As September comes to an end, the Halloween season is officially upon us. If you are like me, you get into the spirit by watching horror movies, drinking apple cider, and planning this year's costume(s). October is a month filled with gory movies, pumpkins, and haunted houses designed to make you and your friends scream and jump out of fright. However, perhaps this year you may be interested in experiencing a haunted place that is not run by actors dripping in fake blood and silicone body parts. Right here in Cleveland we have several haunted attractions that serve to scare...but with real ghosts. Some of you may say, "yeah sure, real ghosts. I don't believe in that!" Maybe you don't, but I challenge you to give one of these ghoulish destinations a visit this October.
1. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Yes the zoo, and no I don't mean that lions, and tigers, and bears (oh my!) haunt the zoo at night. I mean it is rumored that the ghosts of two men haunt the zoo at night. A man was rumored to have drowned in the creek running through the zoo and has been spotted on the bridge above. Another ghost spotting was that of a man who committed suicide by heaving himself over a bridge near where the wolves are now kept.
2. Kirtland Melon Heads
Though Kirtland may be a little bit of a drive from campus, it may be worth it if you are looking for a thrill. It is rumored that if you park your car outside King Memorial Cemetery, you will experience a Melon Head sighting. What's a Melon Head you may ask? A Melon Head is rumored to be the ghosts of orphans taken care of by a man named Dr. Crowe. Crowe's wife was said to be exceedingly kind to the children and after her untimely death, they went crazy with grief and burned down the house with themselves and Crowe inside. It is said that the Melon Head children will appear to those brave enough to seek them out.
3. The Drury Mansion
Located on Cleveland's Millionaires Row, The Drury Mansion is said to be haunted by the spirits of two ghostly woman. One of whom is believed to be the victim of a fire at the nearby Cleveland Clinic. She is reported to appear with long, black hair and spontaneously bursts into flames. The fire occurred in May of 1929.
4. Crybaby Bridge
The crybaby bridges are perhaps one of Cleveland's most famous spooky legends. It is said that multiple of these bridges exist in Ohio. It is rumored that if you are to park on one of these bridges at night, you will hear the cry of a baby or a sob from its mother. Shortly after, expect your car to be covered with small, ghostly hand prints. These bridges can be found in Kirtland on Wisner Rd. Very near where the Melon Heads can be found.
Well ghost hunters, I hope one of these haunted attractions has peaked your interest. Perhaps if you are brave enough, you might give one of these haunted places a visit this fall...just don't say I didn't warn you.
