saratoga homestead tours

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Weekend in Saratoga Springs: Your guide to New York's most haunted city

Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours

Are you afraid of ghosts.

Scheduled Tours Every Fri & Sat.

Private Tours and Gift Certificates Available

Haunted Saratoga

Come walk with us and discover the ghosts of Haunted Saratoga. Hear the stories that have lived on in our city for hundreds of years. The will enchant, entertainand perhaps even scare you. Our 90-minute long walking tour will take you in search of the countless ghosts rumored to haunt the city. Total walking distance is less than a mile, covered at a very leisurely pace so that you can enjoy the Saratoga’s many infamous ghosts and haunted locations. We are very respectful of the spirits we will encounter along the way. You will hear about and perhaps even meet Old Smoke who, it is said, haunts the old Canfield Casino, Angeline, known as the Witch of Saratoga, Hattie, who has been known to make appearances in her restaurant since her passing and several other spirits.

Video: Saratoga springs offers a deep connection to spirit world

Price--Adults $22, Children (under 12) $10

Private Group Tours Available Any Time (Inquire)

Greenridge Cemetery Tours

Murder, madness and mayhem.

Walk with us through Saratoga’s Greenridge Cemetery and hear the stories of untimely deaths by suicide, murder or accident. A young mother killed by her husband, a solider dies by friendly fire, and a prominent politician who shoots himself in the head are but a few stories of the graves we will visit...

Every Saturday in October at 4PM

Questions and answers

Saratoga is the home of many fascinating spirits who have appeared numerous times since their earthly forms have departed over the past several hundred years. They have been the subject of books and TV shows like Ghost Hunters. We tell their stories. It’s an entertaining, fun and sometimes scary look into Saratoga’s colorful history.

When are tours held?

Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours are held every Fri & Sat from May - Mid-November. During October, tours are added most Sundays. Tours are held rain or shine—except on the stormiest nights. Please bring an umbrella or rainwear if appropriate.

How long is the tour?

The tour takes 1.5 hours and covers less than a mile of easy paced walking.

Where does the tour start?

The tour covers parts of Congress Park and downtown Saratoga Spings. Specific meeting instructions will be sent by email when the tours are booked.

How do I buy tickets?

The best way to get tickets is to buy them on line using the "Book Now" button above. If you have questions or special needs you can email us at [email protected] or call us at 518-832-3796 .

Do tours sell out?

Yes, please buy tickets as early as possible. The number of spaces on a tour is limited.

Do you have private tours?

Yes. We conduct private tours, especially for school groups, at times other than the regularly held tours. Please inquire.

Are tours handicapped accessable?

Reasonable accommodations for all of our disabled guests will be made. Please call us at least 24 hours in advance so that we can make appropriate arrangements. The route of the tour is mostly flat with no stairs to climb and paved.

Are tours appropriate for all ages?

Yes, this is a family friendly event. We will meet a few ghosts along the way but they are mostly friendly and have great stories to tell about Saratoga history. Please keep in mind that we use some dramatic re-enactments, historical facts, and creative storytelling to thrill, entertain, and scare our guests.

Read Our New Book

Haunted saratoga: the stories behind saratoga’s most infamous spirits.

These are the stories of Saratoga Springs' ghosts--many of whom still are known to make their presence felt. There's Angelina, the witch of Saratoga, Old Smoke who haunts the city's historical museum and the Trask family among others. They will entertain, amaze and even perhaps scare you.

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Haunted Saratoga Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours

• Saratoga County
• Capital/Saratoga Region

The Haunting

Join the Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tour Company to discover the ghosts of Saratoga. Hear the stories that have lived on in this city for hundreds of years. They will enchant, entertain and perhaps even scare you. This 90-minute long walking tour will take you in search of the countless ghosts rumored to haunt the city. Total walking distance is less than a mile, covered at a very leisurely pace so that you can enjoy the Saratoga’s many infamous ghosts and haunted locations. You will hear about and perhaps even meet Old Smoke who, it is said, haunts the old Canfield Casino, Angeline, known as the Witch of Saratoga, Hattie, who has been known to make appearances in her restaurant since her passing and several other spirits.

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 P: 518-832-3796 Guided Tours

Opportunities for visitors:

90-minute guided tours, May through mid-November (weather dependent). Private tours are available by appointment. 

Days/times of operation:

Fridays & Saturdays, May through mid-November, 7pm-9pm. Private tours available by appointment. 

Handicap Accessible:

Yes Wheelchair accommodations provided.

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Discover the Hidden Gems

Tours of saratoga springs, ny.

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center offers unique tours of beautiful Saratoga Springs throughout the year:

Ghosts of Saratoga Guided Trolley Tours - Every Fall

Join us every fall for unique 90-minute guided trolley tours of numerous ghostly locations in Saratoga, including the second floor of the famed Canfield Casino. Pursue the stories that make the city a portal of paranormal activity. Led by local historian Charlie Kuenzel, the stories are derived from research by noted ghost hunter David Pitkin and other paranormal investigators. Get on board for a fun-filled evening of eerie entertainment!

Grand, Gilded and Glorious:  A Saratoga Stroll - May-October

Explore the legends and lore of Saratoga's splendor! This 90-minute guided walking tour entertains and enlightens with famed stories of our fascinating city. The playground of the rich and famous during the 1800s, Saratoga is filled with stories of the wonderful, gilded period. This unique and engaging tour will guide participants from the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center to Congress Park and will conclude with a complete tour of the elegant Canfield Casino. Tours take place Tuesday-Saturday at 10:30 a.m.  Cost is $20 per person.

Historic Guided Trolley Tours of Saratoga Springs - Every August

This informative and entertaining 90-minute guided tour includes historic sights and points of interest along Broadway, North Broadway, Skidmore, the High Rock area, Saratoga Race Course, Union Avenue, and more! Upstate Transit has captured the charm of yesteryear and the comfort of today by designing trolleys with an authentic wooden interior, decorative etched glass windows, and air-conditioning. Trolleys also feature a wheelchair lift. Tours take place Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. August 1 - August 31. The pick-up and drop-off location is the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center located at 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs . Tickets are $25.00 per person. Recommended for children 12 and over. Day-of tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center.

Other popular Saratoga Springs tours include:

BOAT AND TRAIN TOURS:

Adirondack Cruise & Charter Company Founded in 2016, Hal and Erin Raven began offering lake tours with their pontoon boat “Kaydeross." Lake tours quickly proved to be a success! In 2017 a fantail launch was purchased to handle larger groups. This small family business soon became a welcomed attraction at Saratoga Lake. Narrated boat cruises on beautiful Saratoga Lake are offered at a variety of dates and times, please visit  www.adkcruise.com .

Daleys Adventure Boat Tours

Servicing both Saratoga Lake and Lake George, Daleys adventure provides private boat tours catered to your party’s needs! From history tours to tubing and snorkeling and everything in between, there is a boat tour for everyone. Daleys offers a variety of pick-up locations, boat types and guides, with up to twelve passengers per tour. For more information or to schedule a tour visit: www.daleysboattours.com or call (518)-469-8745.

