The 5 Most Haunted Locations In Toledo, Ohio

One of the more interesting facts about me is that I consider myself to be a paranormal enthusiast. I’ve visited and investigated quite a number of haunted locations, and I’ve experienced things that I don’t have a logical explanation for. Naturally, the paranormal investigator in me, had to look into the most haunted locations in the Toledo area. It’s Halloween season, so what could be more fitting?

So, grab your blanket, and your holy water as we dive into Toledo’s most haunted.

1. The Collingwood Arts Center

Registered as a historical site, this imposing structure is a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles. The construction was completed and ready for occupancy on September 6, 1905. It was once a convent for the Ursuline Order of the Sacred Heart.

The structure is now used for artists in residence and visual arts studios.

The Collingwood Arts Center is renowned for ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena.

Visitors have reported encounters with spectral nuns and eerie footsteps echoing through the halls.

There is also a long history of orbs being seen and photographed throughout the facility.

Check the website and Facebook page for regularly scheduled Ghost Hunts and Paranormal Toledo events.

2. Fort Meigs: Ohio’s War of 1812 Battlefield

Built in 1813 to defend Ohio during the War of 1812, Fort Meigs successfully withstood two sieges by a combined British, Canadian, and Native American force. The ground was broken on February 2, 1813, under the order of General William Henry Harrison, who wanted to fortify the region.

Throughout the next three months, professional soldiers and militiamen alike persevered through cold winter weather and mud that would at times be knee-deep.

Despite horrid weather and disease in the camp, the American army was able to complete Fort Meigs by the end of April 1813, just in time for a British attack.

Hauntings & Tours: Fort Meigs is a popular historic destination, but it’s also reported to be home to restless spirits that still walk the grounds late at night.

Chris Woodyard, author of the Haunted Ohio series, wrote about her personal experience at Fort Meigs in her book, Haunted Ohio V. Explore the Fort at night and find out for yourself during the annual Garrison Ghostwalks, the last two Friday and Saturday nights in October.

3. The Oliver House

A grand hotel in the 1800s was converted into restaurants and events venue in 1995. Designed in the Greek revival style, The Oliver House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the only remaining hotel designed by Isaiah Rogers.

This pre-civil war hotel houses Maumee Bay Brewing Company, Maumee Bay Brew Pub, Rockwell’s Steakhouse, Rockwell’s Lounge, Mutz Sports Bar and The Café, as well as striking event and meeting space.

Haunting & Tours: The Oliver House served as a medical center for the wounded during the Spanish-American War, and this historic hotel has a haunted reputation.

Numerous apparitions have appeared to guests and diners over the years.

The most common is that of a soldier who has come to be known as “The Captain.” He is said to show up most frequently dressed in full uniform.

Paranormal investigations and strange sightings are common here.

The dark and eerie basement is a hotbed of paranormal activity, with reports of unexplained voices and ghostly apparitions.

The Oliver House hosts Haunted Brew Tours on select days each October; check the website for details.

4. Toledo Yacht Club

The Toledo Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs in the US. The TYC’s history dates to the mid-1800s, when rowing was much more popular and power boats were still a dream.

A disastrous fire totally destroyed the frame building on the current site in 1906. The present masonry clubhouse was completed in 1908.

Haunting & Tours: As one of the country’s oldest yacht clubs, it is reportedly one of the most haunted as well.

The ghost of a former member, George Carruthers, is said to wander the premises. Witnesses have described encountering his spirit near the club’s fireplace, still dressed in his 1920s attire.

In 2016, the SyFy Channel’s TAPS Ghost Hunters filmed Ghosthunters – Children in the Attic on location here. I tracked down the full video, which you can see below or read the recap at the official blog.

The TYC hosts Public Ghost Hunts; see the website or Facebook details.

5. Wolcott Heritage Center and Grounds

Named for James Wolcott, a prosperous businessman during the late 1820s to the mid 1840s, the Wolcott House is the only building original to the site.

Built by James Wolcott and his wife, Mary Wells, the Wolcott House began as a log house and evolved into a beautiful 14-room Federal-style mansion between the years 1827 and 1836.

Hauntings & Tours: The Wolcott House is home to some playful spirits who move objects and open doors.

Witnesses have also heard unexplained footsteps and whispers.

Guided tours are available Saturday afternoons, May through mid-December.

Check website for tour times. Group tours available by appointment.

Honorable Haunted Mentions

Commodore Perry Building

The old dance room and old restaurant above the new apartment living areas are said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl. She appears on the steps of the room where a piano still sits from years ago.

Gunn Road

The true story behind this road’s mystery remains unknown, but local legend states that a young boy was killed on the road after being hit by a truck. A chalk outline of his body can sometimes be seen on the road with the name “Chalkie” written in child-like handwriting written next to it.

Witnesses have visited the chalk outline during rainstorms, but the chalk would not wash away. Some also say bloodstains appear next to the outline.

It has been said that if you drive down the road at night, the boy’s ghost can be seen from the road.

Furthermore, occult activity said to have taken place in the area several years ago make the entire area very strange.

Miami Children’s Home

Also known as the Maumee Children’s Home, this abandoned orphanage consisted of 18 buildings, 16 of which were connected by tunnels.

Legend said that some children had been abused at the home and were sent to the boiler room for punishment.

Small rooms, possibly for solitary confinement, lined some tunnel walls. Cold spots were numerous in the building and there was always a feeling of being watched.

The main building’s attic was said to be the most haunted spot in the orphanage. Some witnesses had even reported seeing ghostly children watching them from the windows.

The area was razed in 2004 to make way for a new housing development. It is unknown if any of the paranormal activity transferred to the development.

Please note that these claims are based on legends and stories, and that the authenticity of any paranormal activity cannot be confirmed. These places can be visited and explored during hours of operation, but it is important to respect the rules and regulations of each establishment.