From eerie asylums to legendary hotels, the United States is home to a vast array of haunted locations, each with its own chilling tales and spectral residents. In this journey across the nation, we’ll unveil the most famous haunted location in each state. These sites, steeped in history and mystery, attract both the brave and the curious, offering a glimpse into the paranormal and the unexplained.
Whether you’re a ghost hunter, a history enthusiast, or simply love a good spine-tingling story, this list is bound to captivate your imagination. So, let’s embark on this ghostly tour and discover the eerie legends and haunting histories that lurk in every corner of the United States.
Alabama – Sloss Furnaces
In Birmingham, the Sloss Furnaces are not just a nod to the industrial age but also a site of numerous ghost stories. Workers’ spirits, particularly that of a foreman named James “Slag” Wormwood, are said to haunt this old iron foundry. Visitors often report unexplained sounds, sights, and an eerie feeling that lingers in the air, making it a must-visit for those intrigued by the paranormal.
Alaska – The Red Onion Saloon
In the heart of Skagway lies the Red Onion Saloon, a former brothel with a reputation for being haunted. Patrons and staff frequently report encounters with the spirit of a woman named Lydia, who is believed to have been a madam here in the past. The saloon, now a restaurant and bar, embraces its spectral resident, adding a unique element to its historic charm.
Arizona – The Hotel Monte Vista
Located in Flagstaff, the Hotel Monte Vista hosts more than just living guests. Numerous spirits, including a phantom bellboy and a baby in the basement, are said to inhabit this historic hotel. Guests often report mysterious knocks on their doors and eerie infant cries, adding to the hotel’s fame as one of Arizona’s most haunted locations.
Arkansas – The Crescent Hotel
Eureka Springs’ Crescent Hotel is a Victorian-era establishment known as America’s most haunted hotel. Its ghostly inhabitants reportedly include a former patient from its days as a cancer hospital and a stonemason who fell to his death during construction. The hotel’s haunted history attracts visitors from all around, eager to experience its spooky ambiance.
California – The Queen Mary
Moored in Long Beach, the Queen Mary ocean liner turned hotel is a hotspot for paranormal activity. From the ghost of a sailor who died in the engine room to the spirits of children near the pool, this historic ship offers a wealth of eerie tales. Its haunted tours and events have made it a favorite among ghost enthusiasts.
Colorado – The Stanley Hotel
Estes Park’s Stanley Hotel, famously inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining,” is renowned for its paranormal activity. Guests and staff report eerie piano music, laughter, and ghostly figures. The hotel embraces its spooky reputation, offering nightly ghost tours and themed accommodations. Whether it’s the sound of children playing on the fourth floor or the apparition of the original owner, F.O. Stanley, this hotel provides a truly haunting experience.
Connecticut – The Union Cemetery
Easton’s Union Cemetery dates back to the 1700s and is often referred to as one of the most haunted cemeteries in the U.S. The most famous ghost here is the “White Lady,” a mysterious figure captured in photographs and witnessed by many, including paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Visitors report unexplained lights and apparitions, adding to the cemetery’s eerie atmosphere and chilling tales.
Delaware – Fort Delaware
Pea Patch Island’s Fort Delaware served as a Union fortress and a Confederate prison during the Civil War. Today, it’s known for ghostly sightings of soldiers and eerie sounds echoing through its halls. Paranormal tours reveal the fort’s haunted history, where visitors often experience unexplained cold spots, shadowy figures, and the feeling of being watched by invisible eyes from the past.
Florida – The St. Augustine Lighthouse
The historic St. Augustine Lighthouse is shrouded in ghost stories, including tales of two girls who drowned nearby and a former keeper who fell to his death. Visitors report seeing shadows and hearing giggles and footsteps when no one is around. The lighthouse offers paranormal tours, allowing guests to explore its haunted past, including the darkroom where many claim to feel an otherworldly presence.
