A Complete Guide to the Most Haunted Houses in Every State
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Fabricated haunted houses have nothing on the real ones. If you love a spine-chilling tale and are considering exploring an actual haunted house near you, you're in the right place. We're spotlighting the top creepy homes in every U.S. state, so you can take note of the most haunted houses closest to you (and go visit IRL, or move very far away from them). Each one has a distinct backstory, but all have hosted many creepy, unexplainable occurrences—including disembodied sounds, touches, movements, and more odd happenings. From grand mansions that are now abandoned to quaint, historic farmhouses, they all have one thing in common: endless reportings of ghost sightings. Ahead, take a good old-fashioned American tour of all fifty states, haunted house edition.
If you're in the for more scary ghost stories after you read about the spookiest homes near you, subscribe to our haunted house podcast Dark House on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen.
Alabama: Sweetwater, Florence
Many legends abound of the supernatural activity at this historic Southern mansion. One witness had seen a soldier in a coffin appear in one of the rooms, then suddenly disappear. There are also regular reports of female visitors being mysteriously locked in one of Sweetwater Mansion's rooms as well.
Alaska: Begich Towers, Whittier
The Begich Towers (the tall building) is technically a home for most of the residents of the tiny town of Whittier. It also has stores, public utilities, and places of worship. With everything and everyone in town under one roof, there's bound to be some weirdness (or a few roommate conflicts, at the very least). Residents have heard phantom footsteps and whistling throughout the building. Not up for a ghostly encounter? Visit the prettiest small town in Alaska instead.
Arizona: The Rosson House, Phoenix
Built in 1895, this Victorian home looks pretty spooky in any light. Inside, you'll find an interesting museum...along with phantom footsteps, which might be from a former caretaker who had been tragically murdered.
Arksansas: Peel Mansion, Bentonville
Historic homes have their charms, but they also tend to have a few ghosts. You might bump into Samuel Peel, the original owner of this handsome mansion, on a tour of the estate. He allegedly haunts the property along with his daughter Minnie Belle, who is usually seen wearing white. She's also been known to play the piano!
California: Whaley House, San Diego
Now a museum, the Whaley House was once a private home for Thomas Whaley and his family. Unfortunately, the home was built on the site of a gruesome hanging—and the victim was said to have haunted the Whaley family on the regular. Years later, Whaley's daughter Violet died by suicide. Though her spirit hasn't been spotted at the home, those of Thomas and his wife have been.
Honorable mentions: The Jean Harlow/Paul Bern House in Los Angeles, California. Listen to season one, episode three of Dark House to learn more. 10050 Cielo Drive in Los Angeles, where Sharon Tate was murdered by members of the Manson Family Cult. The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose California. Listen to Dark House to learn more.
Colorado: The Molly Brown House, Denver
Yes, it's that famous Molly Brown—the one who survived the Titanic. Now a museum, visitors have spotted the ghosts of Molly, her husband J.J., and their guests smelled phantom cigar smoke (thought to be J.J.'s) and felt odd cold spots.
Connecticut: New London Ledge Lighthouse, Groton
The former residence of a number of lighthouse keepers, this home has been featured on several ghost-hunting shows. There seems to be only one spirit here, named "Ernie"—but he's got a very strong presence. He likes to turn televisions off and on, take sheets off beds, and generally cause a ruckus with knocking. If you prefer your haunts on dry land, make sure to visit Connecticut's ghost town.
Delaware: Woodburn Mansion, Dover
This stately Georgian home was built in 1790 and bought by the state to use as a governor's residence in 1965. The home's a particularly active site for ghostly encounters, from the mysterious little girl who appeared floating in a fountain at a 1985 inauguration to the boisterous Revolutionary soldiers who allegedly drink any wine left out. After taking a peek at the estate, stock up on (non-haunted) antiques in a famed Delaware town.
Florida: The Riddle House, West Palm Beach
This property was once a funeral home, so it almost goes without saying that there's a lot of mysterious (and ghostly) activity here. One of the more famous ghosts is named Joseph and worked for the home's owner, Karl Riddle. Joseph had sadly died by suicide in the home. Allegedly, his spirit occasionally attacks those he feels are on his turf.
Georgia: Rhodes Hall, Atlanta
Though Savannah is famous for its ghost tours (especially through the town's gorgeous town squares), Atlanta isn't lacking in haunted homes. Rumor has it that Rhodes Hall, which was once the stately home of furniture magnate Amos Rhodes, is haunted by the former Mrs. Rhodes along with an evil spirit called the "Shadow Man." Apparitions of children also have been seen around the stately building. Today, Rhodes Hall serves as the headquarters of The Georgia Trust For Historic Preservation.
