This article was originally published on Travlerz
Whether you believe in spirits and ghosts or not, visiting a haunted place is sure to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Every state has its notorious haunted locations, and we rounded up the creepiest places across the country. From a supernatural band of performers pounding drums in Hawaii to the ghosts of fallen soldiers roaming battlefields, can you make it through the list without feeling the spirits around you?
1. New York - House at 108 Ocean Avenue
Besides the pizza and Broadway shows, New York is also famous for the Amityville murders. One year after Ronald DeFeo Jr. shot and killed six of his family members in their Long Island home, a new family moved in and they did not expect what would happen next.
The home was terrorized by demonic spirits that lingered in the home and haunted anyone who came inside. THe house later became the inspiration for the film Amityville Horror. Also, the house didn't sell until 2016 by an anonymous buyer.
2. Pennsylvania - Eastern State Penitentiary
The Eastern State Penitentiary in Pennsylvania is one of the most famous prisons in the world. It has a haunting history that dates back to its opening in 1829. The prison was known for its brutal prisoner reform techniques, including keeping prisoners in the dark and isolated for weeks.
It is no wonder this place is haunted because the spirits of the prisoners have become restless. When people tour the prison today, they sometimes hear footsteps, screams, moans, and other unexplained noises.
3. Colorado - Stanley Hotel
Have you ever wondered what inspired Stephen King's The Shining? It was actually the Stanley Hotel in Colorado. The picturesque hotel opened in 1909, and it has a long history of hauntings. Some of the spirits are mean, but others are quite helpful.
Elizabeth Wilson is a spirit who haunts room 217, and she helps guests find exactly what they need to enjoy their stay. It seems like she knows what quality service is. However, we wouldn't want to come into contact with the other Stanley Hotel spirits.
4. Oregon - Pittock Mansion
After a successful career as a newspaper owner, Henry Pittock and his wife Georgiana wanted to retire in style. They decided to build the Pittock mansion, but after less than five years of living there, both of them passed away; however, some claim their spirits never left.
The city now owns the mansion, and it is open to the public for tours, and people have reported bizarre experiences. Some people say they smell roses in rooms without greenery, which were Georgiana's favorite flower, or the painting of Henry is moved from room to room.
5. Iowa - Villisca Ax Murder House
If something is called an "Ax Murder House," you know it has to be haunted. In 1912, eight people, including six children, were murdered as they slept in their home. Although there was an exhaustive search for the killer, no one was ever caught.
Over the years, the house has become a haunted attraction, where brave visitors can spend the night in the house with the restless spirits. The rooms almost look untouched from the night of the murder, and it is quite creepy.
6. Arizona - Yuma Territorial Prison
The Yuma Territorial Prison only operated for 33 years, which was enough to develop a ghoulish legacy. It housed 3,069 prisoners when it opened in 1876, and 111 of them died. However, due to overcrowding, the inmates were moved to a new facility.
Although no prisoners were executed on the site, the dark energy of the former prisoners has lingered throughout the years. When people visit for tours, they say the spirits make them feel cold and uneasy.
7. Connecticut - Union Cemetery
It is no surprise that cemeteries are full of spirits, and Easton's Union Cemetery in Connecticut is no exception. Dating back to the 1700s, it has centuries of history on its side, which means plenty of ghosts from the past with a vendetta.
The cemetery's most infamous ghost is White Lady, and according to legend, she was slain after she murdered her husband. She is known to stand in the middle of the local highway, causing drivers to "hit" her only to discover she is not there once they get out of the car.
8. Delaware - Fort Delaware
Fort Delaware has been inactive since the 1940s, but the paranormal activity has not stopped. The fort is surrounded by a state park where visitors have reported seeing dark figures and hearing disembodied voices.
In the dark dungeon areas, guests have even heard rattling chain sounds. We would be hightailing it out of there if we saw or heard anything that seemed like a ghost. Some people are drawn to those things, but we don't want to be followed home by a spirit.
9. Florida - St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida has been open since 1874 and still welcomes more than 200,000 visitors annually, but there has been some strange activity throughout the years. There have been reports of ghoulish visitors, and it draws in even more tourists.
The lighthouse might look beautiful on the outside, but it has a tragic past. The lighthouse keeper fell to his death while painting the tower, and three little girls perished at a nearby cliff. They have been seen roaming around the lighthouse, and people are always interested in seeing them.
10. Georgia - Moon River Brewery
As the most haunted destination in Georgia, Savannah's Moon River Brewery is known for more than its craft beers. Originally, it was a hotel in 1821 before serving as a hospital for victims of yellow fever during the Civil War.
