Spooky adventures await at central Ohio's haunted tours

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Central Ohio is full of haunted history, and this October, thrill-seekers can immerse themselves in spine-chilling tales without the frights of traditional haunted houses.

From eerie walking tours through historic streets to ghostly trolley rides, these haunted experiences offer a unique mix of local lore and paranormal intrigue, and some are family-friendly. Whether people prefer exploring the Ohio Statehouse’s spectral past or hearing firsthand accounts of hauntings in Delaware’s Northwest Neighborhood, these tours bring history and ghost stories together for an unforgettable experience.

Boardman Arts Park: Ghost Walk - Haunted Historic Delaware

• Location: Boardman Arts Park, 154 W. William St., Delaware, Ohio 43015
• Dates & Hours: Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024; tours at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m.
• Details: Embark on a ghost walk through Delaware’s most haunted streets in the Northwest Neighborhood. Hear firsthand ghost accounts from local residents and visit eight spooky stops, including a tour of Delaware’s Victorian Jail. This 1.5-mile walk is perfect for history and ghost story enthusiasts. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Web Link: Ghost Walk Tickets

Canal Winchester Haunted History Historical Tour

• Location: Historical Complex, 10 W. Oak St., Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110
• Dates & Hours: Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, tours begin at 7 p.m., the last tour departs at 7:30 p.m.
• Details: Explore historic locations throughout downtown Canal Winchester on this 90-minute walking tour. Learn about the haunted history of this charming town with engaging stories at each stop.
• Web Link: Canal Winchester Haunted History Historical Tour

Columbus Ghost Tours Walking Tour

• Location: Various locations around Columbus, check the website.
• Dates & Hours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday tours, typically starting around 7 or 8 p.m.
• Details: Join a walking tour through some of Columbus' most haunted spots. From historic buildings to eerie graveyards, hear about hauntings, ghostly apparitions, and unexplained phenomena from experienced guides.
• Web Link: Columbus Ghost Tours

Ghost Trolley Ohio Railway Museum

• Location: 990 Proprietors Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
• Dates & Hours: Friday (6-10 p.m.) and Saturday (5-10 p.m.) evenings throughout October.
• Details: Visitors can hop aboard the Ghost Trolley at the Ohio Railway Museum for a spine-tingling adventure. A family-friendly event where creaky railcars and flickering lights set the stage for a ghostly ride and whispers from the beyond may be heard. It’s the perfect October outing for thrill-seekers and lovers of mystery.
• Web Link: Ohio Railway Museum Ghost Trolley

Green Lawn Cemetery Halloween Lantern Tour

• Location: Green Lawn Cemetery, 1000 Greenlawn Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43223
• Dates & Hours: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Details: This guided walking tour delves into the rich history of Green Lawn Cemetery, with stories of Columbus’ most notable figures and eerie tales from the cemetery’s past. Learn about local legends and historical hauntings.
• Web Link: Green Lawn Cemetery Tours

Kelton House Fernando's Funeral

• Location: 586 East Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215
• Dates & Hours: Thursdays & Fridays, Oct. 24 to Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: A unique ghost tour at one of Ohio's most haunted locations. Guests will hear the tragic stories of the Kelton family who once lived there, along with chilling recent encounters at the Mansion. This once-a-year, 45- to 50-minute tour is a must-see, with small group sizes and content suitable for ages 13 and up.
• Web Link: Kelton House Fernando's Funeral

Ohio Statehouse Haunted Tour

• Location: Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio 43215
• Dates & Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 18 to Oct. 26, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: Explore the haunted history of the Ohio Statehouse, with chilling stories of past politicians, unexplained happenings, and paranormal sightings. The tour is educational and family-friendly, blending history with ghostly tales.
• Web Link: Ohio Statehouse Haunted Tours

Uptown Westerville Ghost Story Walking Tours

• Location: Begins at the Otterbein Cemetery, 175 S. Knox St., and concludes at the Old Bag of Nails Pub in Westerville’s historic Weyant Building, 24 N. State St., Westerville, Ohio
• Dates & Hours: Fridays and Saturdays until Oct. 26, plus Halloween; tours at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.(October 27: 9 p.m. only)
• Details: Experience a slightly theatrical, yet largely historical walking tour through Uptown Westerville. The tour features ghost stories collected from the community and provides a mix of spooky tales and local history. This family-friendly tour offers a captivating way to explore the haunted side of Westerville.
• Web Link: Uptown Ghost Tours