The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park, Colorado)
The Stanley Hotel, located in Estes Park, Colorado, is a historic hotel with a reputation for being a haunted location. The hotel’s paranormal fame is partly due to its connection to the renowned horror author Stephen King, who stayed at the hotel in 1974. King’s experience at The Stanley Hotel served as inspiration for his novel “The Shining,” which later became a famous film directed by Stanley Kubrick.
The hotel was built by Freelan Oscar Stanley, an inventor and businessman, and opened in 1909. The imposing Georgian-style building sits in the picturesque Rocky Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Over the years, guests and staff have reported various ghostly encounters and paranormal activity within the hotel. One of the most famous spirits said to haunt The Stanley is that of Flora Stanley, the wife of the hotel’s founder. Guests have reported seeing her apparition in the billiards room and the lobby, often playing the piano.
Another well-known ghostly presence is believed to be that of a former housekeeper named Elizabeth Wilson, who is said to continue her duties in the afterlife. Guests have reported encounters with her in the hallways and in their rooms, where she sometimes tidies up belongings or unpacks luggage.
The fourth floor of the hotel is also known for its paranormal activity, with reports of children laughing, running, and playing, despite no living children being present.
The Stanley Hotel embraces its haunted reputation and offers ghost tours, paranormal investigations, and a Halloween costume ball. It has been featured on numerous television shows, such as “Ghost Hunters” and “Ghost Adventures,” further fueling its spooky allure.
Whether the haunting claims are true or not, The Stanley Hotel remains a popular destination for horror enthusiasts, history buffs, and those intrigued by the supernatural. Its rich history, beautiful setting, and alleged ghostly encounters make it an intriguing location for visitors seeking a glimpse into the paranormal world.
Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Eastern State Penitentiary, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a historic prison with a notorious reputation for its haunting ambiance and alleged paranormal activity. Here’s the story behind it.
Eastern State Penitentiary was designed by architect John Haviland and opened in 1829. It was one of the world’s first true penitentiaries, known for its unique radial design and implementation of the Pennsylvania System. This system emphasized solitary confinement and reflection as a means of rehabilitation.
Throughout its operation, Eastern State Penitentiary housed some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and Willie Sutton. The prison was known for its strict discipline, isolation, and harsh living conditions.
Over the years, stories and rumors of eerie occurrences and ghostly encounters within the prison have solidified its haunted reputation. Tales of ghostly apparitions, echoing footsteps, disembodied voices, and inexplicable noises have been reported by visitors, staff, and paranormal investigators.
One of the most well-known ghostly figures believed to haunt Eastern State Penitentiary is that of Joseph “The Pep” Laws, a former inmate who was brutally killed by a fellow prisoner. It is said that his spirit still roams the prison corridors.
Other reported paranormal phenomena include shadowy figures seen in the cell blocks, strange lights, and sensations of being watched or touched by unseen entities. The prison’s crumbling and decaying architecture only adds to its eerie atmosphere.
Eastern State Penitentiary closed as a prison in 1971 and fell into disrepair. However, it was later opened to the public as a historic site and museum. Today, visitors can explore the hauntingly atmospheric cell blocks, learn about the prison’s history, and take guided tours that delve into its alleged paranormal activity.
Eastern State Penitentiary has been featured in various television shows and documentaries focused on the paranormal, further adding to its reputation as one of America’s most haunted locations.
Whether the paranormal claims are true or not, Eastern State Penitentiary’s imposing architecture, layered history, and ghostly legends continue to captivate those with an interest in the supernatural and provide a unique and chilling experience for visitors.
Haunted Location! Alcatraz Island (San Francisco, California)
Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco Bay, California, has a storied history as a former federal prison and is often associated with haunting legends.
Originally known as “The Rock,” Alcatraz Island served as a military fortification before being converted into a federal penitentiary in 1934. It housed some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, also known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz.”
The harsh conditions and isolation of Alcatraz made it infamous as an inescapable prison. The prison’s location on an isolated island surrounded by cold waters and strong currents added to its formidable reputation.
