America’s Most Haunted Places: The Scariest Place in Every State

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It’s Spooktober! Take a trip with us to the most haunted places in the country.

Whether you believe in the paranormal or are a skeptic, there’s no denying that most people have a morbid curiosity about the “undead.” In the spirit of Halloween, no pun intended, we have compiled a list of the most haunted places in every state. Do you dare to keep reading?

From wailing banshees to shapeshifting monsters, folklore from around the world abounds with tales of paranormal activity. One recent study suggests that about 40% of Americans believe in ghosts, but that 20% have seen one. That’s one out of five!

Haunted house sits in background. Text says “40% Americans believe in ghosts” there’s a pictograph with 4 ghosts and 6 people.
Cemetery sits in foreground. Text says “1 in 5 have seen a ghost” there’s a pictograph with 4 people and one ghost.

Every state has myths and legends surrounding ghosts, poltergeists, demons, spirits…the list goes on! There are haunted spaces that have earned the reputation due to events that can’t be explained. Some phenomena are so strange that reason, logic, or science fails to justify them.

You’d think most people would want to stay away from such places except for thrill-seekers and daredevils. Contrary to popular belief, there are people who wouldn’t mind living in a home frequented by ghosts and other paranormal elements. 58% of home buyers say that they would consider buying a haunted house!

In this piece, we will explore the most haunted places in each state. Read with caution: chills down your spine guaranteed!

Haunted places in every state

Regardless of where you’re located, this list can help you avoid these places or explore them.

Travelling can be expensive, and that can be a real horror. We’ve previously shared ways to travel on a budget. Here’s another wallet-friendly trip idea: a road trip to your state’s local haunted attractions! If you choose to go with friends, you can split your expenses.

Some of these haunted finds are just a few minutes away from each other. You and your friends might consider visiting a few and live to tell the tale! Not sure where to start? Spin our wheel at the end of the article to determine the starting point of your next terrifying trip.

Hint: If you’re searching for a particular state, this list is in order from West coast to East.

1. Alaska—Red Onion Saloon

A two-story bar with a red sign. It’s a drawing of the infamous and spooky Red Onion Saloon, the most haunted place in Alaska.

Nestled in Skagway, AK, is the Red Onion Saloon, which is believed to be haunted. One of the most popular ghosts, Lydia, is rumored to have taken her own life at this place. Visitors claim to have heard her footsteps along with catching a whiff of her perfume. Lydia seems to have a particular dislike towards men as male visitors have been pushed and scratched on the second floor. She does seem to have a good side to her. The staff believes that oftentimes, she waters the plants.

2. Hawaii—Pali Highway

A curving highway that goes into a tunnel in mountain. It’s a drawing of the infamous and spooky Pali Highway, the most haunted place in Hawaii.

The locals of Oahu, HI, believe that the Pali Highway is haunted. Legend has it that one can’t take pork while travelling on the highway and if they do, their car will simply stop, and they will see an old woman with a dog. Feeding the pork to the dog is the only way to continue the journey.

3. Washington—Greenwood Cemetery

Cemeteries are often labeled as haunted simply because they are the final resting place for many people. However, the Greenwood Cemetery in Spokane, WA, has some spooky happenings. A staircase called “One Thousand Stairs” is supposedly haunted as it compels visitors to turn around and leave. There have been reports of hearing sounds of shrieking along with feeling a wet sensation on skin.  

Creepy, isn’t it?

4. Oregon—the original Oregon Institute of Technology

This former location of the Oregon Institute of Technology was abandoned a long time ago. There is a hill next to it where Satanic rituals were believed to take place. People claim to have stumbled upon strange-looking rock formations, animal bones staged as if they were part of a ceremony, and splatters of blood. Some say they heard chanting and saw apparitions. Find it, in Kamath Falls, OR.

5. Idaho—Jameson Hotel

A large three-story brick hotel. It’s a drawing of the infamous Jameson Hotel, the most haunted place in Idaho.