Georgia – Savannah’s Historic District
Savannah, known as America’s most haunted city, has its historic district teeming with ghost stories. From the Sorrel Weed House to the Mercer Williams House Museum, these antebellum mansions are hotspots for paranormal activity. Visitors often take ghost tours to experience the eerie ambiance, where tales of tragic histories and lingering spirits abound in the cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings.
Hawaii – The Iolani Palace
The Iolani Palace in Honolulu, a symbol of Hawaii’s royal history, is also known for its ghostly sightings. Spirits of Hawaiian royalty, including Queen Liliuokalani, are said to roam its halls. Nighttime security guards report unexplained lights and sounds, and the feeling of a regal presence. This majestic palace offers a unique blend of historical grandeur and spectral mystery.
Idaho – The Old Idaho Penitentiary
Boise’s Old Idaho Penitentiary, which housed prisoners for over a century, is notorious for its paranormal activity. With a history of executions and violent events, it’s no surprise that visitors report eerie feelings, unexplained noises, and ghostly sightings. The site, now a museum, offers tours where tales of past inmates and their untimely demises add to the chilling atmosphere, making it a must-visit for those fascinated by the supernatural.
Illinois – The Congress Plaza Hotel
Chicago’s Congress Plaza Hotel, dating back to 1893, is a hub of ghost stories, including the legend of “Peg Leg Johnny” and the haunting of Al Capone. Guests often report mysterious figures, cold spots, and unexplained sounds. The hotel’s rich history and eerie tales of its spectral residents make it a fascinating destination for those seeking a brush with the paranormal in the Windy City.
Indiana – The Whispers Estate
Located in Mitchell, the Whispers Estate embodies its name with reports of ghostly whispers, unexplained scents, and physical interactions with spirits. Built in the late 1800s, this Victorian mansion’s history of tragic deaths contributes to its haunted reputation. Paranormal enthusiasts flock here for overnight stays, hoping to encounter the restless spirits that are said to inhabit this eerie estate.
Iowa – The Villisca Axe Murder House
The Villisca Axe Murder House, site of the unsolved 1912 axe murders of eight individuals, stands as a chilling monument to one of Iowa’s most notorious crimes. Paranormal investigators and curious visitors report strange phenomena, such as children’s laughter, moving objects, and unexplained shadows. The house, open for tours and overnight stays, offers a hauntingly immersive experience into a mystery that still captivates people today.
Kansas – The Sallie House
Atchison’s Sallie House is infamous in the paranormal community. Named after a young girl, Sallie, who allegedly died there, the house is the site of frequent supernatural occurrences. Visitors report physical scratches, objects moving on their own, and electronic disturbances. Featured in numerous paranormal investigations, this house continues to intrigue and terrify those who dare to explore its haunted history.
Kentucky – The Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Louisville’s Waverly Hills Sanatorium, once a tuberculosis hospital, is now known as one of the most haunted buildings in America. Ghostly figures, unexplained voices, and shadows are commonly reported in its dilapidated halls. The sanatorium’s death tunnel, where bodies were discreetly removed during its operational days, adds to the eerie allure, drawing ghost hunters and the curious alike to its hauntingly abandoned corridors.
Louisiana – The LaLaurie Mansion
New Orleans’ LaLaurie Mansion, infamous for the cruel treatment of slaves by Madame LaLaurie in the 1830s, is a notorious site of paranormal activity. Today, it’s known for eerie occurrences and ghostly sightings, contributing to its reputation as one of the most haunted houses in the city. The mansion’s dark history and the legend of Madame LaLaurie continue to intrigue and horrify those who learn about its gruesome past.
Maine – The Wood Island Lighthouse
Off the coast of Biddeford Pool, the Wood Island Lighthouse is haunted by the spirit of a former keeper, who is said to have met a tragic end. Visitors report ghostly apparitions and unexplained sounds, with some claiming to have heard whispers and footsteps. The lighthouse, accessible by boat, offers a unique blend of picturesque beauty and haunting tales, making it a must-visit for ghost story enthusiasts.
