Pennhurst Asylum – Haunted Abandoned Asylum in Spring City, Pennsylvania

Pennhurst Asylum was once a state-run institution for people with mental and physical disabilities. It opened in the early 1900s and was known for overcrowding, abuse, and neglect.

Today, the crumbling remains of the asylum draw thrill-seekers and ghost hunters. Many believe the tortured souls of former patients still roam its dark halls.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1908
• Original Purpose: Institution for the mentally and physically disabled
• Significant Events:
  Pennhurst quickly gained a dark reputation due to horrifying reports of mistreatment. Patients were often kept in isolation, chained to furniture, and heavily sedated.

A lawsuit in the 1970s exposed the inhumane conditions, leading to its closure in 1987. These tragic events are now believed to fuel the building’s intense paranormal activity.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Visitors report sudden temperature drops, disembodied voices, and whispers echoing through the halls.

Objects move on their own. Shadows dart across rooms. Some people even hear screams or crying from empty rooms.

One of the most well-known spirits is a little girl who’s often heard giggling or calling for help. There’s also a tall, dark figure spotted in the basement.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• Who are the ghosts?
  Former patients, overworked staff, and lost souls are said to haunt the building.
• What do visitors report?
  Screams coming from sealed wards, handprints on dusty windows, and ghostly faces peeking from behind doors. Many have felt hands touching them in the dark.
• Any local folklore?
  There’s a story about a nurse who died mysteriously in the tunnels beneath the asylum. Locals say she still walks there with a lantern, searching for an exit.
• Urban legend:
  It’s said that if you stand in the old infirmary and whisper, “I’m not alone,” you’ll hear breathing right beside you.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The underground tunnels are said to be the most terrifying part.

Paranormal teams claim they’ve captured growls, cries, and even full-bodied apparitions there. Many refuse to go back after one visit.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Starts around $30 for haunted attractions; special tours cost more
• Tour Availability: Ghost hunts and guided tours are held on select weekends, especially during Halloween season
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Usually evenings and weekends, depending on the event schedule

Best Time to Visit

Fall, especially October, brings the highest activity—maybe because of the energy around Halloween.

First-Hand Accounts & Eyewitness Reports

Paranormal groups like Ghost Adventures and Destination Fear have investigated Pennhurst. They caught chilling EVPs and unexplained movements.

Visitors report being followed by unseen forces or seeing shadows standing behind them in photos.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

Multiple TV shows and independent ghost hunters have explored Pennhurst. Evidence includes eerie voices, electromagnetic spikes, and moving shadows caught on camera.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

Parts of the building are off-limits due to safety hazards. Guests must follow strict rules.

Do not wander off during tours—some areas are structurally unstable.