1. The Bell Witch Cave – Adams, Tennessee
The Bell Witch legend is a deeply rooted part of Tennessee folklore, and the cave where it all began is a place most locals prefer to avoid, according to Victoria Kleinpeter from the Tennessee State Museum. The haunting is tied to the Bell family, specifically their daughter, Betsy, who was tormented by an invisible entity, known as the Bell Witch, in the early 1800s. Over the years, visitors to the cave have reported hearing ghostly whispers, seeing strange lights, and even feeling a mysterious force pushing them away. Many believe the area is cursed, and even locals refuse to enter after dark.
The Bell Witch Cave remains one of the most terrifying sites in America due to its long, eerie history. The Bell family’s experiences with the witch were well-documented, making it even more unsettling for those who know the backstory. For anyone brave enough to take a tour, it’s not just the cave that’s unsettling; the surrounding woods also have a strange, foreboding atmosphere that locals steer clear of. If you’re in Adams, don’t be surprised if the locals direct you to the town’s more cheerful attractions instead.
2. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel is a name that gets chills even before you step onto the grounds, according to Patrick McGuire from Uncover Colorado. Famously known for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining, this historic hotel is said to be haunted by several spirits, including the original owner, F.O. Stanley, and his wife, Flora. Guests have reported hearing piano music playing when no one is around, and some even claim to have witnessed apparitions in the hallways. Locals avoid this place after dark, especially given its reputation for being a hotbed of paranormal activity.
The hotel’s “haunting” is part of the experience for those brave enough to stay, but many locals just can’t seem to shake the eerie feeling when they drive by. The hotel is located near the beautiful Rocky Mountains, which only adds to its sense of isolation. But it’s hard to ignore the many reports of unexplained noises and shadowy figures lingering in the corners. If you’re in Estes Park, it’s best to enjoy the views during the day and steer clear of the hotel after dark.
3. The Lemp Mansion – St. Louis, Missouri
Once a grand family residence, The Lemp Mansion now stands as one of the most haunted buildings in America, according to Roy A. Barnes from Travel Thru History. The Lemp family, who made their fortune in brewing, was plagued by a series of suicides and mysterious deaths. The most famous haunting is said to involve the ghost of William Lemp Jr., who took his own life in the mansion in 1922. Even to this day, the building is said to house eerie, unexplained phenomena, with visitors reporting sightings of a shadowy figure in the attic and strange noises.
While the mansion has been turned into a restaurant and bed-and-breakfast, locals still avoid certain parts of the property, especially after dark. The tragic history of the Lemp family, combined with the sinister atmosphere of the building, makes it a place that even some of the bravest locals hesitate to visit. Guests who stay in the mansion’s rooms report hearing footsteps, voices, and even feeling an icy chill in the air. The ghostly presence seems to linger, making this place one of the most haunted in the region.
4. The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana
The Myrtles Plantation is known for its dark history, which is filled with tales of murder, betrayal, and revenge, according to Mike Huberty from American Ghost Walks. Often referred to as one of the most haunted homes in America, this plantation is rumored to be built on a former Native American burial ground. Visitors often claim to see the ghost of a former slave named Chloe, who allegedly poisoned the family. Some have even captured her image in photos, and strange noises, like children laughing or furniture moving, have been reported throughout the house.
Though the plantation is open to tourists and offers ghost tours, many locals avoid it altogether. The plantation’s deep connection to death and the paranormal leaves an unsettling vibe, especially when you take a night tour through the haunted house. People have also reported that their cameras often malfunction when trying to photograph certain parts of the house. If you visit, expect to feel the weight of its history, but maybe don’t plan on staying too long after dark.
5. The Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California
The Winchester Mystery House is famous for its maze-like structure and the legend behind it, Barry Kramer from Amateur Travel explains. Sarah Winchester, the widow of the inventor of the rifle, believed she was haunted by the spirits of those killed by her husband’s invention. To appease the ghosts, she continuously renovated her home, creating strange rooms, doors that lead to nowhere, and staircases that spiral into ceilings. Locals are often uneasy about the place, and it’s known for attracting paranormal investigators from all over the world.
The house, which is open to the public for tours, is full of oddities—doors that open onto walls, stairs that lead to nowhere, and windows placed in the strangest spots. Many visitors and even locals claim to feel a presence in the house, especially in the areas where the construction was most erratic. The eerie atmosphere only deepens when you learn about the tragic history behind the mansion’s design. If you’re a local, it’s easy to be curious but equally easy to avoid it, especially after hearing countless stories from tourists who left with more than just souvenirs.
6. The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – Weston, West Virginia
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was once home to thousands of mentally ill patients, some of whom suffered horrific conditions. The asylum, which operated from the mid-1800s to the 1990s, has since been abandoned, but it’s widely regarded as one of the most haunted locations in the U.S. Many visitors report hearing disembodied voices, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling extreme cold spots. Locals are hesitant to go near it, particularly at night, due to its gruesome history and eerie reputation.
The asylum’s decaying structure adds to the feeling of unease, making it a magnet for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike. The spirits of former patients are said to still haunt the hallways, and paranormal investigations often turn up strange, unexplained evidence. While it’s a popular stop for tourists looking for a good scare, locals are often content to admire it from a distance rather than enter. The heavy energy and chilling atmosphere make it easy to understand why even the bravest might keep their distance.
7. The Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Once one of the most infamous prisons in the world, the Eastern State Penitentiary is now a crumbling monument to its dark past. Known for its use of solitary confinement, many prisoners suffered mental breakdowns during their time there. The penitentiary’s eerie architecture, combined with the tragic stories of its inmates, makes it one of the most haunted places in the U.S. Locals are known to avoid the area at night, especially when the prison’s haunted house tours are in full swing.
