Are you ready for a spine-chilling adventure? The United States is home to numerous eerie destinations that promise a mix of history, mystery, and a dash of the supernatural.
About 18% of Americans believe they have seen a ghost.1 Whether you’re a skeptic or a firm believer in the paranormal, these 13 spooky places will leave you with an unforgettable experience.
1. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Eastern State Penitentiary, a massive prison complex that once housed notorious criminals like Al Capone, is known for its imposing Gothic architecture and chilling history. Opened in 1829, it was designed to instill penitence through solitary confinement, a practice that left many inmates mentally disturbed.
Today, the prison is a museum, but the spirits of former prisoners are said to roam its corridors, making it one of the most haunted places in America.
Visitors report hearing eerie whispers, footsteps, and the occasional apparition in Cellblock 12, where some of the most violent inmates were held. The penitentiary hosts an annual “Terror Behind the Walls” event, turning its already creepy atmosphere into a full-blown haunted attraction.
Whether you visit during the day or at night, the oppressive, foreboding energy of Eastern State Penitentiary is palpable.
2. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
Famous for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining,” The Stanley Hotel is a grand old hotel nestled in the Rockies. Built in 1909 by Freelan Oscar Stanley, the hotel exudes a quaint elegance by day but transforms into a hub of paranormal activity by night.
Guests have reported numerous ghostly encounters, from hearing piano music played by the ghost of Flora Stanley to seeing the apparitions of children running through the halls.
Room 217, where Stephen King stayed, is particularly notorious for ghost sightings and strange occurrences. The hotel embraces its haunted reputation by offering nightly ghost tours and a spooky history that captivates visitors.
If you’re brave enough, spend a night and see if you encounter the paranormal yourself.
3. Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, California
The Winchester Mystery House, a sprawling mansion with a labyrinthine design, was created by Sarah Winchester, widow of the rifle magnate. Convinced that she was haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles, Sarah embarked on continuous construction of the house from 1886 until her death in 1922.
The result is a bizarre architectural marvel with staircases leading to nowhere, doors opening into walls, and numerous hidden passages.
The house is rumored to be haunted by the spirits Sarah tried to appease, with visitors reporting ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena. Guided tours of the house offer a glimpse into the eccentric mind of Sarah Winchester and the mysterious legacy she left behind.
It’s a place where the line between history and the supernatural is intriguingly blurred.
4. Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Louisville, Kentucky
Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a former tuberculosis hospital that has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the United States. During its operation in the early 20th century, thousands of patients succumbed to the disease within its walls.
The sanatorium closed in 1961 but left behind a legacy of suffering and death, with many believing the spirits of former patients and staff still linger.
The most infamous area is the “body chute,” a tunnel through which deceased patients were transported to minimize exposure to the living. Paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers report shadowy figures, disembodied voices, and a general feeling of unease throughout the building.
Overnight tours offer a chance to experience the chilling atmosphere firsthand, making Waverly Hills a must-visit for those fascinated by the paranormal.
5. The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California
The Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner now docked in Long Beach, is renowned for its elegant Art Deco design and rich history. However, it’s the ship’s ghostly residents that attract paranormal enthusiasts.
During its years of service, the Queen Mary witnessed a number of tragic events, including the deaths of crew members and passengers. These incidents have given rise to numerous ghost stories and supernatural encounters.
Guests and staff have reported seeing apparitions in the ship’s halls, hearing mysterious footsteps, and experiencing sudden temperature drops. The most haunted areas include the engine room, where a young sailor was crushed by a door, and the pool area, where the spirits of women and children are often seen.
The Queen Mary offers ghost tours and overnight stays.
6. Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, Fall River, Massachusetts
The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast is the infamous site of the 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, allegedly by their daughter Lizzie. Although Lizzie was acquitted, the gruesome nature of the crime has left an indelible mark on the house.
Today, the home operates as a bed and breakfast, where guests can stay in the very rooms where the murders occurred.
Visitors report hearing ghostly whispers and footsteps and even seeing apparitions of the Borden family members. The house retains much of its original Victorian decor, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
7. St. Augustine Lighthouse, St. Augustine, Florida
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is not only a beacon for maritime navigation but also a hotspot for paranormal activity. Built in 1874, the lighthouse has been the site of numerous tragedies, including the deaths of three young girls who drowned nearby. These incidents have led to reports of ghostly apparitions, unexplained footsteps, and eerie laughter echoing through the tower.
