A large cemetery just north of downtown Cincinnati, the first burial at Spring Grove Cemetery took place in September 1845. Since then, the cemetery has been meticulously maintained thanks to the efforts of area horticulturalists, and is a haven for woodland animals. Several notable figures are buried here, including Alexander McGuffey of McGuffey Reader fame and Bernard Kroger, founder of Kroger grocery stores.
Visitors to Spring Grove Cemetery have reported ghostly encounters. The most popular claim is that several of the busts adorning headstones have eyes that follow visitors. In fact, one such bust in Lot 100 allegedly turns its head to follow people walking by.
Many people walking along Cincinnati streets have no idea that a virtually complete subway system exists right below their feet. Originally planned in the early 1900s, work began on the project following World War I in 1920. The project quickly went over budget, though it trudged along through the 1920s and into the Great Depression of the 1930s. The subway plan was eventually scrapped for good, but the tunnels still exist.
Several workers were killed during the construction of the tunnels, and when the tunnels were still open for citizens to walk through, there were several reports of ghostly apparitions. Today, the tunnels are closed to the public, though certain tour groups occasionally will offer the location as a stop on a trip through the city.
Located just north of Cincinnati in Cleves, many motorists have reported ghost sightings. Some people claim you can hear the sounds of a previous car crash, complete with the screams of the victims. Other claims include seeing an apparition of a headless bride searching for her head.
People visiting the Cincinnati Zoo may encounter a different kind of lioness than the ones behind bars. Several reports have been made about zoo visitors getting the feeling that someone -- or something -- was following them. Many hear soft footprints and growling noises, as if a large cat was hunting them. These incidents almost always happen to visitors exploring one of the isolated pathways in the zoo by themselves.
Just northeast of Cincinnati, Kings Island not only provides family entertainment. The ghosts reported to roam the theme park offer chills to go with the thrills. 'Tower Johnny' is perhaps the best known of these ghosts. Johnny was a teenager, killed on a ride as he attempted to play a prank on friends. Employees at the theme park say Johnny haunts the wooded area around the park. Another specter witnessed is of a young girl, who jumps out in front of trams. Once the tram operator slams on the brakes, she disappears.