Maryland – The Lord Baltimore Hotel
In the heart of Baltimore, the Lord Baltimore Hotel is renowned for its ghostly residents, including a little girl in a white dress who is often seen playing with a red ball. Guests and staff report strange occurrences like elevators moving on their own and unexplained noises. The hotel’s rich history and paranormal stories add a mysterious allure to this elegant establishment.
Massachusetts – The Lizzie Borden House
Fall River’s Lizzie Borden House, site of the infamous 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, is now a bed and breakfast and museum. Visitors often report strange phenomena, such as cold spots, ghostly apparitions, and unexplained sounds. The house offers guided tours and overnight stays, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the haunting legacy of one of America’s most mysterious unsolved crimes.
Michigan – The Detroit Masonic Temple
The Detroit Masonic Temple, the world’s largest Masonic Temple, is said to be haunted by the spirit of its architect, George Mason. Tales of unexplained footsteps, eerie shadows, and strange noises are common among visitors and staff. The temple’s grand architecture and mysterious atmosphere make it a fascinating destination for those interested in both history and the paranormal.
Minnesota – The Palmer House Hotel
In Sauk Centre, the Palmer House Hotel is known for its paranormal activity, with guests reporting ghostly figures, mysterious orbs, and unexplained sounds. The hotel, a historic landmark, has been featured on various paranormal investigation shows. The combination of its historical charm and ghostly residents makes it a popular destination for those seeking a supernatural experience.
Mississippi – The McRaven House
Vicksburg’s McRaven House, often called the “Time Capsule of the South,” is notorious for its ghostly encounters. Considered one of Mississippi’s most haunted locations, it has a rich history from its time as a Confederate campsite and a frontier home. Visitors report sightings of Civil War soldiers and the former lady of the house, with many experiencing an eerie sense of being watched.
Missouri – The Lemp Mansion
St. Louis’ Lemp Mansion, once the home of the wealthy Lemp family, is known for its tragic history and paranormal occurrences. Several members of the Lemp family committed suicide in the mansion, contributing to its haunted reputation. Today, it functions as a restaurant and inn, where guests report encounters with ghostly entities, unexplained sounds, and a heavy, sorrowful atmosphere.
Montana – The Old Montana Prison
In Deer Lodge, the Old Montana Prison’s eerie history of riots and executions has left a mark of paranormal activity. Visitors and staff report shadowy figures, unexplained noises, and a sense of unease, particularly in the solitary confinement and gallows areas. The prison now serves as a museum, providing a haunting glimpse into its grim past.
Nebraska – The Villisca Axe Murder House
The Villisca Axe Murder House, site of the 1912 brutal murders of eight people, stands as a haunting testament to one of Nebraska’s most gruesome unsolved mysteries. The house is notorious for its paranormal activity, with visitors experiencing strange noises, moving objects, and even ghostly apparitions. It offers tours and overnight stays for those brave enough to explore its eerie history.
Nevada – The Mizpah Hotel
In Tonopah, the historic Mizpah Hotel is famed for its ghostly residents, particularly the “Lady in Red” who is said to haunt the fifth floor. Guests report unexplained sounds, cold spots, and sightings of apparitions. The hotel embraces its haunted reputation, offering themed rooms and tours that delve into its spectral stories and the history of the once-booming mining town.
New Hampshire – The Mount Washington Hotel
Bretton Woods’ Mount Washington Hotel is known for its stunning architecture and ghostly inhabitants. The most famous spirit is said to be Carolyn Stickney, the wife of the original owner, who is often seen in the hotel’s halls. Guests and staff report unexplained noises and sightings of figures from the hotel’s storied past, adding a supernatural element to its grandeur.
