Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park

Known as “one of the world’s most haunted places,” Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park is a place where mystery hangs in the air. Stories passed down by word of mouth recall a frontier-era tragedy, an ancient burial ground and an eerie amusement park left behind. The site draws historians and curious minds alike, all wondering what truths lie within the folklore. You’ll have to see for yourself.

The Mysterious History

Lake Shawnee stands apart from other haunted destinations with its deep-rooted past. The land’s history stretches back over a thousand years to ancient burial grounds — long before unsettling events unfolded in the 1700s and later during the amusement park’s brief heyday. Though some stories linger in the shadows, others remember it simply as a place where families once gathered for fun. The tales tied to this place continue to shape its enduring lore.

A nighttime image of lake Shawnee. Mist settles in a fine layer over the lake's surface and the moon is visible overhead, casting an eerie glow across the location

In The News 

Lake Shawnee’s legend has spread far and wide, drawing interest from journalists, paranormal experts and curious visitors alike. These stories have been recounted in books, documentaries and major media outlets and even featured in Netflix’s “Leave the World Behind.” See what others have discovered.

A family walks along a tree-lined brick street in Mercer County, WV, surrounded by vibrant fall foliage and historic homes with white picket fences.

More Stories To Explore

Lake Shawnee may be Mercer County’s most talked-about site, but it’s not the only place with a story to tell. From grand Victorian homes rumored to have ghostly residents to magical art galleries filled with mysterious charm, there’s more to uncover here.

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