The Most Haunted Spots In Every State for True Believers

From unoccupied homes to old farmhouses and abandoned hospitals, there always seems to be a spooky spot around town that gets people talking.

A study by the Pew Research Center found that about 74% of Americans say there are some things that science just can’t explain, and about 30% say they’ve encountered a spirit or some unseen spiritual force.

If you’re one of the many people who want to find out if ghosts are real, grab your favorite travel credit card . Your best bet may be to visit one of these spookiest places in the U.S.

1. Alabama: Sloss Furnaces (Birmingham)

Abandoned buildings are the perfect place to spend Halloween if you’re hoping for a spooky encounter. The Sloss Furnaces couldn’t be a better example.

These massive furnaces, built to produce railroad tracks, were some of the most treacherous places to work in the late 1800s and led to numerous deaths from accidents. Today, it’s said that while walking through them at night, you can still hear the night shift chief saying, “Go back to work.”

2. Alaska: Red Onion Saloon (Skagway)

Walk the back alleys and historic streets in Skagway, where the Red Onion Saloon is located. As you take a walking tour of the area, you’ll learn about Lydia, the resident ghost.

Grab a few drinks and sit in a community built around the Gold Rush in the late 1800s as you learn about the spirits that still lurk in the saloon over 100 years later.

3. Arizona: Yuma Territorial Prison (Yuma)

There may not be a more terrifying experience than encountering a spirit that’s been locked away in a prison for centuries, but that’s what you may be able to do at Yuma Territorial Prison.

Walk the Dark Cell, where you’ll experience firsthand what a prisoner in the 1800s would have experienced. Just make sure you leave alone.

Check Out: 8 genius hacks every American homeowner should know

4. Arkansas: Crescent Hotel (Eureka Springs)

Towering over the Ozark Mountains, the Crescent Hotel is a stately location that’s long been the center of hospitality in Eureka Springs.

The hotel may be on the National Historic Registry, but over the years, it has gained a reputation for being the most haunted hotel in the country, with one ghost known as “the ghost in the morgue.”

5. California: The Queen Mary (Long Beach)

Embark on a haunted encounter in one of the most active paranormal hotspots in the country.

The lady in white is still said to be found in the passenger ship’s engine room, or you could catch a glimpse of the children playing in the long-closed pool of one of the largest ships of the early 20th century.

6. Colorado: Stanley Hotel (Estes Park)

The Stanley Hotel, lodged in the mountains of Colorado, is a spectacular location.

You can tour the historic underground theater, known for the many magicians who have performed here, or you can experience the hotel’s haunted nature in a 60-minute walking tour — at night. Both are sure to make the hair on your neck stand up.

7. Connecticut: Mark Twain House (Hartford)

Add a bit of historical knowledge to your Halloween adventure by touring the Mark Twain House.

The house, which has been featured in many ghost-related TV shows, is said to be the ideal place to encounter the supernatural. Legend has it that Twain himself experienced the hauntings while living here.

8. Delaware: Fort Delaware (Pea Patch Island)

Delaware’s a small state, but there’s no shortage of spooky sites at this state park. There, you’ll find a 19th-century fort that held Confederate prisoners during the Civil War.

As ghost investigators have found, a “blue man” lurks in the halls. These tours sell out fast, and the ghost stories told by tour guides can turn any skeptic into a believer.

9. Florida: St. Augustine Lighthouse (St. Augustine)

The St. Augustine Lighthouse dates back to the 1500s and is said to be one of the most haunted structures in the country.

Many visitors report sightings of the spirits of a previous caretaker and two young sisters. It’s no wonder some say the old keepers haven’t all moved out just yet.

10. Georgia: Lucas Theater (Savannah)

The theater, notably haunted for decades, is a fantastic example of early theaters and their prominent role in the local community.

The ghosts that call it home, some say, are a group of gangsters that opened fire on a crowd of people waiting to see a show in 1928. The bullet holes are still there.

11. Hawaii: Iolani Palace (Honolulu)

Located near the Pohukaina funeral site and near the burial mound, there seem to be plenty of local spirits to greet you at Iolani Palace.

The hauntings are said to be quite varied, including one that seems to live in the queen’s bedroom — a room that’s locked 24 hours a day. Yet, every month, an alarm sounds, and keepers find the door unlocked with no one to be found.

