Fort William Henry Introduces Fort Fright: Where History, Hauntings and Horror Collide

Lake George, NY — This fall, Fort William Henry invites visitors to enter the historic Fort after dark with the debut of Fort Fright, a new haunted experience built around the real events of 1757, generations of Haunted History and a world of supernatural horror.

Opening September 24 and running select evenings through October 30, Fort Fright takes guests on a nighttime journey through darkened barracks, rooms and passageways where soldiers remain at their posts, spirits emerge from the Fort's Haunted History and the dead don't always stay dead. Guests journey through shadowy spaces filled with eerie lighting, chilling soundscapes, fog, and live scare actors around every turn.

Unlike traditional haunted attractions, Fort Fright requires no invented backstory. In August 1757, French forces and their allies surrounded Fort William Henry. Artillery bombarded the Fort as siege works moved progressively closer to its walls. Inside, casualties and sickness mounted, British artillery was steadily destroyed, and Colonel George Munro eventually learned that the reinforcements he expected from nearby Fort Edward were not coming. The Fort’s surrender on August 9, followed by the tragic events of the next day, remains one of the most infamous episodes of the French and Indian War.

Fort Fright draws inspiration from these events, not by recreating the siege chronologically, but by placing guests inside a Fort seemingly suspended in its darkest hours.

For decades, guides, guests and paranormal investigators have reported unexplained footsteps, voices, moving shadows, soldiers reportedly still standing watch and other phenomena throughout the reconstructed Fort. Familiar figures such as the Limper, Jacob and Mary, along with activity linked to Colonel Munro’s office, have become part of the Fort’s lore.

Mini Paranormal Investigations, are available as an add-on experience and, offer hands-on exploration using paranormal investigative equipment. Participants may choose among three themed locations: The Powder Watch, The French Quarter and The Listening Post.

Before or after their experience, visitors can gather in the Fort’s Courtyard for fire pits, s’mores, seasonal treats and beverages.

Fort Fright Hours