17 Roadside Attractions in the U.S. With a Haunted Twist

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The Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz, California

Located in the redwood forests of California, The Mystery Spot is a gravity-defying location that has baffled visitors for years. Known for its strange phenomenon, objects appear to roll uphill, and people seem to change size and orientation without explanation. This eerie attraction draws crowds with its claim of paranormal activity and unusual gravitational forces.

While many dismiss it as a simple optical illusion, the site has gained a reputation for ghostly sightings. Guests report strange experiences, such as sudden chills, unexplained noises, and the sense of being watched. Some believe the area is a vortex, making it one of the most unique haunted roadside attractions in the country.

The Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California

The Winchester Mystery House is a sprawling mansion that has become famous for its labyrinthine layout. Sarah Winchester, the widow of the inventor of the famous rifle, believed that building a constantly expanding house would appease the spirits of those killed by the rifle. The house is filled with staircases leading to nowhere, secret doors, and windows overlooking other rooms, giving it an eerie and confusing feel.

Visitors often report ghostly encounters during tours, from shadowy figures to mysterious sounds echoing through the house’s many corridors. With its unusual design and supernatural stories, this attraction has become a popular stop for those intrigued by the paranormal.

The Lemp Mansion – St. Louis, Missouri

The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis is known for its tragic history and ghostly legends. Once home to the Lemp family, owners of a once-thriving beer brewery, the mansion became the site of numerous deaths. Several family members took their own lives in the house, including the patriarch, which has led to rumors that their spirits still haunt the building.

Today, the mansion operates as a restaurant and bed and breakfast, but visitors often report unsettling experiences. Guests have experienced cold spots, doors opening by themselves, and the feeling of being watched. The mansion’s dark past makes it one of the most haunted places in Missouri.

The Bell Witch Cave – Adams, Tennessee

The Bell Witch Cave is located near the site of the famous Bell Witch Haunting, a chilling story that has become one of the most well-known ghost tales in American folklore. In the early 1800s, the Bell family was terrorized by an unseen entity, believed to be the spirit of a woman named Kate Batts. The haunting reportedly lasted for years, with strange sounds, physical attacks, and bizarre occurrences.

Today, the cave where much of the haunting is said to have occurred is open to the public. Visitors report hearing strange noises and feeling an unexplainable presence. The dark and eerie cave, along with its ominous history, makes it a must-see for those interested in paranormal activity.

The Devil’s Kettle – Judge C. R. Magney State Park, Minnesota

The Devil’s Kettle is a strange and eerie spot in Judge C. R. Magney State Park, where a river splits into two branches. One branch flows into a normal waterfall, while the other seems to vanish into a mysterious hole. Despite years of research, the fate of the water remains a mystery, fueling stories of supernatural forces at play.

Local legends suggest that the Devil himself resides at the bottom of the hole, taking anything that falls into it. Visitors who have ventured near the hole report a strange, unsettling feeling, with some claiming to hear whispering voices from deep within. The mystery surrounding this attraction makes it a popular yet creepy destination.

The Haunted Vicksburg Military Park – Vicksburg, Mississippi

Vicksburg National Military Park is the site of the Civil War’s Battle of Vicksburg and is home to numerous historic monuments and markers. Over the years, visitors have reported ghostly sightings of soldiers and eerie sounds echoing through the park. The spirits of soldiers who fought and died here are said to roam the battlefield, with some reports of apparitions appearing at dusk.

The park is particularly active during the late hours, with many visitors noting the sudden drop in temperature and the feeling of being followed. For history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, this haunted location offers a unique glimpse into both history and the paranormal.

The Georgia Guidestones – Elbert County, Georgia

The Georgia Guidestones, often referred to as the “American Stonehenge,” are a set of mysterious granite slabs with inscriptions in multiple languages. These stones, erected in 1980 by an anonymous group, offer cryptic guidelines for humanity’s survival. The monument has sparked various conspiracy theories, with some people believing it has ties to a secret society or occult rituals.

The eerie nature of the monument is heightened by the dark rumors surrounding its creation. While some see it as a modern-day mystery, others believe it could be linked to paranormal or otherworldly forces. The unsettling aura of the site has made it a popular stop for those seeking answers or a glimpse of something beyond the ordinary.

The Conjuring House – Harrisville, Rhode Island

The Conjuring House is famous for being the inspiration behind the horror film series of the same name. The farmhouse was the site of terrifying hauntings in the 1970s when the Perron family experienced paranormal activity from spirits, including a malevolent entity known as Bathsheba. The house has become a popular destination for paranormal investigators and horror enthusiasts alike.

Guests visiting the property have reported strange occurrences, including ghostly apparitions, disembodied voices, and unexplained cold spots. The house remains a highly active location for those seeking out the supernatural, making it a must-visit for anyone fascinated by haunted locations.

