The United States is not just a land of rich history and diverse cultures; it’s also home to some of the spookiest and most haunted destinations in the world. If you’re a thrill-seeker or a paranormal enthusiast, these five haunted tourist spots should be on your must-visit list. From eerie cemeteries to abandoned penitentiaries, here are the five most popular haunted destinations in the U.S.
Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia
Historical Context
This Southern Gothic cemetery, famous for its appearance in the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, is known for its Spanish moss-draped trees and Victorian monuments. The cemetery’s haunting beauty is matched by the ghostly tales associated with it, particularly the story of young Gracie Watson, whose life-size statue stands over her grave.
Paranormal Activity
Visitors have reported hearing the eerie sounds of crying babies and seeing Gracie’s ghost wandering through the cemetery, adding to its haunted reputation (Travel + Leisure) (Tripster).
Calcasieu Courthouse, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Historical Context
The courthouse is infamous for the ghost of Toni Jo Henry, a sex worker and the only woman in Louisiana to be executed in the electric chair. Her spirit is said to haunt the courthouse, where she was tried and sentenced.
Visitor Experiences
Employees have claimed to smell burning hair, experience malfunctioning office equipment, and encounter locked doors that refuse to open. Toni Jo’s restless spirit is believed to be behind these strange occurrences (Reader’s Digest) (Tripster).
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Historical Context
Once one of the most famous and expensive prisons in the world, Eastern State Penitentiary is now a crumbling relic of its past. Known for its brutal treatment of inmates, the prison has been the subject of numerous paranormal investigations.
Paranormal Activity
Visitors have reported hearing maniacal laughter, seeing mysterious figures, and feeling cold spots as they walk through the prison’s dark, empty halls. The site’s haunting atmosphere makes it a top destination for ghost hunters (Travel + Leisure) (ViaTravelers).
Emily’s Bridge, Stowe, Vermont
Historical Context
Emily’s Bridge, officially known as Gold Brook Covered Bridge, is haunted by the ghost of a young woman named Emily, who is said to have hanged herself there after being jilted by her lover.
Visitor Experiences
Those who visit the bridge report feeling a clawing sensation on their vehicles and hearing disembodied voices. Some even claim to have seen a ghostly apparition of Emily herself (Reader’s Digest) (ViaTravelers).
The Lalaurie Mansion, New Orleans, Louisiana
Historical Context
Perhaps the most infamous haunted location in New Orleans, the Lalaurie Mansion was home to Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a wealthy socialite known for her cruel treatment of slaves. After a fire in the mansion revealed the horrific conditions of her slaves, it’s said their spirits never left.
Paranormal Activity
The mansion is so haunted that it inspired a season of American Horror Story. Visitors have reported hearing chains dragging, seeing apparitions, and feeling an overwhelming sense of dread when near the mansion (Tripster) (ViaTravelers).
FAQ Section
Q: Is it safe to visit these haunted sites?
A: Generally, yes, it is safe to visit these sites as long as you follow local regulations and tour guidelines. However, visitors should be prepared for potentially unsettling experiences.
Q: What are the best times of year to experience paranormal activity?
A: While ghostly encounters can happen at any time, the Halloween season tends to be popular for visits to haunted locations, as many sites offer special tours and events (Reader’s Digest).
