ODNR circles the campfire to talk about haunted Ohio spots.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – In the spirit of Halloween, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is offering a post-beggar’s night “BOO” with tales of Ohio’s spookiest spots. Today we focus on the story of Hope Furnace in Lake Hope State Park.
Fiery embers once again set the scene for the stories which will be released once a week through October. Telling the tales is Hocking College professor and renowned co-author of books like “Haunted Hocking: A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to the Hocking Hills and Beyond,” Pat Quackenbush.
The iron furnace of Lake Hope was once a source of income and prosperity in southeast Ohio. The furnace, which needed to be constantly monitored, was guarded at night. One guard, in an effort to take a short cut back to his post, decided to cross the railroad tracks over molten iron. He slipped into the furnace, falling to his death. But at the same time there was a mysterious knock at the nearby town meeting hall. To find out what those at the meeting hall saw and the “haunting” some still see today, watch this video.
Hope Furnace is a reminder of days gone by at Lake Hope State Park situated in the northern reaches of Ohio’s Hanging Rock Iron Region. At the height of its production, Ohio was one of the nation’s leading producers of iron.
Hope Furnace is part of ODNR’s “Let’s Get Historic” sites. Site is marked with a descriptive sign and a QR code to help visitors learn more. You can find a full list of our “Let’s Get Historic” sites here.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
