Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
Old Fort Niagara's centuries-old buildings offer more than a few ghost stories, from the headless ghost that reputedly haunts the 1726 French Castle to unexplained shadows, slamming doors, and eerie orbs. Area residents will have an opportunity to experience the fort's mysterious past during "The Haunted Fortress," set for Saturday nights, Oct. 22 and 29.
The event offers visitors a nocturnal tour of the fort, complete with animated ghosts from the fort's violent past. Visitors also visit a bonfire and hear true stories of unexplained supernatural sightings on the fort grounds. As a finale, fort volunteers will offer tours of the post's graveyard, which dates back to 1755. This year's tour will focus on events that occurred at the fort during the War of 1812.
The fort recently received national attention for its paranormal activities during a half-hour feature on the "Ghost Hunters" television program. Show hosts claimed to experience unexplained shadows, disembodied voices and even physical contact with spirits from the fort's long history.
Tickets for "The Haunted Fortress" are available in advance by calling 716-745-7611 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Admission to the event is $12 per person. Advance reservations and payment are required. The tour is not recommended for children under 8 years of age. Visitors are encouraged to wear walking shoes. Proceeds from this fundraising event benefit Old Fort Niagara's educational programming.
Old Fort Niagara is a National Historic Landmark operated by the Old Fort Niagara Association, a not-for-profit organization. Welcoming more than 80,000 visitors a year, the fort opens at 9 a.m. daily year round. Information, including hours of operation, can be found at www.oldfortniagara.org or by calling 716-745-7611.