most haunted places in America

7 Of The Most Haunted Places In America

As if we didn’t have enough to be scared about – climate change! Double tapping an exes post on Instagram! – we love to freak ourselves out that bit more. It’s officially spooky season, so that means people are on the hunt for the most haunted places in America.

From famous haunted houses to ghost sightings in old jails, these places will make you shiver. Whether you believe in this stuff or not, we don’t suggest you visit any of these scary places alone…

The most haunted places in AmericaHow do these rankings work?

1. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – Weston, West Virginia

This West Virginia facility served as a sanctuary for the mentally ill in the mid-1800’s. Step back in time and see how the mentally insane lived, and died, within these walls.

Thousands have been committed to the asylum over the years, and hundreds unfortunately died here. Decide for yourself if they’re still occupying the historic wards and treatment rooms… All we’ll say is it’s one of the most haunted places in America for a reason.

most haunted places in America

2. Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The cells have long been empty at Eastern State Penitentiary, but many believe the spirits of former inmates remain behind the looming walls of the former prison.  Take a tour any day of the week to experience the history of one of the country’s oldest and most brutal former prisons. Today it’s considered to be one of the most haunted places on earth.

most haunted places in America
Image: M. Edlow

3. Woodburn Mansion – Dover, Delaware

The most haunted houses in Delaware is the ever-famous Woodburn Mansion, which dates all the way back to 1790. From one chilling incident to the next, there are more than a few reasons why there are so many ghosts haunting this house.

The first ghost began haunting Woodburn back in the early 1800s. A slave raider tried to enter the home and was chased away by the owner. He eventually slipped as he was trying to climb away on a tree and fell to his death, hanging himself in a knot. You can still hear his screams. The dining room, however, is also haunted, and people have reportedly seen the ghost of a little girl wandering the premises.

most haunted places in America

4. The Whaley House – San Diego, California

The Whaley House is one of the most haunted homes in California, in part due to its tragic history. The family’s daughter, Violet, committed suicide here, and there were numerous reported hangings on the property for years before it was even a home.

Now, visitors hear heavy footsteps and see floating apparitions. A few people have also even said they see Thomas Whaley himself at the top of the stairs. Spooky, right? If you’re up in San Jose, we recommend also checking out the mystifying Winchester House.

5. LaLaurie Mansion – New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is widely regarded as one of the most haunted cities in America. So, when it comes to the most haunted house in Louisiana, you bet it’s in the Big Easy. LaLaurie Mansion was home to Madame Delphine LaLaurie, who later became known as the Cruel Mistress of the Haunted House.

Her first two husbands died of strange causes and during her third marriage, the mansion was set ablaze. The cause? A slave reportedly started the fire after being chained up in the kitchen, just to make people aware of what was going on. Two centuries of poltergeist activity have followed.

6. Moon River Brewing Company, Savannah, Georgia

Fun (but scary fact): Savannah is widely known as the most haunted city in America. This beer hall is a former Yellow Fever hospital where the tragic patients still linger on.  Many guests have spotted a lady wearing white at the top of the restaurant’s staircase. Ghosts have also been known to throw bottles, breeze by patrons and play tricks on staff members.

You have nothing to worry about as long as they stay away from the basement and upstairs, which are the two most active paranormal spots in the joint.

 

7. The Amityville House – Long Island, New York

What’s the most haunted house in America? It’s up for debate. Now, what’s the most well-known haunted house in America? The Amityville House in Long Island, which was made famous by the movie of the same name. In the 70s, a ghost reportedly convinced a man to shoot six of his family members. The same demonic spirit came back when the next family moved in.

Sarah Clayton-Lea

Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Before her career in digital media, where she previously held roles such as Editor of Food&Wine Ireland, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry in Dublin and New York.

Contact [email protected]

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