New Hampshire's Lakes Region is known for its beautiful lakes, mountain views, and charming small towns. But beneath all that scenery is a history that stretches back centuries, with old buildings, forgotten stories, and a few local legends that seem especially fitting for October.
With Halloween just around the corner, we're taking a slightly different look at the places surrounding our resorts. Some have fascinating histories, others have developed reputations for being a little mysterious, and a few simply look like they belong in a New England ghost story.
You don't have to believe in ghosts to appreciate a good story, especially when it's rooted in the history of a place you love to visit.
The Tilton Inn: A Ghost Named Laura
Just a short drive from Steele Hill, the historic Tilton Inn has one of the area's better-known ghost stories.
According to local accounts, the building has suffered several fires throughout its history. One reportedly claimed the life of a young girl named Laura, whose spirit some believe never left the property. Over the years, guests and staff have described unexplained footsteps, doors opening or closing unexpectedly, and other unusual experiences.
The inn's reputation even attracted the attention of paranormal investigators, including the team behind Ghost Hunters. Whether you believe the stories or not, there's no denying that this historic building has an intriguing past.
Today, the property remains a recognizable landmark in downtown Tilton, and its stories have become part of the area's Halloween folklore.
The Colonial Theatre: A Century of Stories in Downtown Laconia
The beautifully restored Colonial Theatre is one of downtown Laconia's most recognizable historic buildings. First opened in the early twentieth century, it has welcomed generations of audiences through its doors.
And like many old theaters, it has collected a few ghost stories along the way.
Local paranormal accounts describe unexplained voices and the sounds of footsteps when no one appears to be around. Of course, old buildings have a way of making strange noises, and there's no evidence that anything supernatural is responsible. But the idea of an empty theater, with its rows of seats and quiet backstage corridors, certainly provides the right atmosphere for a Halloween story.
The Colonial is worth visiting for its architecture and performances alone. Check the Colonial Theatre's website for upcoming events during your stay.
Steele Hill Resort: The Mysterious Whistling Man
Even Steele Hill Resort has found its way into New Hampshire's collection of ghost stories.
The resort's history dates back to the 1930s, when Boston jeweler Nelson Smith purchased the former dairy farm and began transforming it into a mountain retreat. After the Hurricane of 1938 brought down trees across the property, Smith put the fallen timber to good use building the original inn, which opened in 1941.
With more than 80 years of history, it's perhaps not surprising that Steele Hill has picked up a story or two along the way.
One particularly curious tale involves a mysterious whistling man who has reportedly been spotted wandering through the resort's office areas. According to the story, he's been known to open doors and windows, apparently making himself right at home. Who he might be, or why he's so fond of whistling, remains a mystery.
Of course, you don't need a ghost story to find a little Halloween atmosphere at Steele Hill. The resort's wooded trails, old stone walls, and winding paths through the forest are especially beautiful in October. Take a walk along the Red Trail, and you'll find plenty of scenery that could belong in a classic New England ghost story.
As for the whistling man? We'll leave that one to your imagination.
The Belknap Mill: Nearly Two Centuries of History
Not every fascinating old building needs a ghost story.
In downtown Laconia, the Belknap Mill has stood since 1823, making it one of the country's oldest surviving brick textile mills. Its history includes industrial innovation, generations of workers, and a remarkable effort by local residents to save the building when much of the surrounding downtown was being redeveloped.
The mill's exposed beams, old machinery, and historic architecture offer a glimpse into a very different Laconia. In fact, the mill's own historical accounts describe how children once worked in textile factories, winding bobbins while seated on small stools.
It's a fascinating, sometimes sobering reminder of the people whose lives shaped the community we know today.
Today, the Belknap Mill welcomes visitors through exhibits, programs, and community events. You can learn more at belknapmill.org.
Haunted Winnipesaukee: Ghost Stories on the Water
If you'd rather hear your ghost stories from the comfort of a boat, Lake Winnipesaukee has an October outing that fits the occasion.
The Winnipesaukee Belle is offering Haunted Winnipesaukee cruises through October 24, 2026, featuring a live storyteller sharing local legends, mysteries, and eerie tales from the lake's past.
The 90-minute evening experience departs from Meredith and includes seasonal desserts, with beverages available for purchase. It's a fun way to experience the lake after dark while hearing stories you probably won't encounter on a typical sightseeing cruise.
Click here for ticket information and availability.
A Different Side of the Lakes Region
Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy learning about the past, October is a wonderful excuse to explore the Lakes Region from a different perspective.
Visit a historic theater, discover the story behind an old mill, take a walk through the woods at Steele Hill, or spend an evening listening to local legends on Lake Winnipesaukee. You might be surprised by how much history is hiding in places you've passed a hundred times.
And after a day of exploring, there's nothing mysterious about the appeal of returning to a comfortable resort.
With Steele Hill Resort, the Summit Resort, or the Center Harbor Inn as your home base, you're close to the historic towns, seasonal activities, and memorable places that make the Lakes Region worth visiting long after summer ends.