2024 Downtown Columbus Haunted Hike
This blog journal documents the haunted hike in Downtown, Columbus on October 17, 2024.
A Haunted Journey Through Columbus, Ohio: Ghostly Legends Await
Prepare yourself for a journey into the haunted heart of Columbus, Ohio! This chilling 4-mile trek begins and ends at the welcoming refuge of Gemut Biergarten, where we’ll gather our courage before stepping into the dark and storied past of the city. As shadows deepen, we’ll dive into some of Columbus’s most famous ghostly legends, meeting spirits that linger just beyond our sight and secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Meeting Place: Gemut Biergarten – Gathering for the Unknown
Our haunted hike begins at Gemut Biergarten, where a warm glow, hearty fare, and a friendly gathering offer a moment of safety before we face the mysteries that await. As we assemble, you’ll feel the excitement and nerves in the air—everyone preparing for a night that promises thrills, chills, and maybe a few spine-tingling encounters.
But as the clock ticks and the last sips are taken, it’s time to step away from the lights, past the comfort of the biergarten, and into the ghostly realm of Columbus.
The Kelton House: Meeting the Ghost of Grace Kelton
Our first stop is the Kelton House, a historic gem shrouded in eerie mystery. Known to many for its rich history, the Kelton House harbors more than stories of old—it’s said to be haunted by the spirit of Grace Kelton, a woman whose ghostly presence still lingers in the halls. Visitors have reported icy chills, whispers, and fleeting figures in the shadows. As we stand in its presence, we’ll feel her history wrap around us, perhaps catching a glimpse of Grace herself wandering in silence, bound to her home forever.
Snowden Gray Manor: The Lady in Pink
Our next stop is the Snowden Gray Manor, an imposing historic mansion with a chilling reputation. Known for its dark past, the manor is haunted by the Lady in Pink, a tragic spirit said to still wander the halls in her faded pink gown. Her haunting is not just a presence, but a sadness that lingers in the air, with reports of sightings in the windows, and the distant sound of soft weeping carried on the wind. Even more tragic was the death of the most recent owner David Strause who purchased the manor in 2018 and wanted to convert it into a Jazz Club. He died in 2020 and his project was left unfinished. There are whispers that maybe the spirit of David Strause also haunts the manor. This unsettling location is one of Columbus’s more eerie spots, and as we walk past, be prepared for a chilling encounter with the past. Some say the Lady in Pink doesn’t just linger—she follows, always watching, never forgetting.
Topiary Park: Shadows Among the Greenery
From the haunted halls of the Kelton House, our path leads us to Topiary Park. Though serene by day, the park transforms at night, taking on an eerie, spectral quality. Nestled among the sculpted trees and artful topiaries, the ghost of a vagrant is rumored to roam—an unseen figure lurking among the greenery. Some say the spirit appears just as mist rolls in, casting strange shadows that twist and move in unnatural ways. As we pass through, the atmosphere is thick, silent, as if holding its breath for us to move along.
Nestor Hall at Columbus State: Echoes of the Past
Continuing along our path, we reach Nestor Hall at Columbus State Community College. It’s a place where past and present collide, and whispers of history make themselves known. Rumors abound of apparitions and eerie sounds that echo through the halls—strange figures glimpsed out of the corner of your eye, footsteps that never reveal their owner, and an otherworldly chill in the air. Here, we will pause, hoping the spirits are quiet tonight… or hoping, perhaps, they’re not.
The Thurber House: Spirits Stir in the Shadows
Our last stop before returning is The Thurber House, a historic residence steeped in literary history and ghostly tales. Some say spirits of another era still linger within its walls, restless souls bound to the memories of a time long past. Visitors have reported glimpses of shadowy figures, strange movements, and a sense of being watched as they pass through. Here, the line between the living and the dead seems to blur, and we’ll feel the weight of these ghostly presences close in around us.
Are You Interested in an Event Like This?
Join me on Meetup and RSVP for events like this. I typically only do these in in the Fall season, but I am considering hosting this all year round.