Back in Time Today
Explore the eerie and mysterious places across the United States that are shrouded in ghostly legends and chilling stories.
From historic mansions to abandoned hospitals, these locations are said to be haunted by spirits of the past, offering spine-tingling experiences and intriguing tales.
Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or just a curious explorer, these haunted places promise an unforgettable journey into the unknown.
1. Winchester Mystery House
Located in San Jose, California, the Winchester Mystery House is a labyrinthine Victorian mansion teeming with oddities. Built by Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester rifle fortune, the house features secret passages and staircases leading nowhere. Rumor has it that she continuously built the house to appease spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles.
Visitors often report chilling encounters, from ghostly figures to inexplicable footsteps echoing in the halls. The house’s bizarre design, with doors opening to sheer drops and windows overlooking other rooms, heightens its eerie allure. Despite—or perhaps because of—its mystery, it remains a popular tourist attraction.
2. Eastern State Penitentiary
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Eastern State Penitentiary is notorious for its haunting history. Once an innovative prison, it housed notorious criminals like Al Capone. The penitentiary’s unique radial layout and solitary confinement were designed to inspire penitence but often drove inmates insane.
Today, the abandoned prison is a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts. Visitors and staff have reported ghostly apparitions, whispers, and footsteps echoing through the cold, empty corridors. Its haunting ambiance makes it a perfect setting for terrifying tales, drawing thrill-seekers and history buffs alike to explore its chilling past.
The penitentiary is now a museum, preserving its eerie essence.
3. The Myrtles Plantation
Nestled in St. Francisville, Louisiana, The Myrtles Plantation boasts a reputation as one of America’s most haunted homes. Built in 1796, this antebellum mansion is said to be haunted by numerous spirits, including a former slave named Chloe. Chloe’s ghost, often seen wearing a green turban, reportedly haunts the plantation grounds.
Visitors have experienced unexplained phenomena, from mysterious handprints to eerie apparitions. The plantation’s history of murder and tragedy only adds to its spectral charm, making it a must-visit for ghost hunters.
With its picturesque yet haunting setting, The Myrtles Plantation captivates the imagination of all who visit.
4. The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, gained fame as the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining.” This majestic hotel is as renowned for its paranormal activity as for its elegance. Guests and staff have reported ghostly piano music echoing through the halls and sightings of spectral figures, including the hotel’s founder, F.O. Stanley.
Room 217 is particularly infamous for unexplained events, attracting curious visitors hoping for a supernatural experience. The hotel’s remote location in the Rockies amplifies its eerie atmosphere, making it a favorite for thrill-seekers.
Its blend of luxury and mystery continues to fascinate and attract guests worldwide.
5. Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Perched on a hill in Louisville, Kentucky, the Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a hotspot for paranormal activity. Originally a tuberculosis hospital, it witnessed many deaths, leaving behind a legacy of ghostly tales. The most infamous is the “body chute,” a tunnel where bodies were discreetly transported.
Ghost hunters flock to Waverly Hills, drawn by reports of shadowy figures, disembodied voices, and unexplained cold spots. The decaying structure’s eerie vibe is only heightened by its tragic history.
Today, it hosts ghost tours and paranormal investigations, offering visitors a spine-chilling glimpse into its haunted past and lingering spirits.
6. The Queen Mary
The RMS Queen Mary, now a floating hotel in Long Beach, California, has a reputation for being one of the most haunted ships in the world. During its heyday, it was a luxurious ocean liner, but tragedy struck with several onboard deaths.
Guests and staff have reported numerous ghostly encounters, including sightings of a sailor in uniform and a lady in white. The ship’s engine room, once the site of a gruesome accident, is particularly active with paranormal phenomena.
Offering ghost tours and overnight stays, the Queen Mary invites brave souls to experience its storied, spectral presence firsthand.
7. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Located in Weston, West Virginia, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is notorious for its dark history and paranormal activity. Designed to house 250 patients, it became overcrowded and conditions deteriorated. The asylum’s grim past includes tales of mistreatment and tragic deaths.
Visitors report ghostly apparitions, unexplained sounds, and cold spots throughout the building. The asylum’s haunted reputation draws paranormal enthusiasts eager to explore its shadowy corridors and learn about its troubled history.
Now open for tours, the asylum offers a chilling insight into the past and a chance to experience its eerie atmosphere and restless spirits.
