At first glance Long Island may not seem like a prime spot for those seeking entertainment of the paranormal variety. However, take a good look at Long Island and discover that this neighbor to New York City has a rich history of haunted tales imbedded in its framework. Here are the top allegedly haunted places to explore on Long Island:
1. Amityville Horror House. Amityville, Long Island, NY.
Located in the residential community of Amityville, this home is by far the most famous haunted locale on Long Island. The colonial style house was the sight of the 1974 murders of six members of the DeFeo family by eldest son, Ronald Jr.
In 1975, the Lutz family moved into the home, aware of what had happened to the previous occupants. Shortly after getting settled, the Lutz family began noticing bizarre occurrences such as hearing strange noises, seeing horrifying sights and experiencing things that could not be logically explained. In early 1976, the Lutz family moved out of the home for good.
This haunting inspired a series of horror novels and nine movies.
2. King's Park Psychiatric Facility. Kings Park, Long Island, NY.
The story behind this haunted spot is quite typical: the souls of those who once resided in the facility continue to haunt the grounds, primarily through a series of underground tunnels. Those who believe the grounds are haunted have claimed to hear the cries and moans of patients and viewed lights and illuminated shapes in various parts of the property.
What makes this alleged haunted place so frightening is the well-publicized and accurate accounts of the medical horrors that occurred on the premise mostly in the 1950s. Combine procedures such as prefrontal lobotomies and electroshock therapy to a self-sustaining medical community, and the picture formed of King's Park was one resembling a city of tormented and tortured souls.
While the property and its 150 buildings were shut down completely in 1996, the area retains much of its allure due to its abandoned buildings and frightful history.
3. Fire Island Lighthouse. Fire Island Seashore, Long Island, NY.
Legend has it that over a century ago one of the caretakers hung himself in the lighthouse and his ghost continues to haunt the premises. Those who believe this tale claim to have heard the unexplainable slamming of doors and the top windows of the lighthouse (which are supposedly inaccessible) open on their own accord. To further add to the mystery, the original lighthouse where the caretaker died in 1857 was demolished in order to build a taller tower in 1858. All that remains of the original is a circular ring of bricks at the base.
4. Lake Ronkonkoma. Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island, NY.
Some people claim that Lake Ronkonkoma is bottomless, though the legend that most prominently surrounds the lake is rooted in Native American folklore. Supposedly star-crossed lovers, the Indian Princess Ronkonkoma and an European explorer fell madly in love only to be shunned by her father. During a swim across the lake to meet her lover, Princess Ronkonkoma drowned. He body was discovered by her lover and returned to her father, at which time her father put a curse on the lake, stating that one young man would die in the lake each year for all of eternity.
Though finding factual evidence to substantiate the claim is few and far between, it has been noted that for 200 years "almost every year, someone has died in Lake Ronkonkoma each year".
Whether as a Halloween prank or a rite of passage, one would be hard-pressed to find anyone who grew up on the island and was not personally familiar with at least one of these suburban haunts. And while every town is likely to have its fair share of haunted legends, Long Island seems ripe with them.
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