Lake Shawnee Amusement Park – Haunted Abandoned Park in Mercer County, West Virginia

Once a place of joy and laughter, Lake Shawnee Amusement Park now stands as a chilling relic of the past. Located in Mercer County, West Virginia, this abandoned amusement park is one of the most notorious haunted sites in the United States.

With a dark history marred by tragic deaths and eerie legends, the park has become a hotspot for paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers alike. Visitors report unexplained phenomena, disembodied voices, and ghostly figures lurking among the rusted rides, making it one of the most terrifying destinations in the region.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1926
• Original Purpose: Amusement park
• Significant Events:
  • The land was originally home to a Native American burial ground, which some believe is the root of the park’s haunting.
  • In the late 1700s, a settler named Mitchell Clay lost his children in a brutal attack by Native Americans, further staining the land with tragedy.
  • During its operation as an amusement park, multiple tragic deaths occurred, including a young girl who died on the swings and a boy who drowned in the park’s lake.
  • The park was permanently closed in 1966, leaving its eerie remnants behind.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Lake Shawnee Amusement Park is infamous for its persistent ghostly activity. Visitors often report:

• Disembodied voices and laughter echoing through the empty park.
• Unseen hands tugging at clothing.
• Cold spots and sudden temperature drops.
• The ghostly apparition of a little girl wearing a bloodstained pink dress, believed to be the child who died on the swings.
• Swings moving on their own, even on windless days.
• Shadow figures lurking near the Ferris wheel.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• The spirit of the young girl in the pink dress is the most frequently seen ghost. She is often spotted near the swings where she tragically died. Some have even heard her giggling or whispering.
• Locals claim that the lake is haunted by the spirit of the drowned boy. Some visitors report hearing splashing and cries for help, though the water remains still.
• A few paranormal investigators have captured eerie EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) of whispers and cries.
• Legend has it that the land itself is cursed, and many believe the spirits of Native Americans buried here still linger.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The swing set is considered the most haunted location in the park. Many report seeing it move violently on its own, and some claim to feel an overwhelming sense of sadness when standing near it.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes (for special events and ghost tours)
• Entry Fee: Varies based on the event
• Tour Availability: Guided paranormal tours and overnight investigations are occasionally offered.
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours: Seasonal, mostly during fall for haunted attractions

Best Time to Visit

• Fall months, especially around Halloween, when the park hosts paranormal tours.
• Nighttime visits are recommended for those seeking a truly eerie experience.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

Lake Shawnee Amusement Park has been featured on several paranormal TV shows, including Ghost Adventures and Scariest Places on Earth. Investigators have captured unexplained voices, eerie thermal readings, and even sightings of shadowy figures moving among the abandoned rides.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• Visitors must stick to designated paths due to safety hazards from decaying structures.
• Trespassing outside of permitted tours is strictly prohibited.
• Some areas may be unstable and dangerous, so caution is advised.

Lake Shawnee Amusement Park remains one of the most chilling haunted locations in America. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just a thrill-seeker, a visit here promises an experience you won’t soon forget.