Lake George Steamboat Company Choose from three beautiful boats and spend an hour or a day on this beautiful waterway known as the “Queen of American Lakes." Embark on an hour-long cruise aboard the Minne-Ha-Ha, one of the last steam paddlewheel ships in America. Or for a longer cruise, board the Mohican for a lovely scenic experience that will take you on a 28-mile tour. The Lac du Saint Sacrement is the largest ship on New York State’s Inland waterways and offers sightseeing, lunch, and dinner cruises. Book your cruise online at  www.lakegeorgesteamboat.com  or call the ticket office at (518) 668-5777.

Lake George Waterfront Cruises Enjoy narrated cruises on beautiful Lake George aboard either the Horicon or the Adirondac. Various cruise options are available for dinner tours as well as sunset, fireworks, and history cruises.  For more information, visit  lgwaterfront.com/cruises/ or call (518) 668-4644.

Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway Hop on board the Saratoga Corinth and Hudson Railway and enjoy the scenic views of the Southern Adirondacks on our 90-minute vintage train ride. Located just 20 minutes north of Saratoga Springs, we offer the perfect adventure for families and train lovers of all ages. 

• Tickets start at $10.00 per child and $25.00 per adult.
• Choose from first class, coach, or open-air seating.
• Ride with the Engineer!
• Book a private event!

For more information, visit  www.corinthtrain.com  or call (518) 222-9590.

HAUNTED TOURS:

Saratoga Springs History Museum Ghost Tours As investigated by GHOST HUNTERS, come and experience the original Ghost Tours of Saratoga Springs at the Canfield Casino! Tours begin at 11:00 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in July and August. Cost is $15.00 adults, $12.00 children 6-17, children under 5 free (cost includes Museum admission). Reservations not required. Meet at the History Museum in Canfield Casino in Congress Park. For more information, visit  www.saratogahistory.org  or call  (518) 584-6920.

HISTORY TOURS:

Derby Tours of Saratoga Led by local historian, Hollis Palmer, this walking tour features the unique history and architecture of Saratoga Springs. Visit  www.derbytours.com  or call (518) 495-7012 for reservations.

History Center at Brookside Museum: Historian’s Tours

The history center at Brookside Museum will be hosting a series of history tours this summer. Each tour lasts about 90 minutes and is led by an experienced historian that is knowledgeable about their community. Registration required, and there is a $10 suggested donation per registration. To see the tour schedule or register for a tour go to: brooksidemuseum.org/events/

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Sunday Strolls Sunday morning 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., rain or shine. Various historic Saratoga locations. Cost is $20.00 non-members, $15.00 members. Reservations required, contact Preservation Foundation at (518) 587-5030 or visit  www.saratogapreservation.org .

HORSE TOURS:

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Saratoga County farm tour series:

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is partnering with six Saratoga County farms for exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. The Museum’s farm tour series begins Saturday, May 27 at the Bond family’s Song Hill Thoroughbreds in Mechanicville. There will be one farm featured per month through October.

Guests will enjoy a 90-minute tour through each thoroughbred farm, where a knowledgeable guide will provide a comprehensive look at the day-to-day operations and what makes each farm unique. Guests will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with real thoroughbreds. Finally, at the close of the tour, guests will have the opportunity to ask their guide any questions they may have about the care and keeping of these beautiful animals and aspects of life on the farm. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended on this tour.

Each tour is $30 for Museum members and $40 for non-members. All tour purchases include a complimentary Museum admission. To book a farm tour, click on your preferred date and farm below:

• May 27, Song Hill Thoroughbreds
• June 24, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga
• July 29, Old Friends at Cabin Creek
• Aug. 26, McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds
• Sept. 30, Old Tavern Farm
• Oct. 14, Sugar Plum Farm

NYRA Saratoga Racecourse Backstretch Tours This tour is available every race day except Travers Day and Labor Day (there are no races or tours on Mondays and Tuesdays). This is a guided walking tour of the famous and historic stable area (weather permitting), available during breakfast at the track. The first tram to the stable area leaves the main Clubhouse entrance at 7:30 a.m., with additional trams leaving approximately every 15 minutes. The last tour departs at approximately 9:00 a.m. No reservations accepted – trams are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. For more information, visit  https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/visit/breakfast-at-saratoga .

NYRA Saratoga Racecourse Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour s Offered by NYRA on Fridays during the racing season (July 14-Sept. 4). The tour will feature a buffet breakfast at the racetrack, time to watch the thoroughbred horses exercise, and a round-trip open-air trolley ride and tour of Old Tavern Farm. $55 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets at  www.NYRA.com .

NYRA Saratoga Racecourse Walking Tours History, highlights, unique architecture, and landscapes at Saratoga Race Course! These daily walking tours bring more than 150 years of history within Saratoga Race Course to life. Ever wonder why we ring a bell at 17 minutes to post or why there is a canoe in the lake in the infield? Take a guided tour to get to know The Spa! Tours are scheduled at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. each racing day and costs $5 per person or $15 for a group of 4 or more. Binocular rentals available at first floor Grandstand Guest Services Center only. Please note: No morning tours on Runhappy Travers Day and Labor Day. For more information, visit  https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/visit/walking-tours  or call (518) 584-6200 x 4433.

Old Friends at Cabin Creek A wonderful farm for retired thoroughbred horses! Old Friends at Cabin Creek, the Bobby Frankel Division, is Saratoga County’s only thoroughbred retirement farm and one of the few that will take thoroughbred stallions. Starting on July 5 – September 3, tours will be offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. No reservations needed. Private and group tours available by prior arrangement. Admission is FREE; however, donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, visit  https://oldfriendsatcabincreek.com  or call (518) 698-2377. 

Oklahoma Training Track Tours Tours of the Oklahoma Training Track are offered by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.  Walking tours at 9:00 a.m. daily through racing season. Tour lasts approx. 90 mins. and covers roughly 1 mile. Adults $15.00, Seniors/students $10.00; no children or strollers. (Fee includes $5.00 off museum admission.) Reservations required. Sturdy footwear recommended. For more information, visit  https://www.racingmuseum.org  or call (518) 584-0400.

FREE SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOURS:

We produce several self-guided walking tours. Brochures for these walking tours can be found at the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center or can be  downloaded here .

• Historic Congress Park
• Mineral Waters
• North Broadway
• East Side Neighborhood
• West Side Neighborhood
• A Strolling Tour of the Gut

Saratoga National Historical Park The tour road is open to vehicles April 1 through November 30, weather permitting – inclement weather can result in delayed opening or early road closure. The Visitor Center is open daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Use your own smart device for a cell phone-activated walking/driving tour to explore the many look-outs and historical sites within the park. The tour road is open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for vehicles and dawn to dusk for pedestrians and bikers through 9/4/22. For more information, visit  https://www.nps.gov/sara/index.htm  or call (518) 670-2985. 

