Welcome to our adventure through America’s scariest places. This paranormal travel guide leads you to spooky hotels and ghost-filled plantations. They all have a creepy history that will make you shiver. Whether you don’t believe in ghosts or you do, visiting these spots is a special way to learn about America’s history. It’s a history that can be pretty dark. Ready to meet some ghosts, see strange things, and visit places where time stops? Let’s go.
Key Takeaways
- The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia housed over 75,000 inmates during its 142 years of operation.
- The Myrtles Plantation, dating back to 1796, is dubbed one of America’s most haunted homes.
- The Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining,” making it a hotspot for paranormal activity.
- The Historic Bullock Hotel, built in 1895, is haunted by its first sheriff, Seth Bullock.
- Robert the Doll at East Martello Museum is linked to eerie reports of bad luck and strange occurrences.
The Eerie Past of The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel is 70 miles away from Denver, Colorado. It’s a landmark with a spooky past. Freelan Oscar Stanley opened it on July 4th, 1909, on 6,400 acres of land. It wasn’t very popular until Stephen King stayed in 1974. In Room 217, he got inspired to write “The Shining”. This made the hotel a big deal for those who love ghost stories and one of the most well-known haunted places in the united states.
The Inspiration Behind “The Shining”
Stephen King stayed one night at the Stanley Hotel. It was a big moment for “The Shining”. He had scary dreams and felt weird vibes. These experiences helped him write a famous horror book. The novel made the hotel famous. Now, fans and ghost hunters must see it. Room 217, King’s room, is known for its spooky stories and a past explosion.
Ghostly Encounters and Paranormal Activities
The Stanley Hotel is one of America’s most haunted places. There are lots of stories about paranormal activity Colorado. People say they hear kids running and see ghosts in Room 217. They also hear unseen parties in the ballroom. The fourth floor is especially spooky, especially Room 428. There, furniture moves on its own. The ballroom is also creepy, with ghostly music playing.
If you’re into haunted stories, the Stanley Hotel is perfect. It mixes luxury with mystery. For ghost lovers, it’s a must-visit. You can find more about its spooky stories here.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | July 4th, 1909 |
| Land Area | 6,400 acres |
| Number of Rooms | 140 guest rooms |
| Peak Paranormal Floors | Fourth floor (children laughing), Room 428 |
| Room 217 Incident | Gas explosion, frequent apparitions |
Discover Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Once home to over 75,000 inmates, the Eastern State Penitentiary is regarded as the most haunted site in Pennsylvania. Its notorious past and chilling atmosphere have attracted thousands of visitors yearly, making it one of the iconic haunted prisons USA.
History of the Penitentiary
Construction of the Eastern State Penitentiary began in 1821, and it officially opened in 1829. It was one of the most expensive buildings in the United States then. High-profile inmates, like Al Capone, served time within its walls.
The prison was designed for solitary confinement, with 15 cellblocks. Initially, each cell had luxuries like central heating and running water. Even the White House didn’t have some of these amenities at the time.
Due to the harsh conditions, inmates experienced extreme isolation intended to instill genuine remorse for their crimes. During its 142-year history, over 300 prisons worldwide copied its design. Notably, the penitentiary also became infamous for its severe punishments like the water bath, mad chair, and iron gag.
Ghost Tours and Eerie Experiences
Since its closure in 1971, Eastern State Penitentiary has become a hotspot for paranormal activity. It reopened as a museum in 1994, offering ghost tours that reveal its haunted history.
Some of the most eerie experiences come from cellblocks 12 and 6. They are known for echoing voices and shadowy figures, respectively. Paranormal researchers visit the site each year. The penitentiary has featured in TV programs like the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures” and Syfy’s “Ghost Hunters.”
One of the most popular events is the yearly Halloween Haunted House, “Terror Behind the Walls.” It showcases over 200 performers.
Exploring Eastern State Penitentiary today lets visitors walk through the same cells that once held America’s most notorious criminals. It’s one of the most haunted prisons USA. As you walk through its deserted hallways, the spectral figures and sounds remind you of the penitentiary’s dark past.
Unveil the Secrets of The Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana
The Myrtles Plantation is known as one of America’s most haunted homes. It invites guests to check out its haunted mirror and go on ghost tours. This place is in St. Francisville, Louisiana. It has a spooky reputation because of its history and tragic stories. It attracts travelers interested in the paranormal.
The Haunted Mirror
The haunted mirror is a famous part of the plantation. People say they see odd reflections and ghostly shapes in it. The mirror is believed to hold the spirits of Sara Woodruff and her children, poisoned by a cake. This sad story is just one that makes the plantation a key spot for those seeking ghosts in Louisiana.
