If you’re looking for some thrills this Halloween season (or any other time of the year), why not take a trip to one of the most haunted places in America? From abandoned mental asylums to mysterious hotels and buildings, these 16 spooky destinations are sure to give you a fright!
1. Bodie, California
Bodie, California, is a State Historic Park known for its eerie supernatural activity, including ghost sightings and unexplained music playing from shuttered bars.
It was once a booming gold town in the 1870s and 80s with a population of 10,000 but now shows signs of “arrested decay.” There is also a legend that visitors taking anything from Bodie will be cursed with bad luck and health problems.
2. Masonic Temple, Detroit
The Detroit Masonic Temple is known for being one of the largest Masonic Temples in the world. Still, few know that the ghost of George D. Mason, its architect haunts it, and.
With its Gothic facade and 1000 rooms, the temple has hidden passages, secret staircases, and a dark history of bankruptcy that led to Mason’s alleged self-inflicted death on its rooftop.
3. St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida
St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida is known for being haunted by the ghost of its lighthouse keeper and three young girls who died there. It was built to guide ships, but now it is one of the most dangerous haunted places in America, with reports of ghostly crying from children at night.
4. San Fernando Cathedral, Texas
The San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio is considered a haunted place in America. It’s believed that the remains of three Alamo soldiers were excavated in the form of nails, bones, and shredded uniforms during renovations in 1936. It has led to reports of ghostly activity, making it a famous destination for those seeking a spooky experience.
5. Poinsett Bridge, South Carolina
The Poinsett Bridge in Greenville, South Carolina, is a famous haunted place in the USA. It’s an old bridge and is known for being haunted by the ghosts of two people who died in a car accident and a mason who died during its construction. His body is believed to be interred within the bridge, making it a frightening place to visit.
6. Dock Street Theatre, South Carolina
The Dock Street Theatre in Charleston is one of America’s most haunted places. It has a rich history, originally built as a theater before being converted into a hotel and then back into a theater in the late 1930s.
Legend has it that a call girl named Nettie Dickerson died from a lightning strike on the hotel’s second-floor balcony and is often seen wearing a red gown.
7. The Moon River Brewery, Georgia
The Moon River Brewery in Savannah, Georgia, is among the oldest famous buildings in the city and was once a hotel.
It is listed as one the most haunted places in the USA by the American Institute of Paranormal Psychology, with reports of beer bottles flying, people being pushed and tripped by unseen entities, and a woman being pushed from the third-floor staircase.
8. Mizpah Hotel, Nevada
The Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah, Nevada, is considered a haunted place in America. A female guest who died on the hotel’s fifth floor is rumored to haunt the hotel still. People have reported hearing her whispering and finding broken necklace pearls on their pillows.
9. Myrtles Plantation, Louisiana
Myrtles Plantation, Louisiana: It is said to be haunted by the spirits of formerly enslaved people and the enslaver’s family members murdered on the property. Reports of ghost sightings and strange occurrences have made this plantation one of the most famous haunted places in America.
10. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia: This former prison has a dark history of notorious housing criminals and performing inhumane practices on its inmates. Visitors have reported ghostly sightings, unexplained noises, and feelings of unease, making it one of the most haunted places in America.
11. Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania: This historic battlefield is said to be haunted by the spirits of fallen battle casualties and fallen soldiers. Visitors have reported hearing ghostly sounds, seeing apparitions, and feeling overwhelming sadness. It’s one of the more commonly known haunted places in America.
12. Calcasieu Courthouse, Louisiana
Calcasieu Courthouse, Louisiana: This courthouse is believed to be haunted by the spirits of former employees and prisoners who died on the property. Visitors have reported feeling a presence, hearing strange noises, and encountering ghostly apparitions.
13. RMS Queen Mary, California
RMS Queen Mary, California: This former ocean liner has a history of tragedies and ghost sightings. Visitors have reported hearing ghostly voices, seeing apparitions, and experiencing strange occurrences on the ship.
14. Hotel Monte Vista, Arizona
Hotel Monte Vista, Arizona: This historic hotel is reportedly haunted by the spirits of former guests who died on the property. Visitors recount strange noises, ghostly sightings, and an eerie presence.
15. Villisca Axe Murder House, Iowa
This house was the site of a gruesome murder in 1912 and is known to be haunted by the spirits of the murdered family and their guests. Visitors have reported hearing strange noises, seeing ghostly apparitions, and feeling a sense of unease.
16. The Elms Hotel & Spa, Missouri
Given the long history of The Elms Hotel & Spa since its opening in 1888, it’s not surprising that the property has earned a reputation as one of Missouri’s most haunted places, serving as the perfect spooky destination for thrill-loving travelers. However, what most people don’t know is the backstory of how it became haunted in the first place.
The Elms was struck by two tragic fires in both 1898 and 1910, and even though no fatalities were reported, rumors have circulated that a spirit currently living in the Elms was involved in one of the fires.
The stories of the spirits at The Elms vary–from the spirit of a woman running around looking for her child, to the housekeeping staff’s spiritual advisor (in the form of a ghost) wearing a 1920s-style uniform. The Elms’ lap pool is also said to be the home of the spirit of a gambler. The Elms’ spirits are widely recognized, especially after the hotel was featured in an episode of SyFy’s Ghost Hunters.
More From Savoteur
If you’re looking to add some thrills to your upcoming road trip, these harrowing drives across America will get your adrenaline pumping, make your heart race, and bring on a case of white knuckles. From haunted roads to sky-high highways and byways carved right into the side of mountains, here are 15 of the Scariest Drives in America to inspire your next trip.
15 of the Scariest Drives in America
13 Most Haunted Places To Visit in America for Spooktacular Times
America is filled with historical landmarks plagued by battle and death, causing many to believe that they are haunted. If you love a good ghost tour or want to press your luck with the spirits beyond, this is the list for you.
13 Most Haunted Places To Visit in America for Spooktacular Times
Worst US Cities to Avoid At All Costs
In the United States, you can find awe-inspiring natural wonders alongside cities grappling with poverty, homelessness, and rising crime rates. While there are numerous safe towns and cities in the country, an online discussion about the worst cities to live in America revealed some destinations that certain social media users recommend avoiding.
Worst US Cities to Avoid At All Costs
10 Worst and Rudest Countries To Visit According to World Travelers
Globe-trotting is an intriguing experience — no wonder world travelers always look for exhilarating places to explore. But what happens when you find yourself in a country that greets you with rudeness? Here, we’ve gathered responses from travel enthusiasts online and compiled a list of the ten worst and rudest countries to visit.
10 Worst and Rudest Countries To Visit According to World Travelers
10 Things That Are a Massive Waste of Money
Waste money? Couldn’t be me! OK, it could be me. Alright, it has been me. Guilty as charged. While everyone could rationalize just about any purchase, those who take cold, hard stock of their online banking activity or Amazon purchase history will know waste when they see it.
10 Things That Are a Massive Waste of Money