The restless spirits who were hospital patients and guests still lurk here even though it has been transformed into this cool brewery. Customers have reported being touched, pushed, or even slapped by invisible forces.
11. Hawaii - Waipio Valley
Hawaii is known for its scenic views, and Waipio Valley offers some of the most beautiful sights on the island of Ohau. But if you visit the lookout, you might not be alone as the sun goes down because the area is apparently haunted.
They are sometimes called "Night Marchers," and locals and tourists have reported chanting and the pounding of drums echoing in the night. This has happened when no one is around, and it is quite startling. They must have been natives on the island before perishing.
12. Idaho - Shoshone Ice Caves
Although Idaho can be pretty cold in the winter, it is still a phenomenon that the Shoshone Ice Caves stay frozen year-round. The 1,000-foot lava tube is not just home to rock and ice but also some paranormal spirits.
Legend has it that the Shoshone Princess Edahow is buried in the ice caves, waiting for her time to come back to life. Staff and visitors have heard unexplained footsteps and voices while exploring the cave, and they think it is her spirit.
13. Indiana - Story Inn
Located in Nashville, Indiana, is the historical Story Inn. This place is quite the hair-raiser because one of the most popular ghosts is the wife of the town's founder, Dr. George Story. We wonder why her husband hasn't joined her in the afterlife.
According to legend, she will appear if a blue light is on, and she has left behind blue objects as well. Guests have also smelled the cherry tobacco she used to smoke when she was alive. That's enough proof for us to believe she is alive.
14. Kansas - Sallie House
Although it looks like any other colonial home on the block, the Sallie House in Kansas has a creepy history that has lead people to believe spirits from the other side haunt it. One previous homeowner experienced something crazy, and that is how the rumors began.
When Tony and Debra Pickman moved into the home in 1993, they were terrorized by spirits who scratched, burned, and pushed them down the stairs. Lights and TV sets would turn on and off at will. It is believed that the spirit of a girl named Sallie who died in the house targets men who visit.
15. Kentucky - Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Some people say that the Waverly Hills Sanatorium is the most haunted place on earth, and there is a good reason why. Opened in 1910, the sanatorium treated patients affected by the tuberculosis outbreak, and it became a self-contained community with its own zip code.
Researchers believe that thousands of people died in the hospital during the height of the TB epidemic, so it's not surprising that it is filled with restless spirits. They enjoy causing trouble and scaring visitors, which is why people should probably stay away.
16. Louisiana - LaLaurie Mansion
New Orleans is known for its ghostly sites, and they have plenty of ghost tours for people to enjoy. But one place, in particular, is known as the city's spookiest spot. Madame Delphine LaLaurie owned LaLaurie Mansion in the 1830s, and it was the site of some heinous crimes.
People claim Madame LaLaurie mistreated and tortured her slaves, who mostly perished in the home. Today, people who visit hear moans and footsteps in the rooms where she kept and abused her slaves. They probably hung around to haunt her and make her just as afraid as they were.
17. West Virginia - Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Asylums seem to be hot spots for ghosts and spirits, but some people are drawn to those things. The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia served as a home for the mentally ill beginning in the 1600s. Thousands were committed to the hospital, and hundreds died there.
People who have visited the asylum reported seeing ghosts and hearing unexplained voices and eerie sounds. Paranormal investigators have spent the night in the abandoned asylum, but they couldn't figure out what the causes were.
18. Maine - Kennebec Arsenal
Kennebec Arsenal in Augusta, Maine, was built after the War of 1812, but it served as a hospital for 100 years of its history. The Augusta Mental Institute was operational until 2004, and during this time, more than 11,600 people died there.
The weirdest part of the story is that there are no detailed reports of where they buried all those bodies. Although the hospital has been closed for almost two decades, passersby still claimed they see ghosts or hear cries from behind building walls.
19. Alaska - Red Onion Saloon
When it was built in 1897, the historic Red Onion Saloon was one of the most notorious brothels in the gold rush town of Skagway, Alaska. Today, people believe it is haunted by a ghost named Lydia, one of the brothel's mistresses.
It is said that she occasionally water's the saloon's plants and can be seen wandering the upstairs floors. Apparently, she is harmless, but she has been known to be hostile towards men. She seems like a pretty useful ghost, and we are glad we are not men.
20. Maryland - Antietam National Battlefield
During the single bloodiest day of the Civil War, more than 23,000 soldiers were killed or wounded on Antietam National Battlefield. Today people who visit the war site see the ghosts of fallen soldiers walking around, and often hear gunfire as well.
