1. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel is an iconic landmark, not just for its grand architecture but also for its supernatural reputation. Built in 1909, it became infamous as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. Locals claim that the hotel’s grand ballroom echoes with the sounds of ghostly piano music, even when no one is playing. Staff and guests alike have reported hearing footsteps in empty halls and encountering the spirits of former guests.
In particular, the spirit of F.O. Stanley, the hotel’s founder, is said to be active, with some claiming to have seen his apparition in the lobby. Others have experienced strange cold spots or the sensation of being watched. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, this historic hotel certainly offers more than just a glimpse of its storied past. For some, the chilling experiences add to the hotel’s allure.
2. The Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana
Often referred to as one of America’s most haunted homes, the Myrtles Plantation boasts a history rich with tragedy. Built in 1796, it is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former slave named Chloe, who was allegedly involved in a poisoning incident. Visitors report seeing her apparition, often near the stairs, and sometimes hearing whispers.
Some claim that the entire house is haunted, with eerie happenings like portraits changing and objects moving on their own. The plantation is also known for the “ghost children” who are said to play around the property. Whether these spirits are the result of the plantation’s troubled history or something more is up for debate, but locals swear by the strange occurrences.
3. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Eastern State Penitentiary, built in 1829, was one of the most famous prisons of its time. Its gothic architecture and solitary confinement system made it notorious. Today, it’s known for being a hotspot for ghost hunters, with reports of eerie sounds like chains dragging, doors slamming, and disembodied voices echoing through its vast halls.
Some believe the souls of former inmates still roam the premises, trapped in the eerie silence of the old prison. One of the most chilling spots is Cell Block 12, where visitors often feel a sudden drop in temperature. The once bleak cells and broken windows create the perfect backdrop for these ghostly sightings, making it a must-see for those intrigued by the paranormal.
4. The Bell Witch Cave, Adams, Tennessee
The Bell Witch Cave is another legendary site with deep historical roots and eerie lore. In the early 1800s, the Bell family was tormented by a spirit known as the Bell Witch. According to local legend, the spirit was responsible for physical attacks on family members, particularly John Bell, who allegedly died due to the witch’s curse.
Today, the cave is a popular spot for ghost hunters and curious visitors. Many report hearing disembodied voices and even seeing strange lights around the cave’s entrance. Locals still believe the witch’s spirit lingers in the area, adding an unsettling air to the otherwise scenic surroundings.
5. The Lemp Mansion, St. Louis, Missouri
The Lemp Mansion is infamous for its history of tragedy and untimely deaths, with many locals convinced it is haunted. The Lemp family was once wealthy and influential in the brewing industry, but they were plagued by a series of suicides and mysterious deaths. The most notable is the death of William Lemp Jr., who allegedly shot himself in the mansion.
Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences, such as flickering lights and disembodied voices. Some have even claimed to see shadows and fleeting figures in the windows. Whether it’s the weight of the Lemp family’s tragic history or something more paranormal, many believe this mansion still holds its haunted secrets.
6. The Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, California
The Winchester Mystery House is a massive, quirky mansion with an architecture that is as baffling as its haunting history. Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the inventor of the rifle, the mansion was under constant construction for 38 years. Local legend says that Sarah built the house to appease the spirits of those killed by her husband’s invention.
Today, visitors claim to experience the sounds of footsteps in empty hallways and the feeling of being watched. The mansion’s maze-like design, with doors that open into walls and staircases that lead nowhere, only adds to its eerie atmosphere. It’s no wonder that locals and tourists alike have come to believe that the spirits Sarah Winchester feared still roam the halls of the mansion.
7. The Old Charleston Jail, Charleston, South Carolina
The Old Charleston Jail is a well-known site for those seeking a glimpse of the supernatural. Built in 1802, it housed some of the state’s most infamous criminals before it closed in 1939. Some of the most famous ghosts said to haunt the jail are the spirits of these notorious criminals, with the ghost of Lavinia Fisher, one of the first female serial killers in America, reportedly making appearances.
Visitors have reported seeing shadows move within the jail’s dark hallways and hearing the rattling of chains. Others claim to have felt an overwhelming sense of dread while touring the facility. Despite its closure decades ago, the eerie energy of the Old Charleston Jail remains, making it a chilling landmark that locals believe is far from empty.