Scavenger Hunt: “On the Hunt for Saratoga History” Gather your family and friends and travel through time as you stroll Broadway, Saratoga’s award-winning main street.  Explore and discover the meaning behind our city’s well-known slogan “Health, History, Horses." Learn about the beverage that put Saratoga Springs on the map! Uncover the truth behind the history of the city. Test your knowledge about thoroughbreds and the Saratoga Race Course. Most importantly – have FUN! Scavenger hunt forms can be found at the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center located at 297 Broadway or the Saratoga Springs History Museum in the Canfield Casino in Congress Park. A completed form with answers can be found at the Visitor Center or the History Museum. If you score 40 questions or more correct on the scavenger hunt, you will receive a packet of free admissions and coupons for businesses and museums in Saratoga Springs. For more information, call the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center at (518) 587-3241.

FREE GUIDED TOURS:

Saratoga Spa State Park There are approximately a dozen mineral springs located within the beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park.  Free guided tours will be offered Friday – Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Meet at the Creekside Classroom, Geyser Loop Road, in the Saratoga Spa State Park. For more information, visit  https://www.parks.ny.gov/parks/saratogaspa  or call (518) 584-2535.

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Inside the Abandoned Saratoga County Homestead Tuberculosis Hospital

The Saratoga County Homestead sits idly on a hill in the tranquil yet remote hamlet of Barkersville, New York, some fifteen miles outside of Saratoga Springs. The Homestead, once a valiant hospital of its time, now resembles something out of an Edgar Allan Poe work of horror. Motorists on County Highway 16 slow down to admire its four, regal-like columns on the road-facing facade. Decades of vandalism and decay give the building an ominous aura.

Abandoned in 1973, the Homestead served several purposes during its short period of operation, most notably as a tuberculosis hospital serving Saratoga County. While its history is short and seemingly less grandiose compared to New York City’s Neponsit Beach and Seaview Hospitals of the time, the Homestead served patients throughout the tuberculosis crisis which plagued much of New York during the first half of the century. Its history is remembered as thus.

See more photos of the Saratoga Homestead and other abandoned sites of New York’s Capital Region in our upcoming virtual talk on March 13th with photographer John Lazzaro, creator of A Vanishing New York: Ruins Across the Empire State ! This live, virtual talk is free for Untapped New York Insiders . Not an Insider yet? Become a member today with promo code JOINUS and get your first month free!

In 1909, New York State legislature mandated that every county open sanatoriums and hospitals to deal with the ongoing tuberculosis crisis which had reached near epidemic proportions by the end of the 19th century. The Homestead Sanatorium served as a refuge from consumption for the people of Saratoga County when it opened in Barkersville in 1914. The property was described as a “secluded, well-wooded area with sweet and wholesome air.” In the beginning, the sanatorium could accommodate and treat twenty-four patients. As the cases of tuberculosis in New York State increased, the Homestead would undergo a massive expansion in 1936. Its wooden structure was replaced by brick, embellished with decorative moldings, marble columns, large windows, and solariums to circulate the fresh Adirondack mountain air that was thought essential to the treatment process.

A Vanishing NY Photo Talk: The Capital Region

Patients under the care of the Homestead had a strict regimen of rest. Exercise was closely monitored. Dancing as well as alcohol, cigarettes, and foul language were prohibited according to the sanatorium’s handbook. To reduce the risk of infection, patients were not allowed to carry handkerchiefs. Instead, patients carried a sputum box that collected phlegm which in turn was collected by doctors to test for tuberculosis. Child patients attended school at the Homestead and often attended class shirtless so that the fresh air could better penetrate their lungs.

By 1960, the development of antibiotics such as streptomycin led to the phasing out of sanatoriums across the country. Neponsit Beach Hospital in Queens had already closed and was in the process of reopening as a nursing home. Staten Island ‘s Seaview Hospital which was instrumental in finding the cure for TB closed in 1961. The last patients of Saratoga County Homestead left in August of 1960. The building became Saratoga County Infirmary the next year. The facility would treat geriatric patients until 1973 when it closed for good.

A new owner purchased Saratoga County Homestead in 2019, more than 45 years after it closed and vandals nearly decimated it. The owner stated in a 2019 Facebook post that he planned to convert the ruins into a retreat for veterans. For now, visitors can explore the property on a paranormal tour in the spring and fall. They sell out fast! Untapped New York has reached out to the property owner for a comment on the current plans for the property. A hospital that once served as a cure for so many, may eventually receive a remedy of its own.

John Lazzaro is a Long Island -based photographer specializing in New York’s vanishing architecture. His wider range of work can be viewed on his website: johnlazzarophoto.com Hear from John and see more photography and outtakes from A Vanishing New York in our upcoming virtual talk!

Next, check out The Abandoned Kings Park Psychiatric Center: A Visual Journey After Deinstitutionalization and Exploring the Abandoned Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital in New York

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in August 2020 and has been updated in February 2024.

John Lazzaro

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• Barkersville

Saratoga Homestead Asylum

Aneock Road, Barkersville , New York 12850 USA

• Independent

“abandoned & haunted!”

This place is on private property. Listing for informational purposes only. Please do not visit without express permission from the land owner. The Saratoga County Homestead, or Homestead Sanitarium, was a large Tuberculosis Sanatorium located in Barkersville, in Saratoga County, New York. It is publicly recorded as The Homestead Sanitarium. The Homestead was opened in 1914 and treated patients for tuberculosis until 1960. The original building was wood, but was replaced by the brick building that stands today in 1932. The institution reopened in 1961 as The Saratoga County Infirmary. Other reports claim that it was turned into a Retirement Home. Many people who have visited this place claim that the things left behind (beds, books, kitchen supplies, medical supplies) and abandoned point the possibility that this building was shut down suddenly. Many people who have visited this abandonded asylum and know it to be very haunted. It's posted and they're are people across the street so be careful not to get in trouble! Stay safe!

Reviewed by dodeyai

You aren't able to see this from the road so unless you're willing to trespass it's not worth coming to. Disappointing, I bet it's really pretty cool to see.

Reviewed by JamesOsterhoudt

The picture of the place is probably taken from the shoulder of the road so I don't know what dodeyai is talking about. Its is private property and the Saratoga County Sheriff WILL arrest you for trespassing.

Reviewed by jameswalk

The Saratoga is preparing to undergo renovations and will eventually reopen for public access. I am the new owner and our facebook page is updated frequently @saratogahomestead. We ask for please no trespassing and the Sheriffs do check on any activity at the site, including when I show up. Tickets and tours will be setup in the coming months with funds being used to fund the rehab and excess going to the owners nonprofit benefiting veterans and first responders. www.vfrcommunity.com VFR Community Outreach Corp

Reviewed by anonymous93

Amazing first date spot 5 stars.

Reviewed by AceBarker

Well worth it, spooky abandoned Doctor's house next door.

Saratoga new owner

The new owner (me) is going to allow some limited access for people to at least walk around the outside

Reviewed by April12239

I’ve already been here and saw some creepy stuff but where can I find the owners number to go during the day?

Reviewed by mariamurray1

who owns it?

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A Self-Guided Haunted History Trail Through Saratoga County

13 paranormal places to get your haunt on.

Do you enjoy ghost stories and history? If so, then follow our self-guided haunted history trail through Saratoga County and visit some of the spookiest buildings and locations.