Alcatraz closed as a prison in 1963 due to the high operational costs and deteriorating facilities. After its closure, the island was occupied by Native American activists in 1969 as part of the Red Power Movement.
Following a 19-month occupation, Alcatraz Island was later transferred to the National Park Service and became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
The island’s reputation for being haunted stems from the reports of eerie experiences and alleged paranormal activity. Visitors, staff, and paranormal investigators have shared stories of hearing unexplained voices, footsteps, and cell doors slamming shut. Some claim to have seen apparitions of former inmates and guards.
One notable ghostly presence often associated with Alcatraz is that of Al Capone, the notorious mobster who served time there. It is said that his spirit can still be felt or seen in the cell he occupied.
While the haunting claims at Alcatraz remain a subject of debate and skepticism, they have contributed to its allure as a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take guided tours of the prison, exploring the cell blocks, solitary confinement cells, and the prison’s rich history.
Alcatraz Island’s intriguing past, its association with infamous criminals, and the haunting legends surrounding it have cemented its place as an iconic American landmark and a site of curiosity for those fascinated by its mysterious and ghostly reputation.
The Myrtles Plantation (St. Francisville, Louisiana)
The Myrtles Plantation, located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, is a historic plantation house that has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in America.
The Myrtles Plantation was built in 1796 by General David Bradford, a prominent figure in early American history. The mansion changed hands several times over the years and earned its current name from the crepe myrtle trees that adorn the property.
The plantation is associated with various legends and ghostly tales. One well-known story involves the supposed haunting of Chloe, a former slave who was believed to have poisoned members of the Woodruff family by adding toxic oleander leaves to a cake. According to the legend, Chloe was hanged by her fellow slaves as punishment. Her spirit is said to haunt the property.
Other reported paranormal occurrences at The Myrtles include the ghostly apparitions of children playing on the grounds, mysterious handprints appearing on mirrors, furniture moving on its own, and unexplained sounds and voices echoing through the house.
The plantation’s rich history, with its ties to slavery and the antebellum South, has contributed to its reputation as a paranormal hotspot. Many visitors and paranormal enthusiasts are drawn to The Myrtles Plantation to experience its haunted atmosphere and hear the stories of its spectral inhabitants.
Today, The Myrtles Plantation operates as a bed and breakfast, offering guests the opportunity to stay overnight and participate in guided tours that delve into the property’s haunted history.
While skepticism and debate surround the paranormal claims associated with The Myrtles Plantation, the legends, reported experiences, and eerie ambiance have made it a popular destination for those seeking a taste of the supernatural and a glimpse into the past.
Photo credit: https://www.deviantart.com/nikkichan12/art/The-Myrtles-Plantation-12002705
The Queen Mary (Long Beach, California)
The Queen Mary, located in Long Beach, California, is a historic ocean liner that has gained a reputation for being haunted.
The Queen Mary was launched in 1934 and was a luxurious and iconic ship that sailed the North Atlantic route for many years. During World War II, the ship was transformed into a troopship, ferrying thousands of soldiers across the ocean. After the war, it resumed its passenger service until it was retired in 1967.
Since its retirement, the Queen Mary has been permanently docked in Long Beach, where it serves as a floating hotel, museum, and event venue. Over the years, reports of paranormal activity and ghostly encounters aboard the ship have made it a popular destination for those interested in the supernatural.
Numerous ghost stories and legends surround the Queen Mary. One well-known ghostly presence is believed to be that of a sailor named John Pedder, who allegedly died in the engine room during a tragic accident. Guests and crew members have reported seeing a young man in 1930s attire wandering the hallways, with some claiming encounters with his spirit.
Other reported paranormal occurrences include sightings of a lady in white, believed to be the spirit of a woman who died during a World War II-era bombing, as well as the sounds of children’s laughter and the feeling of being touched by unseen hands.
The Queen Mary offers guided ghost tours and hosts paranormal investigations, allowing visitors to explore areas of the ship that are rumored to be haunted. Many guests have shared their own experiences and captured unexplained phenomena during their visits.
While skepticism and debate exist regarding the authenticity of the Queen Mary’s haunted reputation, the ship’s rich history, its ties to significant events, and the numerous ghost stories associated with it have contributed to its allure as a haunted attraction and a popular spot for ghost hunters and enthusiasts.