Honorable Mention: The Mercer-Williams House Museum in Savannah, Georgia. Listen to season one, episode four of Dark House to learn more.
Hawaii: The Volcano House Hotel, Volcano
This former private home-turned-hotel is where you might see the ghost of an older woman, along with the spirit of a white dog. Or maybe you'll want to stick to touring one of Hawaii's most romantic beaches instead.
Honorable Mention: The Kasha House of Kaimuki, which will be featured in this episode of House Beautiful's haunted house podcast, Dark House.
Idaho: "The Murder House," Boise
A brutal murder in 1987 gave rise to local lore for this unassuming home. Some say the victims still haunt the ground today, and some locals even refer to it as the "Chop Chop House," which is perhaps a little brusque considering the backstory.
The full story of the Boise Murder House is be featured in season 2 of Dark House, House Beautiful's haunted house podcast.
Illinois: McPike Mansion, Alton
The accounts of hauntings for this former boarding house go all the way back to the 1940s. Back then, boarders would hear children playing (when no children lived there). Though it was abandoned for decades, passersby would see faces in the windows. The ghostly presence of a former owner was also seen wandering the grounds. You can continue your Illinois ghost tour by traveling to Chicago to see a very haunted cemetery.
Indiana: Nicholson-Rand House, Indianapolis
Accounts of hauntings of this historic home didn't start until 1997 when the structure was moved for preservation purposes. That year, a ghostly figure was spotted looking out a window when the home was photographed during the move. This prompted others to reveal their accounts of other paranormal encounters with the home, ranging from seeing multiple apparitions to blood pouring from the walls.
Honorable Mention: The Ammons House in Gary, Indiana. Listen to our podcast, Dark House, to learn more about this haunted house, dubbed the modern-day Amityville Horror.
Iowa: Villisca Axe Murder House, Villisca
Iowa has a rich history, but some of it is a little unsettling. As the name suggests, this unassuming home was the site of a gruesome murder. In 1912, six members of the Moore family (who owned the home) and two visitors were bludgeoned to death. Axe wounds were also found on each, giving rise to the home's name. The murderer was never found, and today, visitors report bedroom doors opening and shutting on their own, unexplained sensations of being slapped or pinched, and odd chills.
Listen to to our podcast Dark House to learn more about the Villisca Axe Murder House.
Kansas: The Sallie House, Atchison
This infamous house is haunted by Sallie, a young girl who had entered the home around the turn of the 20th century. At the time, it was the home of a physician who unsuccessfully tried to treat Sallie for appendicitis. Sallie is known as an angry spirit and became known for terrorizing a family during the '90s. Some say she attacked the father and set fires throughout the home.
Kentucky: Liberty Hall, Frankfort
Three spirits famously haunt this circa-1796 home. One is called the "Gray Lady," who had died of a heart attack after traveling to the home for a funeral. Another is a Spanish opera performer, who had mysteriously disappeared from the house during a visit. Both have been seen roaming the property. The other spirit is that of a young soldier, who can be seen looking into the ground-floor windows.
Louisiana: The Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville
As with any former plantation, this home has a violent origin story. The most famous ghost on the property is Chloe, who was enslaved and murdered after a tragic accident in which the overseer's wife and children died after consuming Chloe's meal that had a high dosage of white oleander in it.
Maryland: Hager House, Hagerstown
Dating back to 1739, this historic house is believed to still be the home of two families...of ghosts. Visitors have heard disembodied voices and witnessed items move on their own. And you thought you were stressed out when visitors came over to your house.
Massachusetts: Lizzie Borden House, Fall River
You're probably familiar with the story of Lizzie Borden, who was tried for killing her family with an ax. But that's not the only possible spirit that haunts the now-bed & breakfast. Before Lizzie and her family moved in, a distant relative occupied the home and murdered her children in the property's well. Some have reported hearing the kids playing on the top floor of the home, while others have experienced their sheets flying off their beds.
Honorable Mention: The S.K. Pierce Mansion in Gardener, Massachusetts. Listen to season one, episode five of Dark House to learn more.
Michigan: Henderson Castle, Kalamazoo
So many ghosts, so little time (unless ghosts are real, then perhaps time is on a loop and infinite). At this historic home-turned-inn, visitors have seen the ghosts of the original owners, Frank and Mary Henderson, that of a veteran of the Spanish-American War, a little girl, and a dog. These spirits also try to communicate to the living through unplugged radios.
Minnesota: Forepaugh House, St. Paul
Currently a restaurant, this stately home was the former residence of local magnate Joseph Forepaugh and his wife, Molly. They weren't exactly a happy couple. In 1892, Molly discovered Joseph in bed with their housekeeper. When Molly (who was also pregnant with their child) tried to end the marriage, Joseph died by suicide. The legend goes that Molly was so distraught that she hanged herself. Today, visitors have reported seeing the couple in the dining areas. Molly is the more active spirit, however. She's apparently been known to smash glasses and bang on walls.
