9 Haunted Historic Buildings in the U.S. Locals Still Talk About
Every old building has its stories—but some whisper a little louder than others. From deserted hospitals to colonial mansions, these nine haunted landmarks have left locals and visitors with chills, questions, and stories that still circulate today. Whether you believe in ghosts or just love a good mystery, these places are open to explore (if you dare).
Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania
This massive 19th-century prison in Philadelphia is now a museum, but some say it never emptied. Once home to notorious criminals, its crumbling halls echo with whispers and distant footsteps. Paranormal investigators often cite cellblock 12 and death row as activity hot spots. The site’s isolation-style punishment and harsh past left a scar. Today, its heavy silence unnerves visitors as much as any ghost story could.
Crescent Hotel, Arkansas
Perched above Eureka Springs, this 1886 hotel is dubbed “America’s most haunted.” Once a hospital run by a fake doctor, guests have reported strange lights, ghostly nurses, and doors slamming on their own. Room 218 is particularly infamous, said to be haunted by a stonemason who died during construction.
Winchester Mystery House, California
Built by rifle heiress Sarah Winchester, this bizarre San Jose mansion has staircases to nowhere, secret doors, and a confusing layout designed to confuse spirits. Many believe she kept building non-stop to appease ghosts. Paranormal teams and curious visitors still report strange sightings and whispers in the halls.
Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Kentucky
Once a tuberculosis hospital, Waverly Hills is now considered one of America’s top paranormal hotspots. Thousands died here during the TB epidemic, and the infamous “body chute” still exists. Visitors claim to hear voices, spot shadowy figures, and feel unexplained cold spots on guided night tours.
LaLaurie Mansion, Louisiana
In the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter stands this infamous house with a dark past. Owned by Madame Delphine LaLaurie in the 1800s, the mansion was the site of horrific cruelty. Though privately owned now, locals swear the screams of past victims still echo at night. It’s a staple of ghost tours for good reason.
The Stanley Hotel, Colorado
Perched in Estes Park, this 1909 hotel is best known for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining. Guests often report ghostly piano music, flickering lights, and phantom children running the halls. Room 217 is especially notorious, where a former housekeeper reportedly still checks in on guests. Despite the creepy legends, the hotel draws crowds with its elegance and eerie allure. A night here is both scenic and spine-tingling.
Myrtles Plantation, Louisiana
Located in St. Francisville, this antebellum home is one of America’s most haunted. Stories of a slave girl named Chloe and other restless spirits have become part of its chilling lore. Visitors and staff alike report mysterious handprints, moving furniture, and ghostly images captured in photos. The oak-lined estate is beautiful, but its past is deeply unsettling. The atmosphere carries a strange weight, especially after dark.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, West Virginia
This massive Gothic building once held thousands of psychiatric patients—and the conditions were often grim. Now abandoned, it’s open for haunted tours and overnight investigations. Guides tell chilling tales of forgotten patients, violent outbreaks, and ghostly presences still roaming the wards.
Whaley House, California
Tucked in San Diego’s Old Town, this 1850s Greek Revival home was built atop a former gallows—bad omen from the start. The Whaley family faced numerous tragedies here, and some believe their spirits linger. Reports include voices, cold spots, and even sightings of the family dog. The house is open for tours and often lands on national haunted lists. It’s beautiful by day, but after dark, it takes on an entirely different mood.
