Think You’re Brave? 20 Most Haunted Places in America

Have you ever heard a bump in the night and wondered if ghosts are real? Let’s explore some of America’s most haunted places where stories of spooky spirits and eerie events are common.

If you love a good chill down your spine, keep reading to discover where you might encounter a real-life ghost story!

Moon River Brewing Company
Photos by Moon River Brewing Company

1. Moon River Brewing Company, GA

Savannah is known as a hub for ghost stories. If you’re intrigued by paranormal tales, the Moon River Brewing Company will capture your interest. This historic building, once the City Hotel back in 1821, is now a bustling spot for both brews and ghosts.

Locals and visitors alike share accounts of otherworldly encounters. Fancy a cold beer with a side of chills? At Moon River, you might just sense the presence of the establishment’s famed specter, Toby, who’s said to roam the basement.

2. RMS Queen Mary, CA

Have you ever heard of the RMS Queen Mary? Docked in Long Beach, California, this massive ship is more than just a hotel; it’s a legendary haunt with a past as rich as its Art Deco halls. Your heart might skip a beat as you learn about the 150 spirits rumored to roam its decks.

Some guests report eerie sounds and ghostly encounters, particularly around the ship’s old pool and staterooms.

Curious? You might even score a peek at the ship’s most notorious apparitions on a haunted tour, which details the many ghost stories associated with the historic cruiser.

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3. Pine Barrens, NJ

The Pine Barrens in New Jersey is not your average forest. Stretching over 1.1 million acres, it’s a haven for nature lovers by day. But by night, it may just give you the chills!

In fact, it’s often mentioned as one of the most haunted places in America. At the heart of these spine-tingling tales is the legendary Jersey Devil, a creature that many claim to have seen lurking among the trees.

Beyond mythical beasts, the pines hide crumbling ruins of old settlements, each with its own ghost story.

st augustine lighthouse
St. Augustine Lighthouse

4. St. Augustine Lighthouse, FL

Have you ever explored the mystery of the St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida? This beacon has been guiding ships since the 1800s and hiding secrets for just as long! Legends swirl around old light keepers and strange occurrences.

If you’re up for it, visit and feel the chill of history. The tales are many, and the sights are breathtaking. Who knows, you might just meet a resident ghost of centuries past!

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5. The Myrtles Plantation, LA

Have you ever heard about the Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana? It’s not just a landmark but also one of the most haunted places in America. Picture a grand home with a history that dates back to 1796—impressive, right?

Legends claim that the Myrtles Plantation stands over an ancient burial ground, adding to its spooky ambiance. Visitors are captivated by the tales of spirits, such as the ghost of a woman named Chloe

6. Wabasha Street Caves, MN

If you’re into spine-tingling stories and history, the Wabasha Street Caves in St. Paul, Minnesota, won’t disappoint. Carved into sandstone and once a Prohibition-era haven for gangsters, these caves have seen more than their fair share of history.

You can sense the past as you explore where legendary figures like John Dillinger might have strategized their next move. Now deemed one of the most haunted places in St. Paul, visitors often share stories of eerie encounters.

bodie california
Bodie, California

7. Bodie, CA

Bodie, California, will send shivers down your spine with its ghost-town vibe. Once a bustling gold-mining town, now it’s your go-to spot for a chill of the paranormal kind. Care to stroll through the old Wild West?

In this eerily deserted locality, you can explore the abandoned homes where miners once lived. Legends say that snatching souvenirs can bring misfortune. So while you revel in the spooky ambiance, let’s keep those hands in pockets, shall we?

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8. Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, CA

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary has a reputation rich with history and mystery. Once home to some of the most notorious criminals, it’s no surprise you might sense an eerie chill wander through those crumbling cellblocks.

Legends say this penitentiary is one of America’s most haunted locations. The very walls of Alcatraz seem to hold the stories of its past. Exploring the hallways, you might hear about the ghost of Cell 14D, where it’s said an inmate once perished under mysterious circumstances.

Visitors report strange occurrences and eerie feelings, especially around areas like D-Block, the former solitary confinement wing.

9. Bonaventure Cemetery, GA

Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia is famous for its historical significance and haunting beauty. The Spanish moss, ancient tombstones, and eerie statues give it an enchanting yet mysterious vibe.

Legends abound at Bonaventure, with countless tales of ghostly sightings and otherworldly occurrences. It’s a place where history feels alive, as every path you walk whispers stories of the past.

The famous “Bird Girl” statue became iconic after the book and film “Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil”. It’s a rendezvous point for enthusiasts passionate about Savannah’s charm and its mysterious aura.

Bonaventure Cemetery GA
Bonaventure Cemetery GA

10. Eastern State Penitentiary, PA

Have you heard about the Eastern State Penitentiary? This place in Pennsylvania is famous for giving people chills! It’s a former prison that’s now known for its spine-tingling atmosphere. Built back in 1829, the huge stone walls have seen a lot throughout the years.

This penitentiary is said to be home to some spooky sightings. Your heart might race a bit faster as you walk the corridors where many inmates once did. If you love a good shiver down your spine, this is a must-visit spot.

