Simcoe County always has plenty of events to keep you busy in October. But sometimes all those artificial scares just don't do the trick. If you're looking for some real ghost stories there are a few spooky places in Simcoe County (and Muskoka) you need to check out.
Here are some of our top picks:
1. The Beck House
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If you're ever taking a trip to the Penetanguishene area and want a super unique place to stay, you can actually rent a room at The Beck House through Airbnb!
The house was once home to Charles Beck, his wife, and 9 of their children. Visitors and residents have reported flickering lights and strange noises. You might even feel a tug on your blankets when you get into bed for the night.
RELATED: Learn more about the haunted Beck House in Penetanguishene ...
2. Penetanguishene Centennial Museum
Complete your ghostly stay in Penetanguishene with a visit to the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum. The building was built by Charles Beck back in 1875 to serve as the town's lumber office and general store before it became the town's museum in 1967.
Staff and visitors have heard footsteps when they're the only ones in the building, doors opening and closing, and the "ding" of the entrance bell that isn't there anymore.
Talk about history coming alive (or at least back to life).
RELATED: Learn more about the spirits that linger in the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum ...
3. St. Columbkille Church
Besides having a super ominous name, rumours of St. Columbkille's haunted nature have been circulating for decades.
The church was founded in 1855 by Irish and Scottish immigrants fleeing famine and religious persecution. Soon after, they began spreading tales of its haunting.
Some believe the ghost stories are pure fiction. Others feel that the inexplicable sights, sounds and feelings are a sure sign the church is haunted.
If you do decide to visit, be on the lookout for the spirits of earlier settlers and a priest with unfished business.
RELATED: Find out more about the ghosts of St. Columbkille ...
3. The Museum on the Boyne
Take a trip to The Museum on the Boyne in Alliston, and you'll get a triple whammy when it comes to both haunted buildings and ghostly visitors.
The MacDonald Log Cabin from 1851, the English Barn from 1858, and the Agricultural Fair Building from 1915 have all had reported ghost sightings. These include loud footsteps, cold spots, and unknown orbs and lights.
Some of the ghosts who haunt this place are Andrew, a man who used to work in the building, the "Lovely Ladies", who appear every June before disappearing shortly after, and even a cat, who has been spotted on the main floor of one of the buildings.
One visit and you're sure to have a few local ghost stories of your own.
4. Fort Willow
A strategically placed supply depot during the War of 1812, Fort Willow has seen its fair share of horrors. So it's no suprise ghost stories have begun to swirl.
The Commander of the Fort and a young soldier who deserted the military are just a few of the ghosts who have been seen wandering the walls at Fort Willow.
Keep your head down too, because reports of ghostly gunshots have also been reported.
RELATED: Find out more about the ghostly inhabitants of Fort Willow ...
5. Taste of Freedom Inn
Posted by A Taste of Freedom Country Inn on Tuesday, April 24, 2012
With such delicious food, it's hard to blame ghosts for wanting to stick around the Taste of Freedom Inn!
Originally built as a bank in 1883, the building is now home to a restaurant and multi-room inn. While visiting, you can see the original vaulted ceilings and bank vault inside.
Guests of the inn have reported ghostly apparitions walking the halls and door handles rattling in the night.
6. The Farmhouse
In the early 1890's a hotel was built a short walk from the Allandale Railway Station. The YMCA moved into this location...
Posted by Barrie Historical Archive on Wednesday, March 23, 2016
The Farmhouse is one of the many buildings in Barrie with a whole lot of history.
Originally built in 1890, it was once a YMCA, a "gentlemen's club", and eventually, the restaurant that is now an absolute staple in the Barrie community.
While they aren't quite sure who it is, wait staff and guests have more than a few stories of supernatural things occurring like glassware moving on its own, doors opening and closing, and phantom footsteps coming from all corners of the building.
Next time you go, ask the server if they've experienced anything after they've locked up!
7. South Simcoe Theatre
Snuggly nestled in the middle of Cookstown, the South Simcoe Theatre is another haunted building with no shortage of spooky stories.
The building has been used as a meeting hall, dance studio, and theatre so there are plenty of people who have had ghostly experiences.
Ghost hunters have picked up whispering sounds, children giggling, video of a shadowy figure moving across the stage, and more. This is one of the few places where people have actually felt the touch of a ghost too with some saying they could feel a hand on their shoulder!
8. Gravenhurst Opera House
The story goes that an old theatre operator named Ben was walking the walkway when he suddenly fell to his death. The exact reason for his fall is very much up to speculation but one thing many agree on is that he's still roaming the theater.
Many guests of the Gravenhurst Opera House have experienced goosebumps, cold spots, and a few have even claimed to have seen Ben himself walking around behind the stage. Others have spent years at the theatre without so much as a whisper from old Ben.
RELATED: Read more about the haunted Gravenhurst Opera House ...
Would You Check Out These Haunted Places In The Barrie Area?
Do you have the courage to check out these haunted places in Simcoe Muskoka? Seeing as most these locations have friendly ghosts, we think just about anybody should go check them out.
Featured image: Ryan Miguel via pexels.com
