If you like Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park, you will love these places too!
Last updated: June 2, 2025
Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park
From tragic deaths on a Native American burial ground to mysteries at an amusement park – the haunted stories and troubled past of Mercer County’s Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park has been equally frightening and entertaining people for decades.
Although it has been years since the amusement park buzzed with the laughter of children, according to local lore, the park is still a playground for the unexplained. But you don’t have to be an avid ghost hunter to learn more about this creepy attraction. Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park gained national attention once again with a chilling cameo in Netflix’s apocalyptic thriller Leave the World Behind, adding to its eerie reputation.
Lake Shawnee offers daytime tours and overnight experiences for those who dare, as well as The Dark Carnival and Lake Nightmare during the fall months. As you schedule your chance to tour the haunted grounds, add a few other eccentric, and possibly cursed, Mercer County stops to your spooky trip!
Gary Bowling’s House of Art at the Ramsey School
Trust us, you won’t find an art gallery like this anywhere else. Full of magic, mystery, history and art, Gary Bowling’s House of Art (GBHA) is a unique experience every visitor should add to their Mercer County trip. GBHA is located in the historic Ramsey School and features a gallery of one-of-a-kind and interesting art pieces that span all genres.
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure – a true motto from the organization. In fact, the artists at GBHA refer to themselves as “the ultimate dumpster divers,” as most of the artwork there is made from recycled or found materials.
Situated on a hillside with entrances on every level, the Ramsey School is listed as a 5-story building and is distinctive because it has an entrance on 7 different levels. This fact has been officially recognized by Ripley’s Believe It or Not for being the “School with the Most Multi-Level Entrances.” Along with this quirky claim to fame, the building, which was opened in 1926, is also said to have its fair share of paranormal activity.
The Granada Theater
Originally opening its doors in 1928, The Granada Theater was visited by well-known celebrities including Bing Crosby, Marian Anderson, Frank Sinatra and Greer Garson. While the building was modernized in 1949, then fully restored in 2021, many remnants of the past have remained in the historic theater.
From replicating the authentic carpet in the theater to finding the original organ used, history is all around The Granada. But with rich history, comes haunts from the past. Located in Bluefield, a city that straddles the past and present. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, you’ll have to check out The Granada Theater for yourself. Regardless of what you find, you’ll be able to enjoy some fun entertainment while you are there.
Mercer Street Grassroots District
Colorful, eccentric and located in the heart of Mercer County, the Mercer Street Grassroots District is the perfect spot to find some unconventional treasures and to experience the local Appalachian culture.
Get lost in a fantasy world at Daydream Games. From specialty game releases to epic tournaments, this store is a must-visit for all serious gamers. Lastly, take a piece of Mercer County home with you. Stop by The Hatter’s Bookshop and explore the wealth of previously-loved books as well as bookish gifts and new reads.


