This is the hauntings list for Cuyahoga County. Remember that some of the places listed are merely legend or hearsay, but many are genuine and documented haunts. If you know of any more hauntings or legends for this county, please submit them to our Hauntings Submission Page.
Bay Village
Bay High School - Students of this high school hear bangs and can sometimes see knobs turning in the auditorium's light booth. The ghost makes lights flicker in the auditorium and messes with the sound switches. The occasional mysterious footsteps can sometimes be heard. The origin of the ghost is unknown.
Huntington Playhouse - The theater is haunted by two ghosts, one being Mr. Huntington (the man who owned the land where the theater was built). The other ghost is that of an electrician who likes to turn the lights on and off while there is a play or during practice.
Beachwood
Highland View Hospital - It is said that shades get pulled by ghostly hands, strange sounds are heard, and doors lock and unlock themselves.
Berea
Baldwin-Wallace College - Originally built in the 1870s as a Methodist Children's Home, Kohler Hall is said to be haunted. A mysterious blue haze is commonly reported, especially in the older section of the building. It is said to press down on people while they're in bed and is seen in the hallways. Another ghost is known to pull the blankets off of sleeping students.
Broadview Heights
Broadview Developmental Center - Built in 1939, it was formerly known as the Broadview Veterans Administration Hospital. It was largely used to treat tuberculosis during it's early years and was later converted to a developmental center, catering largely to the mentally retarded. Perhaps it is from those days when the ghost of the "Pink Lady" originated. She is said to roam the halls and is occasionally seen through the windows.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn High School - The high school's auditorium is said to be haunted by the ghost who fell to his death from the second floor of the auditorium. Known as Clarence, someone must ask the ghost's permission to use the auditorium before performances. If they don't, Clarence will wreck havoc on the show. One year when someone forgot to ask, all the lights went off for no apparent reason. After everyone left, and it was determined that nothing was wrong with the lights, they came back on. The Dark Room, used to develop students' photos, is said to be haunted as well. Students often hear unexplainable noises in the room and have a feeling of being watched when they are alone. They also hear laughing, giggling, and cries from a young child on occasions.
Brooklyn Middle School - The middle school in Brooklyn is also haunted. Their ghost is known as John. He is believed to have graduated around 75 years ago from the school. On his way home from the graduation ceremony, John was killed in a horrible accident. In school, he was frequently picked on and is said to watch out for students who are bullied. His presence is mostly reported on the lower floors.
Cleveland
Aqua Night Club - Formerly Old Jim's Steakhouse on Scranton Road, the club is said to be haunted by Old Jim himself.
Bourbon House - Residents of this home located down the street from the infamous Franklin Castle have experienced odd events over the years. Particularly, a young child living in the home reportedly had conversations with the ghost of the man who built the house.
Collinwood School - Now a state monument, this school was the site of a huge fire in the early twentieth century. Over one hundred people died because the doors in the school opened inwardly rather than outwardly, preventing escape. Residents that live near the school have reported seeing a light come on in one room, go down the hall and back to where it came. Police investigate, but no is ever found in the building.
Davron Cemetery - Tombstones appear to be broken during the night, and are normal in the day. Bright lights can be seen coming from the cemetery. Strange sounds, such as water trickling, screams, and howls can be heard. The cemetery supposedly closed in 1886 because of poor maintenance.
Drury Mansion - This fifty-two room mansion was built in 1912 and has been said to be haunted since. Confusing hallways, huge stairways, and a tunnel that connects the mansion to the Drury Theater across the street are notable here. Originally built by Francis Drury for his family, the mansion was later converted into a halfway house. The ghost of a woman in old fashioned dress with her hair up in a bun has been seen near the top of the house. Doors and windows open and close without explanation, and a presence can be felt when no one else is around. Once, when the place was abandoned, two police officers were stationed there to deter people from going in. They were reportedly so terrified that they stood back to back the whole night with their guns drawn.
Erie Cemetery - The Erie Cemetery is said to be haunted by the ghost of Sauk Chief Joc-O-Sot. He died on his way back from Europe from an old bullet wound from an earlier war. His wish was to be buried at his home in Wisconsin or Minnesota, but only made it to Cleveland. He is said to haunt the cemetery and the nearby stadium where the Cleveland Indians play.
Federal Reserve Bank - Located on the corner of Superior Ave and East Sixth St, this building is haunted by the ghost of an unknown woman.
