The Ultimate Guide to Haunted Places on Long Island

From the historic manors of Nassau County to the windswept shores of Suffolk, Long Island is steeped in centuries of history, making it a natural hotspot for ghost stories and eerie legends. With tales reaching back to the Revolutionary War, the lavish Gold Coast era, and local folklore passed down through generations, the island offers a treasure trove of spooky sites. As the autumn air turns crisp, there's no better time to explore the paranormal side of our local communities.

This guide balances spooky fun with fascinating historical insight, perfect for a family adventure or a unique night out. We'll explore some of the most famous haunted places on Long Island, from historic homes in Oyster Bay to lonely roads in Huntington. For each location, you'll find a description of the site, the paranormal claims associated with it, and important visitor information.

Kings Park Psychiatric Center, Kings Park

Once a sprawling campus designed to house thousands of patients, the abandoned Kings Park Psychiatric Center in Kings Park, Suffolk County, is now one of Long Island’s most infamous haunted locations. Its decaying buildings stand as a somber monument to a bygone era of mental health treatment.

• Folklore & Paranormal Claims: Trespassers and paranormal investigators have reported a wide range of chilling phenomena, including ghostly apparitions of former patients, disembodied screams echoing from empty halls, and the unsettling feeling of being watched. Building 93 is often cited as a hotspot for activity.

• Historical Context: Opened in 1885, the center operated for over a century before closing its doors in 1996. The sheer scale of human suffering and emotion contained within its walls is believed to be the source of its residual energy.

• Visitor Guidance: The grounds of the Kings Park Psychiatric Center are closed to the public. The remaining buildings are unsafe, and trespassing is illegal and strictly enforced. The site should only be viewed from a safe, legal distance.

Lake Ronkonkoma, Ronkonkoma

Lake Ronkonkoma, located in Suffolk County, is Long Island's largest freshwater lake and the subject of its most enduring ghost story. For centuries, locals have passed down the tragic legend of a Native American princess who still haunts its waters.

• Folklore & Paranormal Claims: The legend of the "Lady of the Lake" tells of a Setauket princess named Tascamia who fell in love with a colonist. When their love was forbidden, she drowned herself in the lake. Her spirit is said to roam the waters, dragging a young man to his death nearly every year out of sorrow and revenge. Visitors have reported seeing a mysterious female apparition and strange mists over the water.

• Historical Context: The story is rooted in the complex history between Long Island's original Native American inhabitants and the first European settlers, reflecting the cultural clashes and tragedies of that era.

• Visitor Guidance: The lake and surrounding park are public and open to visitors. While swimming is available at designated times, many locals treat the water with caution due to the legend.

Raynham Hall Museum, Oyster Bay

Located in Oyster Bay, Nassau County, Raynham Hall is a historic house museum with a dramatic past. Home to the Townsend family, it served as the British Army's headquarters during the Revolutionary War and was a central hub for George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring.

• Folklore & Paranormal Claims: The museum is considered one of the most active haunted houses in Nassau County. Staff and visitors report seeing the spirit of Sally Townsend, who is said to have had a complicated relationship with a British officer. Other claims include phantom footsteps, disembodied voices, and the ghostly figures of soldiers.

• Historical Context: Robert Townsend, a resident of the home, was a key spy known as "Culper Jr." The tension and secrets contained within these walls during the war are believed to have left a lasting spiritual imprint.

• Visitor Guidance: Raynham Hall is a museum and is open to the public for tours. They often host special events, including ghost tours, which offer a deeper dive into its haunted history.

The Milleridge Inn, Jericho

The Milleridge Inn in Jericho, Nassau County, has been a beloved Long Island landmark since it first opened as a home in 1672. This historic inn and restaurant is as famous for its colonial charm as it is for its resident ghosts.

• Folklore & Paranormal Claims: The inn is rumored to host multiple spirits. Staff and guests have reported strange noises, objects moving on their own, and unexplained cold spots throughout the property. A ghostly apparition of a woman has been seen in the upstairs windows, and the sounds of children playing are sometimes heard when none are present.

• Historical Context: With over 350 years of history, the Milleridge Inn has witnessed countless events and has been home to generations of families, making it a prime location for lingering spirits.

• Visitor Guidance: The Milleridge Inn is a fully operational restaurant and shopping village. Visitors are welcome to dine and explore the grounds, though access to all areas of the historic inn may be limited.

Fire Island Lighthouse, Fire Island

The iconic Fire Island Lighthouse, with its distinctive black and white bands, has stood guard over the Great South Bay since 1858. But beyond its beautiful views, this Suffolk County landmark is said to be haunted by a former keeper who remains eternally on duty.

• Folklore & Paranormal Claims: The primary ghost story involves the spirit of a former lighthouse keeper. Visitors and staff have reported hearing phantom footsteps climbing the tower's 182 steps, feeling an unseen presence, and even seeing a shadowy figure looking out towards the sea. Some believe he is still watching over the shores he was sworn to protect.

• Historical Context: Lighthouse keeping was an isolating and demanding job. The spirits tied to such locations are often believed to be former keepers who were deeply connected to their lighthouses.

• Visitor Guidance: The Fire Island Lighthouse is open to the public for tours, and visitors can climb the tower. Check their website for hours and ferry information.

Oheka Castle, Huntington

Oheka Castle, a magnificent French-style château in Huntington, is the second-largest private residence ever built in America. This Gold Coast jewel is now a luxury hotel and event venue, but some say its original owners never truly checked out.