Based in Wallace, ID, is the now closed location of the Jameson Hotel, which is believed to host apparitions and other unexplained phenomena. The resident ghost Maggie is believed to have been a former guest at the hotel back in the 1800s. It is said that she was abandoned there by a romantic partner who never returned, and she waited there till her death. Maggie is believed to be behind unexplained occurrences like objects moving without reason, doors locking and unlocking, and lights turning on and off.

6. Montana—the original Governor’s Mansion

An old red and brown mansion. It’s a drawing of the infamous Original Governor’s Mansion, the most haunted place in Montana.

This mansion was built in Helena, MT, by William Chessman in 1887. Caretakers have asserted that the place is haunted as they’ve experienced doors opening on their own, footsteps when nobody is around, and picture frames eerily turned towards the wall. A black cat has been sighted in several rooms, but it inexplicably disappears when someone gets close. It is said that the Chessman family owned a black cat.

Don’t cats have nine lives?

7. Wyoming—The Occidental Hotel

The Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, WY, is among the most haunted places in the state. The ghost in question is a woman in white who taps guests on the shoulder. Strange events like furniture moving on its own and unexplained laughter and voices add to the hotel’s spooky reputation. 

Would you spend the night?

8. California—Alcatraz Prison

An old prison on an island. It’s a drawing of the infamous Alcatraz Prision, the most haunted place in California.

San Francisco, CA, is home to the former federal penitentiary known as Alcatraz. A British couple touring the island claim that they unwittingly captured a photo of a female ghost staring directly at the camera. She has been dubbed as “The Ghost Woman of Alcatraz.” We recommend taking a tour of this island and be sure to click as many pictures as you can because who knows, the ghost might make an appearance in one of your clicks.

9. Nevada—The Las Vegas Academy of the Arts

The Las Vegas Academy of the Arts in Las Vegas, NV, is believed to be haunted and the generations of students who share their experiences add to this claim. They say that the ghost, Mr. Petri, roams the hallways and haunts the theater. People have shared stories of hearing strange noises and feeling a chill, especially in the evening hours.

10. Utah—Alfred McCune Home

The Alfred McCune Home in Salt Lake City, UT, is a Victorian mansion built in 1901 on a small hill. It serves as a venue for weddings, business dinners, and other events. There are tales of two popular apparitions at this mansion. The first is that of a little girl who is often spotted at weddings. The second is described as a man in a black cape who is sighted around Christmas.

11. Colorado—Masonic Cemetery

The bleak entrance to a cemetery. The gate says “Central City Cemetery”. It’s a drawing of the most haunted place in Colorado.

There have been unexplained orb sightings at the Masonic Cemetery in Central City, CO. Visitors claim to have been followed by a little boy who ducks behind tress when approached. A beautiful woman in black allegedly appears twice a year to lay columbines on a grave and she disappears when people get too close.

12. Arizona—The Grand Hotel

A large red and brown hotel. It’s a drawing of The Grand Hotel, the most haunted place in Arizona.

Prior to becoming the Grand Hotel at Jerome, AZ, in 1996, the building housed the United Verde Hospital, which was one of the best hospitals in the state at that time. The third floor is touted to be the hub of supernatural activity as it once had the operation room where many patients died.

13. New Mexico—Kimo Theater

A tragic boiler explosion caused the death of a 6-year-old boy named Bobby Darnell and to this day, his ghost is rumored to haunt the Kimo Theater in Albuquerque, NM. Performers say that the ghost of little Bobby often tries to play tricks and is seen at the steps of the lobby. There are sightings of another ghost who glides through the halls of the theater.

14. Texas—AI Engineering Building at Texas A&M

A horrific incident occurred at the AI Engineering Building at Texas A&M in College Station, TX, back in 1959, which involved a butcher who accidentally severed his own femoral artery and bled to death. Ever since this mishap, students and staff claim to have heard strange noises. There have been reports of the elevator operating all day without any passengers.