Grab a drink at a bar that was once known for gambling and working “ladies of the night,” stop by a cemetery whose inhabitants have been hanging around for 150 years, and stand outside an abandoned sanatorium. Before you go mad with curiosity, keep reading to check out our full self-guided tour of 13 haunted historical spots in Saratoga County!

Stop 1: Historic Grooms Tavern

290 Sugar Hill Road, Rexford, NY 12148

The Historic Grooms Tavern has the word “historic” right in the name, and for good reason. This 19th-century building, owned and operated by the Town of Clifton Park, was checked out by paranormal investigators in 2012. The Times Union reported at the time that Myla Kramer, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Affairs for Clifton Park, believed there were spirits inhabiting the building.

Kramer had reportedly felt someone touching her hair, and had also experienced what she believed was a ghost moving a pendulum. Although no deaths were ever reported in the building, and it’s not clear who the spirits are, according to ghost hunter and historian John Tobin, these spirits appear to be a man who helped dig the tavern’s basement, a young woman, and two children.

Today, the Historic Grooms Tavern is managed and maintained by the Friends of Historic Grooms Tavern and the Town of Clifton Park. Cultural programs and events are occasionally held at the building, and no worries for you visitors, because reports indicate the ghosts here are friendly.

Directions to the next stop : From Historic Grooms Tavern, you’ll head north, going through the intersection with Grooms Road to where Sugar Hill Road turns into Miller Road. Stay on Miller Road until you reach the intersection with Route 146 and turn right. Head east on Route 146 to the traffic circle; take the third exit onto Route 146A. Head north about 1.5 miles and then turn right onto Kinns Road. Stay on Kinns Road for 2.7 miles until you reach the intersection with Route 9. Take a left onto Route 9, then a right onto Kennedy Lane, then an immediate right onto Meyer Road, and Powers Inn & Pub will be on the right.

Approximate time from Stop 1 to Stop 2: 13 minutes

Stop 2: Power’s Inn & Pub

130 Meyer Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065

Power’s Inn & Pub may be known for its gorgeous patio and to-die-for shepherd's pie, but something else lurks among the delicious food and Irish tavern atmosphere. The building dates back to 1786, and is reportedly home to at least five different spirits. 

Reported occurrences include a reflection of a chandelier moving on the walls (with the chandelier itself staying still), a picture frame falling down a staircase on its own, and a spirit that enjoys running up and down the back stairs.

Powers Inn & Pub is a highly rated, popular Clifton Park restaurant today. There is also a barn behind the pub that has been renovated into a wedding and event venue.

Directions to the next stop : Take a left from Power’s Inn & Pub onto Meyer Road, coming back the way you came. Hang a left onto Kennedy Lane, and then a quick right onto Route 9. Head north until you reach the intersection with Ushers Road, then take a left. Follow signs to I-87 and use the right lane to merge onto the highway to go north. Follow I-87 North to Exit 12 toward Ballston Spa. Take the third exit at the traffic circle onto Route 67 West. At the next traffic circle, take the first exit to stay on 67 West. At the third traffic circle, take the second exit to continue on 67 West. Stay on Route 67 until it turns into Ballston Avenue. Head north until you reach the intersection with West High Street, then take a left. The Crandall House will be on the right.

Approximate time from Stop 2 to Stop 3: 17 minutes

Stop 3: The Crandall House

1332 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

The Crandall House was once home to an unsuccessful stockbroker named Sylvester Crandall. Legend has it that he and his wife, Julia, fought constantly over money and Sylvester often spent time alone in the house’s cupola. During the winter of 1887, Julie’s mother, sister, and stepsister came to rescue her from her husband, but Sylvester wasn’t having it. He shot and killed his mother-in-law, the stepsister, and his wife before killing himself. It's said he still roams the cupola today.

Unfortunately, there are no tours or events at the house at this time - so just take a drive by and take in this striking - and haunted - mansion. If you’re ready for a quick rest stop, Mangino’s Gourmet Market, an Italian-themed bistro that serves up delicious pizza and other items to refuel you, is just down the street from the Crandall House.

Directions to the next stop : Continue west along Route 67 past Mangino’s Gourmet Market until you reach the intersection with Middleline Road, then take a right. Continue north for about 5 miles, then when you can’t go straight anymore take a left onto Route 29 West. Continue on Route 29 for 3.4 miles, then take a sharp right onto Antioch Road. Stay on Antioch Road as it curves left and becomes Bills Road. Bills Road will become Barkersville Road, and the Saratoga County Homestead Hospital will be on the right.

Approximate time from Stop 3 to Stop 4: 23 minutes

Stop 4: Saratoga County Homestead Hospital

7267 Barkersville Road, Middle Grove, NY 12850

This stop is a little out of the way compared to the rest of this self-guided haunted history tour. But, as a former sanitarium, we felt it was well worth including. The Saratoga County Homestead Hospital opened in 1914 as a tuberculosis sanatorium, and operated as such until 1960. From 1960 to 1979, the facility served as a nursing home before it was sold by County Officials, and then it never reopened. The building was sold again in 2019, but to date has not been fully rehabilitated yet, leaving the facility fully open to the ghosts of patients past.

Directions to the next stop : From the old sanitarium, you’ll head to all the Saratoga Springs haunted hotspots. Head back the way you came on Barkersville Road, which becomes Bills Road, then Antioch Road. When you reach Route 29, take a sharp left and head east for about 10 miles, driving past The Mansion Inn and the Saratoga Winery. Route 29 will turn into Washington Street. Take a right onto West Avenue, then a left onto West Circular Street. Take a right at Marino’s Pizza onto Union Street, followed by a right onto Route 50, then a quick left onto Lincoln Avenue. Continue straight through the intersection with Route 9, go past the Thirsty Owl, then take a left onto Whitney Place. The Batcheller Mansion Inn will be on the right. (Note, the address is on Circular Street, but you will come upon the building on Whitney Place. Trust us, you can’t miss it.) 

Approximate time from Stop 4 to Stop 5: 25 minutes

Stop 5: The Batcheller Mansion Inn

20 West Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

When the Albany Paranormal Research Society has visited a place more than once, you know the chances are good that ghosts are lurking. The Batcheller Mansion Inn’s stunning architecture nearly takes your breath away; their website describes the style as “high Victorian Eclecticism combining French Renaissance Revival, Italianate, and Egyptian influences.” 

The three-floor inn was constructed in 1873 at a cost of $100,000, and was intended as a home for George Sherman Batcheller. Although the mansion was sold out of the Batcheller family in 1916, some believe their spirit forms still reside there. Guests have reported feeling strange presences in the rooms, particularly the Kate Batcheller room (George’s daughter), where mysterious orbs and moving objects have been reported.

The Batcheller Mansion Inn serves as a bed and breakfast today, so if you’re interested in checking it out for yourself, consider making a night of your self-guided haunted history trail and book a room - if you dare! Otherwise, it’s onto more Saratoga Springs historical and haunted places.

