The United States is home to many haunted locations that have fascinated thrill-seekers and ghost hunters for years. From abandoned asylums to haunted hotels, these locations carry stories that send chills down the spine.
If you’re interested in the paranormal, here are the top seven most haunted locations in the USA that you shouldn’t miss.
1. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel is famous for inspiring Stephen King’s novel The Shining. Located in Estes Park, Colorado, this grand hotel has a chilling history of ghostly encounters.
Guests often report hearing piano music from the empty ballroom or seeing the ghost of a former housekeeper, Mrs. Wilson, who is said to still tidy up rooms on the fourth floor. The hotel’s eerie ambiance is enough to make any visitor’s hair stand on end.
2. Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Eastern State Penitentiary, once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, is now one of the most haunted places in America.
The prison’s dark history, marked by cruel punishments and long periods of solitary confinement, has left a paranormal mark. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures, hearing strange whispers, and feeling cold spots throughout the penitentiary.
The most famous ghost is said to be Al Capone, who was imprisoned here and reportedly haunted by the ghost of one of his victims.
3. The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana
The Myrtles Plantation is often referred to as one of America’s most haunted homes.
Built in 1796, this antebellum plantation has a history steeped in mystery and murder. The most famous ghost is that of Chloe, a former slave who, according to legend, poisoned the plantation owner’s family.
Chloe is often seen wandering the grounds, and her image has been captured in several photographs. The plantation is also said to be home to the spirits of other former slaves and family members, making it a hotspot for paranormal activity.
4. The Queen Mary – Long Beach, California
Once a luxury ocean liner, the Queen Mary now serves as a floating hotel in Long Beach, California, and is known for its numerous ghost sightings.
During its time at sea, the ship was the site of multiple deaths, including a sailor who was crushed by a door and children who drowned in the pool. Guests and staff have reported hearing disembodied voices, seeing ghostly apparitions, and experiencing sudden drops in temperature.
The most haunted area is said to be the engine room, where a sailor met a tragic end.
5. Waverly Hills Sanatorium – Louisville, Kentucky
Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a former tuberculosis hospital that housed thousands of patients during the early 20th century.
With a death toll in the thousands, it’s no surprise that Waverly Hills is considered one of the most haunted locations in the country. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps in empty hallways, seeing shadowy figures, and even encountering the ghost of a young girl known as “Mary.”
The “body chute,” a tunnel used to transport the deceased, is particularly notorious for its eerie atmosphere.
6. The Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California
The Winchester Mystery House is an architectural marvel with a dark past. Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the inventor of the famous rifle, the house is said to be haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles.
Sarah continuously added onto the house in a maze-like fashion to confuse these spirits. Visitors often report feeling disoriented and hearing strange noises, with many believing that Sarah’s ghost still roams the endless hallways and hidden rooms.
7. The Bell Witch Cave – Adams, Tennessee
The Bell Witch Cave is the site of one of America’s most famous hauntings. The legend of the Bell Witch dates back to the early 19th century when an unseen force on their farm tormented the Bell family.
The spirit, known as the Bell Witch, was said to have cursed the family, causing physical harm and even death. Today, visitors to the cave report hearing eerie sounds, feeling cold spots, and seeing strange lights.
The Bell Witch legend remains one of the most chilling stories in American folklore.
These seven locations are not for the faint of heart. Each one carries a rich history of paranormal activity and ghostly encounters, making them a must-visit for anyone interested in the supernatural.
Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or just someone looking for a spooky adventure, these haunted locations in the United States offer a glimpse into the unknown.