New Jersey – The Eastern State Penitentiary
In Philadelphia, the Eastern State Penitentiary’s foreboding architecture houses a history of isolation and misery. Known for its harsh and solitary confinement practices, it’s now a site of frequent paranormal occurrences. Visitors report eerie sounds, shadowy figures, and the feeling of being watched. The prison’s annual “Terror Behind the Walls” event transforms it into a haunted attraction, drawing thrill-seekers from around the world.
New Mexico – The St. James Hotel
Cimarron’s St. James Hotel, formerly a saloon and a hangout for outlaws in the Old West, is believed to be haunted by the spirits of its turbulent past. Guests often report seeing apparitions and experiencing unexplained phenomena, especially in the historic part of the hotel. The St. James Hotel embraces its haunted history, offering a unique stay for those interested in the paranormal and the Old West.
New York – The Amityville Horror House
The Amityville Horror House, located in Long Island, gained notoriety following the 1974 DeFeo murders and the subsequent claims of paranormal phenomena by the Lutz family. The house has become a symbol of supernatural terror, inspiring numerous books and films. Despite skepticism, the legend persists, making it one of New York’s most infamous haunted locations.
North Carolina – The Biltmore Estate
Asheville’s Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, is not only an architectural marvel but also a site of numerous ghost stories. Visitors and staff report sightings of the original owner, George Vanderbilt, and his wife, Edith. Mysterious voices, laughter, and music from the Jazz Age are often heard, adding an eerie dimension to this opulent estate’s rich history.
North Dakota – The San Haven Sanatorium
The San Haven Sanatorium in Dunseith, once a tuberculosis treatment facility, is now a desolate ruin with a reputation for being haunted. Paranormal enthusiasts and the curious often explore its decaying structures, reporting eerie sounds, ghostly shadows, and an overwhelming sense of dread. The sanatorium’s tragic past as a site of suffering and death contributes to its chilling ambiance.
Ohio – The Ohio State Reformatory
Mansfield’s Ohio State Reformatory, famous for its appearance in “The Shawshank Redemption,” is also known for its paranormal activity. With a history of violence and tragedy, the reformatory’s halls are said to be haunted by former inmates. Ghost tours reveal eerie tales of unexplained noises, shadowy figures, and an oppressive atmosphere, making it a popular destination for ghost hunters.
Oklahoma – The Stone Lion Inn
In Guthrie, the Stone Lion Inn, originally a funeral home, is now a bed and breakfast known for its ghostly occurrences. The spirit of a young girl, who allegedly died in the house, is frequently mentioned in guest encounters. The inn hosts murder mystery dinners, blending its haunted reputation with interactive entertainment, making it a unique and spooky destination.
Oregon – The Shanghai Tunnels
Portland’s Shanghai Tunnels, a network of passageways used to transport goods and, as legend has it, kidnap people for forced labor, are reputed to be haunted. Tours of these underground tunnels often yield stories of ghostly sightings and unexplained sounds, believed to be the spirits of those who were shanghaied. The eerie history and atmosphere make the tunnels a fascinating site for those intrigued by the paranormal.
Pennsylvania – The Eastern State Penitentiary
Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary, with its revolutionary wagon wheel design, is notorious for its harsh confinement conditions and ghostly inhabitants. The penitentiary’s long history of suffering and solitude contributes to its reputation as one of America’s most haunted locations. Visitors often report chilling encounters, eerie sounds, and the feeling of being watched, making it a must-visit for those interested in paranormal history.
Rhode Island – The Belcourt of Newport
Newport’s Belcourt of Newport, originally a summer cottage for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, is known for its haunted armor and mysterious happenings. The castle’s rich history and tales of paranormal activity, including unexplained sounds and sightings, intrigue visitors. The Belcourt, with its blend of history and mystery, offers a unique glimpse into Newport’s Gilded Age past and its spectral present.