For those interested in history, but not the supernatural kind, the Battle of Antietam prompted Abraham Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation with the stated goal of ending slavery. Sadly, there would be years of continued fighting in order to achieve that goal.
21. Massachusetts - Old Burying Point
With the town's history of witchcraft, it is no surprise that Salem is known for having some truly haunting sites. The Old Burying Point is the oldest cemetery in Salem, founded in 1637. Although none of the people were suspected witches from the trials, there is a memorial for them.
According to reports, 25 people were killed during the Salem Witch Trials, and people have seen ghostly spirits hovering over the memorial. It must be those people who were wrongfully accused of witchcraft coming back to haunt the town.
22. Arkansas - Crescent Hotel
The Crescent Hoel is known as the most haunted hotel in America, or at least in Arkansas. Built in 1886, the property is said to be home to different ghosts who checked in and decided to stay for eternity. There is one spirit who has been spotted quite a few times.
A red-haired man name Michael was one of the masons that built the hotel, and his mischievous spirit haunts the establishment. He has been known to play tricks with lights, doors, and TVs. Even the outside looks creepy, and we would not want to visit the mischievous Michael.
23. Minnesota - Wabasha Street Caves
There have been plenty of stories about the Wabasha Street Caves in Minnesota that date back to Prohibition. During that time, the former mining caves were turned into a speakeasy, becoming a hotspot for gangsters. You could probably guess that more than a few hits took place there.
In fact, one of the fireplaces still has bullet holes from a murder that happened there. Today, people claim the spirits of those who were killed haunt the caves and create echoing cries throughout the tunnels.
24. California - The Queen Mary
Its nickname "The Grey Ghost" should be a strong indicator that the Queen Mary is a haunted ship. The spooky and stately ship harbored in Long Beach, California has about 150 spirits that call the ocean-liner home. However, that hasn't stopped people from visiting.
From a crew member killed by a watertight door to a woman dressed in white who hangs out in the luxury suites. This 1930s ship is the perfect place for a ghost hunting enthusiast because, at night, you can see all the ghosts roaming around the empty boat.
25. Michigan - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was once home to the bustling logging and farming industry, but now it looks more like a ghost town. And the city is actually inhabited by ghosts, or that's what people think, at least.
Located 16 miles off the shore of the Leelanau Peninsula, the island was also the site of a shipwreck. People say the restless spirits came from the ship. Another legend says that a ship was stricken with cholera, and the passengers were buried on the island, in some cases, while they were alive.
26. Alabama - Sloss Furnaces
In Birmingham, Alabama, the Sloss Furnaces is a beloved historic site, and it happens to be the most haunted place in the state. After it was opened in 1882, it was used for transforming coal and mine ores into steel. The work conditions were awful and harshly enforced by the foreman James "Slag" Wormwood.
While working one day, Wormwood lost his footing at the top of the tallest furnace and fell into melted ore. Ever since workers have said that they encountered his angry spirit. They also said they were yelled at or shoved from behind by this spirit
27. Mississippi - King’s Tavern
Built in the late 1700s, King's Tavern is the oldest building in Natchez, Mississippi. It was host to people traveling along the Natchez Trail and some other unsavory characters. It wasn't until it was renovated in the 1930s that the owner found three mummified corpses.
One of the bodies was believed to be the mistress of the original tavern owner. This woman is supposedly responsible for the paranormal mischief, including knocking jars off shelves and tracking mud on the freshly mopped floors.
28. Missouri - House at 8435 Roanoke Drive
While it might look unsuspecting from the outside, the residents of the quiet St. Louis neighborhood know that a lot went on behind those closed doors. The events even inspired the icon film The Exorcist because of what happened inside.
According to local legends, the son of the family that lived in the home was possessed by a demon while playing with a Ouija board. When the priest arrived at the home, he witnessed the boy's bed shaking, and scrapes and welts spontaneously appeared in his skin. The infamous exorcism actually took place at a local university.
29. Illinois - Lincoln Theater
While it is has been closed to the public for almost a year, the Lincoln Theater in Illinois has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in the state. It opened in 1916, and people believe it was built on top of an ancient burial ground and two former hotels.
People have said that a former stagehand, a woman in a long flowing dress, and other spirits have been spotted inside. They must be very lonely since the theater is closed to the public. Maybe they have been putting shows on for each other.
30. Montana - Grand Union Hotel
It's because of stories like these that we don't stay at old hotels. The Grand Union Hotel was built in 1882 in Montana, and in its early days in the Wild West, a legend began that has been passed down for generations to scare other people.
According to the story, an outlaw rode his horse into the hotel and up the main staircase. The bar manager shot the intruder, and today, guests have said that they hear the hoofbeats of a phantom horse. We can't say if it's true or not, but we don't want to find out.
