By Geoff Herbert and Jasmine Gomez

Upstate New York is such a fun place to visit, that some people don't want to leave — even after death.

Haunted houses, cemeteries of unrest, and other sites of paranormal activities have turned the region into a hotbed for ghost hunters and fans of spooky stories, even more so than the "Amityville Horror" House downstate. Many historical sites offer guided tours, especially in the summer and around Halloween, but a few places (that we'll leave out) are on private land and closed to trespassers.

If you're interested in having your skin crawl or the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, then grab a flashlight and enjoy our list of haunted places in Upstate N.Y.

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Adirondacks Region

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Photo: The Associated Press

Big Moose Lake (Adirondacks)

The story goes Grace Brown was murdered while staying at a cabin with Chester Gillette, who drowned her in the lake. Witnesses say they've seen her spirit re-enacting the "American Tragedy" or seen her face in the water, or felt wet chills.

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Fort Ticonderoga (Ticonderaga)

Ghosts have been reported at the former site of many battles in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. One legend says General "Mad" Anthony Wayne's mistress Nancy Coates drowned herself in Lake Champlain when he left her for another woman, and her apparition can be seen running after Wayne or floating on the water. Others say they've heard sobbing or seen artifacts in locked cases moved around. Throughout the months of Sept. and Oct., the sight offers several corn maze events.

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Fort William Henry Museum (Lake George)

Ghost tours are offered at Fort William Henry from May through October, telling stories of victims of the French and Indian War that were investigated by "Ghost Hunters." Spirits even have charming nicknames, like Limper (who creeps with uneven footsteps) and the Slammer (who slams doors, duh).

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Long Island Campgrounds (Bolton Landing)

At the south end of Lake George is a ghostly bride, some say, looking for her husband after they were murdered while sleeping on their honeymoon in the 1960s.

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Photo: Teri Weaver | tweaver@syracuse.com

Sagamore Hotel (Bolton Landing)

Haunted America Tours once named this historic resort one of the top 10 most haunted hotels in the U.S. Built in 1883 and now listed in the National Register of Historic Places, several ghosts have been reported — the most spooky of which is a little boy who used to sell golf balls to the pro shop until he was hit by a car. Golfers say they've seen him chasing or even taking their golf balls, flinging them from behind a tree and laughing.

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Skene Manor (Whitehall)

Another haunted place near Lake George? Must be something in the water. The 1870s-built home, originally known as "Mountain Terrace," is supposedly haunted by the wife of one-time owner Philip Skene. Her spirit has been claimed to be seen near a fountain that was once where her body was buried.

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The Anvil Inn (Fort Edward)

Built in the 1840s as a blacksmith shop, the popular dining spot provides unexpected entertainment when a female spectre allegedly turns lights and music on or off, or drops bottles on the floor.

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Capital Region

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Batcheller Mansion Inn (Saratoga Springs)

Civil War veteran George S. Batcheller built the mansion in 1883. Visitors to the converted inn, including The Albany Paranormal Research Society (APRS), have long reported seeing ghosts and other paranormal activity. Curious? You can rent a room and stay overnight to conduct your own investigation.

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Canfield Casino in Congress Park (Saratoga Springs)

Saratoga's resort hotel and popular wedding venue has long seen reports of mysterious figures in wedding photos, hostile energy, objects moving or cold spots. SyFy's "Ghost Hunters" investigated the former Congress Spring Bottling Plant and Congress Hall (which now holds the Saratoga Springs History Museum), experiencing hair pulling, touching and an electromagnetic field on the third floor; others claimed they were slapped by a female specter in a Victorian dress or smelled cigar smoke that isn't there.

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Forest Park Cemetery (Brunswick)

USA Today recommends this abandoned 1800s cemetery, also known as Pinewoods, located outside of Troy and closed to the public — though the gates and fencing have been removed. Shattered gravestones and a vandalized mausoleum may disturb you, but just think how disturbed the former residents must feel. Many report feeling cold spots or something that doesn't allow them to leave, as well as lighter paranormal activities like the sounds of children's laughter.

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Loudon Cottage (Loudonville)

Supposedly you can see the ghost of Abraham Lincoln in this summer home owned by Clara Harris, the woman who sat next to the president when he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. Some of his blood stained her white satin dress and she kept it in the closet, only to one day see his spirit in a rocking chair, staring at it. The cottage is not currently open to the public, but tours have been offered in the past.

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Photo: NYup.com archive

NYS Capitol Building (Albany)

The Hauntings Tour takes visitors through the Capitol Building in October, telling tales of ghosts like a man who jumped to his death from the fifth floor in 1890, and Samuel Abbott, a nightwatchman who died in a 1911 fire (that mysteriously didn't burn any sacred Iroquois artifacts in the building).

