Are you in the mood for a spine-tingling adventure?
If you're a thrill-seeker looking to experience the paranormal, we’ve put together a chilling list of the most haunted places in America that you simply must visit. From eerie mansions with dark pasts to ghostly battlefields echoing with the cries of soldiers long gone, these haunted hotspots are sure to give you a fright.
So, pack your Nomatic Travel Bag with all your ghost-hunting essentials and get ready to embark on a journey that will send shivers down your spine. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, these spooky destinations are guaranteed to make your Halloween one to remember!
Scariest Places in the World #1: Moundsville Penitentiary
Located in the rolling hills of West Virginia is Moundsville Penitentiary, one of the most violent prisons in all America. Before Moundsville closed in 1995, it was home for thousands of prisoners, many of which were sentenced to die in the electric chair, took their own lives, or were murdered by other inmates. The first hauntings in this correctional facility go back to the 1930s when prison guards claimed to see figures moving about the maintenance area.
Rumor has it that taking a tour through the prison is a bone-chilling experience that you won’t soon forget. Visitors have reported seeing, hearing, or feeling the malicious spirits that are still trapped behind bars. Among the most common sightings is what tourists call the “Shadow Man”: a looming black figure void of any human features who intimidates onlookers with a tangible, pressing darkness.
The Moundsville Penitentiary offers several different tours, from guided walkthroughs to overnight ghost hunts.
Scariest Places in the World #2:Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
jennybento/flickr
No list of scary places would be complete without a creepy asylum, and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is as creepy as it gets. This is another West Virginia gem with a twisted history saturated in death and tortured spirits. According to former hospital employees, this asylum housed aggressive, belligerent, and psychotic patients who were considered a danger to themselves and the outside world. During its 130 years of operation, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum buried thousands of patients in the three sprawling cemeteries on the grounds and was the setting for countless murders involving both patients and staff.
With an overabundance of disturbing paranormal activity, this haunted asylum has been investigated by professional ghost hunters and tourists alike. Experience the frightening phenomena yourself with a 2-hour tour of the four spookiest spots on the grounds. If you prefer an even darker experience, you can embark on an overnight ghost hunt. Get all the info you need from their website.
Scariest Places in the World #3:Moon River Brewing Company
In 2003, Savannah, Georgia was named the most haunted city in America thanks to its history of brutal battles, widespread disease, and savage murders. The entire town is an ideal setting for haunted vacations, but the Moon River Brewing Company is especially spooky. This ancient building served as a city hotel in the early 1800s and doubled as a hospital for hundreds of patients during the city’s numerous fever outbreaks. Sadly, in the upper floors of the Moon River Brewing Company, many patients (mostly children) lost their lives to the disease.
After the hotel finally shut its doors in 1864, the looming establishment served briefly as a storage space and a supply store until it was left vacant for nearly two decades. Today, encounters with mysterious apparitions are a common occurrence, particularly in the basement and on the second floor.
Craig Moore/flickr
While Moon River Brewing Company doesn’t offer official ghost tours, you can schedule a tour or ghost hunt with a third party, like Ghost City. This is one of the most haunted places to visit, so we suggest you at least stop in for a bite to eat. There are many employees and visitors who have shared their paranormal experiences in the brewery, some of which include physical contact, sightings, and voices in the basement.
Scariest Places in the World #4: Eastern State Penitentiary
There are many scary places to visit In the historic city of Philadelphia, but if you only choose one, make it the Eastern State Penitentiary. This ominous correctional facility was constructed in 1829, making it one of the oldest prisons in America and is believed to have housed over 70,000 criminals. Many prisoners were isolated in cramped, lightless cells, which led to insanity and brutality in hundreds of patients. Visitors and ghost hunters report disembodied voices, phantom footsteps, and other disturbing paranormal activity.
rob zand/flickr
For the real-deal ghost hunters, this correctional facility can be reserved for groups of 5-15 people from 9 pm to 1 am. If you’re looking for a less horrifying challenge, you can take a day tour of the prison or attend one of their haunted houses in the fall.
Ghost Hunting Accessories You Need to Gear Up!
If you’re looking for a truly freaky paranormal experience, you’ll definitely want to schedule an overnight ghost tour at any of these haunted places to visit in America.
The most critical piece of foundational ghost-hunting equipment you’ll need is a backpack. Having your hands free and your gear safely zipped in a backpack will make ghost hunting so much more enjoyable. We’d recommend a Nomatic backpack or sling.
- For the Light Packer: We’d recommend the Navigator Sling, which can carry up to 10L of stuff. It’s more compact, but it will still keep your hand free and your gear safely in tow.
- For the Person Carrying Substantial Ghost Hunting Gear: We’d recommend the Nomatic Backpack that comes in two sizes– 14L and 20L. This will provide you with a little more room, but it will also be comfortable to carry and keep you hands-free.
- For the Camera Person: Planning to take pictures on your ghostly adventures? Take along a Nomatic Camera Bag to keep your gear organized and safe.
All of these bags will keep your gear safely zipped away in case you get spooked and need to make a quick break for it!
In addition to a great bag, you’ll want to take along some of the following ghost hunting equipment:
- Flashlights & extra batteries
- Video camera/camera
- Sound recorder
- Spirit boxes (these generate white noise for a backdrop to your recordings)
- A fresh change of underwear (in case…you know)
As your Halloween adventure draws to a close, remember that the true spirit of the season lies in embracing the unknown and facing your fears. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or simply curious about the supernatural, visiting these haunted places will leave you with unforgettable stories to share.
As you pack up your Nomatic Travel Bag and head back to the safety of home, you’ll carry with you not just the thrill of the scare but the memories of a journey that took you beyond the ordinary.