Ghost Sightings and Paranormal Investigations
Many paranormal investigators come to the Myrtles Plantation because of ghost sightings. There’s a tale about Chloe, an enslaved woman killed on the grounds. Her ghost is said to roam there. Visitors and investigators have also seen child ghosts, found invisible handprints, and heard footsteps with no source.
Below is a table comparing recent ghost sightings and investigations at the Myrtles Plantation:
| Phenomenon | Reported Frequency | Investigator Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Childlike Apparitions | High | Commonly seen near the haunted mirror |
| Unexplained Footsteps | Medium | Often heard on staircases and hallways |
| Invisible Handprints | Medium | Seen on mirrors and glass surfaces |
| Chloe’s Apparition | Low | Primarily reported around her quarters |
Haunted Places in the United States: Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
The Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Pennsylvania is famous for being spooky. It has a long history of ghost stories. The hotel has been around for 278 years. It began in 1922, taking the place of the Eagle Hotel from 1833. The hotel keeps its ghostly feel thanks to money from Charles Schwab and Bethlehem Steel.
People often see ghosts like May Yohe and Francis “Daddy” Thomas here. May Yohe was known as Lady Francis Hope and lived from 1866 to 1938. Francis “Daddy” Thomas was a key figure born in 1732 and died in 1822. Visitors also talk about seeing Mrs. Brong’s ghost. She was only the landlord for 6 months. Room 932 is very famous for its ghostly guests and strange mirror images.
- A ghostly man questioning, “Why are you in my room?”
- Flickering lamps, moving papers, and faint reflections.
- In April 2007, paranormal investigators recorded voices with phrases like “It’s Mary,” “What a beautiful bathroom,” and “I’ve locked myself in the closet.”
Room 932 gets a lot of requests because it’s known for ghost sightings. Famous people like Winston Churchill and Amelia Earhart have stayed here. Visiting is exciting. You get to learn history and maybe see a ghost. It’s a top spot for those intrigued by haunted places in the USA.
Exploring the Chilling Sorrel-Weed House, Savannah, Georgia
The Sorrel-Weed House was built in 1837. It was designed by the famous Charles Cluskey. This place is both historical and spooky in Savannah, Georgia.
It sits on Madison Square, where many soldiers died during the Revolutionary War. Some say the soldiers’ remains are still under the house. This adds to its haunting stories.
A History Steeped in Paranormal Activity
Francis Sorrel, who made his wealth in shipping, first owned it. People have reported strange occurrences for years. They’ve seen dark figures and felt like they were being watched. These feelings happen a lot in the old slave quarters.
The house’s rich history ties it to many ghost stories. That’s why it attracts those who love exploring the unknown.
Experience Ghost Tours and After-Hours Investigations
The Sorrel-Weed House is known for its ghost tours. Click here for more info. Shows like “Ghost Hunters” have featured it. It offers a dive into its spooky history after sunset.
People can even stay overnight, using tools to find ghosts. Gadgets often stop working right, which adds to the eerie feel.
To really understand this place, you must experience it yourself. It’s a journey through Savannah’s dark history. A must for those drawn to the mysteries of the Sorrel-Weed House.
Experience the Hauntings at The Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.
The Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. is perfect for those into haunted stories. Since opening in 1930, it’s been known for its fancy look and spooky history. Many people from all over come to feel the chills themselves.
The Ghost Suite and Unexplained Phenomena
Of all the haunted places in Washington DC, the Omni Shoreham Hotel is quite famous. Its The Ghost Suite, or Suite 870, is known for weird stuff happening. Guests and workers have noticed strange events like sudden cold winds, lights turning on and off, and TVs doing the same, especially around 4 AM. These creepy moments are linked to when three people died in that suite long ago.
Haunting Tales and Guest Experiences
Those brave enough to stay share scary tales about their time at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. It’s not just The Ghost Suite that’s haunted; spooky stuff happens all over the hotel. Oddly enough, these happen mostly on the death anniversaries at around 4 AM, which is when Juliette Brown died. This adds to the hotel’s eerie fame.
The hotel has 836 fancy rooms and offers both history and modern comforts. Even after updates to attract ghost fans, Suite 870 is still only for VIPs because of its ghost stories. The tales of ghosts at the Omni Shoreham leave guests with unforgettable memories. It’s a top pick for anyone wanting a spooky stay in Washington DC.
Investigate Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Since 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary stands as a large, scary building with a spooky past. Known for its gothic look and creepy feel, it is a top haunted spot. Many people visit every year for ghost tours and to explore its hauntings.
Castle-like Structure and Eerie Atmosphere
The prison’s design is big and scary. It looks like a castle to make people feel afraid and alone. The walls are high and the air feels spooky.
It opened in 1823 and has a dark history. Famous bad guys, like Al Capone, were kept here. This makes it a very haunted place in America.
Daytime and Nighttime Tours
There are many ghost tours at the prison. Daytime tours show the building and tell spooky stories. Charles Dickens even talked about how bad it was.
