1. The Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, California
The Winchester Enigma Residence, situated in San Jose, California, unfolds its mystery within the architectural tapestry crafted by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the renowned firearms tycoon, William Winchester. This sprawling Victorian marvel entwines visitors in a labyrinth of staircases leading nowhere, concealed chambers, and clandestine passageways. Notably, the house’s edifice remains perpetually incomplete, a canvas believed to be imbued with the ethereal echoes of lives lost to Winchester rifles.
2. The Lizzie Borden House, Fall River, Massachusetts
Enter the Lizzie Borden Homestead in Fall River, Massachusetts, an infamous locale steeped in the macabre narrative of the axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in 1892. Frozen in a state of incomplete restoration, this dwelling is purportedly a haunt for the lingering spirits of the ill-fated Borden family. Accounts from visitors recount peculiar auditory phenomena, apparitions glimpsed in the shadows, and encounters with chilling zones within.
3. The LaLaurie Mansion, New Orleans, Louisiana
Journey to the LaLaurie Manor in New Orleans, Louisiana, an opulent Creole mansion once inhabited by Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a socialite infamous for her ruthless treatment of slaves. The spectral residue within the walls suggests a haunting by the tormented souls of those enslaved. Witnesses attest to agonized screams reverberating through the air, ghostly figures materializing, and the olfactory intrusion of burning flesh.
4. The Goldfield Hotel, Goldfield, Nevada
Step into the historical abyss of the Goldfield Hotel in Goldfield, Nevada, erected in 1902 amid the bustling fervor of the Goldfield mining epoch. Now a dilapidated relic, it is purportedly a haven for the apparitions of miners, gamblers, and courtesans from bygone eras. Patrons have reported disembodied voices echoing through vacant corridors, spectral entities making fleeting appearances, and unexplained phenomena materializing in the ambient space.
5. The RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California
Navigate through the mystique of the RMS Queen Mary, permanently docked in Long Beach, California. Once celebrated as the “Grey Ghost” for its streamlined allure and opulent amenities, its history is marred by tragedy, marked by numerous fatalities and mishaps. Visitors recount sightings of apparitions resembling crew members and passengers, disembodied voices resonating through the vessel’s chambers, and unexplained occurrences defying rational explanation.
6. Bodie, California
In the tumultuous era of the 1870s and ’80s, Bodie flourished upon the discovery of gold in the hills enveloping Mono Lake—once a bustling hub for 10,000 souls. Presently, it stands as a State Historic Park, some segments frozen in a state of “arrested decay,” featuring tables adorned with place settings and shops eerily stocked with provisions. Unsurprisingly, tales of supernatural occurrences abound here, encompassing ghostly apparitions and haunting melodies emanating from closed taverns. A legendary aura persists, asserting that any individual taking even a mere pebble from Bodie shall bear the burden of misfortune and health woes upon departure.
7. Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia
For those acquainted with the ’90s, this burial ground might evoke recognition as the backdrop of the novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Mirroring the book’s essence, the Savannah cemetery exudes a Southern Gothic ambiance, adorned with Spanish moss casting shadows on time-honored Victorian monuments. While housing notable figures like singer Johnny Mercer and poet Conrad Aiken, the spotlight rightfully falls on Gracie Watson. Departing at a tender six, her resting place is marked by a life-sized marble statue, her hand delicately placed on a tree stump, symbolizing a life truncated prematurely. Visitors often leave toys at her grave, with some attesting to glimpses of Gracie’s apparition nearby. Eerie narratives extend to unexplained sounds, such as infantile cries and canine barks, and statues mysteriously grinning as visitors draw near.
8. Cahawba, Alabama
Once Alabama’s inaugural capital and a renowned ghost town, Cahawba derives its name from the convergence of the Cahaba and Alabama rivers. Abandoned post-Civil War, its vacant edifices, slave burial grounds, and spectral cemeteries now serve as favored locales for ghostly tours and tales of supernatural phenomena. A preeminent account revolves around a radiant, levitating orb materializing in Colonel C.C. Pegues’s former garden maze shortly after the colonel’s demise in battle—an enigma dubbed “Pegues’s Ghost,” which continues to captivate inquisitive visitors.
9. Calcasieu Courthouse, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Toni Jo Henry, a former denizen of the night, catapulted to national notoriety in 1940 by ruthlessly ending a man’s life. Despite three trials, the “charming” Toni Jo clinched conviction and subsequently became Louisiana’s lone woman to face the electric chair. Allegedly, her spirit lingered in the courthouse, where employees sense her presence and catch whiffs of her singed tresses. Numerous accounts suggest her intercession in the courthouse’s daily affairs, complicating the lives of its occupants by locking doors and tampering with office machinery.
10. Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Since its erection in 1886, the Crescent Hotel has morphed through various roles: opulent resort, finishing school for young ladies, and junior college. However, its most peculiar chapter unfolded in 1937 when Norman G. Baker assumed ownership. A millionaire inventor masquerading as a physician, Baker transformed the hotel into a pseudo-hospital claiming to “cure” cancer, devoid of medical credentials. Despite being exposed and ousted, tales persist that his ethereal presence revisited the premises—accompanied by otherworldly companions. The presently operational Crescent Hotel is reputedly haunted by a minimum of eight specters, spanning the spectrum from a five-year-old girl to a bearded gentleman donned in Victorian attire.
11. Dock Street Theatre, Charleston, South Carolina
Situated in downtown Charleston, the Dock Street Theatre holds the distinction of being one of America’s oldest theaters, bearing witness to an extensive tapestry of upheaval and history. Following the incineration of the original theater, the Planters Inn emerged on the same grounds, only to revert to its theatrical roots in the 1930s. A particularly flamboyant apparition graces this locale—Nettie Dickerson, as the legend goes, met her demise by lightning strike while standing on the hotel balcony. Reports depict her spectral silhouette gracefully traversing the second floor of the theater, adorned in a crimson gown. Another spectral luminary in attendance is Junius Brutus Booth, a celebrated 19th-century actor and progenitor of John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln, who once frequented the inn.
12. The Driskill, Austin, Texas
A majestic Romanesque haven, The Driskill has beckoned European tourists and wedding revelers since its inception in 1886, boasting contemporary accommodations and an iconic brick facade. It stands as a veritable Austin landmark and, some assert, a magnet for spectral phenomena. Travelers attest to uncanny sounds resonating through its opulent corridors and sightings of the hotel’s eponym, Jesse Driskill, whose portrait adorns the lobby. The narrative weaves a tale of Driskill’s unrelenting heartbreak after losing his hotel in a high-stakes poker game—a sentiment resonating with anyone reluctant to bid adieu to this captivating establishment.
13. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The fortress-like Eastern State Penitentiary elevated solitary confinement to unprecedented heights upon its 1829 inception. Inmates endured isolation—living, exercising, and dining in solitude. A hood shrouded their heads when leaving their cells, ensuring neither visibility nor recognition. While the penitentiary relinquished its solitary system in 1913 due to overcrowding, severe punitive measures persisted until its closure in 1970. Today, this haunted bastion welcomes throngs of visitors, drawn by its museum and the annual Halloween revelry featuring 15 haunted attractions within its formidable walls. Accounts of paranormal occurrences include disembodied laughter, elusive shadowy figures, and the echo of measured footsteps.
14. Emily’s Bridge, Stowe, Vermont
Amidst New England’s charming covered bridges, Emily’s Bridge in Stowe stands out for its eerie reputation. Stretching 50 feet, the bridge purportedly witnessed the tragic demise of a young woman in the mid-1800s. Legend narrates the heart-wrenching tale of Emily, intending to elope with her lover at the bridge, only to succumb to despair and hang herself from the rafters when he failed to appear. Presently, Emily’s malevolent spirit is said to haunt the site, clawing at passing vehicles and even inflicting scratches on pedestrians, drawing blood. Less ominous apparitions include glimpses of a spectral figure in white, accompanied by mysterious voices and footsteps resonating from the tunnel.
15. Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania
The Battle of Gettysburg, etching a harrowing chapter in American history, witnessed around 50,000 young lives extinguished in a brutal three-day conflict. Many of these soldiers found no repose in proper burials, leaving lingering beliefs that their souls traverse the battlefield, searching for weapons and comrades lost in the tumult. The echoes of their spectral presence resonate in the hallowed grounds, a poignant reminder of the enduring scars left by this blood-drenched saga.
16. Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii
Beyond the customary woes of flight delays and overpriced sandwiches, Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, also known as Honolulu International Airport, introduces an additional element to unsettle even the most intrepid travelers: a resident apparition. Referred to as “the Lady in Waiting,” this spectral figure, a blonde woman adorned in a white dress, materializes in restricted zones of the airport. Legend has it that the woman, during her earthly existence, fell enamored with a man who pledged matrimony (while both were alive, naturally). However, he embarked on an international flight, leaving her stranded at the gate—an eternal wait that her ghost continues to endure. Visitors recount peculiar incidents, including autonomous unraveling of toilet paper rolls and toilets flushing of their own accord. (Though in the realm of airport lavatories, scarier encounters have been witnessed.)
17. Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff’s Hotel Monte Vista bears witness to lingering guests of a spectral nature who have decidedly overstayed their welcome. One long-term lodger, with a penchant for suspending raw meat from the chandelier in Room 210, shares the space with two women who, allegedly ejected from the third floor, now purportedly endeavor to suffocate male guests during slumber. Reports also circulate of an infant whose disconcerting cries have prompted staff to hastily ascend from the basement. (Even actor John Wayne attests to a paranormal encounter within these walls.)