Visitors often report feeling watched, and some claim to have seen shadows moving through the cell blocks or heard whispers in the empty halls. Despite being open to the public for tours, the penitentiary retains an unsettling energy that even locals find hard to ignore. Many who have worked there have spoken about the odd sensations they’ve experienced, like sudden temperature drops and inexplicable noises. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this former prison’s ominous presence is something even locals don’t want to experience alone after dark.
8. The Queen Mary – Long Beach, California
The Queen Mary, once a luxury ocean liner, is now permanently docked in Long Beach and is known for its creepy, ghostly reputation. It served as a troop transport ship during WWII, and the loss of life during that time has led many to believe the ship is haunted. Ghost sightings, unexplained sounds, and an overall sense of unease are common reports from visitors. Locals often avoid the ship after dark, especially since it’s home to ghost tours and paranormal investigations.
The Queen Mary’s long and tragic history is partly responsible for its spooky reputation, with several deaths occurring aboard the ship over the years. Visitors have reported feeling an icy chill, hearing phantom footsteps, and encountering strange apparitions while exploring the ship. The dark, narrow hallways and abandoned rooms only enhance the feeling that something isn’t quite right. While some tourists seek out the ship for its haunting allure, many locals are content to leave it to the ghost hunters.
9. The Devil’s Kettle – Judge C. R. Magney State Park, Minnesota
The Devil’s Kettle is a mysterious location in northern Minnesota where a section of the Brule River seemingly disappears into a hole, known as the Devil’s Kettle. The hole is a bizarre natural feature that scientists have yet to explain, leading to local legends about it being a portal to another world or a place of evil. Locals steer clear of the area, especially at night, fearing the dark folklore surrounding the mysterious phenomenon. While the exact cause of the water’s disappearance remains unknown, the eerie feeling of the place adds to its creepy mystique.
The strange and unexplained nature of the Devil’s Kettle makes it a perfect breeding ground for stories of the paranormal. Some say they’ve heard voices or seen lights near the spot after dark, although there’s no real explanation for why. The combination of the natural mystery and the local stories make it a place even some locals avoid. If you plan on visiting, it’s best to keep your curiosity in check and not venture out after the sun goes down.
10. The Ridges – Athens, Ohio
The Ridges is a former mental asylum located on the edge of Athens, Ohio, and it has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the Midwest. Opened in the late 1800s, the asylum housed thousands of mentally ill patients, many of whom died within its walls. The building has since been abandoned, but its eerie, decaying structure continues to haunt those who live nearby. Locals are well aware of its spooky reputation and often avoid the area, especially at night when the wind howls through the old windows.
Visitors to The Ridges report hearing unexplained footsteps, feeling sudden drops in temperature, and even seeing apparitions of former patients wandering the halls. The ghostly energy of the asylum lingers in the air, and many claim that the spirits of the past are still trapped within the walls. Locals who live near The Ridges often say they avoid walking near the property after sunset, particularly due to the unsettling stories from those who have ventured inside. If you visit, be prepared for an eerie atmosphere and a sense of something watching you as you make your way through the area.
11. The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 – New Orleans, Louisiana
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is one of the oldest and most famous cemeteries in New Orleans, known for its above-ground tombs and eerie atmosphere. This cemetery is the final resting place of many historical figures, including the famous Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. Due to the cemetery’s age and its rich history of voodoo practices, many believe it’s haunted by spirits from the past. Visitors often report hearing whispers, feeling cold spots, and even witnessing ghostly apparitions while walking through the graveyard.
Despite its popularity with tourists, locals tend to avoid the cemetery after dark, fearing both the supernatural and the more dangerous elements that sometimes lurk around the area. The combination of New Orleans’ haunted history and the cemetery’s peculiar above-ground tombs make it a uniquely unsettling place, especially when the sun goes down. Some even say that if you leave an offering at Marie Laveau’s grave, you might just feel the presence of her spirit. Locals are quick to share their spooky experiences, and it’s not uncommon to hear warnings to steer clear of the cemetery after sunset.
12. The Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina
The Biltmore Estate is known for its grandeur, but it also has a reputation for being haunted. The sprawling mansion, built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, is home to several reported ghostly sightings, including the ghost of George himself, who is said to wander the halls late at night. The estate is a popular tourist destination, but many locals avoid the mansion after dark due to its unsettling energy. Guests have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling a presence near the library and grand staircase.
Though it’s a beautiful location during the day, with its manicured gardens and impressive architecture, the Biltmore Estate takes on a completely different atmosphere at night. The historical significance and wealth associated with the estate only add to its spooky allure. Some visitors have even claimed to have had personal encounters with spirits while on a night tour, making it an unnerving experience for those who aren’t prepared. Locals might enjoy the estate’s day tours but often choose not to stick around after sunset when the mansion’s dark side seems to come alive.
13. The Pioneertown Motel – Pioneertown, California
Pioneertown was originally built as a movie set in the 1940s, meant to simulate an Old West town for film productions. However, the motel that remains today has earned a reputation for being one of the most haunted spots in the area. Visitors often report strange occurrences, like lights flickering, doors creaking open on their own, and the ghostly sound of horses trotting down the old streets. Even locals in the area avoid the motel at night, partly due to the eerie vibe left behind by the Old West-style ghost town.
Although it remains a quirky piece of history, the strange happenings surrounding the Pioneertown Motel have made it a spot that many prefer to keep their distance from. The isolation of the area, combined with the eerie, ghostly stories, makes for an unsettling atmosphere, especially after sunset. If you’re in Pioneertown, the ghost stories might seem like part of the charm—unless you find yourself alone, where the mysterious noises and movements will leave you questioning what’s real.