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The Knox Mansion (Johnstown)

The Haunted History Trail recommends this 42-room house built in 1889 by Charles Knox. Ghost tours and guided visits are offered, with experiences like flickering lights, mysterious footsteps, cold spots, spooky voices and visions of ghosts, like a late gardener who apparently only appears to children.

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Vale Cemetery (Schenectady)

According to hauntedplaces.org, this 150-year-old cemetery allegedly has statutes that bleed from their eyes, ghostly figures that wander gravesites, and sounds of singing in an old church on the grounds. Themed public tours are offered on the first Sunday of the month from May through October, taking the morbidly curious through the victims of the Revolutionary War, the "Victorian Lady in Mourning" and others.

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Yates Elementary (Schenectady)

Students at this K-6 magnet school have reported seeing children enter a locked door with a hidden staircase to a classroom for disabled students, according to The Free George. Others have claimed to see ghosts in the bathroom or heard children's laughter when there are no kids on the grounds.

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Read more: The winner of the best haunted house in Upstate NY is ...

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Catskills Region

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Captain's Inn Point Lookout (East Windham)

The inn, previously known as Point Lookout Inn, was once the site of a murder. It’s believed that a couple checked into Room 12, but the woman never left because she was killed by the man she arrived with. Room 12’s tainted past has resulted in patrons of the room reporting strange happenings such as foul odors, voices and flickering lights.

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Murderers' Creek (Athens)

The creek, 1.5 miles from Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, is supposedly haunted by the spirit of Sally Hamilton, a young girl whose body was found mutilated and suffering from a broken skull under a bridge in the creek. Hamilton was the daughter of a prominent businessman and went missing prior to the discovery of her body. Boat rentals are available for haunted ride through Murderers’ Creek.

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The Shanley Hotel (Napanoch)

The Shanley Hotel, purchased in 1906 by James Louis Shanley, has been the site of many tragedies, including the death of all three of his children before the age of 1. His sister-in-law Esther died at the hotel, also, after becoming sick with influenza. Other rumors that plague the hotel involve accidental deaths and even murder. The hotel is said to have rocking chairs that rock on their own, mysterious clock chimes, voices, the laughter of children and more. The hotel has 35 rooms that can be booked for stay.

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Read more: The best pumpkin patches in Upstate NY

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Central New York

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Beardslee Castle (Little Falls)

A stone's throw from the Thruway (Route 90) is John Beardslee's home built in the early 1800s, now a popular wedding destination — especially for fans of the supernatural. Stories of hauntings from victims of the French and Indian War have persisted for decades, but other legends include ghosts of a woman named "Abigail" who died the night before her wedding and Pop Christensen, the first owner of the castle when it was turned into a restaurant, who hung himself in the building.

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Brae Loch Inn (Cazenovia)

This popular Scottish-themed inn and restaurant was originally the home of William Burr. According to hauntedplaces.org, several rooms are haunted by visions that include a man in a kilt (known as "Scotty"), a young girl in a blue dress carrying a tray of candles and a shadowy male figure.

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Bull's Head Inn (Cobleskill)

Built in 1802, this inn didn't stir up any spirits until the '60s when a bar was added and disturbed the spirit of Mrs. John Stacy, an anti-alcohol advocate who's said to knock silverware, glasses and more off tables. Visitors and investigators have reported seeing an apparition in a long white dress, hearing doors slam shut or even communicating via flickering lights.

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Photo: Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum (Chittenango)

Chittenango is best known as the home of "The Wizard of Oz" author L. Frank Baum, but the drydocks along the Erie Canal are allegedly haunted by victims of thieves and murderers, searching for justice.

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Dr. Best House & Medical Museum (Middleburgh)

This "time capsule" of early medicine may be plagued by victims of archaic hospital procedures that are no longer practiced, or by the doctor and his family who died within the walls of the house. EVPs and other unexplained events have made this a popular place for "Haunted History Tours" in October.

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Erie Canal Museum (Syracuse)

Several ghosts allegedly haunt the Erie Canal Museum, including arguing men, a woman who was killed in the building and children in the courtyard. Shadow Chasers recorded pictures of orbs, lights turning on and off and spooky noises in a 2012 investigation.

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Fort Ontario State Historic Site (Oswego)

This "Guardian of the Northern Frontier" was a fortress for U.S. military for centuries. Now it's a creepy/fun place to visit, featured on "Ghost Hunters" with phenomenon ranging from strange lights and music to a woman in an upstairs window or the sound of a child calling his cat. The fort will host a ghost hunt in mid-October.

