Ohio's Haunted State Park Lodge Is Perfect For A Spooky Trip This Fall

Ohio has no shortage of beautiful parks, but few combine natural beauty with an intriguing history like Punderson State Park. Tucked away in Geauga County, this 741-acre park features woodland and a historic Tudor-style lodge, making it one of the best spots for a picture-perfect fall getaway. You stroll the trails as leaves turn into beautiful shades of red, gold, and orange, or listen to the ghostly tales of the lodge. Whether you're a fan of ghost stories or want to enjoy a spooky getaway, Punderson is an unforgettable adventure.

Punderson State Park is in Newbury Township, about 40 miles from Cleveland and a 15-minute drive from Middlefield in Geauga County. If you're flying in, you'll land in Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), about an hour away. In the 1920s, a local businessman started the construction of the grand Tudor-style manor that still stands today. His aim was to build a grand estate, but he went bankrupt during the great depression and the lodge was completed in 1949 and became property of the park. Over the decades, guests and staff have reported strange occurrences at the manor, making it one of Ohio's most haunted lodges.

Punderson State Park has an eerie atmosphere that makes it one of Ohio's most adventurous fall destinations. The park's centerpiece is the Punderson Manor Lodge, which is steeped in ghostly lore. The rooms at Punderson Manor are rumored to be haunted by different sounds, like footsteps or somebody following visitors. Some guests have also seen flickering lights, shadowy figures, and doors opening and closing. This Midwest destination is also a great spot for a family hiking adventure, thanks to surrounding forest trails and lakefront paths, which enhance the spooky ambiance in fall. You can stroll through one of the 14 miles of hiking trails starting from the lodge, heading to the woods and meadows.

The rustling of leaves as you walk through the woodlands and sounds made by the wildlife create a mysterious atmosphere, especially with fall colors at sunset. Even without organized ghost hunts, the haunted reputation of the lodge makes it a fun destination for a fall spooky getaway. Punderson State Park has seasonal events, such as Halloween-themed events, giving you a chance to experience the park's haunted history. History tours also give you a glimpse into Punderson lodge's past, and you can listen to stories of the haunted house.

After consuming what the haunted lodge has to offer, travelers can visit Swine Creek Reservation, which is a 20-minute drive from Punderson State Park. This is a great destination for nature lovers, as it features beautiful landscapes and forests. Take on the various trails that pass through the Sycamore, tulip oaks, and birch trees. A few minutes southeast is Headwaters Park, a 926-acre park with 4.7 miles of hiking trails and picnic areas. Follow the two miles of Buckeye Trail that passes through the park along the Reservoir. Another destination that makes nearby Burton one of the top underrated small towns in America worth visiting is the Geauga County Historical Society Museum (Century Village Museum). History buffs will be thrilled by how the museum showcases the history and culture of Geauga County through artifacts and historical buildings.

You can also join a guided tour of the museum and the farm that has a sugar bush for maple syrup. Make sure you attend one of the festivals at the museum, such as the Apple Butter Festival. When you feel like refueling, pause by JC's restaurant in Burton for a heavy lunch or dinner. Located about four miles east of the park, the eatery has a diverse menu featuring items like smothered fries, crispy mozzarella triangles, and JC's own artichoke spinach dip. Another popular spot to grab a bite is Warren's Spirited Kitchen, which serves recipes made using fresh ingredients from the beautiful village of Burton. Some of the items on the menu include chicken wings, beef burgers, steaks, and shrimp cocktails.