12. Idaho: Old Idaho Penitentiary (Boise)

This is the type of place where you just feel “off.” With a history of paranormal activity, it has been the home of some of the state’s most notorious and dangerous criminals, serving 101 years and 13,000 inmates in its lifetime.

There’s a lot of tragedy here, too, from fire to abuse. Tour it to get a better idea of what people endured during the prison’s period of use.

13. Illinois: Congress Plaza Hotel (Chicago)

Noted as one of the most haunted hotels in Chicago, Congress Plaza Hotel is said to be haunted by none other than Al Capone.

This beautiful, massive hotel dates back over 120 years. You could encounter Peg Leg Johnny, a boy who was said to cause visitors trouble. There’s also Dr. H.H. Holmes, a patron of the hotel in the 1890s who tortured many. Don’t forget the ballroom for aspiration sightings, too.

14. Indiana: Indiana Central State Hospital (Indianapolis)

The Indiana Hospital for the Insane, as it was originally called, opened its doors to provide help to patients in 1848.

From the tunnels that span over five miles underground the property to the expansive grave of unmarked patients who didn’t make it out, there is no doubt there’s a ghost or two living here.

15. Iowa: Villisca Axe Murder House (Villisca)

Here’s the perfect location for those who want to experience true fear. The Villisca Axe Murder House is a seemingly simple home in a small city.

In 1912, eight people, including six children, were killed, and though authorities tried, they never found who did it. Current owners have restored the property, and you can even stay overnight in it — if you dare.

16. Kansas: Sallie House (Atchinson)

A local physician once owned the Sallie House. Now, the house isn’t occupied by anyone other than the supernatural.

Named after Sallie, a six-year-old girl who passed away during surgery, it’s believed that she continues to scream and haunt those who visit the property.

17. Kentucky: Waverly Hills Sanatorium (Louisville)

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a beautiful building with Tudor and Gothic architecture. Once a tuberculosis sanatorium, the property has a rich historical history.

On the other hand, as the two-hour paranormal tour will show, it’s full of stories of people who still lurk throughout the halls.

18. Louisiana: The Myrtles Plantation (St. Francisville)

The Myrtles Plantation, while a beautiful property, was once owned by the Woodruff family, who were slave owners.

History has it that one tortured slave named Chloe poisoned a cake that would kill the lady of the house and two children — and she was met with a terrible fate for doing so. That is just one of the many spirits that are said to lurk there still today.

19. Maine: Wood Island Lighthouse (Saco Bay)

The Wood Island Lighthouse could be quite a frightful place to visit. Locals know it as one of the town’s most haunted locations.

Voices of long-gone lighthouse keepers are said to still be heard while objects continue to move without explanation. It’s not all that unoccupied as it is supposed to be.

20. Maryland: Antietam National Battlefield (Washington County)

The Antietam National Battlefield is full of a deep history. The battlefield is where 23,100 soldiers were killed, went missing, or were wounded in September of 1862.

For those who visit, there’s quite a bit to learn about the timeframe, and supernatural presences are said to be found here — perhaps from those who went missing and were never found.

21. Massachusetts: The Mount (Lenox)

The Mount, also known as Edith Wharton’s Home, feels unsettling from the moment you step inside. You’ll feel like you’re being watched, you’ll hear the sounds of footsteps, and you may see shadows in odd places.

Take the two-hour ghost tour to explore the location and listen to what people say is a very active paranormal area.

22. Michigan: Detroit Masonic Temple (Detroit)

The Masonic, opened in 1926, is a stately, beautiful building with stunning architecture. It’s an important part of the city’s history.

The secret society that is said to have operated out of it is just one alluring factor. And while the story of George Mason jumping from the 210th floor has been debunked, many believe his ghost still climbs the stairs.

23. Minnesota: Fitzgerald Theater (St. Paul)

The elegance and allure of the Fitzgerald Theater were world-class when it opened in 1910.

Today, the restored property hosts mostly ghostly performances. It’s said that the building's significant renovation in 1985 unleashed the ghost of a former employee, who is just one of several apparitions observed over the years.

24. Mississippi: McRaven House (Vicksburg)

Although McRaven House is quite a beautiful home, some say it is a terrifying place to spend time.

Many consider the house to be the most haunted house in the state, thanks to its patrons, who seem to have never moved out. You can tour it to see what others have experienced.

25. Missouri: Lemp Mansion (St. Louis)

This stately mansion is often studied for its paranormal activity. It’s currently a restaurant and inn.

