Haunted Cemeteries

Cemeteries have long been at the center of ghost stories and paranormal legends, and the Cincinnati area is home to some of the oldest and most historic burial grounds in the Midwest. With roots dating back to the early 1800s, many of these cemeteries hold generations of the city’s history — and according to local lore, some of their former residents may still linger.

Visitors and paranormal enthusiasts have reported unexplained lights, shadow figures, sudden cold spots, and the eerie feeling of being watched while walking among the monuments and mausoleums. Whether these experiences are the result of imagination, atmosphere, or something more mysterious, haunted cemeteries remain some of the most talked-about locations in the region.

Below are some of the most well-known haunted cemeteries in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, each with its own history, legends, and unexplained stories.

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Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum

With more than 700 acres of historic graves, ornate mausoleums, and winding wooded roads, the property has no shortage of ghost stories. Visitors and photographers have reported:

• Shadowy figures moving between monuments

• Strange lights appearing after dusk

• Sudden cold spots in otherwise calm areas

• The unsettling feeling of being watched while alone

Many of Cincinnati’s most prominent historical figures are buried here, and the cemetery’s age, size, and peaceful isolation have made it a longtime destination for paranormal enthusiasts as well as those interested in the city’s history.

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Union Cemetery (Columbia-Tusculum)

Dating back to the early 1800s, the cemetery sits on land that was once part of the Symmes Purchase, one of the region’s earliest settlements. Over the years, visitors have reported seeing a glowing female figure walking among the graves, often near the same area of the property.

Other reported activity includes:

• Apparitions appearing in photographs

• Strange lights moving through the cemetery at night

• Sudden cold spots in otherwise calm conditions

Because of the long-running Lady in White legend, Union Cemetery is often considered one of the most haunted cemeteries in Cincinnati.

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Old St. Joseph Cemetery

Visitors and nearby residents have reported:

• Shadow figures moving along the hillside

• Strange whispers or voices after dark

• Unexplained lights near older grave sections

The cemetery’s steep terrain, historic monuments, and quiet atmosphere have made it a frequent stop for local paranormal enthusiasts exploring historic haunted locations in Cincinnati.

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St. Xavier Cemetery

Reported experiences include:

• Apparitions seen near older family plots

• Footsteps heard when no one else is present

• Sudden temperature drops in isolated areas

While the cemetery is primarily known for its peaceful setting, its age and long history have contributed to its reputation among those researching haunted cemeteries in the Cincinnati area.

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Highland Cemetery (Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky)

Visitors have described:

• Shadow figures near historic sections

• Strange lights appearing around older monuments

• An unexplained feeling of being watched in quiet areas

Because of its age and military history, Highland Cemetery is often included in discussions of haunted locations near Cincinnati.