10 Most Haunted Places in America: Stanley Hotel, Queen Mary, and More

By: Lena Thaywick  | 
Lizzie Borden house
Some of these places are said to be haunted because of prolonged atrocities that occurred within their walls, whereas the Lizzie Borden house is the site of a single (albeit brutal) crime. EQRoy / Shutterstock

Some people visit museums for history. Others prefer something a little spookier. The most haunted places in America mix eerie ambiance with tragic backstories and alleged ghostly encounters.

Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, these locations have drawn thousands of visitors hoping for a brush with the unexplained.

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1. Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary. Marco Paradiso 4483 / Shutterstock

Built in 1829, this former prison is infamous for solitary confinement and brutal punishments. Paranormal investigators say it’s one of the most haunted locations in the country. Visitors report cold spots, distant whispers and shadowy figures pacing behind the old prison walls.

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2. Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado

Stanley Hotel
Stanley Hotel. Kit Leong / Shutterstock

This stately hotel inspired Stephen King's "The Shining" after he stayed in Room 217. Guests and staff have reported hearing piano music, seeing Flora Stanley in the billiard room, and spotting ghostly children running in the halls. It's a hot spot for ghost hunters and paranormal investigation.

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3. RMS Queen Mary – Long Beach, California

RMS Queen Mary
RMS Queen Mary. GagliardiPhotography / Shutterstock

A retired ocean liner turned hotel, the Queen Mary has a haunted reputation fueled by World War II history and countless ghostly encounters. The engine room and fourth floor are particularly active, with reports of a woman in a red dress, sudden cold drafts and unexplained voices.

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4. Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana

Myrtles Plantation
Myrtles Plantation. Nina Alizada / Shutterstock

This Southern mansion is rumored to have been built on a Native American burial ground and is alleged to have been the site of multiple untimely deaths.

Its long haunted history includes sightings of a ghostly woman named Chloe and mysterious handprints on mirrors. It’s one of the most haunted destinations in the South.

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5. Lizzie Borden House – Fall River, Massachusetts

Lizzie Border murder house
Lizzie Borden House. EQRoy / Shutterstock

The scene of one of America’s most famous murders, this haunted house still echoes with tension. Visitors can stay overnight and possibly hear footsteps, whispers or even the voice of Lizzie Borden herself. It’s a staple on any ghost tours of New England.

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

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock

Once home to thousands of patients, this vast asylum saw overcrowding, abuse and tragedy. Now, it’s one of the most haunted places in the U.S.

Paranormal activity includes shadow figures, unexplained screams and alleged contact with restless spirits of former patients.

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7. St. Augustine Lighthouse – St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine Lighthouse
St. Augustine Lighthouse. NEFLO PHOTO / Shutterstock

Known for its scenic views and haunted history, this lighthouse is said to be visited by the ghosts of children who died in an accident during its construction. Many visitors have reported laughter, shadowy figures and mysterious footsteps echoing in the tower.

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8. Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California

Winchester Mystery House
Winchester Mystery House. Top Photo Corporation / Shutterstock

Commissioned by Sarah Winchester, widow of the gun magnate, this house is filled with staircases to nowhere and doors that open into walls. Some believe she built the home to appease ghosts of those killed by Winchester rifles. The result is a maze-like mansion with intense supernatural activity.

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9. LaLaurie Mansion – New Orleans, Louisiana

LaLaurie Mansion
LaLaurie Mansion. JustPixs / Shutterstock

In the heart of the French Quarter, this haunted spot has a dark past tied to Madame Delphine LaLaurie, known for horrific acts committed in the 1800s. Many say cigar smoke and ghostly moans still haunt the rooms. It remains one of the most chilling haunted places in New Orleans.

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10. The Pine Barrens – New Jersey

Pine barrens, New Jersey
Pine Barrens, New Jersey. quiggyt4 / Shutterstock

Not a house or hotel, but a ghost town of sorts. The Pine Barrens is home to the legendary Jersey Devil, said to have roamed the woods for centuries. Locals have long reported strange sounds and sightings, making it a cornerstone of East Coast folklore.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

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