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Grapevine Farms (Cobleskill)

According to Haunted History Trail, this 19th century farmhouse is now a gift shop and venue for weddings and banquets, but four ghostly spirits still live there. Encounters include ghostly children running through the halls; investigations and tours can be booked.

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Herkimer Home State Historic Site (Little Falls)

Revolutionary War General Nicholas Herkimer built this Georgian Mansion in the Mohawk Valley in 1764. Considered a hero for defending Fort Stanwix from British red coats, he was wounded in battle and died at his home days later. The home is supposedly haunted by ghostly voices and footsteps and even a flying candlestick. Site tours are only offered during a few months of the year.

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Hyde Hall (Cooperstown)

Did Juliette Gordon Low, Samuel F.B. Morse and Alice Lawless ever really leave his 19th century mansion? Stories of a curse and other not-kid-friendly hauntings are covered in summer and October ghost tours.

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1890 House Museum (Cortland)

The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) investigators from Syfy's "Ghost Hunters" also investigated this home where six members of the industrialist Chester Wickwire's family died. People that have spent the night in the house hear strange noises that sound like ghosts, making "Spirits in the Castle" tours a fun visit in October.

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Onondaga County Criminal Courthouse (Syracuse)

A woman named Claire allegedly haunts the former site of the Syracuse Police Department parking garage after she jumped to her death in the 1950s when she discovered her cop boyfriend was cheating on her with another woman. Word is people sometimes see or hear her when working late at night on the top and bottom floors of the courthouse.

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Photo: NYup.com archive

Otesaga Resort Hotel (Cooperstown)

According to NBC, the more than a century old hotel near the National Baseball Hall of Fame was the private Knox School for Girls from 1920 to 1954. Stories of seeing ghostly children playing, giggling or even calling people's names out -- especially in rooms 307 and 585 -- led to an investigation from SyFy's "Ghost Hunters" who confirmed "friendly spirits" exist there. Like a female Casper.

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Rome Capitol Theatre (Rome)

For decades, attendees at this CNY music-and-movie venue have reported seeing shadowy figures, doors opening and closing or hearing sounds of an organ (when there was no organ).

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Seward House Museum (Auburn)

Haunted History Tours are offered in October at the historic home of William H. Seward, including "grisly supernatural tales that permeate Auburn's local history and legends."

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Split Rock Quarry (Solvay)

In 2007, the Ghost Finders Association of Central New York claimed it found evidence of ghosts at the quarry where at least 50 men died in a 1918 explosion; 15 of them were never identified and buried in a common grave. Stories include reports of strange colors and lights and an exorcism performed there.

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Sylvan Beach Amusement Park (Sylvan Beach)

Syfy's "Ghost Hunters" found "significant" paranormal activity in 2012 at this classic amusement park and its nearby Yesterday's Royal restaurant-hotel. The park is open from May to October, with periodical "park after dark" tours of the spookiest places,

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The Farnam Mansion (Oneida)

Eight people died in the 19th century Victorian mansion, and guests at the former inn say they've seen human and animal spirits, heard ghostly voices or seen objects moving on their own. In 2013, WRVO interviewed the owners of the privately owned house about their paranormal experiences while living there. In the past, the owners have hosted guided tours and once opened their home to an investigation by the New York Shadow Chasers, who found evidence of paranormal activity there in 2011.

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The Landmark Theatre (Syracuse)

The Salt City's most famous haunted venue is this theater, home to a woman named Clarissa since she fell off a balcony to her death in 1930. The theatre continues to host various productions throughout the year.

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13 Curves (Onondaga Hill)

On Cedarvale Road, 60 years ago, a young married couple were thrown apart in a crash and died along the snaky drive. People have claimed to have seen the bride, especially on Halloween, wearing white and glowing as she floats above the road, looking for her husband.

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Utica Lunatic Asylum (Utica)

The Utica Psychiatric Center's "Old Main" periodically reopens to the public for tours of the former lunatic asylum. Stories of forced lobotomies and other extreme medical procedures -- such as the Utica Crib, a coffin-like wooden bed with a cage around it --has been believed to be haunted by former patients for years.

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Photo: Mike Greenlar | mgreenlar@syracuse.com

Wayside Irish Pub (Elbridge)

For half a century, paranormal activity has been reported at the former Munro House, including a transparent woman in a long dress named Sara, believed to have hung herself on the third floor. Another poltergeist named Harry and original inn owner Squire Munro add to the fun, giving patrons touches, pokes, hair pulls and cold sensations.