18. House of the Seven Gables, Salem, Massachusetts
Contrary to popular belief, this abode did not pilfer its nomenclature from the renowned novel; rather, it served as the muse for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 masterpiece, “The House of the Seven Gables.” Nestled in Salem, infamous for its witch trials, this 17th-century dwelling boasts a beautiful yet eerie façade. The house is steeped in tales of supernatural activity and ghostly apparitions, each anecdote grounded in the personal experiences of the staff.
19. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois
Lions, tigers, and ghosts, oh my! Chicago’s cherished Lincoln Park Zoo, renowned for its array of wildlife, also harbors spectral entities beyond the realm of chimpanzees. During the 1840s to ’50s, the heart of Lincoln Park served as a cemetery, cradling approximately 35,000 souls. Although the cemetery was eventually relocated due to its proximity to the city’s water supply, not all interred remains made the journey. Tampering with burial grounds, as often depicted in horror lore, tends to beckon haunting experiences—Lincoln Park Zoo proves no exception. Famed parapsychologist Ursula Bielski labels the area, in its present state, “without a doubt the most active site I’ve investigated,” with reports of ghostly sightings dating back to its inauguration 150 years ago.
20. The Mark Twain House, Hartford, Connecticut
From 1874 to 1891, Mark Twain called this Hartford residence home, crafting literary gems such as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” within its walls. Now a museum, the historic abode immerses visitors in the life and creations of the iconic author. However, it seems the paranormal also finds a place amidst its relics, with reports of peculiar occurrences like mysterious sounds and the ubiquitous spectral woman in white. The billiard room takes center stage in spectral tales, the very space where Twain once savored cigars. Some assert they can detect the lingering aroma of smoke as they traverse through.
21. Masonic Temple, Detroit, Michigan
Dominating Detroit’s skyline with its Gothic façade and 16 floors, the Masonic Temple boasts over a thousand rooms and whispers of hidden passageways. A prominent urban myth swirls around the temple’s architect, George D. Mason, purportedly bankrupted by the construction, leading to a fatal leap from the roof. While facts supporting this tale may be elusive, it serves to explain accounts of a ghost ascending the steps to the roof—a chilling detail woven into the narrative of this imposing structure.
22. The Mizpah Hotel, Tonopah, Nevada
Inaugurated in 1907 as one of Nevada’s inaugural luxury establishments, the Mizpah Hotel, adorned with granite walls and Victorian-era opulence, underwent a complete restoration in 2011. Despite its grandeur, the hotel harbors a history as vividly crimson as its furnishings. Legend unfurls a tragic tale of a woman meeting her demise on the fifth floor, her soul forever tethered to the edifice. The ethereal “Lady in Red” purportedly communicates her presence through whispered words in men’s ears and leaves pearls, remnants of her broken necklace, on guests’ pillows.
23. Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield, Ohio
Constructed in 1896, the Ohio State Reformatory boasts a foreboding Gothic façade and an imposing six-story cell block. Beyond its cinematic acclaim as the backdrop for “The Shawshank Redemption,” the reformatory harbors a legacy of terror dating back to its operational days. Ceasing operations in 1990 due to overcrowding and inhumane conditions, the prison witnessed over 200 fatalities within its confines, including two guards. Legends weave tales of former inmates’ ghosts haunting the corridors, alongside an old guard who wields his nightstick in spectral vigilance.
24. One if by Land, Two if by Sea, New York City
In the heart of New York City, “One if by Land, Two if by Sea” encapsulates an idyllic evening with its gold chandeliers, fireside tables, and refined cuisine—plus a cast of approximately 20 ghosts. The spectral inhabitants, more mischievous than malevolent, engage in classic phantom antics: lights flicker, picture frames tilt, and plates mysteriously shift. Among the reported apparitions, a woman in black gracefully descends the staircase, and a Ziegfeld Follies girl graces the ambiance. Some even claim that the ghostly presence of Aaron Burr, the building’s erstwhile carriage house owner, lingers—though, regrettably, no reports of him belting out tunes from the “Hamilton” soundtrack have surfaced.
25. Pine Barrens, New Jersey
Enveloping over 1 million acres and stretching across seven New Jersey counties, the densely wooded Pine Barrens once thrived as an economic hub during the Colonial era, housing sawmills, paper mills, and diverse industries. The decline ensued when coal was discovered westward in Pennsylvania, leading to the abandonment of mills and surrounding villages, birthing ghost towns and, some insist, lingering supernatural entities. Foremost among these entities is the renowned Jersey Devil, purportedly born in 1735 to Deborah Leeds as her 13th child. This creature, boasting leathery wings, a goat’s head, and hooves, took flight up the Leeds’ chimney and found a home in the Barrens, where it has, according to legend, terrorized livestock and stirred unease among South Jersey residents for centuries. (Fans of “The Sopranos” may recognize these vast woodlands from the Season 3 episode bearing the same name—a source of anxiety in its own right.)
