Haunting Experiences in Genesee County
Fall has arrived, and with it comes a chill in the air and a spooky atmosphere that sets the stage for thrilling adventures. Genesee County, New York, offers a treasure trove of spine-tingling experiences that are perfect for embracing the spirit of the season. From ghost hunts to candlelight tours, here's a guide to some of the scariest and most captivating events in the area.
Rolling Hills Asylum
October 7-31
For the boldest thrill-seekers, Rolling Hills Asylum is a must-visit. Once the Genesee County Poor Farm, this location is renowned as one of the most haunted in the country. Featured on various paranormal shows, the asylum offers flashlight tours, historical tours, and even overnight self-guided ghost hunts. If you're feeling particularly brave, join in on a scary movie night or experience a psychic reading.
Fright Fest at Six Flags Darien Lake Theme Park
September 23, 30
October 7, 14, 21
Kicking off the season with a bang, Fright Fest at Six Flags Darien Lake promises a mix of family-friendly fun and bone-chilling thrills. By day, enjoy classic rides, captivating shows, and trick-or-treating for the little ones. But when the sun goes down, brace yourself for scare zones, night coasters, and premium haunted houses that will leave you screaming for more.
The Haunted Attractions Pass is a must-not-miss feature, which grants access to the creepiest haunted houses around. And for the bravest souls among us, a guided tour of the paranormal occurrences in the historic Seymour Place building is sure to send shivers down your spine. The stories of spirits and eerie encounters in this location are bound to make your hair stand on end.
West Side Ghost Walk
October 6, 27
The Holland Land Office Museum presents the annual West Side Ghost Walk, guiding you through Batavia's west side while sharing stories of murders, hangings, grave robbings, and ghosts from the city's past. If you prefer a less physically demanding experience, the museum also offers West Side Ghost Stories(9/29 and 10/19), a presentation that provides a haunting glimpse into Batavia's history.
Haunted History Tour of Seymour Place (GO ART!)
October 6, 13, 20, 27
Join GO ART! for a spine-tingling adventure on the Haunted History Tour of Seymour Place. This eerie journey takes you through the historic building with a ghostly reputation. Witness paranormal phenomena with your own eyes, ears, and even nose! Encounter a towering 6'2" man from the 1860s in the bar area, sometimes surrounded by spectral companions. Listen to recorded audio capturing ghostly whispers and responses. Upstairs, a mysterious white shadow awaits. And don't miss the energy of a little girl in the room to the left of the bar area, as sensed by a medium. Dare to explore the haunted mysteries of Seymour Place!
Genesee Country Village & Museum
October 7, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29
Genesee Country Village & Museum offers Spooky Saturday on October 7, where you can immerse yourself in the fall ambiance of the Historic Village. Explore historic dishes, Victorian mourning jewelry, and listen to a fascinating talk on rural cemeteries in America. As night falls, prepare for "Spirits of the Past: A Walk in the Dark," where villagers reveal their creepier sides with spine-tingling tales of body snatchers, gravediggers, witches, and prowlers. This event runs on select nights from 10/20-10/29. Don't miss the A Night with Edgar Allan Poe event on October 26, featuring a journey through the master of the macabre's works. And if you're a fan of all things eerie, attend the "All Hallows Tea" for a spine-chilling tea time in hauntingly historic Davis Hall, complete with sweet treats and exclusive talks hosted by the curator of the John L. Wehle Gallery; hosted on October 27 through October 29.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
October 14
The Holland Land Office Museum presents the return of the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater with WNY Improv, featuring "A Murderous Affair: The Truish Murder Mystery of Johnston L. Lynch." The Batavia Country Club, once a bastion of luxury, transforms into a chilling crime scene, unveiling the gruesome murder of Johnston L. Lynch. This immersive experience delves into Batavia's dark history, offering an enthralling real-life whodunit. Put on your detective hat and unravel the mysteries at the Batavia Country Club, making your own conclusions about Johnston L. Lynch's enigmatic demise.
Historic Batavia Cemetery’s Candlelight Ghost Tours
October 22
Step back in time and explore the chilling tales of Batavia's past at the Historic Batavia Cemetery. This spooky guided tour introduces famous and infamous figures who shaped not only Batavia but the nation and the world. Encounter Confederate Major Philemon Tracy, surveyor Joseph Ellicott, William Morgan of Masonic lore, Utopian socialist Albert Brisbane, Mary Elizabeth Wood, Dr. Martha Morgan, General John H. Martindale, Eli Fish, Dean, and Mary Richmond. Explore their intriguing stories on candlelit paths for a hauntingly memorable experience.
