to be haunted by “The Lantern Ghost”; employees who open the restaurant report finding lanterns burning on the tables even after being extinguished.

Philadelphia’s notorious Mütter Museum satisfies visitors’ cravings for gruesome curiosities via its fascinating exhibits of frightening abnormal anatomical formations. Ancient body parts encased in jars, death casts and diseased organs are just a few examples of the kinds of creepy collections to expect. It’s unclear whether or not there are any spirits lingering or ghosts involved, but these bone-chilling exhibits definitely aren’t for the faint of heart.

The oldest zoo in America harbors nearly 1,300 animals and, allegedly, a few otherworldly friends. Solitude House — on the Philadelphia Zoo’s grounds — is said to be haunted by the spirit of a woman in a long dress who stands at the top of the staircase. Meanwhile, poltergeist-style paranormal activity has also been reported in the Treehouse Building and The Pennrose Building.

Legend says that a respected historian and his wife both claimed to have seen ghosts of the Continental Army — including General Lafayette — and even the spirit of the lovely Peggy Shippen, the wife of Benedict Arnold, back in the 1960s at the Powel House.

Some visitors claim to have seen a horse and carriage charging across the cemetery lawn at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, which is one heck of a ghost sighting. Brave souls can check out the site on their own or go with a group as part of the Spirits of ’76 Ghost Tour.

Rumored to be one of the most haunted locations in all of Pennsylvania, this Solebury Township bridge dates back to 1870. The structure measures 86 feet long and is reportedly filled with spirits still lingering from deaths that have occurred here. Located close to Washington Crossing Historic Park, this spooky spot is at least worth the drive — even for spectators too chicken to get out of the car.

Washington Square served as a burial ground for fallen soldiers and victims of the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia during the 18th century. Today, the square is said to be patrolled by the spirit of a woman named Leah, who protected the site from grave robbers centuries ago. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is lit by an eternal flame in honor of the Revolutionary War soldiers buried beneath the square.