Friday the 13th in Cincinnati: 13 Local Legends That Still Haunt the City

Published: February 13, 2026

Friday the 13th has long been associated with bad luck, superstition, and the supernatural. While the fear of the number 13 dates back centuries, the combination of Friday and the number has become one of the most infamous “unlucky” days on the calendar.

In a city like Cincinnati — with more than two centuries of history, underground tunnels, riverfront tragedies, and countless historic buildings — it’s no surprise that ghost stories and urban legends are part of the local culture.

If you’re feeling brave this Friday the 13th, here are 13 Cincinnati legends and haunted locations that continue to give residents and visitors chills.

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1. The Legend of The Dent Schoolhouse

One of the region’s most famous local legends tells the story of a troubled janitor who committed terrible crimes before disappearing into the woods near the historic school. Reports of strange sounds, shadow figures, and unexplained activity have circulated for decades. Today, The Dent Schoolhouse brings this chilling story to life each fall with one of the nation’s top haunted attractions.

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2. Cincinnati Music Hall

Built over a former burial ground and cholera morgue site, Music Hall has long been considered one of the most haunted buildings in the city. Performers and staff have reported apparitions, footsteps in empty corridors, and unexplained cold spots backstage.

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3. The Lady in White – Union Cemetery

For generations, visitors have reported seeing a glowing female figure walking among the graves at Union Cemetery in Columbia-Tusculum. Known as the “Lady in White,” she is one of Cincinnati’s most enduring ghost stories.

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4. The Abandoned Cincinnati Subway

Beneath the streets lies miles of unfinished subway tunnels dating back to the early 1900s. Urban explorers and investigators have reported strange echoes, shadow figures, and unexplained noises in the dark underground passages.

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5. Cry Baby Bridge

This rural legend claims that drivers who stop on the bridge at night may hear the sound of a crying infant. Some have also reported handprints appearing on their windows or electronic devices malfunctioning.

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6. Bobby Mackey’s Music World

Just across the river in Northern Kentucky, this former slaughterhouse turned music venue is often called one of the most haunted locations in America. Reports include aggressive paranormal activity, apparitions, and unexplained physical encounters.

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7. The Ghost Girl of Kings Island

Employees and longtime visitors have shared stories of a young girl appearing near certain areas of the park after dark, becoming part of the amusement park’s unofficial folklore.

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8. Spring Grove Cemetery

One of the largest cemeteries in the country, Spring Grove is known for its beauty — and its ghost stories. Visitors have reported shadow figures, strange lights, and the feeling of being watched while walking its historic grounds.

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9. River Road

Running along the Ohio River, this historic route has been the site of floods, accidents, and river tragedies. Late-night drivers have reported shadowy figures and unexplained lights near the water.

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10. Buffalo Ridge Road

This winding, heavily wooded road in Clermont County is known for its eerie atmosphere. Drivers have reported strange lights, shadow figures along the roadside, and the unsettling feeling of being followed.

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11. The Sedamsville Rectory

Often referred to as one of Cincinnati’s most active paranormal locations, investigators have documented objects moving, unexplained voices, and full-body apparitions inside the historic building.

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12. Arnold’s Bar & Grill

Established in 1861, Cincinnati’s oldest bar is rumored to have a few lingering spirits. Staff and patrons have reported glasses moving on their own, cold spots, and shadowy figures inside the historic building.

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13. Dead Man’s Curve

Several dangerous bends throughout Hamilton County carry this ominous nickname. Drivers have reported apparitions appearing in headlights and an overwhelming sense of dread when passing through certain stretches at night.