Top Haunted Places to Visit in the USA
The United States is filled with haunted legends, eerie architecture, and chilling ghost stories that draw thrill-seekers from all over the world. From historic battlefields to abandoned asylums, the country offers countless destinations where the supernatural is said to linger. Whether you’re a true paranormal enthusiast or just someone looking for a spine-tingling adventure, these haunted locations offer unforgettable (and maybe even unexplainable) experiences. Here are some of the top haunted places to visit in the USA.
1. Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, Eastern State Penitentiary now stands as a crumbling monument to a dark and solitary past. Opened in 1829, the prison was known for its strict solitary confinement system, which many believe led to madness and despair among inmates.
Ghost sightings and unexplained sounds—like footsteps, whispers, and cell doors slamming—are frequently reported. The site now hosts historical tours and a popular Halloween haunted attraction, but even outside the spooky season, it retains a chilling atmosphere.
Why Visit?
You can walk through old cellblocks, explore the warden’s quarters, and even visit Al Capone’s luxury cell, all while hearing spine-chilling tales of inmate hauntings.
2. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
If you’re a fan of Stephen King’s The Shining, this one’s for you. The Stanley Hotel served as the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in King’s classic novel. Though the 1980 movie was not filmed here, the hotel’s eerie reputation only grew after its release.
Guests and staff have reported ghostly laughter, the sound of piano music when no one’s around, and apparitions, particularly of the original owners, Freelan and Flora Stanley. Room 217 is particularly infamous due to numerous guest reports of strange phenomena.
Why Visit?
Enjoy a beautiful mountain retreat with a haunted twist, and take a guided ghost tour that dives deep into the hotel’s paranormal past.
3. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – Weston, West Virginia
Once a sanctuary for the mentally ill, this massive 19th-century asylum housed thousands of patients in sometimes horrific conditions. Overcrowding, outdated treatments, and patient abuse were unfortunately common.
Now open for historical and paranormal tours, visitors often claim to hear disembodied voices, see shadowy figures, and feel sudden cold spots. Paranormal investigators consider it one of the most haunted spots in the U.S.
Why Visit?
The asylum offers daytime history tours and intense overnight ghost hunts, making it a must-see for serious ghost hunters.
4. Gettysburg Battlefield – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the bloodiest in the American Civil War, with over 50,000 casualties. The sheer volume of death and suffering has left an indelible spiritual mark on the land.
Ghost sightings are common, with reports of soldiers marching across fields, cannon fire in the night, and eerie mists that defy explanation. Locations like Devil’s Den, the Gettysburg Hotel, and the Farnsworth House Inn are particularly active.
Why Visit?
Explore historic sites and monuments by day, then join one of the many ghost tours offered at night to experience the battlefield’s haunted legacy.
5. The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana
Often cited as one of the most haunted homes in America, the Myrtles Plantation is steeped in southern Gothic charm and ghostly lore. Built in 1796, it’s allegedly the site of at least 10 murders—though historians dispute the number.
The most famous ghost is that of Chloe, a former enslaved woman who is said to haunt the grounds after being hanged for poisoning the family. Visitors have reported phantom children, strange handprints on mirrors, and furniture that moves on its own.
Why Visit?
The plantation offers both historical tours and overnight stays for those brave enough to sleep among the spirits.
6. Waverly Hills Sanatorium – Louisville, Kentucky
This former tuberculosis hospital is infamous for its grim history. At the height of the TB epidemic in the early 20th century, thousands of patients passed through its doors—many never left alive. The “death tunnel” or “body chute” was used to discreetly remove the dead.
Apparitions, disembodied voices, and sudden drops in temperature are frequently reported. One of the most famous ghosts is “Timmy,” a boy who is said to play with visitors who bring him toys.
Why Visit?
The site offers guided tours, paranormal investigations, and seasonal haunted house events. It’s a bucket-list location for ghost hunters.
7. The Queen Mary – Long Beach, California
Once a luxury ocean liner and later a WWII troopship, the RMS Queen Mary is now permanently docked as a hotel and museum. It’s also a hotbed of paranormal activity.
The ship is said to be haunted by dozens of ghosts, including a young girl who drowned in the pool, a crew member crushed by a watertight door, and wartime soldiers. Visitors report ghostly footsteps, door slams, and the feeling of being watched.
Why Visit?
Stay overnight in a haunted cabin or join a nighttime ghost tour to explore the ship’s haunted history.
8. Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California
Commissioned by Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun magnate William Winchester, this bizarre Victorian mansion is a labyrinth of staircases to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and windows in the floor.
Sarah believed she was haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles and that building the house—without ever stopping—would appease them. Construction went on 24/7 for 38 years.
Why Visit?
The mansion offers both daytime and candlelight tours, letting you explore one of America’s most architecturally confusing and haunted homes.
9. Bell Witch Cave – Adams, Tennessee
The Bell Witch legend is one of the oldest and most famous American ghost stories. In the early 1800s, the Bell family was reportedly tormented by a malevolent spirit in their home, resulting in violent attacks and strange phenomena.
Today, visitors can tour the nearby Bell Witch Cave, believed to be a spiritual epicenter of the activity. Strange occurrences, from voices to moving shadows, are still reported.
Why Visit?
The story inspired countless movies and books, and the cave offers a truly eerie experience steeped in folklore.
10. Lizzie Borden House – Fall River, Massachusetts
In 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were found brutally murdered in their home. Their daughter, Lizzie Borden, was tried and acquitted of the crime, but public suspicion never faded. Today, the house operates as a bed-and-breakfast and museum.
Guests often report hearing disembodied voices, ghostly footsteps, and the sound of a distant axe. The original furniture and crime scene photos enhance the unsettling atmosphere.
Why Visit?
For true crime and paranormal fans alike, it’s a chilling place to spend the night—if you dare.
Final Thoughts
America’s haunted locations are more than just spooky destinations—they’re places steeped in history, tragedy, and mystery. Whether you believe in ghosts or just enjoy a good scare, visiting these haunted spots offers an unforgettable blend of folklore, history, and the possibility of the paranormal.
So pack your flashlight, keep your senses sharp, and be ready—because you never know what (or who) might be lurking just around the corner.
