The United States is a vast land of incredible history, cultural diversity, and iconic landmarks—but beneath its polished surface lies a chilling undercurrent of ghostly tales, haunted houses, and paranormal hotspots. From historic battlefields to haunted hotels and ghost towns, every corner of the U.S. has its share of supernatural stories waiting to be uncovered.
In this blog, we explore the top 10 most haunted places in the USA, each steeped in spine-tingling legends and eerie encounters that have terrified visitors for generations.
1. Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania — America’s Haunted Prison
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Built: 1829
This former prison is infamous not just for its brutal treatment of inmates but also for the spirits that reportedly remain.
Haunted History:
Known for solitary confinement and harsh punishments, Eastern State Penitentiary housed notorious criminals like Al Capone. After its closure, ghost sightings and unexplained events skyrocketed.
Paranormal Activity:
- Shadowy figures moving between cells
- Mysterious whispers and screams
- Cold spots and disembodied laughter
Today, the prison hosts guided haunted tours, especially during Halloween.
2. The Stanley Hotel, Colorado — Inspiration for The Shining
Location: Estes Park, Colorado
Built: 1909
This grand hotel inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, and for good reason—guests and staff have reported ghost sightings for decades.
Famous Spirits:
- Room 217: Allegedly haunted by a former housekeeper who was injured during a gas explosion
- The piano plays by itself
- Luggage unpacked mysteriously overnight
The Stanley Hotel embraces its haunted reputation with ghost tours and themed events.
3. The Winchester Mystery House, California — A Mansion of Madness
Location: San Jose, California
Constructed By: Sarah Winchester
This bizarre 160-room mansion was built continuously for 38 years, based on Sarah Winchester’s belief that she was haunted by spirits killed by Winchester rifles.
Haunted Features:
- Staircases that lead to nowhere
- Doors that open to brick walls
- Sounds of footsteps in empty hallways
Visitors often report cold chills, shadowy figures, and the feeling of being watched.
4. The Myrtles Plantation, Louisiana — Ghosts of the Old South
Location: St. Francisville, Louisiana
Built: 1796
One of the most haunted houses in America, the Myrtles Plantation claims to be home to over 12 different ghosts.
The Story of Chloe:
A former enslaved woman named Chloe is said to haunt the property after being hanged by other slaves for poisoning the master’s family.
Hauntings Include:
- Chloe’s ghost seen wearing a green turban
- Children’s voices and laughter
- Furniture moving on its own
The plantation is now a bed-and-breakfast that offers ghost tours.
5. Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania — Echoes of War
Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Historical Significance: Site of the Civil War’s bloodiest battle (1863)
With over 50,000 soldiers killed or wounded, Gettysburg is considered one of the most haunted locations in the U.S.
Ghostly Reports:
- Apparitions of Civil War soldiers
- Drums beating in the distance
- Phantom cannons firing
- Shadow figures captured in photographs
Many believe the spirits of soldiers still fight their battles on this cursed ground.
6. Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Kentucky — Death in the Air
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Opened: 1910
Originally a tuberculosis hospital, Waverly Hills saw over 6,000 deaths, with some patients reportedly thrown into a “body chute.”
Common Hauntings:
- “The Creeper,” a dark entity crawling on walls
- Ghost of a nurse who hanged herself
- Screams from empty rooms
- Orbs and shadows on camera
Ghost tours and overnight stays are available for the bravest souls.
7. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, West Virginia — Madness Lingers
Location: Weston, West Virginia
Operational Years: 1864–1994
Built to house 250 patients but often overcrowded with 2,400, this asylum became infamous for harsh conditions and lobotomies.
Eerie Sightings:
- Apparitions of former patients
- Screams echoing through halls
- Doors slamming shut on their own
- Cold spots and flickering lights
It’s now open for historic and ghost tours.
8. The Queen Mary, California — Ghost Ship of Long Beach
Location: Long Beach, California
Built: 1936
Once a luxury liner and World War II troop ship, the Queen Mary now rests in California as a floating hotel—and it’s reportedly haunted from bow to stern.
Most Active Spots:
- Room B340: Guests report violent shaking and ghostly voices
- The engine room, where a young man was crushed
- The swimming pool, haunted by a little girl
Many paranormal investigators consider it one of the most active haunted sites in America.
9. Bodie Ghost Town, California — Cursed and Abandoned
Location: Mono County, California
Type: Former gold rush town
Bodie is a preserved ghost town where time stands still—and where spirits allegedly roam free.
Supernatural Events:
- Unexplained music and children’s laughter
- Apparitions in old windows
- “Bodie Curse”: Visitors who steal artifacts reportedly suffer misfortune until the item is returned
The town is now a state park but retains an eerie, deserted feel.
10. St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida — Ghosts on the Watch
Location: St. Augustine, Florida
Built: 1874
This lighthouse offers a view of the Atlantic—and possibly a glimpse of the afterlife.
Haunting Highlights:
- Spirits of two girls who drowned during construction
- A former lighthouse keeper seen on the stairs
- Footsteps echoing in the tower
- Doors slamming and sudden temperature drops
The lighthouse staff offers special night tours for those brave enough.
Final Thoughts: Ghost Hunting Across the USA
From haunted hotels and forgotten battlefields to cursed towns and asylums, America’s haunted locations are a thrilling mix of history, mystery, and paranormal terror. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, visiting these haunted places in the USA will leave you with unforgettable chills—and maybe even a ghost story of your own.
So pack your flashlight, steel your nerves, and set off on a journey into the shadows of American history. Just remember: some spirits don’t rest easy.