14 Most Haunted Places in America You Can Actually Visit
For those who enjoy a good scare, some of America’s most haunted locations are open to visitors. From historic homes to prisons, these sites have earned their haunted reputations over the years. Many people have experienced strange happenings and unexplainable events while visiting these places. If you are feeling adventurous, a trip to one of these haunted spots may be just what you need.
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The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel is one of the most famous haunted locations in America, largely due to its inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. Located in Estes Park, Colorado, this historic hotel has long been known for its eerie atmosphere and ghostly sightings. Visitors often report hearing piano music and voices from empty rooms. It is also said that the spirits of former guests still wander the halls, adding to its haunted reputation.
Guests can take guided ghost tours of the property, which highlight its paranormal history. With its grand architecture and picturesque location, the hotel remains a popular destination for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. Many claim to have had encounters with spirits, from sightings of a woman in a white dress to mysterious cold spots. The Stanley Hotel offers both a beautiful setting and a chilling experience for those brave enough to visit.
Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Once one of the most feared prisons in the U.S., Eastern State Penitentiary is now a historic site known for its haunted reputation. The prison housed some of America’s most infamous criminals, including Al Capone, and is notorious for its cruel and unusual punishment methods. Visitors often report eerie sounds like footsteps, whispers, and even cold spots. Many believe the spirits of former inmates still roam the halls of this abandoned prison.
Eastern State Penitentiary offers a variety of tours, including night tours that focus on its haunted past. The crumbling, Gothic architecture adds to its creepy vibe, making it a must-see for anyone interested in both history and the paranormal. The prison’s isolated design, meant to encourage solitary confinement, may have contributed to the restless spirits that are said to haunt it. It remains one of the most haunted locations in Philadelphia.
The Queen Mary – Long Beach, California
The Queen Mary, now docked in Long Beach, California, was once a luxury ocean liner. Today, it is known for its paranormal activity, including ghost sightings and unexplained noises. The ship has a dark history, from its use as a military transport vessel during World War II to its reputation for being a place of death. Many visitors claim to hear strange sounds in the engine room and have seen shadowy figures walking the decks at night.
Guests can enjoy a variety of experiences, including ghost tours and overnight stays. The Queen Mary is a popular spot for those interested in maritime history as well as the paranormal. Some of the most notable haunted areas include the ship’s first-class pool and the engine room. The Queen Mary offers a unique combination of history and haunting for those looking for a thrill.
The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana
The Myrtles Plantation is often considered one of the most haunted houses in America, with numerous reports of paranormal activity. Located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, the plantation dates back to the 18th century and has been the site of many tragic events. It is believed that the spirit of a woman named Chloe haunts the plantation, along with other restless souls. Visitors often claim to see apparitions and hear unexplained sounds.
The plantation offers tours that explore its haunted history, including the dark tale of its former inhabitants. Guests can walk through the lush grounds and the historic home, where strange occurrences continue to happen. Many have reported seeing ghostly figures in mirrors or hearing whispers in empty rooms. The Myrtles Plantation remains one of the most sought-after spots for paranormal enthusiasts.
Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California
The Winchester Mystery House is famous for its bizarre architecture, including doors that open into walls and staircases leading to nowhere. Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the inventor of the rifle, the house is said to have been constructed to appease the spirits of those killed by her husband’s invention. Visitors often report feeling uneasy in certain rooms and claim to hear footsteps or see objects move on their own.
Today, the Winchester Mystery House is open for guided tours, which explore both its architectural oddities and its haunted history. The house’s intricate design and numerous secret passages make it a fascinating place to visit. Many people believe that the spirits of those who died by the Winchester rifle still haunt the house, drawn to the place where they believe their deaths are linked. The house is a must-visit for anyone interested in both architectural mystery and the paranormal.
The Bell Witch Cave – Adams, Tennessee
The Bell Witch Cave is a site tied to one of America’s most famous paranormal legends. Located in Adams, Tennessee, it is linked to the story of the Bell Witch, a spirit that tormented the Bell family in the early 19th century. According to the legend, the spirit was responsible for unexplained noises, physical attacks, and even the death of the family’s patriarch. The cave, which is thought to be the source of the haunting, has been the site of numerous strange occurrences.
Today, visitors can explore the cave and surrounding property, learning about the Bell Witch’s history. Many claim to feel an eerie presence while walking through the cave, and some report hearing voices or footsteps. The Bell Witch Cave continues to be one of the most well-known haunted locations in America, drawing those interested in both history and the supernatural. It is a must-see for anyone intrigued by paranormal phenomena.
The Villisca Axe Murder House – Villisca, Iowa
The Villisca Axe Murder House in Villisca, Iowa, is the site of one of the most brutal and unsolved murders in U.S. history. In 1912, eight people, including six children, were killed in their sleep with an axe, and the crime remains a mystery to this day. The house, now a museum, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of the victims. Visitors often report hearing strange noises and feeling a heavy presence in the rooms where the murders took place.
Today, guests can stay overnight in the house, experiencing its eerie atmosphere firsthand. Many visitors claim to feel a sense of unease, particularly in the upstairs bedrooms where the killings occurred. The Villisca Axe Murder House remains one of the most chilling haunted locations in America, with its dark history drawing both paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs. It is a haunting reminder of a tragedy that continues to captivate the public’s imagination.
