1. 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.
2. The Old Charleston City Jail – Charleston, South Carolina
Steeped in history and shrouded in eerie tales, the Old Charleston City Jail is a cornerstone of haunted lore in America, according to Heather Andolina from Atlas Obscura. Constructed in 1802, this ominous building housed some of the nation’s most notorious criminals, including the infamous pirate Stede Bonnet and Lavinia Fisher, often called America’s first female serial killer. It is also home to macabre legends about “Dr. Death,” a prison physician rumored to have conducted unethical surgeries on unwilling inmates. With a history this dark, it’s no wonder that visitors have reported ghostly apparitions, inexplicable footsteps, and sudden cold spots in the air.
The building’s decaying facade and labyrinthine corridors add to the unsettling atmosphere. Paranormal investigators often describe the sensation of being watched, while others report feeling invisible hands brushing against them. Ghost tours recount chilling stories of Lavinia Fisher’s vengeful spirit roaming the halls. The echoes of its grim past resonate deeply, making the Old Charleston City Jail a compelling stop for those seeking a supernatural thrill.
3. The Queen Mary – Long Beach, California
Once a luxurious ocean liner, the Queen Mary now serves as a hotel and a hub of paranormal intrigue, according to Julie Jordan from PEOPLE. During its years at sea, the ship ferried passengers across the Atlantic, including during its service as a troop carrier in World War II. Over the decades, countless reports of strange occurrences have surfaced, from phantom footsteps to disembodied laughter echoing through its halls.
One of the most famous hauntings involves the spirit of a young girl said to haunt the ship’s pool area. Guests and staff alike have described seeing wet footprints leading to nowhere and hearing laughter when no children are present. The “Woman in White” is another spectral figure often spotted drifting along the ship’s decks. These tales, combined with the ship’s rich history, make the Queen Mary a must-visit destination for those drawn to the paranormal.
4. The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana
Nestled in the lush landscapes of Louisiana, the Myrtles Plantation is considered one of America’s most haunted homes, according to Mike Huberty from American Ghost Walks. Built in 1796, this antebellum estate has witnessed its fair share of tragedy and scandal. The plantation’s most famous ghost story involves Chloe, a former enslaved woman. Legend holds that Chloe poisoned members of the household, either by accident or in an act of revenge, leading to her execution.
Visitors claim to have seen Chloe’s spectral figure in mirrors and photographs taken on the property. Others report hearing soft weeping or footsteps in empty rooms. The Myrtles’ otherworldly reputation is bolstered by tales of phantom children playing on the grounds and furniture moving on its own. With its tragic past and eerie ambiance, this plantation draws both history buffs and thrill-seekers alike.
5. The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – Weston, West Virginia
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, a sprawling Gothic structure, is steeped in history and mystery. Opening its doors in 1864, the facility quickly became infamous for overcrowding and controversial treatments, including lobotomies and electroshock therapy. Thousands of patients died within its walls, leaving behind an unsettling energy that persists to this day.
Visitors often recount hearing faint whispers and anguished cries in the long-abandoned hallways. Shadowy figures have been spotted darting across rooms, and doors have been known to slam shut with no apparent cause. Paranormal investigators have captured chilling evidence of activity, including disembodied voices and unexplained cold spots. This eerie site remains a magnet for those drawn to the macabre.
6. The Waverly Hills Sanatorium – Louisville, Kentucky
The legend of the Bell Witch has been passed down through generations, cementing its place as one of America’s most enduring ghost stories. The tale centers on the Bell family, who were allegedly tormented by a malevolent spirit in the early 1800s. Today, the Bell Witch Cave is a focal point for those intrigued by the supernatural.
Visitors to the cave report an oppressive atmosphere, disembodied voices, and strange lights flickering in the darkness. Some even claim to have been physically touched or pushed by unseen forces. The cave’s chilling reputation is a testament to the power of folklore and the enduring mystery of the Bell Witch legend.
7. The Bell Witch Cave – Adams, Tennessee
The legend of the Bell Witch has been passed down through generations, cementing its place as one of America’s most enduring ghost stories. The tale centers on the Bell family, who were allegedly tormented by a malevolent spirit in the early 1800s. Today, the Bell Witch Cave is a focal point for those intrigued by the supernatural.
Visitors to the cave report an oppressive atmosphere, disembodied voices, and strange lights flickering in the darkness. Some even claim to have been physically touched or pushed by unseen forces. The cave’s chilling reputation is a testament to the power of folklore and the enduring mystery of the Bell Witch legend.
8. The Riddle House – West Palm Beach, Florida
Originally a funeral parlor, the Riddle House in West Palm Beach is now infamous for its paranormal activity. One of the most unsettling legends involves Joseph, a former employee who allegedly took his own life on the property. His spirit is said to haunt the house, particularly the attic, where he has been known to slam doors and whisper ominous warnings.
Visitors have also reported being pushed by unseen hands, especially on the staircase. Cold spots and disembodied voices add to the house’s eerie charm. With its rich history and unsettling stories, the Riddle House remains a favorite destination for those seeking a spine-chilling experience.
9. The Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A grim monument to America’s penal history, the Eastern State Penitentiary housed some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone. The prison’s design was intended to instill penitence, with inmates kept in solitary confinement for much of their sentences. This harsh environment has left a lasting mark, with countless reports of ghostly activity.
Visitors describe hearing phantom footsteps and anguished cries echoing through the crumbling corridors. Shadowy figures are often seen lurking in the cells, and some have even reported being touched by unseen hands. The penitentiary’s eerie atmosphere is a powerful reminder of its dark history, making it a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts.
10. The Lemp Mansion – St. Louis, Missouri
The Lemp Mansion, once the home of the affluent Lemp family, is now a hotbed of paranormal activity. The family’s tragic history, marked by multiple suicides, has led many to believe their spirits linger within the mansion’s walls. Guests and staff frequently report encounters with apparitions and hearing disembodied voices in the dead of night.
One of the most chilling legends involves William Lemp, whose ghost is said to wander the halls. Cold drafts, unexplained sounds, and moving objects further solidify the mansion’s haunted reputation. Today, the Lemp Mansion serves as a restaurant and inn, inviting guests to dine and sleep among the echoes of its tragic past.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