15. Oklahoma—Gilcrease Museum

When we speak of haunted places in Oklahoma, the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, OK, takes the cake. The museum is reportedly haunted by the ghost of oil baron Thomas Gilcrease who passed away in 1962 and still visits his art collection. Visitors claim to have seen him in the garden along with ghosts of Native American children, as the property served as an orphanage in the past.

16. North Dakota—St. Joseph Hospital

Employees at the St. Joseph Hospital in Dickinson, ND, say that they’ve witnessed paranormal activity in several areas of the building. The elevator down to the morgue is seen operating by itself along with doors of the morgue reportedly opening by themselves. Before you blame this on a draft of wind, you need to know that these doors can only be opened from inside the morgue unless you have a key. The nurse’s call button is often pressed from one of the unoccupied rooms on the third floor.  

Could something sinister be at play? You be the judge!

17. Minnesota—Palmer House Hotel

A mid-sized red and brown hotel. It’s a drawing of The Palmer House Hotel, the most haunted place in Michigan.

The Palmer House Hotel at Sauk Center, MN, has been home to frequent sightings of a young ghost boy going up the stairs. Guests have heard sounds of a child playing with a ball and running around in the hallway. The famous Minnesota author Sinclair Lewis is believed to be another posthumous visitor. Unexplained occurrences like doors slamming shut, temperature shifts, and strange voices also add fuel to the haunting claims.

18. South Dakota—Mount Marty College

The Mouth Rushmore state has a few haunted places and Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD, deserves the top spot. Established in 1936, this college is believed to be at the center of paranormal activity. The ghost of a construction worker turns lights on and off alongside ghosts of a nun, a music teacher, and students who haunt this place.

19. Iowa—Edinburgh Manor

The Edinburgh Manor in Scotch Grove, IA, is regarded as one of the most haunted places in the Midwest. 80 people are believed to have died here and many of them were buried on the grounds of this property. Disembodied voices, orbs, and strange noises have been reported along with the presence of a ghost called “The Joker” who roams the halls and tries to choke guests.

20. Wisconsin—Boys Scout Lane 

Boys Scout Lane at Stevens Point, WI, has some tragic history, which serves as the basis for speculation regarding ghost activity in the area. Legend says that a group of Boy Scouts carrying lanterns accidentally caused a forest fire that killed all of them. Visitors claim to have seen little lanterns flickering along the sides of the road. Take a stroll or drive down this lane and you might just see something strange and unexplained. 

21. Michigan—Mission Point resort

A large red and gray hotel. It’s a drawing of the infamous Mission Point Resort, the most haunted place in Michigan.

Ghost encounters at the Mission Point resort in Mackinac Island, MI, have landed it on our most haunted places list. Witnesses have said that they heard a young girl calling out for her parents and a woman’s voice singing after dark. It is also believed that Native American spirits roam here. 

22. Nebraska—Fort Robinson 

Established in the 1870s, Fort Robinson in Crawford, NE, is considered king among the haunted places in the state. This is where the Sioux Wars occurred, and Crazy Horse was killed. There are reports of seeing ghost soldiers and hearing the hoofbeats of phantom horses. 

23. Kansas—Sallie House 

A small old two-story house. It’s a drawing of infamous Sallie House, the most haunted place in Kansas.

The Sunflower state has some horror stories, and the Sallie House in Atchison, KS, is believed to be haunted. A 6-year-old girl named Sallie had died in this house during a botched appendicitis surgery. In the 1990s, a couple renting this house became targets of pranks that grew to become violent. Psychics claim that the ghost of a middle-aged woman haunts this place and not just little Sallie.

24. Missouri—the Lemp Mansion

A cream two-story mansion. It’s a drawing of infamous Lemp Mansion, the most haunted place in Missouri.

The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis, MO, is often regarded as one of the most haunted places in the country. It was owned by the very affluent Lemp family who experienced a long line of tragic events like premature death and suicide. One of the subsequent heirs to the mansion fathered a child who was born with a disability and was supposedly kept hidden in the attic with the servants. Visitors claim to have seen this ghost child in several areas of the mansion.

