Queens is no stranger to paranormal activity — with an abundance of abandoned buildings and structures (not to mention cemeteries that are filled with more people than are currently alive in the entire borough), there are bound to be some spirits wandering around.
We’ve found five reportedly haunted places throughout the borough that will tap into your inner ghost-hunter. Try not to get too scared if you go for a visit!
1. Fort Totten, Cross Island Parkway between Totten Avenue and 15th Road, Bayside
Fort Totten was built in 1862, so you better believe there are some Civil War-era ghosts wandering around. If you walk close to the old water battery or into the building on site, you might hear somebody following you speaking another language. That’s not so scary until you look around and find that no one else is there.
2. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria
Believe it or not, the Museum of the Moving Image is said to be haunted. Patrons of the museum have seen an apparition of an African American woman dressed in white around the museum. Footprints have also seen to appear out of nowhere and the deep voice of a man has been heard that wasn’t coming from the museum displays.
3. Houdini’s Grave at Machpelah Cemetery, 82-30 Cypress Hills St., Ridgewood
Harry Houdini, the man who spent his magic career escaping coffins, was laid to rest in one in Machpelah Cemetery in Ridgewood. After his death, Houdini’s wife would hold a seance every year until 1936 in the hopes that she could communicate with her husband, but he never said a word. This Halloween marks the 90th anniversary of his death, so perhaps this is the year that he’ll actually talk back.
4. Bayside Cemetery, 80-35 Pitkin Ave., Ozone Park
The historic Bayside Cemetery is said to have strange things happening in the night; witnesses have reported a feeling of being watched, a creepy odor of decay, and even apparitions. Reports also say that the cemetery has started to close down at 4 p.m. due to the amount of vandalism that has appeared over the past few years.
5. St. John Cemetery, 80-01 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village
One of the largest cemeteries in New York State, St. John Cemetery is the final resting place of several famous people, including Lucky Luciano, John Gotti and Mario Cuomo. However, these spirits aren’t resting so peacefully. Visitors of the cemetery have reported cold spots throughout the area as well as strange sounds coming from uninhabited areas of the cemetery.
