From haunted inns and mysterious murals to cemeteries steeped in secrets, this unique and haunted history itinerary in Cortland County is perfect for the curious traveler who’s not afraid of a little ghost story with their getaway. Bring your flashlight, an open mind, and maybe a little sage—just in case.
Where to Stay
If you're the type who likes your history with a side of goosebumps, The Glen Haven Inn is your perfect home base. Nestled on the southern end of Skaneateles Lake, this charming inn is more than just picturesque—it's paranormally active. That’s right, it’s a featured stop on the New York State Haunted History Trail, and guests have reported unexplained footsteps, flickering lights, and the occasional spine-tingling chill (and not from the lake breeze). Cozy up with your curiosity—your spooky getaway in Cortland County starts here.
Day 1
A.M. Start your morning at New York Bagel in downtown Cortland. Order a hearty breakfast sandwich and a Red Dragon—a decadent iced coffee concoction with vanilla, Hershey’s chocolate, whipped cream, and a drizzle of mystery. Grab a seat and read about the fiery fate of the Normal School of Cortland, which burned completely to the ground in 1919. Still feel the heat?
Before you go, snap a selfie with Blaze, SUNY Cortland’s mighty dragon mascot, immortalized in mural form inside the eatery. Because nothing says “vacation souvenir” like a fire-breathing photobomb.
Noon Hop on the Cortland Curiosities Trail, your self-guided passport to the county’s most bizarre and fascinating stories. Top of the list? The Harum Hoax—an enormous “petrified man” discovered in 1869 and later exposed as one of the most elaborate hoaxes in American history. Spoiler alert: he wasn’t ancient, but he sure was heavy on drama.
Want more? The Curiosities Trail is full of oddities that’ll leave you questioning everything you learned in history class.
PM Dinner takes a deliciously eerie turn at Dasher’s Corner Pub in the village of Homer. Once known as Doyle’s Pub, this historic haunt was the last place Patrick Quinlan was seen before his suspicious death in 1894. The case remains unsolved, and ever since, staff and patrons report flickering lights, shadowy figures, and unexplained chills. Order your meal, but don’t be surprised if something else tries to join you at the table.
Once darkness falls, join the Homer Haunted History Tour. This quaint village turns downright spooky after sundown—phantom footsteps echo in alleyways, mysterious orbs float in the opera house, and locals whisper about ghostly giggles in the graveyard. Bring your flashlight (and maybe some sage).
Day 2
AM Grab breakfast to go from Coffee Mania, then take a reflective stroll through one of Cortland County’s most chillingly beautiful landmarks: the Cortland Rural Cemetery. A 19th-century Victorian garden cemetery, it’s the final resting place for over 18,000 souls—and made the Travel Channel’s list of Top 11 Spooky Cemeteries You Can Visit.
Noon Head to the CNY Living History Center, where Cortland’s past isn’t just preserved—it’s interactive. Explore everything from a 1925 Brockway firetruck that made its way from Argentina to Cortland, to Ronnie James Dio artifacts that will make any metalhead scream with joy. Or dive into the life of Amelia Jenks Bloomer, suffragette, reformer, and namesake of... well, bloomers.
PM Wrap up your weekend with dinner at Hairy Tony’s, a local favorite with hearty fare and cozy vibes. But don’t get too comfortable—you’ve got one last ghostly adventure.
The 1890 House Museum is a towering Victorian mansion with a long (and possibly haunted) history. Join a paranormal investigation and explore its candlelit corridors, creaking staircases, and spirit-filled rooms. The spirits here don’t just linger—they like to introduce themselves.
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