31. Nebraska - Centennial Hall
In Valentine, Nebraska, Centennial Hall is the state's oldest standing schoolhouse that was the scene of some awful events. In 1944, a female student was killed by a poison clarinet reed, but no one knows why someone would have wanted to hurt her.
The school was later converted into a museum, but many people say they feel uneasy in the building. Some people have even said they heard the sounds of a clarinet in the music room even though there are no instruments in the building.
32. Nevada - Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino
Although it looks like any other casino in Las Vegas, the Westgate Resort and Casino bring a whole new meaning to the term "viva Las Vegas." Some people believe Elvis hasn't left the building, and it's somewhat intimidating.
Many people who stay at the hotel have reported seeing the King himself wandering the hotel's upper floors since his death in 1977. It is also believed that he spends time backstage to keep an eye on the other performers.
33. New Hampshire - Mount Washington
Mount Washington is a great place to go for a woodsy getaway and a paranormal experience. The Mount Washington Hotel is apparently home to some generous spirits, including an elderly woman wandering the halls in the off-season.
The summer staff even captured a photo of her once, and the lights there seem to have minds of their own. The supernatural events are thought to be because of the original hotel owners, who enjoy keeping an eye on their beloved property.
34. New Jersey - Pine Barrens
Spanning across one million acres and seven counties, the Pine Barrens in New Jersey is a wide expanse of natural beauty. It was once home to the Colonial sawmills, but the surrounding towns have since abandoned the industry. The towns have left behind restless spirits, including the Jersey Devil.
The legend says that a winged creature with hooves and the head of a goat was born in 1735 as the child of Deborah Leeds. It spent centuries killing livestock and terrorizing the area around Pine Barrens. You don't want to find yourself in this neck of the woods.
35. New Mexico - Kimo Theater
There is a lot more than meets the eye at Albuquerque's Kimo Theater. It has quite the history of paranormal activity by a little boy named Bobby, who tragically died in the theater in 1951 when a water heater exploded in the lobby.
People who have performed at the theater and work there sometimes leave small toys and presents to distract him and keep him from interrupting the show. When he is not distracted, he likes to cause technical difficulties.
36. North Carolina - Biltmore Estate
While it might be the largest private residence in the country, that doesn't mean it doesn't have a haunting past. As the former vacation home of George Washington Vanderbilt II, it is now home to a few ghosts. The sprawling 135,280 square-foot estate has plenty of paranormal activity.
The ghosts of both George and his wife Edith have been seen roaming some of the halls, and Edith can sometimes be heard calling George's name. While they hang out inside the estate, there is apparently a headless orange cat that likes to play in the gardens.
37. North Dakota - Chateau de Mores
There might not be a lot to see in North Dakota, but if you are a ghost hunting enthusiast, check out the Chateau de Mores. The 26-room home is rumored to be visited by more than just tourists. There have been plenty of ghost sightings throughout the years, which draws in more people.
Marquis de Mores built the home and named the city after his beloved wife, Medora. Although the state now owns the property, some people believe that Medora's spirit never left home. Tour guides often find an indent in her side of the bed, and her hairbrush is moved around the vanity.
38. Ohio - Ohio State Reformatory
Built in 1886, the Ohio State Reformatory was supposed to be a prison focused on reform and rehabilitation, but it left behind a legacy of abuse, torture, and murder. The outside of it was even used in Stephen King's Shawshank Redemption, but the inside has an awful past.
It was closed in 1990 due to a lawsuit because of overcrowding and inhumane conditions. However, it is now open for tours, and visitors have felt uneasy inside because of possible spirits. People have even reported being touched, scratched, or had their hair pulled while walking inside.
39. Oklahoma - Gilcrease Museum
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Gilcrease Museum is a highlight of the art collection of oil baron Thomas Gilcrease. He was so proud of his collection, and it seems he wasn't ready to part with it when he died.
Visitors and security alike have experienced strange things inside the museum. Some have said that they say Gilcrease wandering in the garden where his remains are entombed in the mausoleum.
40. Rhode Island - Providence City Hall
Although it might look unassuming from the outside, Providence's city hall has had some mysterious activity throughout the years. The staff has reported seeing chairs move on their own, and they heard whispers from empty rooms.
There is a rumor that the paranormal activity is because of the ghost of the city's former mayor, Thomas Doyle. He was buried in the building, and it seems like his spirit didn't want to leave when he did.
41. South Carolina - Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in South Carolina has been owned by the same family since 1680. Throughout its history, unexplained occurrences have taken place here. People heard music when no one was around, they heard children laughing, and distant coughs and growls.