Night tours share scarier stories. The “Terror Behind the Walls” happens at Halloween. It has actors that pretend to be ghosts.
You can visit Eastern State Penitentiary day or night. It’s known for its ghosts. TV shows like Ghost Adventures have found weird sounds and shadows here. It’s great for those who love the paranormal.
The Infamous Lizzie Borden House, Fall River, Massachusetts
The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Massachusetts, is full of history and ghost stories. The ax murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in 1892 made this home famous. Even though Lizzie Borden was found not guilty, people still think she did it. This adds mystery to the Lizzie Borden House.
The Gruesome Murders and Lingering Spirits
The murders on August 4, 1892, shocked everyone. Andrew and Abby Borden were killed with an ax. Lizzie Borden’s trial intrigued many. Now, the house is a museum offering haunted stays for those who dare.
Guests and ghost hunters feel weird things here. The owner has heard voices and footsteps with no source. During one search, a spirit showed feelings of turmoil. This adds to the house’s spooky fame.
Overnight Stays for the Brave at Heart
The Lizzie Borden House lets daring people stay overnight. This allows them to maybe meet the Borden family’s ghosts. These experiences make Fall River ghost stories even richer. It draws those who love ghosts and mysteries.
| Attribute | Lizzie Borden House |
|---|---|
| Year of Infamous Double Murder | 1892 |
| Number of Reported Hauntings | Multiple Occurrences |
| Paranormal Activities | Footsteps, Disembodied Voices |
| Guest Experiences | Overwhelming Feelings, Spirit Communication |
The Lizzie Borden House is a chilling yet enthralling place. Those who visit leave with unforgettable stories. They add to the tale of this eerie historical spot.
The Mysterious Past of The Historic Bullock Hotel, Deadwood, South Dakota
The Historic Bullock Hotel is a key piece of Deadwood, South Dakota’s history. It was built by the town’s first sheriff, Seth Bullock, in 1895. Today, it’s known as one of the most haunted places in America. Many visitors come to see the Bullock Hotel ghosts.
Located at 633 Main St., the Bullock Hotel is more than just a place to stay. It offers a glimpse into the past. Many report spooky happenings and ghost sightings there. Over thirty workers and lots of guests have seen these ghosts.
One story is about a teen worker who met a ghost and quit right away. Stories like this make the Bullock Hotel ghosts famous. The hotel has been featured on the show Ghost Adventures, attracting ghost hunters.
Ghost tours of the Bullock Hotel are $20 per person. They happen on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 5 p.m. and last about 90 minutes. These tours introduce visitors to the hotel’s scary history. The Fairmont Hotel also offers ghost tours nearby.
Guests can also see other historic places like the Adams House and the Wild Bill Bar & Trading Post. At the Wild Bill Bar, you can see where Wild Bill Hickok was shot for $10. This adds to the historical adventure in Deadwood.
In 1991, a psychic got messages from Seth Bullock’s spirit. These messages warned of a future lawless time in Deadwood. This event adds to the hotel’s haunted tales.
Delve into the Darkness of Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston, West Virginia
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia, is a well-known haunted site. Built during the Civil War, it was meant for 250 patients. Yet, it ended up holding about 2,400 people at most. For 130 years it was open, suffering from too many people, neglect, and harsh treatment.
Civil War-Era Psychiatric Institution
This place has a lot of history from the Civil War time. It opened in 1864, mixing Gothic with Tudor styles to look quite haunting. Tours now show how people were treated back then, including lobotomies and shock therapy.
Ghost Tours and Paranormal Investigations
Now, it’s famous for ghost tours and hunting for supernatural signs. Lots of visitors come to experience its eerie vibes. They report hearing voices and seeing things that can’t be explained. You can join these tours, which range in price from $15.00 + tax to $150.00 + tax for a full 6-hour adventure.
If you’re into haunts or history, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a must-see. Its scary past and ghost stories keep it on the map. It’s a key spot in both history and the haunted scene of West Virginia.
The Ghostly Omniscience of Robert the Doll at East Martello Museum, Key West, Florida
Since 1904, Robert the Doll has been a spooky sight at the East Martello Museum in Key West, Florida. It’s known for its eerie feel and the bad luck for those who slight it. This doll boosts museum visits by 30% in the fall, thanks to its haunted rep.
About half the people who snap photos with Robert report camera troubles. Even more, 70%, sense something strange or different by him. These strange happenings spark more interest in Robert and make the museum a must-see at Halloween. Then, visitor numbers jump by 60%.
Nearly 40% of all guided tours in Key West focus on ghostly spots, including Robert the Doll. This haunted toy has turned into a legend, getting over 1,000 letters a year from intrigued fans. With its spooky vibe and tales, Robert the Doll draws both doubters and believers to Key West.
