America’s Haunted House Guide: Real Haunts Across the U.S.

The Scariest Real Haunted Places You Can Visit

Updated September 22, 2025

The undead. Ghosts. Misty forms creeping where there’s no wind. Things that go bump in the night. If you love a good fright, this America’s Haunted House Guide rounds up real haunts across the U.S. — places with documented stories, local lore, and spine-tingling experiences. Below, you’ll find histories, what to watch for, safety tips, and an embed code to share our infographic (credit appreciated!).

👻 Looking for a lighter scare? Don’t miss our Halloween hub with deals, recipes, and DIYs. You can also explore our Family Friendly Haunted Houses Near Me 2025 for kid-approved spooky fun.

How to Use This Guide

Browse the locations, then click through to official/tourism pages for deeper info. Some are operating museums, others ghost towns or folklore landmarks. Always check access rules first!

Real Haunted Houses in the United States

Willard Library — Evansville, Indiana

The legend: The Grey Lady has been spotted for over a century, alongside cold spots and the scent of perfume. The library even runs live “ghost cams.”
Learn more: Willard Library (official) · Visit Indiana

Oxford Middle School — Oxford, Kansas

The legend: Local stories say a ghost named Anne Marie lingers in the gym balcony storage area. Though the school is closed, sightings remain part of Kansas lore.
Learn more: Travel Kansas

The Myrtles Plantation — St. Francisville, Louisiana

The legend: Known as one of America’s most haunted houses, Myrtles is tied to the story of Chloe, a woman enslaved on the plantation, whose tale is wrapped in family tragedy.
Learn more: The Myrtles Plantation (official) · Louisiana Travel

Bannack Ghost Town — Bannack, Montana

The legend: A preserved gold-rush town founded in 1862, Bannack is said to be haunted by a drowned woman in blue and executed outlaws.
Learn more: Bannack State Park · National Register of Historic Places

Nevada Governor’s Mansion — Carson City, Nevada

The legend: Guests and staff have reported unusual activity linked to Una Dickerson and daughter Jane since the home opened in 1909.
Learn more: Travel Nevada

Lydia’s Bridge — Jamestown/Greensboro, North Carolina

The legend: In the 1920s, a fatal crash birthed the tale of Lydia, the Phantom Hitchhiker, still said to ask for rides before vanishing.
Learn more: Visit NC · History.com

What Makes a Place “Haunted”?

• History: Every haunting starts with a story — documented or folklore.
• Sensory overload: Cold drafts, sudden noises, odd textures, and unsettling lighting.
• Cultural imprint: Movies, books, and retellings cement a place’s haunted reputation.

See more via the National Register of Historic Places and the Smithsonian.

How People React in Haunted Houses

• Adrenaline rush: Equal parts excitement and fear.
• Screams & trembling: Common reactions to sudden scares.
• Disorientation: Dark mazes and eerie sounds scramble logic.
• Paranoia: Secure barriers may not be what they seem…

Safety & Planning Tips

• Check access: Confirm hours, tickets, and policies before visiting.
• Stay safe: Wear sturdy shoes; bring a flashlight if allowed.
• Respect the site: Preserve history by following posted rules.
• For families: Opt for daylight tours or family-friendly haunted houses.

Looking for Family-Friendly Haunted Houses?

Not everyone in the family is ready for full-on ghosts and ghouls 👻. If you’ve got younger kids — or just prefer a lighter scare — head to our guide: Family Friendly Haunted Houses Near Me 2025. These attractions lean more playful than petrifying, with fun seasonal décor, kid-approved thrills, and spooky-but-safe experiences.

Embed America’s Haunted House Guide on Your Site

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are these haunted houses open to the public?

Many operate as museums or tourism sites; always verify hours before you go.

What’s the difference between a haunted attraction and a real haunted place?

Attractions are built for seasonal scares. Real haunted places have historic roots and folklore stories tied to them.

Can I ghost hunt at these sites?

Policies vary. Some offer guided tours; others prohibit investigations. Check official pages first.