Directions to the next stop : (Note, the next two stops are walkable from the Batcheller Mansion Inn, if you’d like to park near Congress Park and walk. Otherwise, proceed on for driving directions.) Continue on Whitney Place after passing the Batcheller Mansion Inn on your left and take a sharp left onto Circular Street, then a right onto Broadway. Congress Park will be on your right, and you can park on the street or keep going straight, take a right on Spring Street, and park in the Putnam Street Parking Deck that will be on your left. The Canfield Casino is in the center of the park.

Approximate time from Stop 5 to Stop 6: 2 minutes

Stop 6: Canfield Casino

1 East Congress Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

If you’ve ever taken a guided tour with Saratoga Ghost Tours , you likely learned about the Canfield Casino, which has been featured on Ghost Hunters and America’s Most Terrifying Places.

The Canfield Casino was a popular casino and resort for the wealthy during the late 1870s until anti-gambling laws eventually shut the business down. Today, it’s a registered national landmark, home to the Saratoga Springs History Museum, and it’s used as a space for weddings and special events (and ghost tours!). Sightings and senses include: the distinct smell of cigar smoke, cold spots, “hostile” energies, and some guests have even reported being slapped by something unseen. 

In addition to Saratoga Ghost Tours, which is run by Joe Haedrich, author of Haunted Saratoga , the Saratoga Springs History Museum conducts ghost tours. You can also check out the Museum for $10 admission Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm (last admission is at 3:15pm).

Directions to the next stop : Head back toward Broadway and hang a right. Continue straight and The Adelphi Hotel will be on your left. Like the Batcheller Mansion Inn, this haunted place is an architectural masterpiece you can’t help but notice as you drive by!

Approximate time from Stop 6 to Stop 7: 2 minutes

Stop 7: The Adelphi Hotel

365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Like the Canfield Casino, the Adelphi Hotel also hails from the 1870s. The aforementioned aficionado on Saratoga haunted history, Joe Haedrich, told Spectrum News 1 in 2020 that there are many reports of ghosts and spirits in the old hotel. 

A waitress coming off a shift around 2am encountered a man who ran out of his room claiming that someone was sleeping in bed next to him; he happened to be staying in the room where John Morrissey, casino magnate and namesake of one of the hotel's restaurants, died. Some say the spirits love all the antiques and original pieces the hotel strived to keep for authenticity - one could see how the dearly departed would feel right at home! Plus, objects like furniture can often retain strong emotions or perhaps even spirits from the past.

As we’re about halfway through our tour now, the Adelphi Hotel is a great spot to stop for a meal or a drink. Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro might be your best bet, as this is where you can keep the spooky mood going with the dark woods, leather, and casino/mobster boss vibes the atmosphere offers. The restaurant serves every meal daily, but reservations are recommended, so check out their hours and be sure to plan ahead.

Directions to the next stop : Head north on Broadway until you reach the intersection with Route 9N and Route 29/Lake Avenue; take a right onto Lake Avenue. Continue straight for four blocks, take a right onto Henry Street, and The Parting Glass is right there on the corner.

Approximate time from Stop 7 to Stop 8: 3 minutes

Stop 8: The Parting Glass

40 - 42 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

If you didn’t grab a bite at the Adelphi, The Parting Glass would be another great chance to do so. They’re conveniently open daily starting at 11am, and also happen to be a fitting place to feel out spirits. 

Before it was a lively Irish tavern with live music, darts, and a pool table, The Parting Glass catered to gamblers, Vaudeville acts, and a few “ladies of the night” who worked out of the upstairs room; a woman in white has been observed in the upstairs window. Other sightings include a man who was once a regular, and a band promoter once reported a ghost-like image in old photos in the restaurant that looked spookily like the deceased owner.

Directions to the next stop : Head toward Route 29/Lake Avenue from Henry Street and hang a left. At the second intersection, take a right onto Maple Avenue. The Olde Bryan Inn will be right across from High Rock Park, on the corner of Maple Avenue and Rock Street. Parking is available along this street and nearby.

Approximate time from Stop 8 to Stop 9: 2 minutes

Stop 9: The Olde Bryan Inn

123 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Make your way to another restaurant/bar whose dark-wooded walls have a story or two to tell. While The Parting Glass has a “lady in white” who haunts the restaurant, The Olde Bryan Inn brags a “lady in green.” 

A Civil War widow named Beatrice has appeared to guests wearing a high-necked, Victorian-style dress, sometimes climbing a staircase in the dining room that was dismantled decades ago; the dress itself was found in a trunk in the attic, which apparently used to be her bedroom. It’s believed her husband lost his life at the Battle of Saratoga.

The restaurant dates back to the late 1700s, and spirits donning Colonial wear have been reported as well. The building served as a private residence and a laundry facility before becoming a restaurant in 1979.

The Olde Bryan Inn is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and they serve up superb sandwiches, steak, and other hearty options.

Directions to the next stop : Now, we’re leaving Saratoga Springs! Follow Rock Street up the hill and take a right onto Route 9. Continue straight to the intersection with Marion Avenue and take a left. Marion Avenue/Route 9 will become Maple Avenue, which will become Saratoga Road. Just continue straight for about 6.5 miles, then turn left onto Parkhurst Road. From there, a right onto Mt. McGregor Road. Stay on this road, which will wind and curve. You should see a sign for Grant Cottage, which will eventually be on the left.

Approximate time from Stop 9 to Stop 10: 17 minutes

Stop 10: Grant Cottage

1000 Mt. McGregor Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831

US President Ulysses S. Grant moved to this Saratoga County cottage in 1885, just about a month before died; he had throat cancer and had fallen victim to a Ponzi scheme. Before he passed, he completed his memoirs at the cottage. 

Today,  Grant Cottage is a historical landmark that maintains many of the original furnishings, personal items, and decor from Grant himself, including the bed where he died. Although it would be terrific if a former president was haunting this historical landmark in Saratoga County, the ghost is rumored to be a woman who was once a caretaker for the cottage.

Grant Cottage is open seasonally starting in May. You can check out GrantCottage.org to find info on events, including hidden history hiking tours, and other fun happenings.

Bonus stop : You may have noticed the looming, closed-down correctional facility you passed on McGregor Road before reaching Grant Cottage. This is also reportedly haunted by spirits, one of whom is an eight-year-old girl who can be seen peering out of windows.          

Directions to the next stop : Head back down Mt. McGregor Road and continue until it turns into Parkhurst Road, then take your next left onto Corinth Mountain Road. Go straight through the intersection, and the road will turn into Ballard Road. Continue on Ballard Road for about 4 miles, then it will turn into Taylor Road. Continue on Taylor Road for about 1.5 miles until it turns into Colebrook Road, then Rugg Road. Take a slight right onto Route 32 South. Continue until this road turns into Route 4 South. After you pass over Fish Creek keep an eye out for the General Philip Schuyler House sign and make a left into the entrance. 

Approximate time from Stop 10 to Stop 11: 26 minutes   

Stop 11: General Philip Schuyler House

4 Broad Street, Schuylerville, NY 12871       

This gorgeous, restored house in the country once belonged to American General Philip Schuyler, and it’s one of three sites that make up the Saratoga National Historical Park. Schuyler owned the home before and after the Battle of Saratoga. The British burned the original house, and the present facility was erected in 1777, shortly after Burgoyne’s surrender. The new home was constructed in just 29 days. 

