The Top Three Spooky, Historic Halloween Destinations in Philadelphia
First up is the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site. Poe, the author of The Raven, The Masque of the Red Death, The Cask of Amontillado and countless other creepy stories, lived in Philadelphia for part of his adult life. Some of his best-known tales were published while he lived here, including The Fall of the House of Usher, The Gold Bug, The Black Cat, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Pit and the Pendulum, and The Tell-Tale Heart. The National Park Service maintains Edgar Allen Poe’s last remaining residence in Philadelphia for all to visit. It’s a terrific way to learn about your favorite creepy writer and see a slice of Philadelphia history at the same time. The site includes fun activities and information for kids and adults and there is no admission charge. They’re open Wednesday to Sunday 9 am to 5 pm, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Secondly, we have the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia. Join a spooky candlelight walking tour of the nation’s most historic and haunted city, Philadelphia. Hear the tales of long-dead spectors that remain in the downtown area. Visit some of the most historic spots in the Independence Hall and Society Hill areas. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a warm coat if it’s chilly; this tour is a long walk through mostly outdoor areas. The tour costs $15 per adult, and $8 for children 4-12. Most ghost tours start at 7:30pm, and extra tours on selected days in October begin at 9:30pm.
Next up: The Eastern State Penitentiary! This prison, the first of its kind, began construction in 1822, and opened its doors on October 23, 1829. It was in continuous operation until 1970, when its use was abandoned for more modern facilities.
When building was completed in 1839, Eastern State Penitentiary was a marvel of architecture and prison design, with state-of-the-art plumbing and sewage systems, and central heating for the cells. Based on the concept of “solitary confinement at labor”, the Eastern State Penitentiary was designed for near-complete isolation of prisoners. Each cell was completely closed off, and included its own external exercise area. Contact between prisoners and guards was also strictly limited – food was served through “feeding apertures” in the cell walls. The penitentiary was intended to cause prisoners to be isolated, reflective and regretful of their crimes, and to move toward spiritual change, hence the name.
Around the world, around 300 prisons were built in the image of the Eastern State Penitentiary, and tourists have been coming to see it from the very beginning. From its gothic, threatening exterior to its vaulted hallways, arched windows and skylights, to the wheel-hub design, it’s a fascinating view of prison and institutional building history, and is rumored to be haunted by several of the prisoners who died there.
The prison currently opens its doors for public tours from April through November, from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm). Fees are $9 for adults, $4 for kids 7-12 and include the audio tour “Voices of Eastern State”. Children under 7 are not allowed to enter the site! There are several historic tours offered, art installations onsite, and from mid-September through Halloween, the haunted attraction, Terror Behind the Walls, runs beginning at 7pm. Tickets are between $10-30, depending on when you go. Whichever type of visit you decide on, dress appropriately; the Eastern State Penitentiary is not heated.
Wherever you go for Halloween in historic, spooky Philadelphia, use appropriate safety precautions for a big city; be sure to lock your car doors, park in well-lighted or attended areas, and don’t leave valuables visible in your car.