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Finger Lakes Region

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Allegiance Bed & Breakfast (Mount Morris)

In Livingston County, you can talk to the living dead by booking an overnight stay at this 19th century B&B that was once featured on the "Today" show. The mini-mansion is named after Mount Morris native Francis Bellamy, who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance, but the Haunted History Trail says ghosts named Karen and Ray apparently enjoy interacting with guests.

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Museum of Wayne County History (Lyons)

Featured on Syfy's "Haunted Collector," the former Wayne County Jail and sheriff's residence is now a museum offering historical tours and special ghost busting events in October. According to the Haunted History Trail, the only man hanged in Wayne County was William Fee, right in the jail in 1860.

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Parkview Restaurant (Owego)

Zagat recommends stopping in Tioga County for one of the nine haunted restaurants and bars in the U.S. worth a visit. Built in 1867 and renovated in 2011 by owner Beth Johnson, the Irish pub features mysterious voices recorded by ghost hunters. For those that dare to spend the night, the Parkview is currently undergoing renovations to open up 11 "early 1900's style" hotel rooms.

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Photo: Kathe Harrington for NYup.com

Seneca Falls Historical Society Museum (Seneca Falls)

In 2011, Paranormal Investigators of Central New York said they recorded sounds of two ghosts named Helen and Mary talking. They returned and asked the women to move a ball on a table, and it rolled right into one investigator's lap.

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Spook Hill (Middlesex)

Ready to get goosebumps? In Yates County, if you drive your car along Route 364 to Middlesex, then turn left on South Vine Valley Road and left on Newell Road, you'll find a big hill where your car rolls backwards up the hill. Look for Spike Road down the hill, stop just before the sign and leave your car in neutral to get this spooky experience. Legend has it the site is near an old Native American burial ground.

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The Erie Mansion B&B (Clyde)

Seven miles east of Lyons is a bed-and-breakfast frequented by tourists and ghost hunters. Word is the original inhabitants of the house haunt the grounds, as well as a few more spirits allegedly overstaying their welcome at the B&B.

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The Naples Hotel (Naples)

The Historic Naples Hotel has been "keeping travelers happy since 1895" — so happy, that some refuse to leave. The resort boasts 32 rooms where guests can stay, though they may have to share the space with half a dozen friendly spirits, including a man named Topper and a woman with her children, that turn lights on and off, move pictures and more. Aside from ghostly stays, the haunted hotels hosts karaoke and live music nights.

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William Phelps General Store and Home Museum (Palmyra)

The Phelps store and Palmyra Historical Museum offer double the spooky fun, with evidence of spiritual happenings recorded by several groups of investigators. Ghost hunts can be booked year-round for anyone hoping to hear strange noises and see ghostly cats.

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Hudson Valley

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Laurel Grove Cemetery (Port Jervis)

Cemeteries are the final resting place of many souls, but some of those souls are still restless. Some say Laurel Grove Cemetery is haunted by the vision of a woman dressed in a flowing white gown. The woman appears from behind a mausoleum and glides along the Neversink and Delaware Rivers before disappearing into the mist.

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Pollepel Island (Bannerman Island)

The island, on the banks of the Hudson River, is said to be haunted by the spirits of Native Americans and Dutch settlers. Walking tours of the island are available on Saturdays and Sundays from May through October.

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Miss Fanny's Victorian Party House (Wappingers Falls)

The three-story farm house featured on several television programs, including "My Ghost Story" and "Haunted Collectors," is privately owned, but the owners share their home with spirits that open and close doors, manifest in apparitions and disappear into walls. The owners make the home available for private parties and periodically host public events.

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Pine Bush House B&B (Pine Bush)

The rooms in the 1905 Victorian home all appear serene and peaceful but are rumored to be haunted by a ghost named George on the third floor, the sounds of people walking upstairs and phantom laughter. The home is open for select weekends and holidays throughout the year.

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Northern New York

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Burrville Cider Mill (Watertown)

The Burrville Cider Mill offers freshly pressed sweet apple cider and fried cider donuts so good the previous owners don't want to leave. The mill is supposedly haunted by the ghost of Captain John Burr, the original owner of the cider mill, and Homer Rebb, owner of the mill in the 1940s. The ghosts are said to make lights flicker, move around objects in the gift shop and even smoke cigars.

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Old Stone Barracks (Plattsburgh)

The Old Stone Barracks were once part of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base, which saw it's last remaining units leave in 1995. The building, built in 1838, is said to have been the site of several suicides, and the shadowy figures of individuals dressed in period clothing are said to roam the halls. The site has been restored and transformed to be the home of the Valcour Brewing Company, but the ghosts may still take up residence within structure.