The Schuylers are considered by many to be the founding family of Saratoga; Schuylerville itself is named for them. But other famous footsteps have walked these halls: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Marquis de Lafayette, and Franklin Roosevelt have all visited the General Philip Schuyler House. The potential for spirits is high and the energy strong in this country house!

Today, the General Philip Schuyler House is open seasonally from June through Labor Day to visitors for temporary exhibitions and programs. In 2023, the Old Saratoga Historical Association will host their annual Candlelight Tour on Wednesday, October 18th from 6-8:30 PM. Reservations will be required, so follow Saratoga National Historical Park on Facebook to keep an eye out for updates and events.

Directions to the next stop : Take a left onto Route 4 and head south for about 2.5 miles, then take a right onto Coleville Road. Continue on Coleville Road for about 2.5 miles, then hang a left onto Route 32. Continue straight for 2.7 miles and you’ll run right into the park.   

Approximate time from Stop 11 to Stop 12: 12 minutes

Stop 12: Saratoga Battlefield 

648 Route 32, Stillwater, NY 12170

You’ll find no shortage of ghost stories surrounding Saratoga Battlefield, part of Saratoga National Historical Park . But, the place is so scenic and gorgeous to walk around we’d visit even without spirits dwelling. 

Although there are many areas of the park that have been known to spark a spook in a visitor or two, the Wilkinson Trail in particular is highlighted for its hauntings. You can reportedly hear the moaning of soldiers in trouble, gunshots, and loud drumming on this trail. 

Other reports include soldiers walking around, in particular one in a ragged uniform who claimed to be shot and killed by his own men. While ghosts have been seen and heard here, we encourage you to try to tune into the energies and feel of the battlefield as you walk around.

The Saratoga Battlefield’s Visitor Center is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and the driving tour road is typically open to vehicle traffic through November 30 (weather permitting; it’s possible it could close sooner). In 2023, the tour road will be open daily from 9am-5pm through November 30th. After November 30th, the tour road is closed for the winter.  The park is open to pedestrians and bicyclists from sunrise to sunset, daily. Hiking trails are for pedestrian use only. You’re also welcome to walk the Driving Tour Road by utilizing the Multi-Use Lane.

Directions to the next stop : From here we head back toward Saratoga Springs for the final stop, enjoying a nice drive by Saratoga Lake on the way. Head back the way you came, north on Route 32, and hang a left onto Route 71. Continue on Route 71 for 4.3 miles, then turn right onto Route 9P North. Continue along Route 9P/Union Avenue past the lake and the Saratoga Race Course for 5.2 miles, then turn left onto Regent Street. From there, it’s a right onto Lincoln Avenue, then a quick left, and you should see the entrance to the cemetery; there is also another entrance on Vanderbilt Avenue.

Approximate time from Stop 12 to Stop 13: 18 minutes

Stop 13: Greenridge Cemetery

17 Green Ridge Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

You can’t have a self-guided haunted history trail without at least one cemetery on the agenda! Greenridge Cemetery is home to many fascinating deceased individuals, including but not limited to George Sherman Batcheller of the aforementioned Batcheller Mansion and George “Speck” Crum, who is believed to have invented the potato chip.

Greenridge Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Saratoga Springs, dating back to 1844, and has expanded twice since it was first established. The cemetery consists of gorgeous gravestones, mausoleums, and statues ( Saratoga Living called it “funerary art”) to enjoy as you pick up any presences from the many notable Saratogians who have passed.

A Twilight Cemetery Tour is held by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation each year, and the cemetery is open to the public from dawn to dusk.

A note on timing : The full self-guided tour should take about two and a half to three hours, not counting for food stops (ghost-hunting is hungry work!) or other fun along the way. If you do plan on visiting any businesses, make sure to check their hours ahead of time and plan accordingly.

Additionally, feel free to customize the tour to your liking, perhaps sticking to Saratoga Springs, or the Saratoga Springs spots in addition to Grant Cottage, the Schuyler House, and Saratoga Battlefield - this would keep the tour in a neat circle. Have fun, and happy hauntings!

<< Back to the Halloween Guide

<< Back to the Fall Guide

• Batcheller Mansion Inn : History
• CBS 6 News : Saratoga Springs offers a deep connection to the spirit world
• Explanders : Saratoga County Homestead, New York’s Forgotten Gem
• National Park Service : Schuyler House
• New York Haunted Houses : Canfield Casino - Real Saratoga Springs Haunt
• New York Haunted Houses : Crandall House - Real Ballston Spa Haunt
• Only In Your State : The Historic Batcheller Mansion Inn In New York Is Notoriously Haunted And We Dare You To Spend The Night
• Only In Your State : This Haunted Hike In New York Will Send You Running For The Hills
• The Post Star : Crandall House, Ballston Spa
• The Post Star : Hopelessly haunted hallows
• Saratoga Living : Saratoga Ghosts: Touring the Haunted Sections of the Spa City 
• Saratoga Today : Haunted Saratoga - Arcade Building, Adelphi Hotel, Longfellows Restaurant
• Saratoga Today : Haunted Saratoga - High Rock Springs, Saratoga Battlefield, The Devil’s Chair in Congress Park
• Spectrum News 1 : Saratoga Fall Fest Features Ghost Stories from The Adelphi Hotel
• Sweet Tooth Sweet Life : Dining Amongst Spirits at Power’s Inn & Pub
• Times Union : Ghost hunters: Tavern has a spirited crowd

This article is sponsored by Saratoga County Tourism. Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or view of Saratoga County Tourism or its members.

10 Truly Haunted Saratoga Springs Places You Can Still Visit

Saratoga Springs is home to a number of centuries-old buildings and Civil War sites. Here are the go-to places to experience the paranormal.

Upstate New York is a sometimes overlooked alternative to the nearby metropolis of New York City. It is home to a wealth of natural beauty featuring the Catskills and the Hudson Valley yet still has plenty of accommodations and nightlife while offering a more tranquil experience than nearby NYC.

However, this tranquility also comes with the warning of a noteworthy amount of paranormal activity found in the area. This is especially true throughout the town of Saratoga Springs which is home to a myriad of centuries-old buildings and Civil War-era sites . This makes it a great destination for the brave ones with a knack for the paranormal.

Here is a list of some of the best places to experience contact with the "other side" in spooky Saratoga Springs.

10 The Olde Bryan Inn

If the wooden walls of this restaurant and bar could talk, they would have many stories to tell dating back to the late 1700s.

Spirits in colonial-era clothing have been spotted, but the star of the paranormal show here is a Civil War period widow named Beatrice, also referred to as the "lady in green."

This spirit roams the building in her Victorian-style dress and wanders in and out of what is believed to be her old bedroom where she was left behind by her husband who died in the Battle of Saratoga.

The hearty dishes served here are also another reason to visit this restaurant that opens for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday.

9 Canfield Casino

Canfield Casino has been featured on America's Most Terrifying Places and the famed TV show Ghost Hunters .

