25 Most Haunted Places in the United States

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The United States is historic, and by that, it also means endless spooky possibilities. Paranormal investigators often organize ghost tours throughout the nation. You get to hear, see, and feel the unknown, unimagined, and scariest things. Here are the 25 most haunted places in the United States.

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The Stanley Hotel, Colorado

Why only a few hours when you can spend a night of spooky adventure in Colorado? Book your accommodation in the Stanley Hotel of Colorado at Estes Park. The hotel is popular amongst tourists, and its popularity comes from strange sounds and ghostly sights. Room 217 is the spookiest of all, where the spirit of a former housekeeper lives.

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Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania

This historic prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a popular tourist spot. But if you are not into haunted places, avoid it. The prison operated from 1829 to 1971, but today, it serves ghosts and spirits. A visit here will introduce you to shadows, unexplained laughter, and footsteps. Cellblock 12 is particularly spooky.

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The Myrtles Plantation, Louisiana

Louisiana is a famous American State and is home to the most haunted houses in the world. Located in St. Francisville, this plantation is built on a Native American burial ground. Visitors here often claim to see shadows and hear footsteps. The ghost of Chloe, a former slave, is quietly talked about and is often seen.

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Alcatraz Island, California

Located in the San Fransisco Bay of California, Alcatraz Island is a notorious federal prison. This place is known for numerous awkward occurrences, particularly ghostly activities. Guards often report hearing mysterious sounds and chilling sensations at particular locations. Cell 14D is claimed to be one of the most haunted sections here, with unexplained sounds of banjo playing.

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Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, West Virginia

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was formerly known as the Weston State Hospital. During its peak, it had 2,400 patients, although the original capacity was for 250 only. This resulted in harsh treatments and high mortality rates, making it haunted. Visitors can experience shadowy figures, disembodied voices, and footsteps.

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Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Kentucky

This tuberculosis hospital in Waverly Hills opened in 1910 for advanced medical practices. However, the hospital had some tragic incidents, transforming it into a haunted place. Now, many claim to see ghostly shadows, strange sounds, and more. Even paranormal investigations have recorded many unexplained incidents.

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Winchester Mystery House, California

Winchester Mystery House was built by Sarah Winchester in a peculiar and maze-like fashion. The construction went straight for 38 years, 24×7, until Sarah died. Rumors suggest that she made the house to appease spirits killed by the famous rifle her husband invented. Visitors report hearing footsteps, doors slamming, and feeling the presence of spirits.

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The Queen Mary, California

This British ocean liner offers a stay and enjoys world-class entertainment along Long Beach in California. There have been many instances of paranormal activities, although the sightings of a “lady in white” are particularly popular. Besides that, the engine room and certain cabins are also believed to be haunted. You can join various ghost tours and investigations to live this experience.

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Lizzie Borden House, Massachusetts

The Lizzie Borden House is known for the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in 1892. Although not found guilty later, their daughter Lizzie Borden was charged with the crime. Today, visitors claim to hear footsteps, whispers, and other unexplained sounds. Some even claim to feel uneasy or see ghost spirits, particularly in the room where the murder happened.

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Salem, Massachusetts

Salem in Massachusetts is one of the popular haunted places in the USA. The infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692 focused on killing (hanging) a large number of people after being charged with witchcraft. The landmark features Old Burying Point Cemetery, which, along with the tragic incident, adds to the ghostly connection of this place.

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Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania

Visit the site of one of the bloodiest battles during the American Civil War in 1863. As per beliefs, the severe conflicts during the Civil War left a residual energy, contributing to paranormal activity. Many visitors claim to see the spirits of soldiers and to hear unexplained gunshots. Some claims suggest that even visitors experience a gloomy mood at times.

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The Whaley House, California

The Whaley House, which dates back to 1857, has served as a home, a general store, and a courthouse. Presently, it is one of the most haunted houses in the United States. Visitors claim to see spirits of the Whaley family and other historical figures who were ever associated with this place.

