Centre County is known for its rich history and scenic landscapes, and with such deep history come stories of hauntings. With Halloween just around the corner, let’s dive into the spooky tales of some of Centre County’s historical sites and landmarks. While some of these ghostly legends have been around for years, the stories remain rooted in folklore and urban legends, offering a glimpse into the past.
Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park — Centre Hall
Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park has been a popular tourist destination in Centre County for over 100 years. According to the Centre County Encyclopedia of History and Culture, the natural limestone cave was first discovered by the Seneca tribe and used for shelter.
In addition to the cave’s flourishing history and striking geographical features, there are stories of hauntings at Penn’s Cave. Visit PA listed the historical site on its list of haunted places in Pennsylvania. According to the story, a Seneca woman fell in love with a French trapper, but the two were forbidden to marry. The couple ran away but were ultimately captured and the trapper was thrown into Penn’s Cave. The cave is now rumored to be haunted by the ghost of the trapper.
Egg Hill Church — Spring Mills
Egg Hill Church is notable as one of the first Evangelical churches in Penns Valley. According to the Centre County Encyclopedia of History and Culture, the church and its cemetery were named Egg Hill due to the egg-shaped nature of the hill the church sits on.
Unpleasant rumors are the most haunting thing about this historical site. Versions of the story refer to mass murder by a priest gone mad and the ghosts of his victims haunting the church today. However, nothing of the sort ever happened, making these stories nothing but urban legends.
The Centre County Encyclopedia of History and Culture does say that Egg Hill Church did reportedly bear witness to a strange miracle. According to the story, a tornado struck the area during a camp meeting near the church, damaging trees and snapping branches all around the church, but the tents and trees at the camp remained intact as people kneeled and prayed during the storm.
Hastings Mansion — Bellefonte
Bellefonte is known for its historical buildings, including Victorian-style mansions. The Hastings Mansion in Bellefonte was once the home of Governor Daniel Hastings, who served from 1895 to 1899. According to Bellefonte.com, Hastings began to restore the property to resemble the old capitol building that burned down in Harrisburg.
Over the years there have been numerous tales of hauntings at this mansion. An article from Penn State News mentions one of the more notable ghost stories is about a woman who died at the home while it served as an inn on the night of her wedding and now appears around the property in a white wedding dress.
Bethesda Evangelical Church — Farmer Mills
According to an article from the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau Dispatch, this church in Gregg Township has been dubbed “Swamp Hill Church.” It is supposedly haunted by the ghost of a young mother whose husband never returned from the Civil War. It is rumored that she can be heard wandering around the church calling for her lost husband.
Penn State — University Park
Penn State’s campus is home to many ghost stories and legends. Famously, the grave of the university’s seventh president, George Atherton, lies just outside Schwab Auditorium, with his ghost haunting the auditorium alongside several other spirits. Additionally, an article from Penn State News mentions that just across the street, Atherton’s wife, Frances, is said to watch his grave from the second-floor window of Old Botany.
Moreso, there’s a tale of a murdered student still wandering Pattee Library as well as the spirit of “Old Coaly,” a beloved campus mule, reported to be seen around the southeast corner of Old Main’s lawn.