This playground for the wealthy elite of Saratoga Springs in the late 1800s is now registered as a national historic landmark and is the site of the Saratoga Springs History Museum as well as a space for events and, of course, paranormal tours.

Related: The Creepy History Of New York's Most Haunted House

8 Grant Cottage

Famed President and Civil War general Ulysses S. Grant spent his final days in this cottage where he finished his memoirs before losing his battle with throat cancer.

Many of Grant's belongings still fill up his former home including the very bed he died in. The suspected lingering spirit, however, is not believed to be Grant himself but instead a female former caretaker.

• The cottage opens to visitors seasonally, and its website provides information for specific dates along with various events and tours.

7 General Philip Schuyler House

One of the ghost-inhabited sites of Saratoga National Historic Park is the beautifully restored home of General Philip Schuyler, who is considered to be one of the founders of Saratoga Springs.

Notable names like George Washington, Franklin Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson have also visited the house.

• The house opens to visitors from June to Labor Day for special exhibitions and also hosts an annual Candlelight Tour every October.

6 Saratoga Battlefield

With many of these paranormal sites relating to the Civil War era of Saratoga Springs, the local battlefield itself can not be left off this list.

Saratoga Battlefield also lies within the Saratoga National Historic Park and the gorgeous scenery alone makes it worth a visit and features a road for driving tours that is available in non-winter months.

Visitors to the battlefield have reported a range of paranormal encounters from sights of wounded soldiers to hearing sounds of the battle itself.

5 Historic Grooms Tavern

The Historic Grooms Tavern dates all the way back to 1825 and holds a palpably eerie atmosphere throughout the complex consisting of a tavern, a wagon and blacksmith shop, and a frame privy.

Reputable historians and ghost hunters alike agree that the complex is home to a small group of spirits (suspected to be a woman and two children) but visitors can walk in knowing that they are playfully friendly, as paranormal accounts only report being lightly touched by unseen entities and unexplained moving of objects.

4 Saratoga County Homestead Hospital

The spooky remnants of the Saratoga County Homestead Hospital built in 1937 operated as a tuberculosis sanatorium until 1960, after which it functioned as a nursing home for nearly 20 years until shutting down for good.

Spirits left behind in this building with a long list of sorrowful past residents roamed the halls undisturbed until a new owner purchased it in 2019.

Since then, it has undergone restoration and is now open for paranormal investigation tours and photo tours at specified dates and times.

Related: St. Albans Sanatorium: The Most Haunted Spot On The East Coast?

3 The Batcheller Mansion Inn

The Batcheller Mansion Inn which currently functions as a bed and breakfast dates back to 1873 and has been the subject of multiple visits from the Albany Paranormal Research Society.

This eye-catching inn is notable enough for its aesthetic, but it is highly suspected that spirits of the founding Batcheller family continue to roam its halls.

Since the building is still an operating bed and breakfast, this paranormal experience is only available to those brave enough to book an overnight stay.

2 The Parting Glass

The Parting Glass is a vivacious Irish pub regularly full of patrons enjoying live music and a game of darts along with a cold pint.

This is fitting for the building which centuries past served as the haunt for gambling, Vaudeville acts, and any seedy character looking for an amusing night out.

Visitors now may have their dart game suddenly interrupted by an apparition of a "lady in white" or one of a variety of different ghosts of the past reported to have been seen in the pub.

1 Greenridge Cemetery

What is a haunted list without a cemetery? Greenridge Cemetery, established in 1844, is the oldest in Saratoga Springs and it features tons of decorative mausoleums, gravestones, and statues which create an unsettlingly immersive yet beautiful atmosphere.

Notable names of those found at their final resting place here are George Crum who allegedly created the potato chip and George Batcheller of the Batcheller Mansion.

• The cemetery is open from dawn to dusk and a Twilight Cemetery Tour is provided by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation once a year.

Abandoned Saratoga County Homestead Sanitarium in Galway, NY: Experience the Chilling Silence

A historical landmark steeped in memory, a community of healing, a site of contention and misconception, the homestead sanitarium today, related posts.

Nestled in the hamlet of Barkersville, in Galway, New York , the Saratoga County Homestead , more familiarly known as the Homestead Sanitarium , is a relic of a bygone era. This sturdy brick building, replacing its wooden predecessor in 1932, was originally home to tuberculosis patients from 1914 to 1960.

Saratoga Sanitarium wasn’t just a treatment place but a community. A place where patients spent their days under the meticulous care of dedicated doctors and nurses, confined to a strict regimen of bed rest, carefully monitored exercise, and regular meals.

A place where the mingling of men and women was forbidden, and alcohol, obscene language, and tobacco were banned. The only sounds that filled the air were the soft rustling of pages turning and the gentle whispers of conversation – dancing and “unnecessary noise” were strictly prohibited.

The simple act of breathing held a decisive significance at the Saratoga Sanitarium . Patients lined up on the sun-drenched porch often, soaking up the fresh air and sunshine.

On warmer days, some patients would sit outside, baring their chests to the sun and air, in an attempt to breathe life back into their ailing lungs.

The sanitarium wasn’t just about healing bodies but also about enriching minds. There was a theater where live performances were staged. Unfortunately, not all patients were healthy enough to enjoy these cultural offerings.

Regarding the usage of the place during WWII, there was a theater where films were shown. There is a record of a patient disappointed in not being allowed to see the new movie “Casablanca,” released in 1942, due to her illness.

The son of the Homestead’s superintendent remembers Tuesday movie nights well and some live performances, including a staged poetry reading with actor Monty Woolley​​.

Despite its significant role in the community, the sanitarium had its share of controversy and misconception. The county Board of Supervisors originally planned to open a TB hospital in Greenfield on the Vischer Whipple Farm. Still, this plan was met with resistance from residents fearing the spread of infection.

Over the years, the Homestead Sanitarium has been the subject of various myths, with some even alleging it to be haunted. But according to local historians, there’s no truth to these ghostly tales.

The Homestead never functioned as a mental asylum where murders took place, and there’s no cemetery on its grounds – families took the bodies of the deceased away, just as they do now.

The doctors and nurses at the sanatorium were dedicated to their work, providing meticulous care to TB patients with a strict bed and chair rest regimen, regular meals, closely observed exercise, an evening “nourishment,” and a 9 pm bedtime. Many vintage photographs show patients lined up on the sunny porch with open windows letting in the fresh air​​.

After treating patients for tuberculosis until 1960, the sanitarium was reopened in 1961 as The Saratoga County Infirmary. In the 1980s, the building was sold to Bruce Houran, who planned to reopen it as a healthcare-related facility.

The Homestead was sold again in a tax auction in September 2019 to its current owner, James Walk. The property has a total of 28.6 acres with four buildings of 73,600 square feet. The assessed value of the property was $208,500​​.

Today, the building remains vacant but is set to undergo renovations. The blueprint for the property’s future is filled with noble and innovative initiatives.