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Spanky's Diner (Massena)

If you’re up to sharing a meal with ghosts, then Spanky’s Diner might be worth a visit. Patrons of the family-owned restaurant have claimed to see orbs with faces and apparitions. One woman also claimed to have had her shoelaces tied together while she was eating.

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Thompson Park Vortex (Watertown)

Thompson Park allegedly contains a "vortex" to the past, where visitors are mysteriously transported to another portion of the park after a brief disappearance. Northern NY Shadow Chasers investigated the location in 2007, finding no evidence of a time warp -- but unusual EMF readings in a grid pattern could explain confusion and hallucinations. It's unclear what causes the EMF mystery, but the city recently celebrated its claim to fame with a sign in the park for "Watertown's Area 51."

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Southern Tier

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Devil's Elbow (near Binghamton)

Devil’s Elbow is a dangerous curved road in the road on Route 17, 15 miles east of Binghamton. The road is the site of several accidents and deaths and is supposedly haunted by a lady in a white coat who was killed in a crash there. She appears on the side of the road, shivering, trying to find her way home.

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Photo: Library of Congress

Elmira Prison Camp (Elmira)

The campus, which was once the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp, is still home to the prisoners (who nicknamed the camp Hellmira) that once perished there. In all, 2,963 prisoners died at the camp from several causes, including insufficient food, typhoid, smallpox and inadequate medical care. The camp is open for tours on Saturdays.

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Roberson Mansion (Binghamton)

The Roberson Mansion, part of the Roberson Museum and Science Center, was built in 1904 for businessman Alonzo Roberson Jr. and his family. Visitors to the mansion have reported meeting him in the elevator, mysterious footsteps and weird feelings that they are not alone or are being watched. After his death in 1934, Alonzo Jr. left the mansion to the community for educational purposes.

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Western New York

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Dunkirk Lighthouse (Dunkirk)

Several shipwrecks in Lake Erie, off the coast of Dunkirk, may be the explanation for paranormal activity at this historical site near Chautauqua. Guided investigations are offered, along with a lighthouse tour where amateur investigators can test their equipment.

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Durand-Eastman Park (Rochester)

Legend has it the park is haunted by a "White Lady," the ghost of a woman who once lived in the 3 Lakes Pavilion (also known as the White Lady's Castle) near Lake Ontario. According to NYFalls.com, she lost her daughter (to kidnapping, murder or ran away) and continues to search for her while dressed in all white. Rochester native Frank LaLoggia turned the tale into the 1988 movie, "The Lady in White," starring "Inception" actor Lukas Haas.

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Iron Island Museum (Buffalo)

A former church and funeral home, this museum in the Iron Island neighborhood of Buffalo has been featured on "Ghost Huntrers" and the Discovery Channel's "Ghost Lab." Among the many spirits said to haunt the building is Edgar Zernicke, a.k.a. "Charlie the Ghost," whose cremated remains were left in the basement.

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Photo: The Associated Press

Rapids Theatre (Niagara Falls)

A popular WNY concert venue is also one of the region's most haunted, featuring voices, invisible footsteps and actual ghost sightings. Featured on "Ghost Hunters," the theater offers guided Ghost Hunts with Paranormal Crossroads Live allowing amateur investigators to use EMF readers and other equipment.

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Red Coach Inn (Niagara Falls)

"The Loveboat" actor Bernie Kopell famously shared the tale of his encounter with a female ghost at the Red Coach Inn on the Biography Channel's "Celebrity Ghost Stories" in 2013. Guests can stay in the haunted B&B year-round.

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Rolling Hills Asylum (East Bethany)

If you're traveling in Western New York, the Rolling Hills Asylum located roughly halfway between Canandaigua and Buffalo is worth a stop. Featured on "Ghost Hunters" and "Ghost Adventures," patients that died in the mental institution are still said to roam the halls and include a seven-foot giant named Roy.

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The Van Horn Mansion (Burt)

A woman named Malinda Niles Van Horn died a year after marrying James Van Horn Jr. in 1836, but she still refuses to rest in peace. Doors slamming, sounds of whistling, smells of tobacco and perfume, lights flickering and other phenomena have led to theories that she was murdered, committed suicide or died during childbirth or illness. Come in October for the Candlelight Tours, if you dare.

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Winery at Marjim Manor (Appleton)

Want some spirits with your spirits? Enjoy fruit wines or rent out a room and hear some ghost stories at this haunted house, featured on Travel Channel's "Most Terrifying Places in America." The winery occasionally hosts ghost hunts and paranormal events.

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Read more: 12 creepy, abandoned places to visit in Upstate NY

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