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Villisca Axe Murder House, Iowa

In 1912, this house saw the brutal ax murders of Josiah Moore, his family, and two guests. Since then, it has never remained the same happy home but has turned into a haunted place. Today, you can hear footsteps, voices of small kids, and many other paranormal activities. It is also a popular spot for paranormal investigation.

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St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is a popular tourist spot in Florida with a rich maritime history. Besides visiting it for maritime tourism, people also choose this place for spooky experiences. From seeing shadowy figures to hearing voices and experiencing mysterious occurrences, a lot is going on there.

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The Crescent Hotel, Arkansas

Known as the most haunted hotel in America, the Crescent Hotel was built during the 19th century. Located on the top of the Ozark Mountains, it was once a women’s college and a hospital. But today, the hotel is a permanent residence of the most famous ghost, Dr. Norman Baker, who once operated a cancer care hospital here.

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Jerome Grand Hotel, Arizona

Jerome Grand Hotel was earlier a hospital with a storied past. As per beliefs, the spirits of former patients and medical staff still roam here. Visitors have reported ghostly sightings and strange occurrences. In fact, some spots are chilling spots, still unexplained. Despite its stunning hillside location, the haunted image is difficult to wipe out.

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The LaLaurie Mansion, Louisiana

This popular mansion in New Orleans was once home to Madame Delphine LaLaurie. Madame was a socialite with a sinister secret contributing to the dark history of this place. In the 1830s, the mansion caught fire, revealing a secret room where slaves were brutally mistreated. Today, those tortured souls are said to haunt the premises.

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The Sallie House, Kansas

Do you know what brought fame to the Sallie House? The spirit of Sallie, a young girl who died during her surgery. This place is a focal point for paranormal investigations and is quite popular amongst ghost lovers. Visitors claim to see mysterious scratches and sightings of a little girl.

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The Bell Witch Cave, Tennessee

If you have read about American folk fare, you must be familiar with the legend of the Bell Witch. This ghost story revolves around the Bell family, who are believed to be possessed by demons. This family property and the neighboring cave are popular for haunting activities like strange noises, unsettling encounters, and even physical attacks.

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The Pfister Hotel, Wisconsin

The Pfister Hotel, which is located in downtown Milwaukee, is popular for its historic charm. However, what makes it even more popular is the ghost encounters here. Visitors claim to have seen the spirit of Charles Pfister, the original owner of the hotel. The 23rd floor is especially popular for paranormal activities.

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The Joshua Ward House, Massachusetts

The Joshua Ward House in Salem is popular for its association with the Salem Witch Trials. The house is built over the original land of George Corwin, the High Sheriff, during the trials. Since he was known for dealing with witches, the effects are still present here. While some visitors claim to experience oddness, others see the spirit of Corwin.

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Ohio State Reformatory, Ohio

Located in Mansfield, the Ohio State Reformatory is a popular haunted place in the U.S. The place is known for its brutal architecture and the inhumane conditions that its inmates face. Since the facility saw a great deal of violence and death, it resulted in the transformation of a haunted place.

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Bobby Mackey’s Music World, Kentucky

Although it is a popular tourist place, the music world attracts ghost enthusiasts the most. The building was once a slaughterhouse and later a speakeasy with ties to the mob. Legends believe that its history attaches it to being ghostly. Visitors often see the spirit of a murdered dancer named Johanna and other experiences.

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The Shanghai Tunnels, Oregon

Do you know that these tunnels beneath the streets of Portland have a dark history? If believed, the tunnels used to transport victims (after kidnapping) to the waterfront for forced labor aboard ships. In association with this dark history, visitors today feel a chilling presence and encounter ghostly appearances.

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The Congress Plaza Hotel, Illinois

Although the Congress Plaza Hotel is not known for any brutal real-life instances, it has paranormal activities. Plan a visit here, and you may see flickering lights, fast footsteps, and ghostly figures. Room 441 is particularly popular for its ghostly experiences, including unexplained sounds and movements.