Nestled in the picturesque town of Bolton Landing, The Sagamore Resort stands as a testament to luxurious accommodations, a stunning location along the shores of Lake George, and a rich historical legacy. Yet, beyond its reputation for opulence and beauty, The Sagamore Resort has a more chilling claim to fame — it's haunted. In fact, it's been recognized by TODAY as one of the top 10 most haunted hotels in the entire country. Join us for one of the most popular ghost stories on our tours as we explore the eerie and mysterious occurrences that have taken place at this enchanting lakeside retreat and discover the history that may be the root of its ghostly tales.
The Haunted Appearances:
Over the years, there have been numerous reported sightings and ghostly encounters at The Sagamore Resort, making it a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts. Some of the most intriguing accounts include:
The Mischievous 1950s Boy: A young boy, dating back to the 1950s, is said to roam the golf course, playing pranks on unsuspecting golfers. He's been known to steal golf balls and gleefully fling them at golfers while laughing mischievously.
Giggling Ghostly Children: Other ghostly children have been spotted both on the golf course and in the hallways, their giggles echoing through the corridors, adding an eerie ambiance to the surroundings.
The Woman in White: A mysterious woman in white is known to enter hotel rooms and frighten guests. She hovers over them as they sleep, sending a chill through the room by blowing cold air onto their eyelids.
The Lady in the Blue Polka Dot Dress: Another apparition, a woman in a blue polka dot dress, is often seen moving through the hallways and dining areas of the hotel, her presence leaving an uncanny impression.
The Disappearing Couple: A ghostly couple has been witnessed in the dining room, engaging in a heated argument. The man flings the woman to the floor in a fit of rage, and she reaches for him from the carpet before both slowly fade away. They have also been observed in a second-floor room, leaving an aura of unresolved conflict.
The Blonde Woman: On one occasion, a blonde woman engaged in a conversation with a hotel chef and then astonishingly walked right through him, leaving the chef so shaken that he reportedly quit his job.
The History Behind the Hotel:
To understand the haunted history of The Sagamore Resort, one must delve into its rich past. The hotel first opened its doors in 1883 and has weathered many challenges over the years. It endured devastating fires in 1893 and 1914, each time rising from the ashes to be rebuilt.
The third incarnation of The Sagamore was constructed in the early 1920s, and despite facing this reconstruction during the Great Depression, it continued to thrive. However, it experienced another downturn and was forced to close in 1981. In 1983, on the centenary of its opening, Philadelphia real estate developer Norman Wolgin purchased the hotel with a vision to restore it to its former glory, a legacy of luxury and exemplary service that persists to this day.
The area around The Sagamore Resort also has a storied history, marked by battles among the French, British, and Native American populations during the 1700s. In an eerie twist, it's been rumored that the hotel was built upon Native American burial grounds, lending credence to the ghostly apparitions that are said to haunt the premises.
With a legacy spanning over a century and numerous reported sightings, it's no wonder that this enchanting lakeside retreat has earned a spot among the top 10 most haunted hotels in the country. Come learn more about it on your Daleys Adventure Boat Tour when we relaunch our boats in 2024!