The Winchester Mystery House (San Jose, California)
The Winchester Mystery House, located in San Jose, California, is a peculiar mansion with a fascinating history and a reputation for being haunted.
The Winchester Mystery House was the residence of Sarah Winchester, widow of William Wirt Winchester, the heir to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. After the death of her husband and infant daughter, Sarah believed that she was cursed by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. Seeking to appease these spirits, she sought guidance from a medium who allegedly instructed her to continuously build and renovate her home to confuse and ward off the vengeful spirits.
For almost 38 years, construction on the house continued day and night, resulting in a sprawling and labyrinthine mansion. The Winchester Mystery House features architectural oddities, such as doors and stairs that lead to nowhere, secret passageways, trap doors, and rooms within rooms.
The mansion’s haunted reputation stems from reports of paranormal activity and strange occurrences within its walls. Visitors, employees, and paranormal investigators have claimed to hear footsteps, whispers, and disembodied voices, as well as witness doors opening and closing on their own. Some have reported apparitions or eerie sensations while exploring the mansion’s many rooms and corridors.
The Winchester Mystery House is now open to the public for guided tours, allowing visitors to experience the mansion’s peculiar architecture and hear the stories associated with its alleged hauntings.
While the veracity of the haunting claims remains a subject of debate and skepticism, the Winchester Mystery House’s unique construction, Sarah Winchester’s enigmatic motivations, and the eerie legends surrounding the mansion have made it an intriguing and popular destination for those fascinated by the supernatural and mysterious.
The Bell Witch Cave (Adams, Tennessee)
The Bell Witch Cave, located in Adams, Tennessee, is associated with one of the most infamous haunting cases in American folklore.
The legend of the Bell Witch dates back to the early 19th century, focusing on the Bell family who lived in the area. John Bell Sr., his wife Lucy, and their children reportedly experienced strange and terrifying phenomena that centered around their daughter, Betsy Bell.
The haunting began in 1817 when the family started encountering unexplained occurrences in their home, such as knocking sounds, strange animal noises, and invisible forces physically assaulting family members. Over time, the entity that came to be known as the Bell Witch revealed its presence and claimed to be the spirit of a neighbor, Kate Batts, with whom John Bell Sr. had a land dispute.
The haunting intensified, with the Bell Witch becoming more malevolent and tormenting the family relentlessly. It communicated through disembodied voices, engaged in conversations, recited Bible verses, predicted the future, and demonstrated its knowledge of personal secrets. It targeted John Bell Sr. in particular, causing him great physical and mental distress.
Word of the Bell Witch spread, attracting curious visitors and skeptics alike. The legend grew, and the story of the Bell family’s haunting became a significant part of Tennessee folklore.
The Bell Witch Cave is considered the site where the Bell family had their encounters with the entity. It is believed that the cave holds residual energy from the haunting. Visitors to the cave have reported eerie sensations, strange noises, and unexplained phenomena.
Today, the Bell Witch Cave remains a popular destination for those interested in the paranormal. Guided tours are offered, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the cave and learn more about the chilling events that unfolded there.
While skeptics question the validity of the Bell Witch legend, the enduring tale of the Bell family’s haunting and the reported hauntings associated with the Bell Witch Cave continue to intrigue and captivate those with an interest in the supernatural and the unexplained.
The Lizzie Borden House (Fall River, Massachusetts)
One of America’s most legendary haunted locations, the Lizzie Borden House, located in Fall River, Massachusetts, is infamous for its association with the unsolved murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, which occurred in 1892.
On August 4, 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally murdered in their home at 92 Second Street. The primary suspect in the case was Andrew’s daughter, Lizzie Borden, who lived in the house along with her sister Emma and their stepmother Abby.
The murders garnered significant media attention and became a sensationalized case at the time. Lizzie Borden was eventually tried and acquitted, but the murders remained unsolved, leading to enduring speculation and theories about who was responsible.