Mississippi: McRaven House, Vicksburg
Though it's a little difficult to see, McRaven is considered to be the most haunted house in the state (and apparently the third in the country). Thousands have reported paranormal activity at the home, which had once served as a hospital for Confederate soldiers. Adding to the infamous reputation, a few owners have died in it—one was even murdered in the home.
Missouri: Lemp Mansion, St. Louis
Once the home of the wealthy Lemp family, this mansion is now an inn. The family had a number of tragedies, with a number of personal misfortunes and mysterious deaths. Visitors to the inn have reported supernatural incidents, such as hearing a piano that only plays a single note repeatedly through the night, the sensation of odd vibrations from the floor, and seeing strange things in their photographs.
Listen to our podcast, Dark House, for the full story of the Lemp Mansion.
Montana: The Copper King Mansion, Crested Butte
This historic property has been a local landmark for decades and is now a bed and breakfast. Some guests of the inn have experienced a "ghostly presence" in the ballroom.
Nevada: The Governor's Mansion, Carson City
When Nevada's first family is home, they just might be sharing their residence with the spirits of the very first family of the state. Others have also witnessed the ghostly forms of a woman and a young girl who wander the property with an antique clock.
Nebraska: The Captain Bailey House, Brownville
Now the location of the Brownville Historical Society, this stately home once belonged to Civil War Captain Bailey. The Captain met his demise prematurely after being poisoned by a jealous neighbor, which is perhaps why he still haunts the premises. Many report hearing phantom piano music and seeing doors mysteriously open.
New Hampshire: The Ocean-Born Mary House, Henniker
Though this historic photo shows the house decades ago, Henniker's "Ocean-Born Mary House" still stands today as a private residence. However, one of the residents just might be Mary herself, who is described as a ghost with bright-green eyes. Mary's life was defined by notorious pirate Captain Don Pedro, who had initially spared her young life in 1720 during a raid. After losing her first husband, the pirate came back to marry her years later. One day, while living in the grand home, she stumbled upon the murdered remains of her first husband.
New Jersey: Spy House, Port Monmouth
Nicknamed the "Spy House," this historic site dates back to 1663 and was famously used as a tavern during the Revolutionary War. Ghost sightings include a "woman in white," mysterious sobbing noises, and a sea captain.
New Mexico: Luna Mansion, Los Lunas
This grand old mansion is home to a friendly spirit—the ghost of Josefita Otero, who had lived in the home until her death in 1951. Josefita oversaw the renovations to her mansion when she was alive and might have grown so fond of the place that she decided to stick around through the decades. Now a restaurant, you can perhaps run into Josefita in "The Spirit Lounge."
New York: "The Death House," New York City
This 19th-century brownstone has been the site of a number of unexplained deaths and violence, so of course, there's going to be lots of paranormal activity here. However, you're not just going to run into random ghosts—you might have an otherworldly celeb encounter: Mark Twain is said to lurk around the here sporting a handsome white linen suit.
Honorable mentions: The Ackley House in Nyack, New York, which is America's first legally haunted house. Listen to season two, episode two of Dark House to learn more. Grey Gardens in East Hampton, New York. Listen to season two, episode five of Dark House to learn more.
North Carolina: The Biltmore Estate, Asheville
This famed (and massive) estate is where you may run into the original owners, George and Edith Vanderbilt...even though George died in 1914 and Edith in 1958. George has been seen walking the grounds, while Edith's voice has been heard calling out to George. The two have also been heard laughing in certain rooms.
North Dakota: Fort Abraham Lincoln Custer House, Mandan
General Custer built this home for his beloved wife but never got to spend much time in it before his death in 1876. Allegedly, she haunts the home. Witnesses have reported seeing Mrs. Custer in her full mourning gown, along with hearing phantom voices and seeing the lights go on and off.
Ohio: Franklin Castle, Cleveland
This impressive 30-room home fits the profile of a haunted house: There are secret passageways, creepy gargoyles, and a famous curse that started with the home's original owner, Hannes Tiedemann. Once his family moved in, they died one by one in the house. (Hannes died right after he sold the home!) The property has switched hands many times since, though owners don't seem to hold onto the house for very long. Mysterious and inexplicable organ music, ghost children, and cold spots have been reported in the home.
Oklahoma: The Belvidere Mansion, Claremore
Hazy figures, toilets that flush on their own, random grabbings (when no one is around), and mysterious hot and cold spots have led some to believe that this historic home is one of the most haunted in the state.