8. Bell Witch Cave
In Adams, Tennessee, the Bell Witch Cave is a legendary site tied to the famous Bell Witch haunting. The legend dates back to the early 19th century when the Bell family experienced terrifying paranormal events at their farm. The witch’s spirit, believed to dwell in the cave, is said to torment visitors with eerie sounds and ghostly apparitions.
The cave’s dark, claustrophobic passages add to the unsettling experience. Paranormal investigators frequent the site, hoping to capture evidence of the witch’s lingering presence.
With its chilling backstory and haunting atmosphere, the Bell Witch Cave remains a focal point for ghost story enthusiasts.
9. Gettysburg Battlefield
The Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania is a site of immense historical significance and paranormal activity. The Civil War battle fought here resulted in a staggering number of casualties, and many believe the spirits of fallen soldiers still roam the grounds.
Visitors report ghostly sightings, including apparitions of soldiers and sounds of battle echoing through the fields. The battlefield’s solemn atmosphere is both haunting and humbling, drawing history buffs and ghost hunters alike.
Guided ghost tours offer a unique perspective on the site’s history and spectral tales, providing an unforgettable experience for those seeking the supernatural.
10. Villisca Axe Murder House
In Villisca, Iowa, the Villisca Axe Murder House is infamous for a gruesome unsolved murder. In 1912, eight people were brutally killed with an axe inside this unassuming house. Since then, it has gained a reputation for paranormal activity.
Visitors and paranormal investigators report strange occurrences, including disembodied voices, cold spots, and moving objects. The house’s dark history and chilling atmosphere attract thrill-seekers hoping to experience its haunted legacy.
Offering overnight stays for the brave, the Villisca Axe Murder House invites those curious about the supernatural to delve into its mysterious and macabre past.
11. St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse, located in Florida, is known for its ghostly residents. Built in the 19th century, it has a history of tragic accidents, including the deaths of two young girls who drowned nearby.
Visitors often hear unexplained footsteps and children’s laughter echoing in the lighthouse. Ghost tours highlight these stories, inviting the brave to explore its haunted halls. The lighthouse’s picturesque yet eerie setting adds to the chilling experience.
As one of Florida’s most haunted landmarks, the St. Augustine Lighthouse offers a captivating glimpse into its spectral past and enduring mysteries.
12. Bobby Mackey’s Music World
Bobby Mackey’s Music World in Wilder, Kentucky, is a nightclub with a dark history and a reputation for being haunted. The site is rumored to have been a slaughterhouse and later the scene of a gruesome murder.
Visitors and staff report paranormal phenomena, including apparitions, disembodied voices, and violent encounters. The basement is particularly notorious, with claims of a portal to hell.
Despite—or because of—its eerie reputation, the nightclub remains a popular destination for those intrigued by the supernatural, offering ghost tours and live music for a spooky night out.
13. Salem Witch House
In Salem, Massachusetts, the Salem Witch House is the only structure still standing with direct ties to the infamous witch trials of 1692. Once the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, it witnessed the dark history of accusations and executions.
Visitors report eerie feelings and ghostly apparitions, especially in the dimly lit rooms. The house serves as a museum, offering insights into the trials and the hysteria that gripped the town.
Its haunting ambiance and historical significance make it a must-visit for those interested in the supernatural and the dark chapters of American history.
14. Lemp Mansion
The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri, is renowned for its haunted history and tragic past. Once home to the wealthy Lemp family, it witnessed several suicides, leaving behind a legacy of ghostly tales.
Guests and staff report paranormal activities, including apparitions and strange noises. The mansion’s eerie atmosphere is accentuated by its opulent yet somber decor.
Now a restaurant and inn, the Lemp Mansion offers ghost tours and overnight stays for those intrigued by its haunted reputation. It remains a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the supernatural and tragic family history.
15. West Virginia Penitentiary
The West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville is known for its dark history and paranormal activity. Operational for over a century, it witnessed numerous executions and violent incidents.
Today, the abandoned prison is a hotspot for ghost hunters. Visitors report chilling experiences, from shadowy figures to unexplained sounds. The penitentiary’s imposing structure and haunting past make it an ideal setting for ghost tours.
Offering a glimpse into its grim history, the West Virginia Penitentiary remains a compelling destination for those fascinated by the macabre and supernatural stories of the past.
