Spend Halloween At This Historic Pennsylvania Hotel With A Past That Still Gives Guests Chills
More than 100 bullet holes still pepper the brick walls of this old inn. Nobody patched them, and honestly, I’m glad.
They tell the story better than any plaque could. The innkeepers of this Pennsylvania establishment say 16 different spirits share the place with paying guests.
The list reportedly includes soldiers, a playful eight-year-old boy, and a hardworking midwife. That’s a crowded guest book for a house with only a dozen rooms.
I like how this Pennsylvania landmark doesn’t hide its spooky side.
It leans in, with cellar tours, attic visits, and candlelit dinners served by staff in period dress. October feels made for a place like this.
So would you actually sleep here on Halloween night? Or would you spend the whole night listening for footsteps in the hallway?
Those Bullet Holes Are The Real Deal, And You Can Count Them
Brick doesn’t lie, and the walls of The Historic Farnsworth House Inn have kept their scars since 1863.
More than 100 bullet holes remain visible on the facade today.
The story starts much earlier, though. John McFarlane built the original portion of the house around 1810, and the brick structure followed in 1833.
That second piece gave the house the shape you see now. It also gave Confederate sharpshooters a perch during the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863.
The garret, or attic, reportedly served as their lookout spot. Union fire answered back, and the brick took the hits.
Here’s a fun detail for history buffs. The house wasn’t always called Farnsworth.
In 1972, it was renamed for Brigadier General Elon John Farnsworth. He led a cavalry charge near Big Round Top on July 3, 1863.
That same year, the Shultz family took over. Four generations later, they still own and run the place.
The building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. So yes, you’re sleeping inside an official piece of Pennsylvania history.
Bring your phone for photos of the facade. Then try counting those holes before dinner, if you have the patience.
Sixteen Spirits Supposedly Live Here, So Mind Your Manners
Most inns brag about thread count. This one talks about ghosts, and it doesn’t stop at one or two.
The inn claims 16 different spirits call the premises home. Soldiers make the list, which makes sense given the building’s past.
A mischievous eight-year-old boy is said to roam around too. There’s also a hardworking midwife who apparently never clocked out.
Fame followed all this spooky chatter. The inn has appeared on A&E, BBC, Discovery, History, Travel Channel, and even Food Network.
USA Today 10Best ranked the Farnsworth House Inn third in its Best Haunted Hotel readers’ choice awards in October 2026.
So what does that mean for your Halloween stay? Expect a mood, not a guarantee.
Some nights may stay perfectly quiet. Others might give you a creaky floorboard story to share at breakfast.
I believe the fun is in the not knowing. You get to decide whether that bump was the old house settling or something else.
Pack a flashlight anyway. It won’t scare anything off, but it sure feels comforting at 2 a.m.
Head Down To The Cellar If You Dare
Ghost tours here aren’t an afterthought. They’re one of the main reasons people book a trip to Baltimore Street.
The Haunted Cellar Tour takes you below the house into its oldest, darkest corners. Lantern light and stone walls do plenty of the work.
Want more? Attic Whispers and Cellar Shadows covers both ends of the building.
That one explores the garret and the cellar in a single trip. It’s a top-to-bottom tour, literally.
Curious types can sign up for Mini Paranormal Nights. Equipment is included, so you won’t need to buy your own ghost-hunting gear.
Historic house tours are also available for guests who prefer facts over frights. Tours cost extra, even for overnight guests.
October is a busy month in Gettysburg, so plan early. Booking a tour along with your room is the smart move.
A tip for the nervous crowd: go with a friend who laughs easily. Nervous giggles are the best defense in a dark basement.
And if nothing happens? You’ll still leave knowing far more about this house than when you arrived.
Every Room Has A Name And A Story Behind It
Forget room numbers. At The Historic Farnsworth House Inn, each of the 12 rooms carries a name tied to the house or the battle.
Some names honor families who lived here. Others nod to figures connected to Gettysburg history, like the Sweney Room and the Custer Room.
The rooms are spread across the main house, garden buildings, and a cottage. Each one is individually decorated in Victorian style.
Period furnishings fill the spaces, and some rooms feature four-poster beds. It feels like sleeping inside a history book, only comfier.
Modern needs still get covered. Free in-room WiFi and air conditioning keep things practical.
Just know that the rooms skip mini fridges to keep a period feel. Plan your leftovers accordingly.
Spaces can be on the snug side, as old houses often are. Pack light and you’ll be fine.