25. Illinois—McPike Mansion

A brown three-story mansion. It’s a drawing of infamous McPike Mansion, the most haunted place in Illinois.

Just 38 minutes away from our last entry is the McPike Mansion in Alton, IL.The owner says that the property is haunted by the ghosts of Paul Laichinger, a former owner, and a domestic servant named Sarah Wells. Flickering lights, flashlights dying out for no reason, and a strong smell of lilac in the basement, which was the type of perfume Wells used to wear, are all viewed as indicators that the mansion is haunted.

26. Indiana—Whispers Estate

A large white house. It’s a drawing of Whispers Estate, the most haunted place in Indiana.

The Whispers Estate in Mitchell, IN, is believed to be haunted by the ghosts of dead orphans and patients. There are graves on this property and visitors have claimed to have felt as if they were being watched along with experiencing tremors and jiggling of door handles.

27. Ohio—Ohio State Reformatory 

The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, OH, has a reputation of being haunted, thanks to reports of people feeling a weird chill on the grounds along with witnessing cell doors slam and apparitions occur. The road leading up to the reformatory is also rumored to be haunted. 

28. Arkansas—Crescent Hotel 

A large green and purple hotel. It’s a drawing of Crescent Hotel, the most haunted place in Arkansas.

Legend says that Norman G. Baker bought this building located in Eureka Springs, AR, and used it as a hospital. Patients were treated here although Baker lacked training and as a result, several patients allegedly died. Later on, it was converted into a hotel. Guests have reported seeing ghosts of Baker’s patients along with a ghost cat named Morris that used to live in the building and is buried in the back.

29. Tennessee—Tennessee State Prison 

Nashville, TN, is the Mecca for country music, and it also has one of the most haunted places in Tennessee. The former correctional facility known as the Tennessee State Prison operated for almost a hundred years before being closed due to overcrowding. During its days of operation, it witnessed massive riots and several jailbreaks. People have reported hearing screams, footsteps, and sounds of cell bars clunking. 

30. Kentucky—Sleepy Hollow Road 

A curving road with orange and gold trees in Fall. It’s a drawing of Sleepy Hollow Road, the most haunted place in Kentucky.

One of the creepiest places in Kentucky is Sleepy Hollow Road in Prospect, KY. It is said a hearse appears out of nowhere and runs drivers off the road. A little further down the road is Devil’s Point, which is known to have been a site for Satanic rituals.

31. West Virginia—West Virginia Penitentiary   

The West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, WV, is believed to be haunted by the ghosts of inmates who died here. There are legends affirming that the prison stands on a Native American burial ground. 

32. Virginia—Bacon’s Castle 

Also known as the Arthur Allen House, Bacon’s Castle in Surry, VA, is among the most haunted places in the state. Tales of comet sightings, illicit affairs and romances, and abuse of slaves lay the groundwork for claims of the place being haunted. 

33. North Carolina—Biltmore Estate 

Owned by the Vanderbilts, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, is the largest privately-owned home in the country. There are reports of seeing a shadowy figure in the library along with whispers, sounds of clinking glasses, music, and laughter. 

We can only hope whatever it is, is there for a good time.  

34. South Carolina—South Carolina Lunatic Asylum 

Built in the 1820s, the South Carolina Lunatic Asylum in Columbia, SC, was one of the first public mental hospitals in the country. There are several ghost stories spun over time. Inhumane practices took place at this facility and the souls of the deceased are believed to haunt the place in the form of cold spots, creepy noises, and strange voices. This building is located on private property. In 2020, a fire destroyed part of this property. Since then, the state has funded renovations. 

35. Louisiana—The Myrtles Plantation 

A large house with a green wrap-around porch. It’s a drawing of The Myrtles Plantation, the most haunted place in Louisiana.

