The 24 Most Haunted Places in Cleveland

Franklin Castle is one of Ohio’s most notorious and haunted places. Built by businessmen and banker Hannes Tiedemann in 1881, the castle has all the makings of a home to unruly spirits. There were alleged deaths that occurred under mysterious circumstances, including those of Tiedemann’s wife, mother and children. Babies can be heard crying through the walls, and victims of foul play have been sighted throughout the house. These include Karen, who is said to have been murdered with an axe and usually occupies the “cold room” on the third floor. The room is ten degrees colder than the rest of the house at all times. Franklin Castle is private property, but it’s still alluring from the outside.

(Photo via Tabitha Kaylee Hawk)

Let's just start off with the fact that it was an old funeral home. J. Walter Wills Sr. started the "The House of Wills" around 1905, becoming a namesake in the business. The creep factor increases when its other use in 1912 served as a hospital. Reported deaths occurred there during this time, along with a recent 2006 man who was shot and bled to death on near the doorstep. Tales range from seeing shadow people to witnessing a swirling vortex (whatever that means). The scariest thing? Look at what's in the second story window here.

(Photo via Urbanmutation, Instagram)

Here, a man wearing a yellow raincoat dwells in many places around the theater. Cleaning crews have reported doors unlocking and opening on their own. There is also a creepy basement lounge where guests and employees have reported feeling a strange presence. The basement also includes the “Marilyn Manson” room where the artist did store his stuff for some period of time. At least one of his boxes remains, unopened.

(Photo via A Continuous Lean, Flickr CC)

The armory served as a private military company that helped to enforce the law starting in 1837. Needless to say, the 178-year-old building has some remaining spirits. The staff claims to hear unexplained footsteps and apparitions dating to the Civil War era.

(Photo via Robbj3, Instagram)

Honoring the the Cuyahoga County veterans of the Civil War, the monument was constructed in 1891, making it more than 100 years old. Underground, there's tunnels believed to be haunted. Unexplained happenings include strange voices and group tour photos featuring unexplained people in them.

(Photo via Can Pac Swire, Flickr CC)

The dream home of Cleveland millionaire Francis Drury turned more into a nightmare. Drury Mansion has had notes of hauntings and ghost sightings since built in 1912. The mansion has 52 rooms, mazelike hallways and an underground tunnel. In 1972, the Ohio Adult Parole Authority leased the place as a halfway house for convicts. Story has it, two police offers were tasked to guard the building but were found the next morning, terrified, clutching their shotguns back-to-back. The spot is now owned by the Cleveland Clinic.

(Photo via The Cleveland Memory Project, Cleveland Press Collection)

The 1927 theatre on Lorain Avenue is home to more than just a historic past. It's believed to be haunted by a man who fell from a lighting scaffold and another who can be seen in the balcony with piercing red eyes. It's currently still under renovation.

(Photo via Friends of the Historic Variety Theater, Facebook)

Opening it's doors more than 90 years ago, the still-operating federal reserve bank is, of course, home to something otherworldly. The building is said to be haunted by a woman named Matilda, who killed herself in 1929 after losing it all in the stock market crash. Now she spends her time stalking employees dressed as a flapper.

(Photo via Mr.TinDC, Flickr CC)

Looming in the Cleveland Metroparks, the castle was constructed by Standard Oil Vice President Feargus B. Squire around 1890. According to legend, Mr. Squire’s wife tripped and fell down the stairs one night, breaking her neck. Her spirit lurks around with a red lantern that can be seen through the windows. The site can still be explored, and is popular for weddings.

(Photo via Buschap, Flickr CC)

The still-working hotel may attract guests who want a downtown view, but it also brings out some spooky happenings. According to staff, the fourth floor is particularly haunted. Lights flicker, faucets turn on and off by themselves and toilets flush. Wonder if they remember to put the toilet seat down?

(Photo via C.C. Chapman, Flickr CC)