Top 12 Haunted Houses to Visit in the USA

The Whaley House Museum, California

Back in 1852, James “Yankee Jim” Robinson was hung by his neck for the crime of grand larceny. A few years later, Thomas and Anna Whaley built a house on the site where Robinson died, leading to his ghost haunting the area. His footsteps are frequently reported stomping around the house.

Yankee Jim isn’t the only specter; both Mr. and Mrs. Whaley, a young girl, and even the family dog have been known to appear as well. The house gained official recognition as haunted in the 1960s by the U.S. Commerce Department. Experience the Whaley House Museum yourself through tours offered by Ghosts and Gravestones, including night tours for the adventurous.

House of Death, New York

Greenwich Village is known for its charm, but one brownstone stands out unnervingly. The “House of Death” is reputedly haunted by 22 spirits who lived or died there, including a six-year-old girl tragically killed by her adoptive father. Notably, famed author Mark Twain stayed here in 1900, and his ghost is rumored to visit.

Witnesses recount haunting experiences related to the house. Although it contains private apartments and isn’t open for tours, the site remains a highlight on New York City ghost tours conducted by New York Ghosts.

Winchester Mystery House, California

This massive Victorian mansion in San Jose is said to be haunted by spirits of those slain by Winchester rifles. To appease these spirits, owner Sarah Winchester continuously added rooms, crafting a convoluted labyrinth full of dead ends and oddities.

The mansion contains over 10,000 windows and numerous unusual architectural features that can lead to a hair-raising experience. Tours are available for those who are brave enough to encounter the ghosts residing within.

Villisca Ax Murder House, Iowa

In the small Iowa town of Villisca, the Villisca Ax Murder House is noted for a brutal unsolved murder from 1912 that left an entire family dead. Despite various suspects, no charges were ever filed. Today, visitors report ghostly encounters, as the spirits seem to linger, seeking closure over their untimely demise.

Lizzie Borden House, Massachusetts

In 1892, the infamous Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the ax murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts, where they were found dead in their home. Even today, eerie occurrences are reported, with guests encountering her spectral presence laughing from the staircase. The house operates as a museum and bed-and-breakfast, inviting the brave to spend the night and experience the paranormal.

Bell Witch Cave, Tennessee

In the early 1800s, John Bell’s farm became notorious for strange occurrences linked to the Bell Witch Cave. The Bell family reported physical attacks and strange noises, primarily targeting John and his daughter, Betsy. Some believe the entity was a former neighbor exacting revenge.

For the daring, the Bell Witch Cave and John Bell Cabin offers tours from May through October, where you may encounter something otherworldly.

The White House, Washington, D.C.

Home to every U.S. president, the White House is also rumored to be haunted by several spirits, including President Abraham Lincoln, who reportedly appears in the Lincoln Bedroom. The ghosts of other presidents and their families have also been reported, with historical figures such as Dolley Madison and Abigail Adams lingering in the gardens and rooms.

The White House offers free public tours, requiring advance security checks for entry. Visitors can also view the iconic structure from Lafayette Square.

The Sallie House, Kansas

The haunted Sallie House in Atchison is infamous among ghost hunters. The home is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl named Sallie, who causes various disturbances and is integral to many haunting experiences reported by residents.

The site provides opportunities for both self-guided tours and special overnight visits, drawing the curious and brave alike.

Franklin Castle, Ohio

Considered the most haunted house in Ohio, Franklin Castle was built in the 1800s by Hannes Tiedemann, whose family endured a series of mysterious deaths. Dark rumors surround the castle, including claims of murder and supernatural encounters.

Although it remains a private residence, some ghost tours include a stop outside the castle to share its eerie history.

Biltmore, North Carolina

Biltmore Estate, crafted by George Washington Vanderbilt II, is notorious for its ghostly residents. Visitors have reported numerous paranormal experiences, thought to involve Vanderbilt’s wife calling his name and mysterious apparitions throughout the estate.

Today, the estate is open for tours with winery options, ensuring an enchanting experience for guests.

The Conjuring House, Rhode Island

Known for its haunting history since 1736, The Conjuring House gained notoriety through paranormal events detailed by the Perron family in the 1970s. These accounts led to the creation of the popular horror film, “The Conjuring.”

Guests can partake in guided tours or special overnight investigations, providing both information and a taste of the supernatural.

The House of the Seven Gables, Massachusetts

Located in Salem, The House of the Seven Gables was built in 1668 and immortalized by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Today, it’s known for its haunting, with spirits said to roam the grounds, including that of a man seen on a secret staircase.

Daytime tours focus more on its literary significance, yet it remains a popular site for ghost tours showcasing its resident spirits.