Ghost Towns in Ohio
11 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Ohio.
All Ghost Towns
Boston Mills
Boston Mills (nicknamed 'Helltown') was emptied when the federal government bought the land for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Abandoned buildings spa...
Boston
Boston (Boston Mills) was a paper mill town. In 1974, the government used eminent domain to create the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, board...
Flushing
Flushing was a Quaker settlement that was a major Underground Railroad stop. Benjamin Lundy published the first abolitionist newspaper here. Historic ...
Helltown
Helltown was Boston, Ohio—until 1974 when the federal government used eminent domain to create Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Forced removal and board...
Knockemstiff
Knockemstiff (or 'Glenn Shade') is a rural hamlet famous for its rough-and-tumble reputation and unusual name. Theories on the name usually involve a ...
Moonville
Moonville was a tiny mining and railroad town in the Appalachian hills. Multiple people died on the railroad tracks, and legends of ghosts grew. The M...
Rogues Hollow
Rogues Hollow was a lawless coal mining community famous for 23 saloons, brawling, and murder. Legends of the 'Crying Woman' and other ghosts persist....
Schoenbrunn
Schoenbrunn ('Beautiful Spring') was OHIO'S FIRST TOWN—a Moravian missionary settlement for Christian Delaware Indians. Caught between Americans and B...
Serpent Mound
Serpent Mound is the largest effigy mound in the world - a 1,348-foot serpent built by ancient Native Americans. The site was used for ceremonies befo...
Utopia
Utopia was founded as a Fourierist utopian community in 1844. The experiment lasted only three years. Today, Utopia is a tiny hamlet of a few houses a...
Zoar
Zoar was founded by German separatists fleeing religious persecution. They practiced communalism for 81 years until dissolving in 1898. The planned vi...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Ohio?
We have documented 11 ghost towns in Ohio. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Ohio safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Ohio?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.