15 Creepy and Haunted U.S. Places That Are Perfect for Thrill Seekers
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The United States is a melting pot of cultures, history, trends, and stories of the supernatural. If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for thrills, America has a spine tingling-rendition of haunted spots, each with a tale of tragedy and the supernatural. Even if you’re a skeptic, these places will shiver up the spine with their creepy legends and rumored paranormal activities.
U.S. haunted sites are not solely a part of folklore or ghost stories to frighten children. A YouGov poll found that about 67 per cent of U.S. respondents believed in some paranormal phenomenon.
Attractions like haunted houses reportedly attract millions of visitors. These places are compelling because they have solid histories, dark, traumatic stories, and consistent reports of unexplained activity.
Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California
A popular Coronado historical site is more than a historical site; it is also a residence for restless spirits. But there is still much talk about the story of Kate Morgan, who died mysteriously in 1892.
Her appearance has been seen by guests in her room and by the beach. Local historian Eva says: “The energy here is palpable.“
The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas
It’s famous for its hauntings and its grandeur. First opened in 1886 by Colonel Jesse Driskill, the lingering spirits of former guests dominate.
Colonel Williston is frequently reported as being seen roaming the halls or the giggles of a young girl heard on the grand staircase.
Whaley House in San Diego, California
The dark history of Whaley House has earned it the moniker of one of the most haunted houses in the U.S. Its history includes a tragic death and executions—all of which took place on the site of a former gallows.
Since the 19th century, there have been reports of disembodied footsteps and sightings of ghostly figures.
The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas
The flip side to the famous phrase ‘Remember the Alamo,‘ a spectral look is cast over this historic mission and fortress where many soldiers died in 1836. They say they often hear phantom gunfire and echoing cries.
Bell Witch Cave in Adams, Tennessee
The Bell Witch legend is so pervasive that even President Andrew Jackson supposedly had his run-in with the spirit. After he and some of his troops spent a night at the Bell’s farm, he said, “I had rather face the entire British Army than spend another night with the Bell Witch.”
Today, visitors to the cave say they hear eerie voices. The Bell family farm story has been a staple in American folklore, adding some realness to the cave’s reputation as haunted.
Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania
Civil War historians and ghost enthusiasts both know the name Gettysburg. More than 50,000 soldiers died in the three-day battle, and many tales of spectral soldiers wandering the vast fields exist.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia
This asylum was initially built to house 250 people, but by the 1950s, it had become overcrowded, housing over 2,400 inmates. The hospital closed in 1994, but the place is still a hotbed for paranormal activity.
Those decaying halls often echo with the ghostly screams of visitors recounting what they have seen: apparitions.
St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida
Since its construction in the 1870s, this towering beacon has been the site of many tragedies. The reported sounds of children’s laughter and sightings of former lighthouse keepers are enough to get ghost hunters flocking here. Paranormal investigator Kris A. says, ‘it’s simultaneously beautiful and terrifying.‘
Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky
Waverly Hills was once a tuberculosis hospital where thousands died of the disease. It’s infamous for its ‘body chute‘ and tall tales of shadowy people and chilling voices coming through to this day.
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado
They’re famous as the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining,” but The Stanley Hotel’s history of paranormal occurrences is much longer. These include ghostly piano music and visions of former guests. For those wanting a brush with the supernatural, it’s a must-visit.
Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia
Al Capone was in this Gothic fortress, once considered a design revolution. Nowadays, there is a proliferation of ghost sightings, with many visitors reporting hearing moans and cries within its deserted cell blocks.
Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery in Bremen, Illinois
In Bremen, Illinois, down a rural road on the south side of Randolph Street, near where the Dixie Highway connects with US Route 40, lies one of my favourite places to visit: Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery.
This small cemetery is notorious for ghosts and mysterious lights. One famous photograph of a spectral woman sitting on a tombstone proves its eerie atmosphere.
Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Massachusetts
Today, the home of Lizzie Borden, who became famous for her 1892 axe murders, is now a bed and breakfast. Either guests claim to hear the swing of an ax or see Lizzie herself roaming the halls. That’s just a chilling reminder of America’s most notorious unsolved crime.
Moon River Brewing Company in Savannah, Georgia
This brewery’s resident spirits and overall atmosphere are just as famous as the craft beer they provide.
They say it was once a hotel haunted by former guests who failed to check out. Staff and those who dwell there report seeing objects move independently and feeling sudden cold spots.
The Queen Mary in Long Beach, California
This ocean liner-turned-hotel is also known for being elegant and for its ghostly residents. Around the pool area, mysterious figures in vintage swimsuits have been reported splashing around. Curator Laura B. says, ” It is a haunting elegance.“
Though their history and ghost stories enthral these locations, they hold so much more: tales of real human beings. Each place takes us into a world that is a mixture of history and the supernatural, from tragic events to mysterious happenings. If you’re brave enough to travel further, why not take the ghost-hunting road? Remember to run with a flashlight—and maybe with a friend. However, you might need someone to hold your hand in the dark.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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