Visitors often describe feeling watched or followed as they climb the lighthouse’s spiral staircase. The Keeper’s House, located on the grounds, is also rumored to be haunted by former lighthouse keepers and their families.
Ghost tours and paranormal investigations are regularly conducted, allowing brave souls to explore the lighthouse’s haunted history.
8. The Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana
The Myrtles Plantation, built in 1796, is often cited as one of the most haunted homes in America. The plantation’s long history is marred by tales of murder, tragedy, and the restless spirits of former slaves and residents.
One of the most famous legends involves Chloe, a slave who was allegedly hanged for poisoning the plantation owner’s family. Her ghost is said to wander the grounds, and visitors often report seeing her in photographs.
In addition to Chloe, the plantation is said to be haunted by the spirits of children who died in the house and former owners. Guests staying at the bed and breakfast have reported hearing phantom footsteps, seeing apparitions, and feeling sudden cold spots.
The Myrtles Plantation offers daily tours that explain its haunted history.
9. Salem, Massachusetts
Salem, Massachusetts, infamous for its witch trials in the late 17th century, is a town steeped in supernatural lore. The hysteria that led to the execution of 20 people accused of witchcraft has left an enduring legacy of fear and fascination.
Today, Salem embraces its haunted history with numerous ghost tours, museums, and events dedicated to the darker aspects of its past.
Visitors can explore sites like the Witch House, the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, and the Old Burying Point Cemetery, where many of the trial’s victims are interred. The town’s historic streets are said to be haunted by the spirits of those wrongfully accused and executed, making Salem a must-visit for those intrigued by the macabre and mysterious.
10. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston, West Virginia
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, once the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in North America, is a chilling reminder of the dark history of mental health treatment. Opened in 1864, the asylum housed thousands of patients, many of whom endured horrific conditions and treatments.
The asylum closed in 1994, but the spirits of former patients and staff are said to linger within its walls.
Visitors report hearing disembodied screams, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling an overwhelming sense of dread in certain areas. The asylum offers ghost tours and overnight investigations, allowing thrill-seekers to explore its haunted halls.
The combination of its tragic history and eerie atmosphere makes the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum a fascinating and frightening destination.
11. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California
Alcatraz Island, home to the infamous federal prison, has a dark and storied past that continues to captivate visitors. Operating from 1934 to 1963, Alcatraz housed some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” The prison’s harsh conditions and isolation have given rise to numerous ghost stories and reports of paranormal activity.
Visitors and staff have reported hearing cell doors clanging, footsteps echoing through empty corridors, and seeing apparitions of former inmates.
The most haunted areas include the prison hospital and the notorious D-Block, where the most dangerous prisoners were kept. Alcatraz Island offers guided tours that delve into its fascinating history and the ghostly legends that persist to this day.
12. Villisca House, Villisca, Iowa
The Villisca House is the site of one of America’s most gruesome, unsolved murders. In 1912, eight people, including six children, were bludgeoned to death with an axe in this small, unassuming house.
The brutal nature of the crime and the fact that the killer was never caught has left a dark cloud over the property.
Visitors report hearing children’s voices, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling a pervasive sense of dread. The house offers daytime tours and overnight stays for those brave enough to spend the night.
13. Gettysburg Battlefield, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The Gettysburg Battlefield, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War, is considered one of the most haunted places in the United States. Over 50,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or went missing during the three-day battle in 1863, leaving behind a legacy of pain and suffering.
Today, the battlefield is a national park, but many believe the spirits of fallen soldiers still roam the grounds.
Visitors and park rangers have reported seeing apparitions of soldiers, hearing phantom gunfire, and feeling sudden temperature drops. The most haunted areas include Devil’s Den, where fierce fighting took place, and Wheatfield, where thousands of soldiers lost their lives.
Guided ghost tours offer a chance to explore the battlefield’s haunted history and perhaps encounter a spirit or two.
These 13 spooky places offer a glimpse into the darker side of America’s history, where tragedy, mystery, and the supernatural intersect. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or simply looking for a thrilling adventure, these destinations promise an unforgettable experience. So, are you ready to confront the unknown?
Source:
- https://blogs.bcm.edu/2018/10/26/why-do-people-see-ghosts/
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