For Halloween, I’d pick a room in the main house. It puts you right in the middle of all the stories.
Picking a room is half the fun here. Read up on the names before booking and choose your favorite legend.
Your Dinner Server Might Be Dressed For 1863
Candlelight, period music, and servers in 1860s attire. Dinner in the Meade and Lee Dining Rooms feels like a time machine with a menu.
The food leans Pennsylvania Dutch and period-style. House Specialty Game Pie is the star, and it’s packed with pheasant, duck, and turkey.
General Farnsworth’s Prime Rib of Beef holds down the hearty side. Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken Pot Pie is classic comfort food.
Then come the soups with fun names. Goober Pea Soup is a peanut soup, and Texas Brigade French Onion Soup brings the cheesy warmth.
Save room for pumpkin fritters if they’re on the table. They feel tailor-made for an October visit.
The dining rooms open Thursday through Sunday, from 5 to 8 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended, and that’s no small suggestion.
Halloween season fills up fast in this town. Book your table when you book your room.
Dress up a little if you like. Your server already did, after all.
Movie Fans Will Want A Seat In The Tavern
Hollywood left a few souvenirs behind. Sweney’s Tavern displays a collection of props from the movie Gettysburg.
That makes it more than a casual spot to grab a bite. It’s a mini exhibit you can enjoy with a fork in hand.
The tavern takes its name from Harvey Sweney. He owned the property during the Civil War era and wrote a firsthand account of the battle.
The vibe here is relaxed and family-friendly. Kids are welcome, which makes it handy for a Halloween road trip.
The menu covers lighter fare along with Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired dishes. It’s a nice fit before a late ghost tour.
Live music is part of the tavern’s appeal too. Check the schedule before you go.
Not up for the fancier dining rooms tonight? This is your easygoing option.
I like how it gives families a way to enjoy the house without a big formal dinner. Everyone gets a taste of history, and nobody needs to sit still for hours.
Your Dog Gets A Menu Out Back
Good news for pup parents. The outdoor garden at The Historic Farnsworth House Inn is pet-friendly, complete with a dog menu.
Yes, your four-legged buddy gets options too. That’s a rare perk in a town packed with old buildings.
The open-air setting has its own casual menu. A PA Dutch Jumbo Soft Pretzel and Loaded Idaho French Fries are easy crowd-pleasers.
Fall evenings in Pennsylvania can turn crisp quickly. Bring a jacket so you can linger a little longer outside.
One thing to know before you pack the leash. Pets aren’t allowed inside the inn itself.
Service animals are welcome under ADA guidelines. Everyone else will need a pet-friendly hotel nearby for the night.
Still, it’s a lovely way to include your dog in the trip. A sunny afternoon here beats waiting in the car.
The garden also makes a great break between tours. Grab a snack, rest your legs, and plan your next spooky stop.
Breakfast And A Climb To The Attic Museum
Survived the night? Your reward is a full breakfast, included for every overnight guest.
It’s served in the dining room downstairs. A hot meal is a solid way to shake off any midnight jitters.
Breakfast often comes with a side of history too. Staff here clearly love sharing the stories of the house.
After eating, head upstairs to the garret. It holds a personal collection of authentic Civil War artifacts.
That attic once sheltered sharpshooters during the battle. Now it works as a small museum, which feels a little surreal.
Shopping fans can browse the gift shop before checkout. A spooky souvenir makes a fun Halloween keepsake.
Other handy perks round things out. Inn guests get free on-site parking, and the staff can help with tours and tickets.
Parking in a busy historic downtown is no joke. Having a spot waiting for you is a big relief.
Plan for a slow morning if you can. This house rewards people who take their time.
Step Outside And Gettysburg Is Right There
Location is a huge part of the charm. You’ll find the inn at 401 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
That puts you right in the historic heart of town. The Shriver House Museum sits just one block away.
Gettysburg National Military Park is about 1.1 miles off. It’s an easy trip for a morning of history.
Here’s a goosebump moment for history fans. President Lincoln’s procession passed this very house on November 19, 1863.
He was heading to the National Cemetery to deliver the Gettysburg Address. Standing on the same street feels pretty powerful.
The house also has a link to Jennie Wade. She was the only civilian casualty of the battle, and many believe the fatal shot came from here.
Another theory points to the nearby Welty House instead. Either way, it adds weight to every step on Baltimore Street.
For Halloween, this whole Pennsylvania town turns into a history-and-haunts playground. Stay at The Historic Farnsworth House Inn, and the fun starts right at your door.