Franklin Castle - Franklin Castle is rated the number one haunted house in Ohio in many people's eyes. Originally built in the mid-1800's by Hans Tiedemann, this 21 room castle has seen it's share of tenants. Ranging from families to a doctor's office to a party house to bootleggers, none of them have stayed in the castle for long. The secret passageways around the fourth floor ballroom are said to be haunted by Karen, Tiedemann's illegitimate daughter. He had hung her in one of those passageways. Tiedemann is said to have shot his mistress Rachel because she wanted to marry another man. Sound of her choking death can be heard in certain rooms. A servant girl was murdered on her wedding day in the servant's quarters for not accepting Tiedemann's advances. Tiedemann's wife died in the castle from a liver problem, his fifteen year old daughter Emma died in the house of diabetes, and his three babies also died in there. The victim of an axe murderer is said to haunt the front tower room and the ghostly voices of Nazis machine-gunned to death during a political dispute can be heard throughout the castle. In a small room near the rear of the castle, a pile of baby skeletons were found. Believed to be victims of an inept doctor, the cries of babies can be heard throughout the castle to this day. Families with children who have lived there report their youngsters would regularly play with "imaginary" friends and would find clothing from the early 1900s.
Grays Armory - The Grays Armory is said to be haunted by the sounds of ghostly footsteps and apparitions have been seen. The Grays were one of Cleveland's fighting forces in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War One.
Hamlin Hall - This building is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a young man who died there after falling down a staircase. People have reported to have seen a young man around and he'd mysteriously disappear. Cold spots are felt around the staircase where he died.
Johnny Mango's - This Cleveland restaurant is haunted by several ghosts. One is known as Margaret and it is believed that she died when the trolley car she was riding in crashed into the Cuyahoga River in 1895.
Mason Court Apartments - Frightening phenomena once occurred at these apartments. On one occasion, a witness reported seeing a trap door in his kitchen open, with two grey fingers reaching out. The building was torn down after standing abandoned for years.
Mater Dolorosa Cemetery - Ghostly white figure haunt this satanic church cemetery. Michael Raleigh's 1874 tombstone is said to show his face within the marble design.
Mound Elementary School - This school is believed to be built atop an Indian burial ground, making it cursed.
Mount Sinai Hospital - The old school attached to the hospital is the scene of poltergeist activity, ghostly footsteps, and flickering lights. Figures are sometimes seen out of the corner of a witnesses' eye. Sightings of ghostly children are also common here.
Punderson Hotel - The ghost of an old maid is said to haunt the hotel. Reports from the third floor have loud music coming from empty rooms and on the second floor, loud banging noises can be heard.
Puratis Hill - In the 1960s, a roller coaster (The Cyclone) at Puratis Springs Amusement Park was said to have derailed and killed everyone on the ride. At night, when driving up the hill, one can hear the screams of the dead. Residents at the nearby apartment complex report hearing the sounds of a roller coaster. Note: After doing some investigating, the OES has determined that the Cyclone had never derailed. The park actually closed after a fire in 1958 and the Cyclone itself burned down several years later. There were several accidents, however. In 1942 a man was ejected from the coaster and fell 40 feet, but lived. And in 1946, three women were injured within one month. The Cleveland Police ordered the ride closed, but it opened back up a short time later. Maybe the screams that are heard are those of the thrill seekers who once rode what was said to be the best ravine coaster in the country.
The Renaissance Hotel - Many ghosts are known to haunt this downtown hotel. Employees refuse to go to the fourth floor alone at night. Toilets flush and sinks turn on and off by themselves and lights flicker for no reason. One witness on the sixth floor reported seeing a black cloud-like formation moving away from him rather quickly down the main hallway before it turned a corner. He tried to search for the formation, but was unable to find anything. (Thanks to Joseph Irvin for the additional information).
Squire Castle - This castle was built by Fergus B. Squire as a caretaker's home while he built his real castle. His real castle was never completed, so he lived in the caretaker's home. One night, his wife dead at the bottom of the basement stairs with a broken neck. Everyone suspected that Squire had done something, so he sold his land and left. The Cleveland Metro-parks purchased the land and castle sometime later. They filled the basement with concrete and totally re-did the interior. It is said that one can still hear screams coming from the castle and a mysterious light can be seen passing the front windows.
The Tree Bridge Hotel - The feeling of being watched has been reported at the hotel. Witnesses have also seen a gray lady wondering the halls.
Variety Theater - A figure in white has been seen on the first floor by the old water fountain. A man with red eyes has been seen in the upper balcony. Noises have been heard on the stage. The noises are rumored to be that of a man who fell off the scaffold and died on the stage.
West 25th Street Alley - This alley just off of West 25th Street is said to be haunted by a ghost known as Mary Ann. It is said that back in the 1930s or 1940s, she was raped and murdered in the alley. It wasn't much later that people started to see her ghost dressed in all black staring at them. She has never spoke to anyone who has seen her, but many feel that she is looking for her killer.
Euclid
Lakeshore 7 Movie House - The theater is believed to be built over an Indian burial ground. People have stared into the mirror and seen Native Americans standing behind them. When they turn to look, no one is there.
Garfield Heights
Garfield Park Bridge - The ghost of a man who fishes off the bridge is said to whisper in people's ears while they're fishing.
Lotsa Pet Store Apartment - The apartment atop Lotsa Pet Store along Turney Road is said to be haunted by those who died in a fight there. It is said that in the 1940s, two guys got into a fight, which turned into a brawl and many people were shot, stabbed, and choked. Passerby's often hear strange noises coming from the apartment. A former resident of the apartment actually witnessed the apparition of a little girl eating ice cream choke, fall to the ground, and vanish before her eyes. (Thanks to Mike for submitting this haunting).