Today, the Lizzie Borden House is a popular bed and breakfast, attracting visitors interested in the macabre and paranormal. The house has gained a reputation for being haunted, with reports of ghostly activity and eerie occurrences.
Visitors to the Lizzie Borden House have claimed to witness unexplained phenomena, including shadowy figures, disembodied voices, footsteps, and objects moving on their own. Some guests have even reported being touched or experiencing a chilling presence while staying in the house.
The legend of the Lizzie Borden House and its alleged hauntings have captured the public’s imagination, and it has become a destination for those intrigued by true crime, unsolved mysteries, and the paranormal.
While the haunting claims surrounding the Lizzie Borden House remain a subject of debate, the historical significance of the murders, the enduring mystery surrounding the case, and the reported paranormal experiences within the house have solidified its place as a site of fascination and interest.
The Crescent Hotel (Eureka Springs, Arkansas)
The Crescent Hotel, located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is a historic hotel with a rich history and a reputation for being haunted.
The Crescent Hotel was constructed in 1886 and was initially intended to be a luxurious resort and spa. However, financial difficulties led to a change in ownership and a shift in the hotel’s purpose over the years.
In 1937, Norman G. Baker, a fraudulent medical practitioner, purchased the hotel and transformed it into a cancer treatment hospital. Despite his claims of miraculous cures, Baker’s treatments were deemed ineffective, and he was eventually arrested for mail fraud. This dark chapter in the hotel’s history adds an eerie layer to its haunting legends.
After the closure of the hospital, the Crescent Hotel underwent renovations and resumed its operation as a hotel. Over time, reports of paranormal activity and ghostly encounters within the hotel emerged, solidifying its reputation as a haunted location.
The Crescent Hotel is believed to be haunted by several spirits. One prominent ghostly figure is believed to be that of Dr. Norman Baker himself, who is said to roam the hallways and make his presence known to guests and staff. Other reported hauntings include the spirits of patients who perished during Baker’s fraudulent treatments, as well as former guests and employees.
Visitors to the Crescent Hotel have reported hearing disembodied voices, witnessing objects moving on their own, experiencing sudden temperature drops, and encountering apparitions in various parts of the hotel.
The hotel embraces its haunted reputation and offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations, allowing visitors to delve into the eerie history and alleged hauntings.
While skepticism and debate exist regarding the authenticity of the Crescent Hotel’s haunting claims, the combination of its intriguing history, connections to a notorious fraudster, and the reported paranormal activity within its walls have made it a popular destination for those fascinated by the supernatural and the mysteries of the past.
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (Weston, West Virginia)
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, located in Weston, West Virginia, is a historic psychiatric hospital with a haunting reputation. Here’s the story behind it:
The asylum, originally known as the Weston State Hospital, was constructed between 1858 and 1881. It was intended to house and treat mentally ill patients from the surrounding area. The imposing Gothic-style building, with its massive stone walls, served as a self-sustaining community for patients and staff.
Over the years, the asylum became overcrowded, and reports of mistreatment and neglect emerged. The facility’s methods and practices fell out of favor as advancements in psychiatric treatment were made, eventually leading to its closure in 1994.
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is believed to be haunted by the spirits of former patients who suffered within its walls. Reports of paranormal activity include apparitions, disembodied voices, footsteps, slamming doors, and other unexplained phenomena.
One notable ghostly presence associated with the asylum is that of a young girl named Lily, believed to be a former patient who died there. Lily is often encountered by visitors and staff, with many reporting sightings and interactions with her spirit.
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum offers guided tours, overnight investigations, and special events, allowing visitors to explore the historic building, learn about its dark past, and potentially experience paranormal activity firsthand.
While skepticism surrounds the authenticity of the haunting claims, the asylum’s imposing architecture, its history as a place of suffering and confinement, and the reported ghostly encounters have cemented its place as an attraction for those interested in the paranormal and the exploration of haunted locations.
These are just a few examples of the many haunted locations scattered throughout the United States. Each place has its own unique stories, legends, and alleged paranormal activity, attracting visitors and paranormal enthusiasts in search of eerie experiences. As we update this content (and more), be the first to know when you subscribe to our newsletter, The Halloween Times.