It includes the development of a tranquil retreat for veterans, the infusion of local commerce through the addition of small businesses, and the creation of an agricultural training program accompanied by verdant outdoor gardens. In addition, there are plans to pay homage to the site’s past with a living museum chronicling its history as a tuberculosis hospital.

The caretaker’s house is scheduled as the first stage of rehab for the entire property. Proceeds from ticket sales for tours and investigations will be used to rehabilitate the facility, with any surplus donated to a nonprofit for veterans and first responders.

The Homestead Sanitarium in New York State , once a place of healing and respite, is now poised for a new chapter, honoring its past while looking to the future.

The Saratoga County Homestead has stood the test of time, with tales woven around its brick structure like ivy. Whether these stories send shivers or stir your curiosity, the Homestead beckons you to explore its halls and unravel the truth.

Perhaps the rustling leaves are merely the wind or maybe, just maybe, a testament to the echoes of times long past.

So, why not pay a visit? Come and discern if this place is haunted or simply an emblem of an era gone by. Embark on an adventure and uncover the true story of the Saratoga County Homestead Sanitarium .

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Paranormal Events | Tours | Conventions

Sat, Apr 30

Saratoga County Homestead

Saratoga County Homestead Photo Tour

Join us for our first tours of 2022!

Time & Location

Apr 30, 2022, 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Saratoga County Homestead, 7239 Barkersville Rd, Middle Grove, NY 12850, USA

About the Event

Welcome to The Saratoga County Homestead. These are photography tours of the building. These tours are 2 hours long and will cover the basement, first and second floors. We want to give the public the opportunity to visit this grand old sanatorium legally for the first time in over 40 years! These tours are just the beginning for the Homestead and its partnership with Haunted Nights LLC. Come get the first look inside this historic building before any restoration work is done and snap some photos! All guests must sign electronic waivers prior to their tour.

Waivers can be found here: Homestead Waiver / Haunted Nights Waiver

There are no bathrooms on the property so please plan accordingly. All guests will sign waivers before entering the building. This will be a semi free roam tour, you will be required to stay on each floor with the group, but will be free to roam that floor to take photos. We will move between each floor as a group, no exceptions.

There are TWO tour options to choose from, the first tour runs from 12PM-230PM and the second tour runs from 

230PM-430PM.  Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour start time. You are welcome to bring tripods for your camera gear and small bags will be permitted. The building is open to the elements, if it's raining outside, it will be raining inside in certain areas. Be sure to select the correct tour for the time slot you wish to attend!  Dress comfortably and wear shoes you don't mind getting a little dirty!

All guests MUST fill out both waivers prior to arriving for their scheduled tour. 

Both waivers can be found here: Homestead Waiver / Haunted Nights Waiver

All sales final, no refunds. 

No one under the age of 18 without parent or guardian. No one under the age of 12.

Tour 1 (12:30-2:30)

This ticket is for the 12:30-2:30 tour only!

+$0.88 service fee

Tour 2 (2:30-4:30)

This ticket is for the 2:30-4:30 tour only!

This event is sold out

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Haunted Saratoga County Homestead to Resume Tours this Month! Dare to Enter?

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If you've driven along Bakersville Road in East Galway you have seen the massive brick building with a once grand entrance and peeling white pillars. This is the abandoned, and some say haunted, Saratoga County Homestead. Have you ever been inside?

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.  The former tuberculosis hospital is now private property but, if you have the nerve, you may be allowed inside this month for a Haunted Nights paranormal tour.

The hospital operated from 1914 until the early 1960's. The buildings and surrounding property have been the subject of many stories and urban legend over the years. The urge to explore the surgery room, chapel and children's hospital often compels people to enter illegally. Now you can do it legally and help renovate the property to it's past glory.

Last Fall the sanatorium's theater was open to the public for the first time in 40 years. Gina Pelletier of Selkirk, New York shared some of her photos and tour experience with me.

In the kitchen, while trying to find a good setting for a photo, something whispered at me. That made me a little uneasy. I didn’t hang out to find out what it said. In the basement there were 3 of us with 3 different cameras and none of them would work properly at first. Once we got towards the end of the basement, where we go to the first floor, they worked fine. It was a little odd and unnerving.

Keep checking Haunted Nights for April tour announcements.

Saratoga County Homestead

Abandoned nevele resort, ellenville, new york, explore the old catskill game farm, more from q 105.7.

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Home » Archive » Top News » National Museum of Racing Offers Saratoga Farm Tours

National Museum of Racing Offers Saratoga Farm Tours

Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame | Horsephotos

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is partnering with seven Saratoga County farms to host 90-minute tours of each Thoroughbred farm from April through October. The farm tour series kicks off Apr. 27 at  McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds and includes tours of Old Tavern Farm May 18 and June 7. A tour of Song Hill Thoroughbreds will be held June 15; Old Friends at Cabin Creek on July 20; North Country Horses on Aug. 17; Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga on Sept. 21; and Sugar Plum Farm on Oct. 20.

Each tour is $30 for museum members and $40 for non-members. Click here for more information.

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This story was posted in Top News and tagged McMahon of Saratoga Thorougbhreds , National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame , North Country Horses , Old Friends at Cabin Creek , old tavern farm , Song Hill Thoroughbreds , Sugar Plum Farm , Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga .

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National Museum Of Racing Announces 2024 Saratoga County Farm Tour Series

T he National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is partnering with seven Saratoga County farms for exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. The Museum’s farm tour series kicks off Saturday, April 27, at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds. There will be a total of eight tours — including a special visit to Old Tavern Farm during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival — with the series concluding in October.

Guests will enjoy a 90-minute experience at each Thoroughbred farm, where a knowledgeable guide will provide a comprehensive look at the day-to-day operations and what makes each farm unique. Guests will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with resident thoroughbreds and farm staff. Finally, at the close of the tour, guests will have the opportunity to ask their guide any questions they may have about the care and keeping of these beautiful animals and aspects of life on the farm. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended on these tours.

“These tours have been very popular and they offer a wonderful educational experience that will truly resonate with race fans and horse lovers,” said Cate Masterson, the Museum’s director. “Visiting these beautiful farms are incredible opportunities to learn about the daily life there, the care and routine of the horses, and the chance to meet the people who make these operations so successful and vital to the community and racing.”

Each tour is $30 for Museum members and $40 for non-members. All tour purchases include a complimentary Museum admission. To book a farm tour, click on your preferred date and farm below:

• April 27 — McMahon of Saratoga farm tour | National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (racingmuseum.org)
• May 18 — Old Tavern Farm tour | National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (racingmuseum.org)
• June 7 — Old Tavern Farm tour | National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (racingmuseum.org)
• June 15 — Song Hill Thoroughbreds farm tour | National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (racingmuseum.org)
• July 20 — Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division farm tour | National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (racingmuseum.org)
• Aug. 17 — North Country Horses farm tour | National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (racingmuseum.org)
• Sept. 21 — Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga farm tour | National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (racingmuseum.org)
• Oct. 20 — Sugar Plum Farm tour | National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (racingmuseum.org)

If you have any questions about the farm tour series, please contact Matt Reichel, the Museum’s educator, at [email protected] or call (518) 584-0400 ext. 118.