Ghost hunting happens here throughout the year and promises to help you explore the mansion's three floors. You may even feel the presence of spirits from where the Lemp family once resided.

26. Montana: Daly Mansion (Hamilton)

Some believe that the Daly Mansion, owned by Copper King Marcus Daly decades ago, has long been haunted by his ghost, as well as that of his son.

The property is unassuming, but there’s an eerie feeling about it, something that makes you feel as if someone is in the room with you.

27. Nebraska: State Capitol Building (Lincoln)

You may not realize just how haunted the Nebraska State Capitol building is until you take a tour. That’s when you may encounter Thomas Dennison.

He was a janitor at the building, and today, he seems to continue to spend time walking the halls and, in some cases, interacting with visitors.

28. Nevada: Bowers Mansion (Washoe County)

The historic Bowers Mansion was home to Eilley Orrum Bowers, who was at one point one of the richest women in the U.S. With such a lavish life, perhaps that’s why she may not have ever left.

The home was once one of the most expensive properties in the western portion of the country, costing $400,000 to build. Illness and financial ruin are said to have prevented the former owners from ever leaving the property.

29. New Hampshire: Mount Washington Hotel (Bretton Woods)

The haunted Mount Washington Hotel is filled with paranormal encounters both from those who work and those who visit it.

Carolyn — the wife of the man who built the hotel — has been sighted in her old suite and other aberrations seem to play tricks on visitors. It’s a supernatural experience not to miss.

30. New Jersey: Alton Town Hall (Alton)

Alton Town Hall was built in 1894, and while it is a simple structure, some say it’s easy to hear footsteps in the hallways. Furniture moves without explanation, too.

The building is operational, and you can walk through the halls if you like.

31. New Mexico: The Luna Mansion (Los Lunas)

The beautiful architecture of the Luna Mansion may lure you in, but what happens once you get there could have you running.

The mansion has had various owners throughout its history but is said to be haunted by Josefita, who walks around in 1920s clothing. A rocking chair at the top of the stairs also seems to move without logic.

32. New York: Rolling Hills Asylum (East Bethany)

Rolling Hills Asylum, originally a poorhouse and mental institution, is now a historical property where untold tragedies played out.

Plenty have stories of spooky encounters, and you can explore the old asylum through a paid tour if you’re daring enough to do so.

33. North Carolina: The Duke Mansion (Charlotte)

This spooky North Carolina spot has everything a good ghost story needs: a creepy house, an ill-fated affair, and decades-old tales of horror.

The house, built by Zebulon Taylor, was expanded by the Duke family of Duke Energy and Duke University but that's not who haunts the spot.

In the 1920s, Jon Avery briefly owned the home and had an affair with a local writer. The writer realized Avery would never leave his wife and ended the affair. Devastated, Avery promised he'd always be with her "dead or alive."

Legend says he asked her to meet him in one year, and she skeptically agreed. Lo and behold, Jon kept his end of the deal, and when they "met" in the garden, the writer reached out to touch him.

Her hand reportedly passed through his, and she heard his ghostly form whisper "dead or alive," only to later find out he died a week before their meeting.

34. North Dakota: Fort Abraham Lincoln (Madan)

Fort Abraham Lincoln is another excellent choice for those seeking historical hauntings. The views and fort buildings are quite impressive here.

Through the preserved buildings, it’s not uncommon to encounter the spirits of those who lost their lives on the property.

35. Ohio: Ohio State Reformatory (Mansfield)

Some say there is nothing more intensely haunting than the Ohio State Reformatory, the building where Shawshank Redemption was filmed.

With a long past of paranormal activity, the 250,000-square-foot prison seems to be haunted by prisoners' ghosts. Visitors can see the cells, feel the cold spots, and learn the history of those who suffered there.

36. Oklahoma: The Skirvin Hotel (Oklahoma City)

The Skirvin Hotel has plenty of stories from its Prohibition-era history, and it may be one of the best examples of American heartland grandeur of the time.

It’s also spooky and said to be haunted by Effie, a chambermaid who jumped to her death carrying a child fathered by the hotel’s founder, WB Skirvin.

37. Oregon: Heceta Head Lighthouse (Florence)

The Heceta Head Lighthouse is a stunning space with notably beautiful, handcrafted wooden staircases. It’s quite impressively furnished and serves as a backdrop for weddings and events.