The Haunted Plantation – LaPlace, Louisiana

The Haunted Plantation, also known as the Destrehan Plantation, is a historic home in Louisiana that dates back to the 18th century. Known for its beautiful architecture and sprawling grounds, the plantation is also steeped in a dark and eerie history. Many who visit report ghostly encounters with former slaves, as well as sightings of the spirits of the plantation’s past owners.

With its haunting atmosphere and deep connection to the region’s history, the plantation has earned its place among Louisiana’s most haunted attractions. Paranormal investigators have been drawn to the site, and some have even reported feeling a sense of unease while walking the property’s grounds, particularly at night.

The Haunted Route 66 – Various Locations

Route 66, one of America’s most iconic highways, is lined with eerie stops and ghostly legends. From the abandoned gas stations in the Mojave Desert to the haunted motels in Oklahoma, this legendary route is known for its strange occurrences. Travelers often report seeing apparitions, hearing footsteps in empty buildings, and feeling cold spots in otherwise warm locations.

Some of the most haunted places along Route 66 include the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and the ghost town of Oatman, Arizona. These sites attract tourists looking for both nostalgia and a brush with the paranormal. The chilling stories and eerie atmosphere of Route 66 continue to captivate those on a ghostly road trip.

The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado

The Stanley Hotel is the inspiration for Stephen King’s famous novel The Shining. This grand hotel, which opened in 1909, has been the site of numerous paranormal occurrences over the years. Guests and staff have reported hearing ghostly piano music, witnessing apparitions of former guests, and feeling a strange presence in the halls.

The hotel offers ghost tours, allowing visitors to explore its many rooms and hallways, where unsettling experiences are common. With its spooky reputation and stunning mountain views, the Stanley Hotel continues to be a must-see for those seeking a mix of history and the supernatural.

 The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana

The Myrtles Plantation is often referred to as one of the most haunted homes in the United States. Built in 1796, the plantation has a history of mysterious deaths, and many believe the spirits of former slaves and owners still inhabit the house. One of the most infamous ghosts said to haunt the plantation is Chloe, a former slave who is believed to have poisoned a family member.

Visitors to the plantation often report strange occurrences, including lights flickering, unexplained voices, and objects moving on their own. The plantation’s history, combined with its eerie atmosphere, makes it a popular destination for those intrigued by ghost stories and southern history.

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium – Louisville, Kentucky

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium is an abandoned tuberculosis hospital with a dark history. In the early 1900s, thousands of patients died within its walls, and their restless spirits are believed to still haunt the building. The hospital’s dark past, combined with its eerie atmosphere, has made it a hotspot for paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers alike.

Visitors to Waverly Hills report strange sounds, shadowy figures, and sudden temperature drops as they explore its many rooms and hallways. The sanatorium is known for its infamous “body chute,” which was used to secretly transport the dead during the height of the tuberculosis epidemic. Today, it remains one of the most haunted places in Kentucky.

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – Weston, West Virginia

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a historic mental institution that operated from 1864 until 1994. The asylum housed thousands of patients, many of whom lived in harsh and inhumane conditions. With its tragic history, the building is said to be haunted by the spirits of former patients, and ghost sightings are common.

Visitors to the asylum often report hearing strange noises, including whispers and crying, and some even claim to have seen the ghosts of former residents. Today, the site offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations, making it a popular stop for those seeking a glimpse of the afterlife.

The Whaley House – San Diego, California

The Whaley House, built in 1857, is one of the oldest homes in California and is considered one of the most haunted houses in the United States. The house was the site of several tragic events, including the death of a man who was hanged in the yard. These events are believed to have led to the restless spirits that now haunt the house.

Visitors to the Whaley House often report hearing footsteps, doors opening and closing, and the feeling of being watched. The house is open for tours, and it remains a popular destination for those fascinated by haunted houses and ghostly tales.

The Ghost Town of Bodie – Bodie, California

Bodie is a well-preserved ghost town that was once a thriving mining community in the 1800s. After a series of economic downturns and natural disasters, the town was abandoned, and it has since become a state historic park. Known for its eerie atmosphere, Bodie is said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents who never left.

The ghost town’s abandoned buildings, rusted machinery, and empty streets add to its spooky charm. Visitors often report seeing shadowy figures through the windows of the old houses and hearing whispers on the wind. Bodie offers a unique experience for those seeking a glimpse into the past and the supernatural.

The Old Charleston City Jail – Charleston, South Carolina

The Old Charleston City Jail, built in 1802, housed some of the most infamous criminals in American history. The jail has a dark and violent past, with numerous prisoners dying within its walls. The spirits of these former inmates are said to haunt the building, making it one of Charleston’s most haunted locations.

Guided tours of the jail reveal stories of murder, torture, and unrest, with many visitors reporting ghostly encounters. The building’s crumbling architecture, combined with its grim history, makes it a chilling destination for anyone interested in the paranormal.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.