If you want to visit a spooky place in the Buckeye State, Witches Tower is for you.
This tower has become a local legend and has attracted numerous myths and legends. Everything from witchcraft to supernatural experiences are said to have happened here. So what is the truth?
Today we take you on a haunted journey to explore the spooky history behind Ohio’s infamous Witch Tower.
Turn on all the lights, grab your favorite piece, and let’s go!
What is the witch’s tower?
The Witch’s Tower is a large stone tower built in 1940. It is also known as the Witch’s Tower or Frankenstein’s Tower.
However, its actual name is Patterson Tower, after John H. Patterson, founder of the National Cash Register Company (NCR).
Patterson was a prominent figure in the region and had a major impact on the development of Dayton, Ohio. He later donated the land for Hills & Camp; Dales Park, and the tower was erected in his honor.
Unfortunately, many know the tower more for its sinister appearance than to honor Patterson’s life.
Where is the witch’s tower located in Ohio?
To visit Witches Tower (Patterson Tower) you need to go to Hills & Dales Park.
The park is located in the city of Kettering, a suburb of Dayton. Also, Kettering is about an hour northeast of Cincinnati. It is a quick drive between the two cities on Interstate-75.
The park’s address is 2655 S Patterson Blvd Kettering, OH 45409 To reach the tower, you will need to take a short walk along the park’s trail system.
Who built the witch’s tower?
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) completed the construction of the Witch Tower. The program began in 1935 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The goal was to create jobs and boost the struggling economy during the Great Depression. While the WPA built the tower, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and John Charles Olmsted were responsible for its design.
The Witch’s Tower was not the only work attributed to the Olmsted brothers, however. They were also responsible for the design of many parks and public spaces across the country, including Central Park in New York City, the National Park Service’s Parkway system, and landscaping on numerous college campuses.
Is the Witch’s Tower in Ohio haunted?
Over the past 80-plus years, a number of legends and stories have formed around the tower.
Unfortunately, the aging Gothic architecture and neglected landscaping do the tower no favors. While there is no evidence of seances, supernatural events, or witches in the tower, there is a pretty creepy history.
In 1967, 16-year-old Peggy Harmeson and her boyfriend Ronald Kevin Stevens climbed into the tower to seek shelter during a storm. Unfortunately, the next morning their lifeless bodies were found in the tower.
The only evidence of their deaths were the burns that covered most of their bodies. Many suspect that the duo was struck by lightning while in the tower.
The deaths of Peggy and Ronald helped to make the place, which already had a bad reputation, even more sinister. Authorities eventually sealed the entrances, including all the windows. The tower remains closed to this day.
However, drone aircraft have confirmed damage to the roof of the building, which many believe was caused by lightning strikes, which could confirm the cause of the couple’s deaths.
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Things to do in Hills & Dales MetroPark.
To experience the Witch’s Tower, you need to visit Hills & Dales MetroPark. While the tower may attract tourists, it’s not the only thing to see and do in the park. Here are a handful of other activities that will keep you entertained.
Enjoy the hiking and nature trails
Hills & Dales MetroPark has more than 2 miles of hiking trails.
Lace up your hiking boots and embark on an exciting adventure. The Adirondack Trail is a 1.4-mile loop trail where guests can experience the beauty of Dogwood Pond.
The trail also features a boardwalk through a forested wetland. It is a must for nature lovers visiting the park.
Pack a picnic
With more than 63 acres covered in streams, rolling hills, dense forests, wildflowers and wetlands, you’ll have plenty of picnic options.
You’ll have no trouble finding the perfect picnic spot, whether you’re looking for a secluded spot by Dogwood Pond, under the shelter of a shelter, or in the soft grass.
Let the children play
The park has a number of natural and traditional playgrounds. The two play areas are close to each other, so it is easy to walk between them.
Children can run, jump and climb until they are tired. The park also offers plenty of space for playing catch or Frisbee.
Families will love the comfortable Adirondack chairs around the playgrounds. They’ll find a comfortable place to relax while the kids run around.
Bring your furry friends with you
At Hills & Dales MetroPark, furry friends aren’t left out. While there is no dog park here, pets are welcome.
However, they must remain leashed and under control at all times. Also, you can enjoy many trails and areas with your pet.
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Is Witches Tower worth a visit?
Witches Tower is a unique structure with an equally interesting history. The surrounding park can be an exciting place to spend an hour or two.
Would we take a detour to visit the Witch’s Tower? Probably not.
It is, however, a good choice if you’re in the area and looking for a unique and interesting place to visit. Just stay away from the tower after dark; things can get really creepy really fast!