The 15 Most Haunted Places in America

Explore the dark side of American heritage with our guide to the 15 most haunted places in the United States. From historic battlefields shrouded in mist to deserted penitentiaries echoing with past torments, these locations offer a glimpse into the paranormal side of the nation’s storied past.

The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California

Welcome aboard the Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner in Long Beach. Rumor has it that ghostly passengers and crew still roam its decks. It’s also home to the infamous “Stateroom B340,” where guests have reported the most intense supernatural activity.

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

Located in the scenic Rockies, The Stanley Hotel boasts more than just stunning views; Stephen King’s stay here inspired “The Shining.” Patrons often report laughter and piano music with no visible source. Ghost tours here are top-rated, offering a peek into its spirited past.

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Once the world’s most famous and expensive prison, Eastern State Penitentiary’s abandoned halls are purported to be haunted by former inmates. Echoes of their existence manifest through mysterious noises and ghostly figures. Cellblock 12 is known for eerie laughter and shadowy figures darting along the walls.

Salem, Massachusetts

Salem’s tragic history of the witch trials left a spectral imprint on the town. Tourists regularly feel a mysterious presence, especially near the old trial sites. The Witch House, previously home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, is a focal point for spooky sightings.

The Shanghai Tunnels, Portland, Oregon

These tunnels beneath Portland’s streets were once used for illicit activities, including kidnapping. Now, they’re thought to be haunted by the apparitions of those who passed through under dire circumstances. The “Nina” ghost, a woman supposed to have been kidnapped through these underpasses, is often reported by visitors.

Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, Fall River, Massachusetts

Where Lizzie Borden was accused of axing her parents, this abode now welcomes guests to stay the night. In a macabre twist to their visit, the breakfast served here includes the same meal the Bordens ate on the day of the murders.

The Villisca Axe Murder House, Villisca, Iowa

In 1912, a horrific ax murderer left eight victims in this quiet home, and today it’s said their spirits remain, unable to find peace. The children’s room is notably active, with visitors reporting toys moving independently. Paranormal investigations frequently yield unexplained phenomena, inviting the brave to uncover its dark secrets.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Louisville, Kentucky

This former sanatorium used for tuberculosis patients is renowned for its high level of paranormal activity. Spirits of past patients are said to linger, seeking closure, and the infamous “Death Tunnel” adds to its eerie allure. Room 502 holds a particularly tragic story, with reports of a nurse who took her own life there.

The Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana

Known as one of America’s most haunted homes, The Myrtles Plantation’s history is of a mystery and tragedy. Tourists talk about the appearances of Chloe, a formerly enslaved person, among other spirits. The mirror in the main house is said to hold Sara Woodruff’s and her children’s ghosts.

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston, West Virginia

This imposing structure once housed thousands of patients. Many believe the tormented apparitions of those treated and mistreated here still wander its halls. Its chilling past and otherworldly phenomena make it a compelling destination for ghost hunters. The asylum’s Halloween tours are especially popular.

The Bell Witch Cave, Adams, Tennessee

The legend of the Bell Witch has terrorized generations, with visitors to the cave frequently experiencing unexplainable events believed to be the witch’s doing. Artifacts found within the place are said to be cursed, bringing misfortune to those who take them.

St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida

This historic lighthouse offers more than picturesque views; it’s a hotspot for unearthly encounters. Specters of former keepers and lost souls are alleged to guide more than just ships. Climbing the tower at night offers a spooky experience, with many reporting ghostly sightings at the top.

The Sallie House, Atchison, Kansas

The Sallie House’s haunting is attributed to the spirit of a young girl and other entities. Occult experiences here are intense, from physical encounters to unearthly appearances. It’s a profoundly unsettling visit that challenges the bravest of hearts. Investigators regularly leave with scratches, a sign of Sallie’s displeasure.

Bobby Mackey’s Music World, Wilder, Kentucky

This honky-tonk bar is as famous for its live music as it is for its haunted reputation with its basement, believed to be a portal to hell, as the center of its occult tales. It’s a place where patrons can dance with the living and, perhaps, the dead.

The Jerome Grand Hotel, Arizona

Once a hospital, this hotel atop the mining town of Jerome is famed for spectral occurrences. The third floor is predominantly active, with the spirit of a nurse who roams the hallways. Clients report noises, specters, and even playful interactions with unseen entities.