Lakewood
Bozak Bridge - A young female girl with light hair is said to haunt the bridge. Locals gave her the name of Jessica. She has been known to throw things at passing pedestrians. It is said that if you anger her, she will cut you in the night.
Great Lakes Theater Company - The building where the Great Lakes Theater Company is based was once a fire station. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a firefighter who died in the line of duty.
Middlesbrough
Poole Hospital - Reports of feeling like you're being watched and odd anomalies showing up on film are common at this hospital.
Middleburg Heights
Radisson Hotel - This hotel is haunted by a few spirits. A blue ball of light has been seen in the downstairs Ontario Ballroom. Employees who were setting up for a banquet reported that the blue light had moved towards them. The ghost of a woman who hung herself years ago haunts the third floor. She is seen quite often and there are many reports of people seeing her. (Thanks to Charles for submitting this haunting).
Southwest General Hospital - At night while walking through the basement level, many staff members have felt as if someone was following them. The sound of footsteps can often be heard, but when you turn around, no one is there. Certain areas experience sudden cold spots, usually five to eight feet in length. On occasion, unexplained events happen in other secluded areas of the hospital, mainly the Old Park Medical Pavilion and the security office. Jackets hanging on chairs will fall to the floor and objects will be thrown off of desks. Doors and lockers also shut by themselves.
North Olmsted
Candlewood Suites Hotel - This hotel is haunted by several spirits. Lights turn on and off by themselves, mysterious cold spots can be felt in the hallways, and witnesses have seen shadowy figures out the corner of their eyes. An employee reported that she felt icy cold fingers brush the back of her neck, but no one else was there. One ghost in particular is believed to be a woman who committed suicide at the site. When the workers were clearing the woods to build the place, they discovered her body with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
North Royalton
North Royalton High School - At 4:25pm every Friday in the hallway near the old gym, legend says you can hear the sounds of someone coming down the hallway dribbling a basketball. Shortly afterwards, you can hear the screams of a boy and banging on the lockers, as if he were being attacked. It is said that in the 1970s, a ninth grader was killed there before a rivalry football game during a prank pulled by two seniors.
Olmsted Falls
Chestnut Grove Cemetery - Also known as Witch's Hill, this cemetery is said to be haunted by a witch who is buried there. If you get too close to her grave (the fenced area near an old large tree), something bad will happen to you. Mysterious lights have also been reported coming from the rear of the cemetery near Rocky River.
Parma
Normandy High School - It is said that in the 1980s, cheerleaders were hazing a new recruit when a tile fell from the gymnasium's ceiling, striking the recruit in the head, killing her. The cheerleaders didn't want to get in trouble, so they dumped her body in the woods behind the baseball diamonds. If one walks into the woods late at night, they can hear her ghost still practicing her cheers.
Pleasant Lake Nursing Home - The ghost of a little seven-year-old girl who drowned in the lake behind the nursing home as been seen in different rooms and hallways by several staff members and residents.
Rocky River
Tunnel of Death - The tunnel in Rocky River behind the Giant Eagle is said to be haunted by large glowing eyes. People who have entered the 3½ mile tunnel have even reported seeing a human-looking form look at them, then turn around and run, splashing water. Supposedly there are also extreme cold spots in the tunnel.
Valley View
Canal Road - A ghostly car is supposed to haunt the stretch of road between Valley View and Rockside Road. While traveling down the road, reports of headlights behind one's car mysteriously appearing and disappearing are common.
Edmund Gleason Farmhouse - This home is said to be haunted by an eccentric woman who lived there. She dressed like a man and raised pigs in the barn. Abandoned since 1987, strange lights are often seen in the upstairs area. In the summer of 2002, a young man actually killed himself inside the house.
Lockkeeper's Inn - Once called Sophie's Bar, Sophie herself was found dead there in May of 1956. Three shots had been fired from a nearby gun, but only one hit her. The death was ruled a suicide, but many have their doubts. Sophie is now said to haunt the place, which is now abandoned.
Ohio / Eire Canal - The towpath on either side of the canal is said to be haunted by a Union Soldier and his lover. Throughout the years, they've walked on opposite sides of the canal, never to meet again. The sightings of the lovers are most common near the Ohio / Erie Canal Museum, which is also haunted.
Terra Vista Cemetery - Also known as Tinker's Creek Cemetery, this cemetery is said to be haunted and a hangout for the occult. Feelings of being watched, hearing children laughing, and hearing branches breaking when no one is there are often reported.
Westlake
Clague Playhouse - The playhouse was built into an old barn that the former property owner now haunts. Known as Walter, he has moved things around, made strange noises, and performed other ghostly activities. Once, he left odd noises on a sound effects tape. He seems to become more active when changes are made to the playhouse.