Known as one of the most haunted places in America, the Myrtles Plantation in Francisville, LA, is believed to be haunted by ghosts of former slaves that died here. There are reports of apparitions captured in photos around the plantation.

36. Mississippi—Waverly Mansion

A big cream mansion and spider webs. It’s a drawing of Waverly Mansion, the most haunted place in Mississippi.

The Waverly Mansion in West Point, MS, is believed to be haunted by several ghosts. The spookiest one is the apparition of a little girl looking for her mother. Impressions of her body appear on the bed in one of the upstairs bedrooms making it seem like she naps in there. 

37. Alabama—Sloss Furnaces

A haunted furnace facility. It’s a drawing of Sloss Furnaces, the most haunted place in Alabama.

Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham, AL, has been reported to be haunted by over a hundred workers! There have been instances of people being pushed forward by an unseen force along with a voice that tells workers to “get back to work”. Rumors say that back in 1906, night-shift workers, tired of harsh working conditions, murdered their manager who now haunts the place.

38. Georgia—Devil’s Bridge

A tall arch-bridge made of stones or bricks. It’s a drawing of the Devi’s Bridge – the most haunted place in Georgia.

It is said that a Satanic cult used to perform rituals under the Devil’s Bridge in Cochran, GA. Legends suggest that if you park your car during nighttime, turn off the lights, and put your keys on the hood of your car, you will see headlights appear out of nowhere and they will race towards you only to disappear as they reach the bridge. If you’re a thrill-seeker, you can try this out at your own risk.  

39. Florida—St Augustine Lighthouse

A tall lighthouse with white and black stripes and a red top. It’s a drawing of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. It’s the most haunted place in Florida.

St. Augustine, FL, is the oldest city in the United States and is also one of the most haunted. The St. Augustine Lighthouse has witnessed several passings in it or around the area. People have claimed to hear children’s laughter and footsteps which seem to confirm the story of the Pettee girls who drowned in an accident.  

40. Pennsylvania—Katy’s Church 

Legend says that Katy’s Church in Millvale, PA, is haunted by the ghost of Katy Vandine. Her spirit is reportedly seen crying near the church. It is said that she was hanged from a tree close to the church and locals claim to have seen her walking around the property. If you dare to stand on her grave and knock on the tree on the night of the harvest moon, her ghost will appear and walk towards you.  

Now, isn’t that spine-chilling? 

41. Maryland—Jericho Covered Bridge

A small road with a covered bridge. It’s a drawing of the Jericho Covered Bridge in Maryland, the state’s most haunted place.

There are rumors suggesting that the Jericho Covered Bridge in Kingsville, MD, is haunted by the ghosts of local teenagers who died by hanging. Some believe it was a site for lynching slaves. There are accounts of ghostly bodies hanging from the rafters which add weight to the rumors. 

42. Delaware—Rockwood Park & Museum

A large building with plenty of plants. It’s a drawing of The Rockwood Park & Museum, the most haunted place in Delaware.

Visitors and employees at Rockwood Park & Museum in Wilmington, DE, claim to have experienced unexplained incidents like cold spots, strange voices, whispers, and apparitions across the halls.  

Talk about a walk through history.

43. New Jersey—Trenton Psychiatric Hospital

Unspeakable horrors took place at the Trenton Psychiatric Hospital in Trenton, NJ, at the hands of the director. He reportedly conducted procedures on patients without anesthesia and caused several deaths. There are accounts of hearing screams and seeing ghostly figures at this place.

44. Connecticut—Fairfield Hills Hospital

A large old hospital with spider webs. It’s a drawing of Fairfield Hills Hospital, the most haunted place in Connecticut

Visitors at the abandoned Fairfax Hills Hospital in Newtown, CT, say that they’ve heard voices, screams, and cries presumed to be of dead patients. This was once a psychiatric facility where agonizing horrors took place. There are reports of apparitions of patients as well as of staff that haunt this building, making it one of the most haunted places in the New England states. 

