There are several haunted places in the US that can give you the chill you see in the movies. Some are permanently closed, while some welcome guests with open arms.
If you are fond of exploring haunted places or the opposite, and want to avoid them badly, we’ve got you covered.
After reviewing ghost tour websites and stories about haunted places in the US, we’ve collated this list for you. Keep reading to learn about their backstories and paranormal activities.
Bodie, California
This isn’t just a haunted place; it’s a whole ghost town. Bodie was a booming gold rush town in the mid-1800s, but after the gold dried up, everyone left. Now, it’s a collection of abandoned buildings preserved in a state of “arrested decay.” People report feeling a strange presence, seeing apparitions, and even hearing whispers. Some say the spirits of miners and townsfolk still linger.
Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia
This famous cemetery is known for its dramatic statues and Gothic architecture. It’s also a popular spot for ghost tours. People tell stories of seeing figures wandering the tombstones, hearing noises, and feeling chilly. Some legends focus on specific people buried there, like Gracie Watson, a young girl who supposedly haunts the cemetery gates.
Cahawba, Alabama
Once a thriving riverport town, Cahawba is now a collection of ruins. It’s said to be haunted by the spirits of the people in the 1800s. People report strange lights, disembodied voices, and feelings of being watched. Some ghost hunters believe the site holds the energy of a very tragic past.
Calcasieu Courthouse, Lake Charles, Louisiana
This historic courthouse is rumored to be haunted by multiple ghosts. There are stories of a judge who lingers in his courtroom, a young girl who died on the staircase, and even a Civil War soldier. People report seeing apparitions, hearing footsteps, and feeling unexplained chills. The courthouse is a popular destination for ghost hunters looking for paranormal activity.
Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
This grand hotel has a long history and has been featured on many paranormal TV shows. Many have given it the title of America’s most haunted hotel. Guests and staff have reported various strange experiences. This includes flickering lights, disembodied voices, and objects moving independently. Some legends say the hotel is haunted by former guests, employees, and a spirit connected to the natural spring flowing beneath the building.
Dock Street Theatre, Charleston, South Carolina
This beautiful theater is known for its history and its resident ghosts. Built in the early 1800s, the Dock Street Theatre was originally a hotel. Some say the ghost of a woman named Nettie, who frequented the hotel, roams the halls in a red dress. Others believe the spirit of famous actor Junius Booth haunts the stage. People report feelings of being watched, strange sounds, and even fleeting apparitions.
The Driskill, Austin, Texas
This grand hotel in downtown Austin is known for its luxurious architecture and its spooky reputation. Guests and staff have reported encounters with various spirits, including a young girl. She is seen on the second floor as a mischievous prankster ghost. Some have even seen the former owner, who apparently walks the halls. People describe uneasiness, hearing noises like footsteps or music, and objects mysteriously moved or misplaced.
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This imposing abandoned prison is a chilling place to visit. It was notorious for its harsh solitary confinement methods. The prison is non-functional and is now used for tourist purposes. Visitors report feeling strange energy, even nausea, while walking the cell blocks. Ghost stories include shadowy figures, disembodied voices, and apparitions of former inmates.
Emily’s Bridge, Stowe, Vermont
This covered bridge has a tragic legend behind its haunting. Local folklore tells the story of Emily, a young woman who jumped from the bridge after her love interest died. People report seeing a shadowy figure in white mist near the bridge, especially at night. Some claim to hear sobbing or whispers, and some even feel a sudden coldness when they’re nearby.
Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania
This historic site of the American Civil War is considered one of the most haunted places in the USA. Thousands of soldiers died here during the three-day battle in 1863. Visitors report experiencing various paranormal activities across different spots. Common stories include seeing apparitions of soldiers in both Union and Confederate uniforms. Some also hear the sounds of battle-like gunfire and screams and feel a heavy or oppressive atmosphere.
Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff, Arizona
This historic hotel in the mountains of Arizona is known for its elegance and supposed hauntings. Guests and staff both have reported various unexplained experiences. Some legends say the hotel is haunted by the spirit of a traveling salesman who often stayed there. Apparently, he was killed by a lady in Victorian clothing who roams the halls.
Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, Fall River, Massachusetts
This infamous house is where Lizzie Borden allegedly murdered her parents with an axe in 1892. Surprisingly, it is now a popular, though creepy, bed and breakfast. Guests have reported unexplained sounds like footsteps or doors slamming and feelings of being watched. Some even mentioned seeing apparitions. Ghost tours claim guests have felt a cold touch or a strange presence, but that didn’t affect the popularity of this B&B.
The Mark Twain House, Hartford, Connecticut
This mansion was the home of the famous American writer Mark Twain for 17 years. Some believe the house is haunted by its butler, George Griffin. Visitors reported experiencing disembodied laughter, flickering lights, and the feeling of someone’s presence. The Mark Twain House offers ghost tours for those seeking a spooky experience.
Masonic Temple, Detroit, Michigan
This grand and ornate building served as a meeting place for Freemasons. The temple is rumored to be haunted by multiple spirits. Visitors have reported strange sounds, feelings of being watched, and even apparitions. Due to safety concerns, exploring the building is not recommended. However, you can join ghost tours to discuss its haunted history.
Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield, Ohio
This imposing abandoned prison is known for its dark history and paranormal activity. Visitors on tours report feeling a cold and oppressive atmosphere. Ghost stories include shadow figures, disembodied voices, and even getting attacked by former inmates. The reformatory has been featured on many paranormal TV shows due to its typical reformatory setup.