South Carolina – The Old Charleston Jail
The Old Charleston Jail, operational from 1802 to 1939, housed some of the city’s most notorious criminals. Today, it’s renowned for its paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises. The jail’s grim history of executions and suffering makes it a chilling destination for those interested in the darker aspects of Charleston’s past.
South Dakota – The Bullock Hotel
Deadwood’s Bullock Hotel, named after the town’s first sheriff, Seth Bullock, is a site of numerous ghost stories. Guests and staff report encounters with Bullock’s spirit, often feeling his presence in the hotel. The Bullock Hotel, with its rich history from the gold rush era, offers a unique combination of luxury and haunting, attracting both history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts.
Tennessee – The Bell Witch Cave
Adams, Tennessee, is home to the infamous Bell Witch Cave, a site of one of America’s most famous hauntings. The legend of the Bell Witch, a malicious entity that tormented the Bell family in the early 19th century, continues to captivate and terrify. Visitors to the cave often report strange phenomena and unexplained occurrences, making it a significant location for those interested in the supernatural.
Texas – The Alamo
San Antonio’s Alamo, a pivotal site in the Texas Revolution, is also known for its ghostly sightings. Visitors and staff report encounters with spirits of fallen soldiers, hearing unexplained sounds, and feeling sudden cold spots. The Alamo, a symbol of Texas’ fight for independence, combines its historical significance with paranormal lore, drawing both history enthusiasts and ghost hunters alike.
Utah – The Saltair Resort
The Saltair Resort on the Great Salt Lake, once a bustling amusement center, now stands as a hauntingly isolated structure. Visitors report eerie sensations, unexplained phenomena, and sightings of apparitions in period clothing. The resort’s fluctuating history of destruction and rebuilding contributes to its mysterious and ghostly reputation.
Vermont – The Emily’s Bridge
Stowe’s Gold Brook Bridge, commonly known as Emily’s Bridge, is reputed to be haunted by the spirit of a girl named Emily. According to legend, Emily died on the bridge, and her ghost is said to cause unexplained noises and scratches on vehicles. This covered bridge, surrounded by the picturesque Vermont landscape, provides a spooky yet scenic experience for visitors.
Virginia – The Historic Jamestowne
Historic Jamestowne, the site of the first permanent English settlement in America, is steeped in history and ghost stories. Archaeological digs continue to uncover its past, while visitors report sightings of spectral settlers and eerie phenomena. The blend of American history and paranormal activity makes Jamestowne a compelling destination for those intrigued by the early days of the nation and its lingering spirits.
Washington – The Manresa Castle
Port Townsend’s Manresa Castle, with its beautiful Victorian architecture, is also known for its haunted rooms and corridors. Guests report seeing apparitions, experiencing cold spots, and hearing unexplained sounds. The castle’s history as a private residence, a Jesuit college, and a hotel contributes to its rich tapestry of ghost stories and paranormal occurrences.
West Virginia – The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Weston’s Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, with its imposing Gothic architecture, is known for its dark history and paranormal activity. One of the largest hand-cut stone masonry buildings in North America, it housed thousands of patients under often harsh conditions. Today, it offers tours where visitors report unexplained noises, shadowy figures, and eerie sensations, making it a must-visit for those interested in haunted history.
Wisconsin – The Pfister Hotel
Milwaukee’s Pfister Hotel, opened in 1893, is renowned for its Victorian art and its ghostly residents. Guests, including numerous professional athletes, have reported strange occurrences such as flickering lights, unexplained noises, and even apparitions. The hotel’s luxurious setting combined with its haunted reputation provides a unique and spooky experience for visitors.
Wyoming – The Occidental Hotel
In Buffalo, the Occidental Hotel stands as a historic symbol of the Old West, and it’s also known for its paranormal occurrences. Guests and staff report sightings of ghostly figures, particularly of a young girl named Emily, and experience unexplained phenomena. The hotel’s rich history, dating back to the times of cattle rustlers and outlaws, adds to its eerie and captivating charm.