6 Disturbing Cemeteries In Ohio That Will Give You Goosebumps

Cemeteries in and of themselves can be creepy to encounter, especially at night. What makes certain Ohio cemeteries even more unsettling, however, are the restless spirits and their eerie tales that you seem to find in literally every historic cemetery.

The following are some of the creepiest, most haunted cemeteries in Ohio:

1. The Ridges Cemeteries (Athens)

The former Athens Lunatic Asylum, now owned by Ohio University and formerly known as The Ridges, is still home to a few unusual (and extremely eerie) cemeteries. Patients of the former insane asylum who died there were buried on the facility's grounds, and their restless spirits are said to be left to wander to property. Most of the graves are nameless and merely display the number of the former patient buried beneath. Check out the website for some more information on this creepy part of our history.

Address: Water Tower Drive Athens, Athens County, Ohio, 45701

2. Greenlawn Cemetery - Columbus

Many notable locals, as well as famed Ohio governors, are buried at this large graveyard, which was established in 1848. One of the most infamous private mausoleums in this cemetery is the Hayden Mausoleum, located by the pond at the edge of the graveyard. Legend has it that if you knock on one of the mausoleum's doors after dark, some members of the family interred inside will knock back. Pay a visit to their website if you dare.

Address: 1000 Greenlawn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43223

3. Lake View Cemetery - Cleveland

This cemetery is home to more than 100,000 graves and occupies an enormous 285 acres. Many notable individuals are buried here, including John D. Rockefeller, James A. Garfield, and Eliot Ness (who modernized Cleveland's police force, but was unable to catch the infamous Torso Killer.) The Haserot Angel (pictured above) is an infamous statue here for its eerie symbolization of "The Angel of Death Victorious." Thinking about going? You'll find hours and other information, including famous people buried here, on the official website.

Address: 12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44106

4. Mound Cemetery - Marietta

Mound Cemetery was established in 1801 by Marietta city founders in order to preserve the Great Mound, a prehistoric Adena burial site. The oldest city in Ohio, founded in 1788, Marietta is also the first permanent American settlement in the Northwest Territory. Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, this historic town in Ohio was named after Marie Antoinette and is home to Native American earthworks and Mound Cemetery. 

Address: 514 Cutler St, Marietta, OH 45750

5. Woodland Cemetery - Dayton

More formally known as Woodland Hills, this graveyard serves as a resting place for several notable individuals such as Orville and Wilbur Wright. Close to the graveyard's entrance, a distinct grave marker can be seen (pictured). The grave of Johnny Morehouse, according to legend, is very haunted. Johnny, they say, was a five-year-old boy who fell into the Miami Erie Canal and froze to death, in spite of his faithful dog's efforts to pull him out. After Johnny was buried, the dog was said to have frequently visited, and laid by, Jonny's graveside. Consequently, when the dog died, a special stone was carved in 1861 to commemorate his devotion. Today, some grave watchers claim that Johnny and his dog wander the cemetery together after hours.

Address: 118 Woodland Avenue, Dayton, Ohio, 45409

6. Spring Grove Cemetery - Cincinnati

This particular graveyard in Cincinnati is the largest nonprofit private cemetery in the United States. It is also home to unique (and eerie) statuary, including a sphinx and "the statute with human eyes," which was made in distinct likeliness of the man buried beneath it. This cemetery is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Address: 4521 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232

Did we cover your favorite, or should we feature your favorite later? Tell us about your favorite creepy cemeteries in Ohio in the comments! Craving more Ohio graveyard goodness? Check out this list of some of our favorite cemeteries in Cleveland.