• Folklore & Paranormal Claims: Visitors and staff have reported encounters with ghostly apparitions dressed in 1920s attire, the faint sounds of parties from a bygone era, and statues whose eyes seem to follow you. The spirit of the castle’s builder, Otto Kahn, is believed to still wander the halls of his beloved home.

• Historical Context: Built during the Roaring Twenties by financier and philanthropist Otto Kahn, Oheka Castle was the scene of lavish parties and high-society gatherings, embedding decades of powerful emotions into its structure.

• Visitor Guidance: Oheka Castle is a private hotel and event space. Public access is limited to registered guests or those taking an official historic tour.

Sagtikos Manor, Bay Shore

Located in Bay Shore, Suffolk County, Sagtikos Manor is an 18th-century mansion with a rich history that includes a visit from President George Washington in 1790. With such deep roots in American history, it’s no wonder tales of spirits abound.

• Folklore & Paranormal Claims: The manor is said to be haunted by several ghosts, including Native American spirits from the land’s original inhabitants, ghostly servants still tending to their duties, and even Revolutionary War soldiers. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices and seeing figures in period clothing.

• Historical Context: The manor was built in 1697 and was occupied by British forces during the Revolutionary War. Its long and storied past makes it a key historical site on Long Island.

• Visitor Guidance: Sagtikos Manor is a historic house museum open to the public for guided tours on a seasonal basis. Check their schedule before planning a visit.

Sweet Hollow Road & Mount Misery Road, Huntington/Melville

Stretching through the woods of the Melville and Huntington area, Sweet Hollow Road and the intersecting Mount Misery Road are the epicenter of Long Island’s most terrifying urban legends.

• Folklore & Paranormal Claims: Legends include the ghost of a woman known as the "Lady in White," who is said to have been killed in a car accident and now appears in front of oncoming vehicles. Other tales speak of phantom children who died in a bus accident, leaving ghostly handprints on cars that stop under the Northern State Parkway overpass. The area is also associated with stories of ghostly police officers and strange lights.

• Historical Context: These stories are modern urban legends, but the area itself has a long history, including ties to the asylum in nearby Kings Park, which has fueled the spooky folklore.

• Visitor Guidance: These are public roads, but they are narrow, winding, and dark. Visitors should exercise extreme caution, drive slowly, and be respectful of the residents who live in the area.

Camp Hero State Park, Montauk

Camp Hero in Montauk, Suffolk County, is a former U.S. Army base known for its imposing, abandoned radar tower. The site is at the heart of the "Montauk Project" conspiracy theories, which allege secret government experiments in time travel and psychological warfare.

• Folklore & Paranormal Claims: While not a traditional haunting, the legends surrounding Camp Hero are equally chilling. Stories speak of shadowy government figures, strange creatures, and a lingering, oppressive energy from the alleged experiments.

• Historical Context: The base was active during World War II and the Cold War. The SAGE radar tower, a key feature of the park, fueled public suspicion and gave rise to the Montauk Project legends.

• Visitor Guidance: Camp Hero is now a state park and is open to the public for hiking, fishing, and exploring the grounds. The buildings, including the radar tower, are closed to the public.

The Amityville "Horror" House, Amityville

No list of haunted places on Long Island would be complete without the infamous house in Amityville, Suffolk County. The site of the 1974 DeFeo family murders and the subject of the book and film The Amityville Horror, it is arguably America’s most famous haunted house.

• Folklore & Paranormal Claims: The Lutz family, who moved in after the murders, claimed to experience terrifying paranormal events, including swarms of flies, strange odors, cold spots, and demonic apparitions.

• Historical Context: The notoriety stems from the real-life tragedy of the DeFeo murders, which was followed by the highly publicized and debated paranormal claims of the Lutz family.

• Visitor Guidance: This is a private residence. The current owners are not connected to the events and are subjected to constant unwanted attention. Please respect their privacy and do not trespass or disturb them. The house should only be viewed from a respectful distance from the public street.

Family-Friendly Ghost Tours and Halloween Events

For those looking for a less intense but equally fun way to explore Long Island’s spooky side, many local organizations offer guided tours and seasonal events perfect for the whole family.

• Historical Ghost Walks: Local historical societies, such as those in Huntington and Oyster Bay, often host guided ghost walks through historic villages, sharing local legends and historical facts in a fun, engaging way.

• Museum Tours: Many of the historic homes mentioned, like Raynham Hall Museum and Sagtikos Manor, offer special Halloween-themed or candlelight tours in the fall that highlight their ghostly stories.

• Haunted Hayrides and Fairs: Keep an eye on our events page for listings of seasonal haunted hayrides, pumpkin festivals, and Halloween fairs across Nassau and Suffolk counties, which offer plenty of spooky fun for all ages.

Explore with Respect

Long Island’s haunted history is deeply connected to its rich local heritage. As you explore these fascinating locations, remember to be respectful. Many of these sites are historic landmarks, public parks, or private homes. Always obey posted signs, never trespass, and help preserve these important pieces of our community's past.

By visiting museums, taking official tours, and supporting local historical societies, you can enjoy a thrilling adventure while also contributing to the preservation of Long Island's unique story.

Have you had a ghostly encounter at one of these spots, or know of another haunted place we should feature? Share your stories in the comments! And for more great local guides, be sure to subscribe to 516 Update for news and events delivered right to your inbox. Find out more at 516 Update.