8 of America’s Most Haunted Tourist Destinations

America is no stranger to ghost stories. If you’re interested in the supernatural, America has a wealth of haunted attractions where ghosts supposedly roam. Below are some of the best haunted tourist destinations in the USA, including haunted homes, an abandoned prison, and a relic gold mine.

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

After spending just one night in the Stanley Hotel in Colorado, author Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining. Situated in the Colorado mountains not far from the Rocky Mountain National Park, the hotel was opened in 1909 by F.O. and Flora Stanley from Massachusetts. The story goes that the couple has never left the hotel. Staff say you can hear Flora playing the piano at night, and Mr Stanley has been known to show up in photos that have been taken in the hotel.

Bedrooms in the hotel have a TV channel dedicated to playing The Shining movie on a 24-hour loop. You can stay at the hotel or visit just for a tour.

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Eastern State Penitentiary was a prison bult in 1829. It was known for its severe punishment and extreme solitary confinement. Prisoners lived, exercised, and ate alone. If they left their cell, they had to wear a hood over their heads. This practice stopped in 1913 due to overcrowding, but harsh punishments continued. The prison was also known for its infamous inmates, which included the gangster Al Capone.

The prison closed in 1971, and it’s believed that the inmates’ ghosts then took over. People have reported hearing laughter and footsteps and seeing shadowy figures roam the halls. Tourists can visit the museum for a tour or special events are held throughout the year.

RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California

The RMS Queen Mary sailed its last voyage on Hallowe’en in 1967 and it is now permanently moored in Long Beach. The ship was originally a luxury ocean liner, first setting sail in 1936 and briefly serving as a troopship during World War II. One crew member was murdered in a cabin, and another was tragically crushed by a door in the engine room. The ghosts of those who died onboard reportedly still haunt the ship.

The Queen Mary is now a hotel and restaurant, where guests can visit or stay. During Hallowe’en season it is transformed into a special Hallowe’en attraction.

Vulture Gold Mine, Wickenburg, Arizona

The Vulture Gold Mine opened in 1863 and was the most productive gold mine in Arizona. It attracted over 5,000 people to the area, who set up Vulture City, the founding town of Wickenburg. It’s said that ghosts now reside in the mine, with people reporting hearing spooky sounds and apparitions.

Visitors can go on guided tours of both the mine and the ghost town of Vulture City all through the year.

Kehoe House, Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in the US, and Kehoe House is just one haunted attraction. It was built in 1892 and was the home of the Kehoe family and also the Goette Funeral Home. The Kehoe family consisted of 10 children and a rumour circulated that two of them died in the house.

The house is now a hotel, where many visitors stay in the hopes of experiencing supernatural happenings.

LaLaurie Mansion, New Orleans, Louisiana

The LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans is named after its original owner, socialite Madame Marie Delphine LaLaurie (who inspired a character in the TV show American Horror Story: Coven). After a fire in 1834, it was revealed that seven enslaved people had been locked up in chains in the attic and starved. The story goes that you can still hear the moans and screams from these people throughout the property. Locals refer to it simply as ‘the haunted house’.

The house is now privately owned and not open to the public, but it is part of many New Orleans Ghost Tours.

Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, Fall River, Massachusetts

In 1892, Abby and Andrew Borden were killed by an axe-wielding murderer. The prime suspect was their daughter, Lizzie, who was thought to have financial motives. Lizzie stood trial for the murders but was later acquitted due to lack of physical evidence. It is said that Lizzie now haunts the home, with people reporting they can hear her laugh at the top of the stairs, plus muffled conversations and weeping coming from empty rooms.

The home is now a museum and a bed and breakfast. Guests can stay in the rooms, visit for a tour, or take part in an online virtual tour.

Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

The Crescent Hotel was built in 1886, serving as a luxury resort, a conservatory for young women, and a junior college. In 1937, Norman Baker bought the building and turned it into a hospital where he said he could “cure” cancer. Baker had no medical training and was eventually run out of town. It’s said that the building is snow haunted by eight ghosts, including the spirit of Norman Baker himself.

Crescent Hotel is now seen as one of the most haunted hotels in America. Guests who want to see the paranormal for themselves can book a stay.

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