16. The Alamo
The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is a site of historical importance and paranormal intrigue. The infamous 1836 battle saw many lives lost, and some believe the spirits of fallen soldiers still linger.
Visitors report ghostly apparitions and eerie sounds, adding to the Alamo’s mystique. The site’s history of bravery and sacrifice, coupled with its rumored hauntings, captivates those interested in history and the supernatural.
Guided tours provide insights into the Alamo’s past while tantalizing visitors with tales of its haunted legacy, making it a must-visit for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike.
17. Lizzie Borden House
In Fall River, Massachusetts, the Lizzie Borden House is infamous for the brutal axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in 1892. Their daughter, Lizzie, was accused but acquitted, and the mystery remains unsolved.
The house is now a bed and breakfast, offering ghost tours and overnight stays. Visitors report strange occurrences, from moving objects to ghostly apparitions, believed to be the restless spirits of the Bordens.
Its macabre history and eerie ambiance make the Lizzie Borden House a popular destination for those intrigued by unsolved mysteries and the supernatural.
18. The Amityville Horror House
Located in Amityville, New York, the Amityville Horror House gained notoriety due to the alleged hauntings following the 1974 DeFeo family murders. Subsequent residents reported terrifying paranormal activity, including strange noises and demonic apparitions.
The house’s chilling history inspired books and films, solidifying its place in popular culture. Despite renovations and new ownership, its haunted reputation lingers.
Curious visitors are drawn to the house, fascinated by its dark past and supernatural lore. While not open to the public, it remains a symbol of one of America’s most infamous hauntings.
19. Pine Barrens
The Pine Barrens in New Jersey is a vast, secluded forest known for its eerie atmosphere and the legend of the Jersey Devil. This mythical creature, said to have the body of a kangaroo and the head of a horse, reportedly haunts the woods.
Over the centuries, there have been numerous sightings and strange occurrences, from unexplainable sounds to mysterious tracks. The Pine Barrens’ isolation adds to its mystique, attracting cryptid hunters and thrill-seekers.
Whether fact or folklore, the legend of the Jersey Devil continues to capture the imagination, making the Pine Barrens a must-visit for those intrigued by the unknown.
20. The Driskill Hotel
The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas, combines luxury with a haunted reputation. Established in 1886, it’s one of the city’s oldest hotels and is said to host several spirits, including its original owner, Colonel Jesse Driskill.
Guests report ghostly encounters, from flickering lights to mysterious apparitions in the hallways. The hotel’s Victorian elegance only heightens its spectral allure, drawing curious visitors and paranormal enthusiasts.
Offering both history and mystery, the Driskill Hotel remains a captivating destination for those seeking a blend of sophistication and supernatural intrigue in the heart of Austin.
21. Savannah Historic District
Savannah, Georgia, is renowned for its historic district teeming with ghostly legends. The city’s rich history, marked by wars and tragedies, provides fertile ground for paranormal tales. Many historic homes and sites are said to be haunted by restless spirits.
Ghost tours lead visitors through cobblestone streets and shadowy squares, sharing eerie stories and unexplained phenomena. Savannah’s charm and haunted allure make it a top destination for those interested in history and the supernatural.
With its combination of beauty and mystery, Savannah captivates the imagination of all who wander its haunted streets.
22. Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery
Located in Midlothian, Illinois, Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery is infamous for its paranormal activity. This secluded cemetery, dating back to the 1800s, is surrounded by legends of ghostly apparitions and mysterious phenomena.
Visitors report sightings of a phantom farmhouse, a disappearing white lady, and eerie orbs of light. The cemetery’s abandoned and overgrown state adds to its haunting ambiance, attracting ghost hunters and thrill-seekers.
Its spectral reputation and chilling stories make Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery a compelling destination for those fascinated by the supernatural and the mysteries of the afterlife.
23. LaLaurie Mansion
Set in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, the LaLaurie Mansion stands as a reminder of the horrors within its walls. In the 1830s, Madame LaLaurie was revealed to have committed ghastly acts against slaves.
Today, the mansion is a private residence, but rumors of cries, moans, and phantom footsteps persist. Tourists often pause outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of one of its many reported apparitions.
The tragic history and paranormal activity make it one of the most infamous haunted houses in the U.S.