Oregon: Heceta Head Lighthouse Keeper's Home, Florence
Since the 1950s, this lovely home has been haunted by a spirit named Rue. Also referred to as "The Gray Lady," Rue likes to open and close doors, stomp around on the floors, and occasionally make appearances when summoned by a Ouija board.
Pennsylvania: Baker Mansion, Altoona
Built in the 1840s, the home has since become a museum. However, its original residents still make themselves known. A wedding dress belonging to Anna Baker, the daughter of the home's original owner Elias Baker, sometimes suddenly violently shakes. Disembodied voices are often heard from the basement, and a Civil War soldier once appeared.
Rhode Island: Sprague Mansion, Cranston
This famously haunted house was once the home of the wealthiest family in Cranston. Though long dead, there's evidence that the family never left. Well, at least one of the family members. Amasa Sprague, who was murdered just near the stately home, is believed to have sent messages from beyond on a Ouija board. His butler also made an appearance at the seance, bitter about a lack of an inheritance from the family.
Honorable Mention: The Conjuring House in Burrillville, Rhode Island. Listen to our podcast, Dark House, to learn all about it.
South Carolina: The Battery Carriage House Inn, Charleston
Once a private residence, this gorgeous inn is considered very, very haunted. The innkeepers have posted a list of apparitions you might see on your next visit, such as a headless torso, a congregation of spirits, and a "Gentleman Ghost."
Tennessee: The Woodruff-Fontaine House, Memphis
The hauntings that have occurred in this home are rooted in the tragic life of Mollie Woodruff, who lived here during the late 1800s. Mollie lost her child to yellow fever, then lost her husband in a boating accident days later. After remarrying, she lost her second child. She roams the current home, as that was the place she had been happiest.
South Dakota: Adams House, Deadwood
Okay, so that moon is obviously fake—but we promise the actual house is a real place. This historic home may be haunted by the spirit of the former owner, W.E. Adams, who had died in the house. His wife, Mary, had encountered his spirit after his death and decided to leave the home behind—leaving everything exactly where it was. Today, the home is a museum, but Mr. Adams still makes his presence known with cigar smoke and moving the home's rocking chairs.
Texas: The Littlefield House, Austin
Built in 1894 for Civil War veteran George Littlefield, the home eventually was given to the University of Texas at Austin. The top floor is rumored to be haunted by Alice Littlefield (George's wife), who had been a homebody during her life. She's sometimes heard playing the piano or walking around upstairs.
Honorable Mention: Victoria's Black Swan Inn in San Antonio, Texas. Listen to our haunted house podcast, Dark House, to learn all about it.
Utah: McCune Mansion, Salt Lake City
This historic home is currently a venue for weddings and conferences. You might bump into the spirits of a caped man and a little girl. The latter usually appears at weddings, happily dancing.
Vermont: Bowman House-Laurel Hall, Shrewsbury
You might want to mind your manners at this historic home. If you don't, the spirits might let you know their displeasure—like the time a young girl had stuck her tongue out at a portrait while touring the property, only to have the painting fly off the wall and hit her. Various apparitions have also been spotted, including that of Mrs. Bowman, the wife of the home's original owner.
Maine: Captain Lord Mansion, Kennebunkport
This home was originally built in 1812 by its namesake, Captain Lord. Apparently, the ghost of Captain Lord's wife appears in a nightgown. It's currently part of Lark Hotels' Kennebunkport Captain's Collection, which includes four historic Maine homes formerly owned by leading sea captains that you can stay in.
Virginia: The Ferry Plantation House, Virginia Beach
There are a few dearly departed regulars who haunt this circa-1830s home. One spirit is a man who loves nothing more than to talk to the living, while the other is known as "The Witch of Pungo." She's not as chatty, probably because she was one of the only people in the state to ever be tried for witchcraft.
Washington: Campbell House, Spokane
Though it's a gorgeous home, the Campbell House has a sad past. One night in the early 1900s, a burglar murdered three of the four Campbell family children. The last was kidnapped and never returned to the family. Today, visitors report an "unsettling" feeling when entering the home and being followed by the eyes in a family portrait.
West Virginia: Berkeley Castle, Berkeley Springs
This imposing "castle" was built in 1885 as the home of Colonel Samuel Taylor Suit and his wife Rosa. The couple is rumored to still haunt the castle, along with the ghost of Rosa's boyfriend.
Wisconsin: The Octagon House, Fond du Lac
Weird shadows, mysterious moving items, and the ghost of a young boy have all been witnessed at this historic home.
Wyoming: The Ferris Mansion, Rawlins
If you stay at this mansion-turned-inn, don't be (too) surprised if you run into the family who originally lived here. Visitors have spotted the ghosts of a woman and a boy, who are thought to be those of Julia Ferris and her son, Cecil.
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