The United States is home to countless abandoned places steeped in history and mystery. Some of these locations have gained a reputation for being haunted, attracting paranormal investigators, urban explorers, and thrill-seekers. From old hospitals and prisons to ghost towns and mansions, these abandoned sites are believed to be home to spirits and strange occurrences. Here are 10 of the most haunted abandoned places in the USA for those brave enough to explore.
1. Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Built in 1829, the Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the most infamous abandoned prisons in the U.S. Known for its harsh solitary confinement practices, the prison closed in 1971 but has since gained a reputation for paranormal activity. Visitors and staff have reported hearing disembodied voices, footsteps, and even seeing shadowy figures moving through the crumbling cell blocks. The penitentiary is now a museum, offering ghost tours for those curious about its haunted history.
2. Waverly Hills Sanatorium (Louisville, Kentucky)
Waverly Hills Sanatorium is one of the most notorious haunted locations in the country. Built in the early 1900s as a tuberculosis hospital, it saw thousands of deaths during its operation. The hospital was abandoned in the 1960s and has since become a hotspot for paranormal investigations. Stories of shadow people, unexplained noises, and apparitions are common, with the "body chute"—a tunnel used to remove the dead—being a particularly eerie area. Ghost tours are offered regularly, allowing visitors to experience the hauntings firsthand.
3. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (Weston, West Virginia)
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, originally known as the Weston State Hospital, was built in the mid-1800s and housed patients until it closed in 1994. The asylum was notorious for overcrowding, poor conditions, and the use of outdated treatments like lobotomies. Many believe the suffering of the patients has left a lasting imprint on the building. Paranormal investigators report hearing voices, seeing full-body apparitions, and experiencing strange feelings in the decaying hallways. The asylum offers ghost tours and overnight investigations.
4. The Queen Mary (Long Beach, California)
While not entirely abandoned, the Queen Mary, a former ocean liner docked in Long Beach, California, is known for its paranormal activity. Built in the 1930s and now operating as a hotel and tourist attraction, the ship is said to be haunted by former passengers and crew. Visitors report seeing ghostly figures, hearing mysterious voices, and feeling cold spots throughout the ship. The "B340" cabin is considered especially haunted, with reports of unexplained phenomena and frightening experiences.
5. Pennhurst Asylum (Spring City, Pennsylvania)
Once a state school for individuals with disabilities, Pennhurst Asylum was closed in 1987 after reports of abuse and neglect. The facility has since become a notorious haunted location, with many claiming that the spirits of former patients still roam the halls. Visitors report hearing disembodied voices, seeing shadowy figures, and feeling an overwhelming sense of dread. The asylum now hosts haunted attractions and ghost tours for those interested in exploring its dark history.
6. The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park, Colorado)
Though not completely abandoned, the Stanley Hotel gained fame as the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining. Built in 1909, this grand hotel has been the site of numerous ghost sightings and paranormal experiences. Guests and staff report seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained music, and experiencing objects moving on their own. Room 217 is particularly famous for ghostly encounters, believed to be haunted by a former housekeeper. The Stanley Hotel offers ghost tours and overnight stays for the adventurous.
7. Rolling Hills Asylum (East Bethany, New York)
Established in 1827 as a poorhouse, the Rolling Hills Asylum housed a variety of people, including orphans, the mentally ill, and the elderly. The facility closed in 1974, but many believe the spirits of its former residents still linger. Paranormal investigators frequently report shadow figures, disembodied voices, and unexplained cold spots. The building offers ghost tours, and it is known for its high levels of paranormal activity.
8. Bodie Ghost Town (Bodie, California)
Once a thriving gold rush town, Bodie is now a well-preserved ghost town located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Although abandoned in the early 1900s, many believe the spirits of its former residents still haunt the town. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures in the windows of buildings, hearing phantom footsteps, and feeling an eerie presence. Bodie is now a State Historic Park, allowing visitors to explore its haunted streets and buildings during daylight hours.
9. Lemp Mansion (St. Louis, Missouri)
The Lemp Mansion, once home to the wealthy Lemp family, is now known as one of the most haunted locations in the United States. After a series of tragic deaths and suicides in the family, the mansion was abandoned and left in disrepair. Today, the building operates as a restaurant and inn, but many believe the spirits of the Lemp family still roam the halls. Guests and staff report seeing apparitions, hearing strange noises, and feeling cold spots throughout the mansion.
10. St. Albans Sanatorium (Radford, Virginia)
Opened in 1892 as a boys' school and later converted into a mental hospital, the St. Albans Sanatorium is known for its dark and disturbing history. Reports of abuse, overcrowding, and experimental treatments have left a paranormal mark on the building. Paranormal investigators report seeing shadow figures, hearing voices, and feeling an overwhelming sense of dread. Ghost tours and paranormal investigations are offered for those curious about its haunted past.
Conclusion
These haunted abandoned places offer a spine-chilling glimpse into the past and provide an opportunity for thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts to explore the unexplained. As always, safety and respect for property laws are essential when visiting these sites, as many are fragile and dangerous. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, these eerie locations are sure to leave an impression.