Some believe the lighthouse to be haunted, especially by a Victorian woman named Rue. It’s well worth exploring for its history and ghostly apparitions.

38. Pennsylvania: Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia)

Eastern State Penitentiary has a long history of suffering within its walls. Some of the most notorious of criminals were kept here, including Al Capone, Babe Andreoli, and Morris “The Rabbi” Bolber.

It’s believed that some of those who were inmates here suffered horrible deaths and, as a result, continue to haunt the property.

39. Rhode Island: The Breakers (Newport)

Various areas of Rhode Island are haunted, but the Breakers is a unique spot. This mansion is said to be haunted by Alice Vanderbilt, who lived there during the Gilded Age.

Some say she can be seen walking through the property, while others hear and “feel” her.

40. South Carolina: Dock Street Theater (Charleston)

This theater, which opened in 1736 and is considered one of the first in the country, is a must-see spot for history lovers. It has endured numerous tragedies over its long history.

It’s believed that former theatergoers haunt the halls, though several ghosts call the area home, including Nettie, a prostitute, and Junius Booth, the father of the man who assassinated President Lincoln.

41. South Dakota: Historic Bullock Hotel (Deadwood)

History and tradition make the Historic Bullock Hotel a worthy visit. The haunts are sure to give you a bit of a fright here, too.

There are often unexplained events on the floors, including someone humming a tune or items that move without explanation. Seth Bullock, the original owner, is said to still play host at the hotel.

42. Tennessee: The Orpheum Theatre (Memphis)

This five-floor theater, with lavish details throughout, including a 2000-pound chandelier or two, is certainly impressive.

While visiting, you may meet the spirit of a 12-year-old girl who occasionally causes trouble or the spirit of a handyman who never left.

43. Texas: Grand Galvez (Galveston)

Grand Galvez, a stately hotel dating back to 1911, sits on a historic beach right on a golf course. It's an impressive place to visit, full of stories of romance, luxurious spas, and fabulous events.

The ghost tours may help you meet some of the people who once visited the property, even though they have long since died.

44. Utah: Old Tooele Hospital (Tooele)

Old hospitals are filled with horror stories, and Old Tooele Hospital is no different. Though the original building is gone and a new structure has been built, numerous hauntings have been reported.

Today, one portion of the property has a haunted attraction to explore. You may even get to meet Wes, an old man who was once a resident at the elderly care facility on the property.

45. Vermont: Emily's Bridge (Stowe)

Emily’s Bridge has a long history of hauntings and has been depicted in various horror movies.

The bridge is said to be the location where Emily took her own life in the late 1800s when her lover never showed up for their elopement.

46. Virginia: Peyton Randolph House (Williamsburg)

The Peyton Randolph House doesn’t seem scary from the outside, but it was once home to 27 enslaved people.

You can tour it, experience the history of the people who lived there, and perhaps even get a glimpse of some spirits who met their fates on the property.

47. Washington: Northern State Mental Hospital (Sedro-Woolley)

Northern State Mental Hospital was commissioned in 1909, opened two years later, and was designed to be a self-sustaining community for those who were mentally ill.

It wasn’t a great place to live, and deaths occurred. When its population peaked at 2,700 people, mayhem took place. Experimental procedures and unmarked graves tell some of the story of the hauntings here.

48. West Virginia: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (Weston)

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a historic national landmark and certainly a location to visit if you’re not afraid of ghosts.

There are ghost tours throughout the year that tell stories of those who never left the asylum and suffered poor treatment for years. Their souls continue to linger, many say.

49. Wisconsin: The Pfister Hotel (Milwaukee)

This hotel is an exceptionally beautiful location noted for its Victorian art collection and its paranormal activity.

Strange events occur here, including object manipulations, apparitions, and rumors of Charles Pfister, who opened the hotel, roaming the halls. Famed sports stars who have stayed at the property for have even reported noises and strange happenings.

50. Wyoming: The Historic Occidental Hotel (Buffalo)

The Historic Occidental Hotel says that, if you’re lucky, a ghost may even climb into bed with you while you visit.

Numerous sightings and hauntings are noted here, from furniture that moves to shadows and other unexplained phenomena.

Bottom line

You can’t visit every spooky location across the country, but you can certainly dive in and learn some history about each one.

And the only way to know for sure what is happening at each of these is to step up your travel and experience them firsthand — if you dare.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).