26. Pittock Mansion, Portland, Oregon
In 1909, Oregonian pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock realized their golden years’ dream with the construction of the innovative Pittock Mansion. Tragically, the couple’s enjoyment was brief, as Georgiana passed away in 1918, followed by Henry in 1919. Now a public landmark, the mansion bears witness to strange occurrences, such as the inexplicable scent of roses (Georgiana’s favored flower) permeating a flowerless room and a childhood painting of Henry mysteriously relocating within the house. Clearly, death did not serve as sufficient cause for the Pittocks to vacate their beloved abode.
27. Red Onion Saloon, Skagway, Alaska
Established in 1898 as a brothel catering to Klondike Gold Rush miners, Alaska’s Red Onion Saloon boasted a distinctive feature: dolls aiding in its operation. Each day, 10 dolls represented the working ladies upstairs, placed on the bar for customers to select. A chosen doll signaled the corresponding worker’s occupation, and upon the customer’s return downstairs, the doll resumed its seated position, indicating availability. In 2023, the Red Onion Saloon persists as a bar, restaurant, and an upstairs room museum, complete with dolls on display. Beyond the peculiar doll history, reports of Lydia—a former madam—haunting the site surface, accompanied by cold spots and lingering wafts of perfume in the corridors.
28. San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio, Texas
As the oldest church in Texas, San Fernando Cathedral showcases Gothic Revival architecture and hosts the El Mariachi Mass on Sundays. Yet, as night descends, the myth-imbued surroundings take on an eerie ambiance. In 1936, renovation efforts unearthed bones, nails, and tattered military uniforms near the altar, believed by some to belong to three soldiers from the Alamo. Since this unsettling discovery, visitors report shadowy figures, orbs in photographs, and ghostly apparitions within the church. Among these spectral inhabitants, a man dressed in black and figures in hooded, monk-like attire are said to linger.
29. Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Norwalk, Connecticut
Erected in 1868 to guide ships to Connecticut’s Sheffield Island, a brief ferry ride from South Norwalk, this 10-room Victorian-style lighthouse harbors a somewhat tumultuous history. In 1972, the lighthouse’s original keeper met an abrupt end while observing passing ships through a spyglass; the circumstances surrounding his demise remain shrouded in mystery. Then, in 1991, an archaeologist engaged in historic site preservation documented an array of enigmatic occurrences, from mystical melodies resonating from the shores to distant calls for assistance and the eerie echo of a phantom foghorn—despite the absence of such an apparatus on the island. Many attribute these sounds to the spectral presence of Captain Robert Sheffield, the islands’ original purchaser in the early 1800s, known for his affinity for peculiar musical instruments.
30. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
Since its inauguration in 1909, the Stanley Hotel, with its stately Georgian architecture and renowned whiskey bar, has beckoned travelers to Estes Park. Yet, its renown soared to new heights after inspiring Stephen King’s Overlook Hotel from “The Shining.” Beyond this eerie association, numerous ghost sightings and the ethereal strains of mysterious piano music are intertwined with the hotel’s history. Cleverly embracing its spectral reputation, the Stanley Hotel offers nightly ghost tours and psychic consultations facilitated by the in-house Madame Vera.
31. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston, West Virginia
In 1864, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum opened its doors to patients, reaching its zenith in the 1950s with a population exceeding 2,400—far surpassing its intended capacity of 250. Severe overcrowding led to inhumane conditions, including a lack of heat and the confinement of convalescent individuals in cages. Patient behavior escalated into violence, with incidents ranging from setting fires to staff assaults. The asylum shuttered in 1994, yet tales persist of lingering souls, echoing the harrowing legacy of this West Virginia institution.
32. Whaley House, San Diego, California
Constructed in 1857 by Thomas Whaley on the site of San Diego’s inaugural public gallows, Whaley House holds a haunting tale. Shortly after Whaley’s occupancy, he reported the resonant footsteps of “Yankee” Jim Robinson, a drifter and thief hanged on the premises four years prior to the house’s completion. Tragic deaths and suicides within the family marked its history, with purported hauntings continuing, accompanied by the lingering scent of cigar smoke and heavy perfume.
33. The Bowery Hotel, New York City
Nestled in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, The Bowery Hotel exudes the opulence of New York’s Gilded Age, adorned with charming yet occasionally eerie oil paintings. Checking in might unveil an otherworldly presence attributed to the purported poltergeists who claim The Bowery Hotel as their abode. Some assert that every night at one in the morning, the elevators go awry, an occurrence ascribed to these spectral entities.
Source: Haunted Places in America