Long Island, New York, is filled with haunted sites, ranging from old homes to forsaken buildings. The Long Island Paranormal Investigators (LIPI) indicate that some of the most spine-chilling locations include an old fort and a psychiatric center. Whether you’re a believer in ghost stories or view them as mere urban legends, exploring these eerie spots on Long Island can provide an exhilarating thrill.

1. Fire Island Lighthouse

The impressive Fire Island Lighthouse, established in the 1800s, stands at 167 feet above sea level, visible from over 20 miles away. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974. This decommissioned lighthouse welcomes visitors, offering a challenging ascent of 157 steps and two ladders for views of the surrounding area. However, local tales suggest that visitors have experienced shadowy figures, chilling laughter, and unexplained noises, making the Fire Island Lighthouse a focal point for ghostly folklore.

2. Mt. Misery

Notable for its eerie reputation, Mt. Misery’s history intertwines with that of Walt Whitman, who spent his childhood in nearby West Hills. This location, starting at the intersection of Broad Hollow Road/Route 110 and Sweet Hollow Road, has been associated with unsettling sounds during the night. A story from 1967 recounts an elderly woman’s encounters with specters resembling Native Americans, claiming that the land belonged to them.

3. Raynham Hall

Constructed in the 1700s, Raynham Hall in Oyster Bay initially served as a residence for a prosperous merchant and now functions as a museum. Intriguingly, a caretaker once reported that while he slept in the house, he was disturbed by noises from “the people upstairs,” despite there being no one residing above. Accounts also tell of a young bride’s ghost, left at the altar, who reportedly lingers in the house.

4. Reid’s Ice Cream Factory

The now-demolished Reid’s Ice Cream Factory in Blue Point was abandoned in the 1920s but stirred up haunting rumors, including spectral screams and the playful giggles of a boy. These chilling legends continue to intrigue those familiar with the property, raising the question of whether any spirits remain despite the new residential developments.

5. Kings Park Psychiatric Center

The Kings Park Psychiatric Center, renowned for its haunted past, is among the top 10 most haunted locations on Long Island, according to LIPI. Numerous visitors have reported eerie screams echoing from the long-abandoned facility in Suffolk County. It is important to note, however, that trespassing on the property is illegal, and access to the grounds is strictly regulated.