45. New York—Fort Ontario 

Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY, witnessed the gruesome deaths of several soldiers and civilians. There are graves of officers, soldiers, women, and children on the grounds of this place. There have been sightings of strange lights and even a woman appearing in a window of the building. Some claim to have heard a ghost child calling out to his cat. 

If you heard him calling, would you call back? 

46. Vermont—Norwich University 

Norwich University in Northfield, VT, is rumored to be haunted. Legend says that a student ended his life in a dorm room and years later his brother was allotted the same room and he too followed suit. A spirit supposedly lurks by the front door of Caplin Hall. It’s believed this spirit caused books to fly off shelves when the hall housed a library. Students have reported having woken up unable to move or breathe along with claims of a female ghost guarding the gate leading to the football field. 

47. New Hampshire—The Chase House

A large yellow house. It’s a drawing of The Chase House, the most haunted place in New Hampshire.

The Chase House in Portsmouth, NH, is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who ended her own life in this building, which was then a children’s home. She has been sighted in the hallway at night. As if seeing a ghost wasn’t scary enough, there are reports of blood curling screaming emanating from the room where she died. 

I’m getting chills!  

48. Massachusetts—SK Pierce Mansion 

A four-story blue, red, and white mansion. It’s a drawing of SK Pierce Mansion, the most haunted place in Massachusetts.

Located in Gardner, MA, this place is so haunted that visitors have to sign a waiver before entering! It belonged to the Pierce family and bears a tragic history spanning over a century. The ghosts are believed to be deceased members of the family and they often push visitors down the stairs or towards open windows.  

Would you dare to enter this mansion?

49. Rhode Island—Old Brook Farm

The Old Brook Farm in Harrisville, RI, is one the scariest places in the country and was featured in the movie The Conjuring. The Perron family lived on this property and were subjected to horrifying incidents. The backstory is that a woman named Bathsheba moved to this house with her husband and the couple welcomed a son preceding three childbirths. A child died in her care and was found stabbed with a sewing needle, feeding to rumors that Bathsheba was a witch. It is rumored that she took her own life and continued to haunt this property.

50. Maine—Pocomoonshine Lake

Trees and brush on an island. It’s a drawing of Pocomoonshine Lake, the most haunted place in Maine

Ask any Mainer and they will tell you stories of lake monsters and ghosts that are believed to plague the Pocomoonshine Lake in Washington County, ME. There are reported sightings of snake-like creatures that leave trails behind. There are no photos to support these claims, but locals say that these creatures are as long as 60 feet! 

Maybe skip on taking a dip in this body of water… You never know what could be just below the surface!  

Spooked yet? 

If you’ve made it to the end of our list, bravo! We barely managed to put this list together. If you’re up for it, taking a trip to some of these places might be the adrenaline rush you desire. Take a spin below and let the wheel pick your fate next haunted places trip!

Ghost hunting is not for everyone. Even the bravest souls might need some lucky charms to take on the task. 

Ghosts aren’t your thing? No problem, just steer clear of the places we mentioned. However, if you think you’re safe and secure at home, think again! 83% Americans have reported experiencing paranormal activity in their own home. Scary, isn’t it?  

If the supernatural doesn’t scare you, not having money to cover unexpected expenses can be terrifying. We can’t promise to protect you from ghosts, but we do offer online payday loans that can help if you’re in a tight spot. There’s no scary hard credit check. We’re here to offer payday loans regardless of your credit.  

Nothing spooky, just fast funding! Apply today! 

Anna Reeve Net Pay Advance author headshot
Anna Reeve

As someone that spent a lot of time reading as a kid, I was deeply intrigued by the written word from an early age. My first full-time job post college was writing content for high-end fashion websites. Following my graduation from the MBA program at Pittsburg State University, I found employment in Marketing. For the last couple of years, I have been creating content on several platforms. I am a proud dog-mom to my black labs – Sky & Harry Potter (took fangirling to a whole new level there!), a connoisseur of Indian cuisine, a mediocre artist, and a reality TV addict.

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