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – Weston, West Virginia
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia, is one of the most notorious haunted sites in America. Originally opened in the mid-19th century, the asylum housed thousands of patients, many of whom were subjected to inhumane treatment. Over the years, reports of strange occurrences, ghost sightings, and eerie noises have made it a popular destination for paranormal investigators. The spirits of former patients are said to still wander the halls, with many believing that the asylum’s dark past contributes to its haunted reputation.
Now a historic site, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum offers guided tours that delve into both its history and its supernatural reputation. The building’s large, Gothic design adds to its haunting charm, and visitors often claim to experience feelings of dread in certain rooms. The asylum has been featured in numerous paranormal investigations, further cementing its place as one of America’s most haunted locations. It remains an intriguing spot for anyone interested in the history of mental health care or the supernatural.
The Ridges – Athens, Ohio
The Ridges, located on the grounds of Ohio University in Athens, has a long and unsettling history. Originally built as a mental hospital in the 19th century, the building housed thousands of patients and witnessed numerous tragic events. Over the years, it has gained a reputation for being haunted by the spirits of former residents. People often report hearing voices, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling cold spots throughout the building.
Today, The Ridges is open for tours, where visitors can learn about its eerie history and the experiences of those who worked and lived there. Some parts of the building are off-limits, adding to its sense of mystery. The Ridges continues to be one of the most haunted spots in Ohio, with its ghostly inhabitants adding an eerie atmosphere to the historic location. It is a must-visit for those interested in the history of mental institutions or the paranormal.
The Crescent Hotel – Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The Crescent Hotel, built in 1886, is often referred to as “America’s most haunted hotel.” The building was originally a luxury resort but later became a hospital for cancer patients under questionable circumstances, leading to numerous deaths. It is believed that the spirits of former patients still haunt the hotel, with reports of eerie noises, shadowy figures, and unexplained cold spots. One of the most famous ghosts is a former doctor, who is said to roam the halls at night.
The Crescent Hotel offers ghost tours that highlight its haunted history, providing visitors with a chance to learn about its dark past while exploring its beautiful, yet eerie, grounds. The hotel’s Victorian-style architecture and stunning location make it a popular spot for both history enthusiasts and paranormal investigators. Many guests have reported hearing strange voices and feeling the presence of spirits in the rooms. The Crescent Hotel continues to be a sought-after location for anyone interested in the supernatural.
The Whaley House – San Diego, California
The Whaley House in San Diego is often regarded as one of the most haunted homes in America. Built in 1857, the house has seen its fair share of tragedies, including suicides and executions, which have left behind lingering spirits. Visitors often report hearing footsteps, doors slamming, and sightings of ghostly figures in the windows. The house is said to be haunted by the spirit of Thomas Whaley, the original owner, as well as other restless souls.
The Whaley House is now a museum, offering tours that share its history and paranormal lore. The property is located in Old Town San Diego, which adds to its historic charm. Those who have visited the house claim to have had unsettling experiences, with some even feeling physically touched by unseen hands. The Whaley House remains a popular destination for ghost hunters and anyone curious about the unexplained.
The Old Charleston Jail – Charleston, South Carolina
The Old Charleston Jail is infamous for its dark history and haunted reputation. Built in the 1800s, the jail housed notorious criminals, including pirates, and was the site of numerous executions. Visitors often report hearing the sounds of chains rattling, the cries of prisoners, and the feeling of being watched. The spirits of former inmates are said to still haunt the jail, especially in the areas where executions took place.
Today, the jail offers guided tours that highlight both its criminal past and its haunted reputation. The jail’s eerie, crumbling structure adds to its spooky atmosphere, and visitors can learn about the lives of the prisoners who once inhabited it. Many have reported seeing ghostly figures and feeling a cold presence in the most haunted parts of the building. The Old Charleston Jail remains one of the most visited haunted sites in South Carolina.
The Copper Queen Hotel – Bisbee, Arizona
The Copper Queen Hotel, built in 1902, is a historic hotel in Bisbee, Arizona, known for its supernatural activity. Once a luxurious lodging for mining magnates and travelers, the hotel has become famous for the ghostly apparitions seen by guests and staff. The spirits of former residents, including an actress who died in the hotel, are said to still roam the halls. Visitors have reported hearing whispers, strange knocking sounds, and sightings of a woman in a white dress.
The Copper Queen Hotel offers tours of its haunted past, with guides sharing stories of the hotel’s history and its ghostly inhabitants. Guests can stay in the rooms where paranormal activity is most frequently reported, including the infamous room 18, where many strange occurrences have taken place. The hotel’s combination of historic charm and haunted reputation makes it a must-visit for those interested in both the past and the paranormal. The Copper Queen Hotel continues to captivate those who seek an eerie experience.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse – St. Augustine, Florida
The St. Augustine Lighthouse, built in 1824, is one of the oldest lighthouses in the U.S. and is known for its haunting stories. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of paranormal activity, with many visitors claiming to see apparitions of former lighthouse keepers. The most famous ghost is the spirit of a young girl who drowned in the lighthouse’s waters. Other ghostly encounters include mysterious lights, voices, and footsteps that echo through the lighthouse.
Today, the lighthouse offers ghost tours that delve into both its history and its haunted reputation. The view from the top of the lighthouse is breathtaking, but some visitors report feeling a strange presence while at the top. The St. Augustine Lighthouse is a popular spot for ghost hunters and those looking to experience a piece of history mixed with the paranormal. It remains one of the most iconic haunted sites in Florida.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.