Haunted and happy to show it
Think you're brave? Explore these 13 haunted US spots… If you dare
Image: Herbert Aust
If you think ghost stories are just for campfires, think again. The United States is full of places where the past still lingers, and some say the residents never really left. From historic hotels to lighthouses, these spots are brimming with charm, history, and a touch of mischief from the other side. So grab your sense of adventure, keep your camera handy, and join us for a lighthearted stroll through 13 of America’s most haunted places.
1
Bodie, California
Image: Michael & Diane Weidner's profile Michael & Diane Weidner
Once a booming Gold Rush town in the late 1800s, Bodie now sits frozen in time. Visitors wander through dusty streets past old saloons and storefronts that look as if their owners just stepped out for lunch… a century ago. Locals whisper about strange sounds and ghostly piano music. And here’s a fun superstition: take anything home, even a pebble, and bad luck might just hitch a ride with you.
2
Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia
Image: Alla Kemelmakher
This is Southern Gothic at its finest. Towering oaks drip with Spanish moss over winding paths and Victorian monuments. Some visitors claim to have seen a little girl in a dress near a certain marble statue, while others swear they’ve heard distant laughter or the sound of dogs barking. Even if you never meet a ghost, the beauty of this historic cemetery will linger with you.
3
Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Image: Nick Elmer
Often called "America’s most haunted hotel," it’s also one of the prettiest in the Ozarks. Over its long history, it’s been a resort, a college, and even a so-called cancer hospital. Guests today report friendly phantom encounters, from a Victorian gentleman strolling the halls to a playful little girl. Whether you meet the staff or the "extra" guests, you’ll get a good story out of your stay.
4
Dock Street Theatre, Charleston, South Carolina
Image: Brittani Burns
Charleston is rich in history, and this theater is a key part of its story. The stage has witnessed centuries of performers, fires, and renovations. Visitors sometimes report seeing a woman in a red gown gliding across the balcony, while others hear faint footsteps backstage when no one is there. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the building’s charm might still sweep you off your feet.
5
The Driskill, Austin, Texas
Image: Matthew Smith
This stately hotel has been greeting travelers since 1886, and some say its original owner never checked out. Guests report flickering lights, strange scents, and the occasional sighting of a figure in old-fashioned clothing. With its grand lobby and polished brass, you might just forget you came for ghost stories and stay for the atmosphere.
6
Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii
Image: Pascal Meier
Not every haunted spot is old and creaky, you know? At this busy airport, passersby tell of a "lady in waiting" seen in off-limits areas, said to be searching for a long-lost love. A few travelers have even reported toilets flushing on their own or paper rolls unraveling without help. We can say mystery flies around here!
7
Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff, Arizona
Image: Jacob
This historic hotel has welcomed movie stars and musicians, but it’s the uninvited guests that make it famous. From mysterious phone calls to the sound of a baby crying in an empty hallway, there’s never a dull moment. One legendary long-term boarder even hung raw meat from a chandelier—a story the staff still tells with a grin.
8
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois
Image: Deborah L Carlson
A zoo might not seem spooky, but this one was built atop an old cemetery. Not all of the bodies were moved, and over the years, visitors have reported spotting mysterious figures or feeling sudden chills. Still, the zoo’s lush gardens and animal exhibits make it a must-see—haunted or not.
9
The Mark Twain House, Hartford, Connecticut
Image: Jessica Furtney
This handsome Victorian home is where Mark Twain penned some of his most beloved works. Visitors have reported faint traces of cigar smoke in the billiard room, even though smoking ended long ago. Others claim to have seen a lady in white near the stairwell. History buffs will appreciate the house’s charm, ghost or no ghost.
10
Pittock Mansion, Portland, Oregon
Image: Sean Benesh
Built by a wealthy couple with big dreams, this mansion boasts sweeping views and fine craftsmanship. Sadly, the owners lived there for only a few years before passing away. Tour guides say the scent of roses sometimes fills the air when no flowers are in sight, and a certain painting is said to move on its own.
11
St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida
Image: Evgeni Tcherkasski
Perched on the coast, this lighthouse has been guiding ships since the 1800s. Some visitors report hearing the giggles of children playing or catching sight of a figure high in the tower. Even without the ghost tales, the view from the top is worth every step.
12
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston, West Virginia
Image: Andy Li
With its massive stone walls and sprawling grounds, this former asylum looks straight out of a movie set. Once home to thousands of patients, it’s now a historic site where tour guides share both medical history and lighthearted ghost tales. Maybe you’re in it for the architecture, or maybe it’s the stories. Whatever draws you in, it’s a fascinating place to explore.