Paranormal investigators went to the plantation to see what they could uncover, and they couldn't figure out who or what was behind the paranormal activity. It adds to the intrigue of the site and makes it more exciting for tourists.
42. South Dakota - Bullock Hotel
The Bullock Hotel in South Dakota was named after the former sheriff, Seth Bullock. The historic property keeps the spirit of the Wild West alive with its unique architecture and rich history. However, people believe Seth never left the building after his passing.
Guests and staff of the Bullock Hotel have seen the former sheriff in the hotel. Some people reported glasses and dishes being thrown around, and the hotel piano sometimes plays on its own. Seth Bullock must be trying to entertain guests from the afterlife.
43. Tennessee - Bell Witch Cave
With the word witch in its title, you know this place has to have a spooky history. In the 1800s, the Bell Witch apparently tormented John Bell's family near Adams, Tennessee. For years, the family heard chains and heavy knocking on their walls, which ended with John Bell dying mysteriously.
People believe the evil spirit lived in a cave near their home, and people started calling it the Bell Witch Cave. Today you can explore the cave and see if the Bell Witch actually exists, but we wouldn't want to find out.
44. Texas - USS Lexington
The Lone Star state is known for many things, including haunted sites like the USS Lexington. The vessel spent 21 months at sea in WWII, and the Japanese reported the ship had sunk four times, only to see it reappear. The ship's nickname became "the Blue Ghost."
Today the ship serves as a museum that is known for the historical exhibits and paranormal activity. Guests have reportedly met Charlie, a tour guide in a traditional navy uniform. However, the museum has never employed a tour guide named Charlie, and people think it is the ghost of a sailor.
45. Utah - Moon Lake
Moon Lake might look scenic and beautiful, but it is the site of some mysterious activity. The picturesque views of the crystal clear lake draw in plenty of tourists, and the spirits from beyond scare people away.
Over the years, campers reported seeing the ghost of a little girl who drowned in the lake in broad daylight. People say she has bright blue lips and clothes dripping with water as she approaches them. We would hop in the car and never come back if we saw that.
46. Vermont - Gold Brook Bridge (Emily’s Bridge)
Although its true name is Gold Brook Bridge, most locals know it as Emily's Bridge. The historic covered bridge is believed to be the spot where a broken-hearted woman named Emily perished. There are many different stories about how she died, but one thing is consistent; she never left the scene.
When crossing the bridge, many people reported finding long scratches on the sides of their cars after driving through. Others have said that they felt scratches on their body. She must want revenge for the person who broke her heart.
47. Virginia - Bacon’s Castle
People love haunted houses, especially around Halloween, and Bacon's Castle is like the ultimate Haunted House. The castle was built in 1665, and it is the oldest brick house in the country. It isn't shocking that the home is full of paranormal activity with its long history.
There are many theories about what has caused these ghostly experiences. People reported seeing spectral fireballs, floating heads, and disembodied voices, but there are no links to anyone who previously lived in the house.
48. Washington - Kells Irish Pub
Although it looks like a bar from the outside, Kells Irish Pub used to be a mortuary, explaining the paranormal activity. The Seattle bar draws in plenty of patrons because of the strange occurrences, like the two ghosts seen regularly.
One of the ghosts is a little girl with red hair, and she enjoys playing pranks on people and hanging out with the children who come with their parents. The other ghost is Charlie, who wears a long black coat and appears in the bar's Guinness mirror on nights when there is live music.
49. Wisconsin - Pfister Hotel
The Pfister Hotel opened in 1893, and throughout its long history, people have reported strange activity while staying there. The property is said to be haunted by Charles Pfister, the capitalist, newspaper publisher, and financier who owned the hotel.
Pfister was known for being loyal to his home state, and he reportedly likes to spook rival MLB players who are staying in town to play against the Milwaukee Brewers. Players across the league said lights would flicker unexpectedly, and locks would close on their own.
50. Wyoming - Fort Laramie
Built in the 1830s, Fort Laramie was an important trading post, diplomatic meeting ground, and military installation that also served as a refuge for fur trappers who were expanding out west. As you can imagine, life in the rugged wilds was fraught with danger, and as a result, many adventuring Americans met grisly ends while trying to make ends meet.
While there are many spirits who continue to visit this fort, the most popular by far is the iconic Lady in Green. Legend has it that she was the daughter of a fur trapper, who didn't want to simply follow her father around all day. So, one afternoon she simply got onto her horse and rode off, never to be seen again. Every seven years she retraces her route, coming back to the fort which she so desperately wanted to leave.