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11. Gettysburg Battlefield, PA

At Gettysburg Battlefield, you’re stepping onto a land echoing the past. This historic area saw one of the Civil War’s most unforgettable battles. Now, some say those soldiers still march there. Could you spot a ghostly figure in the fields?

The Jennie Wade House has a reputation for being particularly haunted. Jennie never lived there, but the bullets found their way. It’s an eerie thought, the quiet house still holding stories of those days. But that’s just the start.

Take a stroll across Sach’s Covered Bridge too. It dates back to 1852 and whispers tales of Civil War escapades and tragedies. A visit here offers you a chilling encounter with the air of bygone battles.

12. Moundsville Penitentiary, WV

If you’re into spooky histories and eerie places, the Moundsville Penitentiary in West Virginia is a must-see. Built in 1876, this Gothic prison was home to thousands of inmates over its 119-year history. Some say the spirits of past residents linger, giving it a reputation as one of the most haunted places in America.

Wander through its cold hallways and you might feel a chill that’s not just from the draft. With guided tours available, your visit to this historic jail will be charged with excitement.

Moundsville Penitentiary WV
Moundsville Penitentiary WV

13. Villisca Axe Murder House, IA

The Villisca Axe Murder House holds its place in history as one of the spookiest spots in America. Can you believe it’s been over a century since the small town of Villisca, Iowa was rocked by a chilling event?

In 1912, eight people, six of them kids, were found after a night of dreadful silence, meeting their fate as they slept. Today, the mystery of who did it hasn’t been solved. Visitors often report a heavy atmosphere and strange vibes that make their hairs stand on end.

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14. The Stanley Hotel, CO

In the heart of Colorado, the Stanley Hotel stands majestic with stories echoing through its halls. Renowned for its spectral residents, the Stanley could have easily crumbled into history if not for Stephen King’s fateful stay in Room 217.

The room has since become a beacon for thrill-seekers and the curious alike. If walls could talk, you might be intrigued by tales from the famous Room 407 or whispers of bygone eras on the fourth floor.

15. Salem, MA

Salem, Massachusetts, is famous for its haunting history, and you can feel the chill in the air as you explore. Remember the Witch Trials of 1692? The town keeps the memory alive, and some locals might tell you the spirits do too.

Walk by the Hawthorne Hotel, known for its ghostly guests, and sense the eerie atmosphere that surrounds the place since opening in 1925.

At the Old Burying Point Cemetery, you’re stepping on grounds that date back centuries. It’s one of the oldest graveyards in the United States and a hotspot for those who love a good, spine-tingling story.

Salem Massachusetts
Salem Massachusetts

16. Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery, IL

Once a lively settlement, Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery is now a desolate spot with a chilling reputation. Picture walking past weathered tombstones, where over 100 ghost sightings have sparked curiosity.

Settled back in the early 1800s, this cemetery holds onto the past with compelling tales of unexplained phenomena. The mystery deepens as heart-stopping stories tell of floating orbs and vanishing houses!

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17. The Whaley House, CA

If you’re on a quest for chills, The Whaley House should be on your radar! In the heart of San Diego, this historic home is famous for its ghostly occurrences. Renowned as one of America’s most haunted houses, you’re in for a spine-tingling adventure.

Brave visitors like you report eerie sensations and sightings. Curious about the supernatural? The Whaley House may give you firsthand encounters with the past. It’s a thrilling peek into the otherworldly, and it’s right here waiting for you.

Want more than just a peek? The Whaley House opens its doors for tours where you get the chance to meet the legends face-to-face.

18. Lizzie Borden House, MA

The Lizzie Borden House in Massachusetts is not your average historic home. You’ve probably heard the chilling rhyme about the infamous 1892 axe murders. This eerie place is where Lizzie Borden lived when her parents were found, leading to a mystery that’s stayed unsolved.

Now, if you have a knack for the supernatural, this house is a hub for ghost stories. The walls of this abode are steeped in history and mystery. Visitors often report strange encounters and a spooky ambiance that can make your hair stand on its edge.

Cahawba Alabama
Photo by toml1959

19. Cahawba, Al

In the heart of Alabama, where mysteries linger and tales unfold, you discover Cahawba. Once the state’s vibrant capital, it now beckons as a ghost town. Imagine strolling the same streets that settlers did, but with a hint of the paranormal in the air.

This is no ordinary place; Old Cahawba serves as a museum of memories, standing still in time. Fancy a spooky adventure? The park’s haunted history tours are just the thing.

Pause and ponder the silent cemeteries, symbols of years gone by. As the sun sets, the shadows grow long, and you might feel a shiver down your spine—Cahawba truly is Alabama’s ultimate haunt.

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20. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, WV

If you’re looking for a place with a story to tell, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum should definitely be on your list. This historic site in Weston, West Virginia, has captured the curiosity of many with its striking architecture and reports of otherworldly encounters.

Built in the mid-1800s, this grand structure originally served as a sanctuary for those with mental illness. Over time, conditions worsened, and the asylum faced overcrowding and underfunding, which are usually ingredients for chilling tales.

Renowned for its spooky atmosphere, the asylum is now a must-visit for those who are fascinated by the paranormal.