5 of the Most Haunted Places in the U.S.

Do you prefer your getaways with a spine-tingling edge? From eerie cemeteries to spooky mansions, there are a host of fascinating haunted attractions across the U.S. Some have centuries of history behind the spooky lore, making them fascinating places to visit. Today, these five eerie locations remain hotbeds of paranormal activity, earning their place among the most haunted spots in America.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 – New Orleans, Louisiana

A storied and often tragic history places New Orleans among the most haunted cities in the U.S. Even its graves sit above ground as tombs, creating a sort of “city of the dead,” and New Orleans’ oldest cemetery, established in 1789, has been the site of paranormal activity for nearly its entire existence over 200-plus years. 

The most famous ghost encountered on the grounds of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 belongs to Marie Laveau. Better known as the Voodoo Queen, she has been the subject of reported sightings not only in the cemetery, but also throughout the French Quarter. Legend has it that people still visit her tomb and ask for guidance, and she can sometimes be heard from beyond the grave. Whatever you do, don’t show any disrespect to her practices — she reportedly scratches or pushes offenders if she’s angry. 

Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The imposing Eastern State Penitentiary was once one of the most notorious prisons in the U.S., infamous for its harsh punishments for prisoners. The inmates unfortunate enough to be housed here endured complete silence and solitude. When they weren’t in solitary confinement, a bag was sometimes placed over prisoners’ heads so they could neither see or be seen. The guards even went as far to wear socks over their shoes to muffle the sounds of their footsteps. 

The prison was operational from the time it was built in 1829 until 1971, closing after 142 years. In 1994, it reopened as a historical landmark. With the gruesome history of prison treatment, it’s no surprise the prison also ranks as one of the most haunted places in America. Paranormal activity has been reported in the form of disembodied laughter, footsteps, and shadowy figures walking the penitentiary halls. The TV shows Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures have both filmed episodes here, and today brave tourists can book night tours and special Halloween tours to experience the penitentiary’s spooky history. 

The Pirate’s House – Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s haunted history dates back centuries, and the Pirate’s House is one of the city’s oldest buildings — one holding a tumultuous and haunted past. A high level of paranormal activity is often reported at this tavern, said to be haunted by ghosts of sailors from the 1700s who once frequented this rough-and-tumble bar where sailors, pirates, and criminals used to gather. 

The tunnel that runs under the bar’s basement was allegedly used to transport people who were kidnapped, and today, some visitors have reported eerie moans heard emanating from these tunnels. And on slow nights, staff have reported hearing footsteps on the wood plank floor, the sensation of being watched, and even seeing ghostly sailors drift in and out of view. 

Greenwood Cemetery – Decatur, Illinois 

Ghost sightings, unexplained lights and sounds, and an abundance of paranormal activity make this one of the spookiest cemeteries in the U.S. Greenwood Cemetery, located in the central Illinois city of Decatur, was dedicated in 1857, making it one of the state’s oldest cemeteries, although it is believed that burials started sometime in the 1820s. 

Several factors contribute to the cemetery’s haunted reputation. One is that it sits atop a Native American burial ground; another is that, during the Civil War, a train transporting Confederate prisoners reportedly left the bodies of soldiers who died from yellow fever there. A shallow mass grave was hastily dug, and it was feared that some men might have been buried alive. Today, there are reports of hauntings from a man wearing a tattered uniform, looking lost and confused, and asking for help. Other reputed ghosts at this eerie location include the Greenwood Bride, a woman said to be looking for her fiancé who was tragically killed.

The Cuban Club – Tampa, Florida

Local paranormal investigators consider the Cuban Club, located in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood, to be one of the most haunted places in the city. The current event space has a rich history among the city’s Cuban immigrants, who congregated there in the early 1900s to enjoy recreational facilities and to organize outreach efforts within their community. 

But over the years, some unfortunate accidental deaths occurred within the club’s walls. One of the club’s former owners claims to have heard empty elevators running on their own and doors opening and closing themselves. Paranormal experts claim to see people sitting in photos of empty seats and in empty windows. The Cuban Club even acknowledges its hair-raising reputation, but perhaps those brave enough to explore should decide for themselves.