America is filled with creepy homes, hotels, restaurants and cemeteries that are said to be haunted by ghosts and paranormal activity – from children crying in Whaley House to footsteps and organ music at The Stanley Hotel – these haunted locations provide many with mystery and fear.
The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado is an acclaimed haunted destination and best known as being the source of inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining novel. Offering several types of tours – such as one that takes visitors through creepy underground tunnels beneath its building – visitors are sure to get their fill of ghostly encounters at this popular haunted attraction.
People staying at the Stanley often report strange occurrences, such as objects moving on their own and hearing disembodied voices, along with being touched by unseen forces. Jim Carey even claimed to have encountered one such force while filming Dumb and Dumber; during one night’s shoot in room 217 he found an invisible girl standing by his bed!
At The Stanley, there are reports of Mrs. Wilson, its former housekeeper, haunting Room 217 and disapproving when couples get involved romantically. Additionally, guests have reported hearing her piano play spontaneously at times.
The Whaley House
The Whaley House in San Diego is an increasingly popular haunted attraction for visitors seeking paranormal experiences. Renowned for its long and tragic history, this home draws thrill-seekers and ghost hunters from all around the globe who are drawn in by its strong negative energy lingering here.
Many believe the ghosts of members of the Whaley family still haunt this beautiful old home, even before Thomas Whaley began construction on it as it once housed a gallows and cemetery.
At this house is an eerie young woman known as Violet Whaley who committed suicide after her fake marriage fell apart and committed to scarlet fever. Additionally, Thomas and Anna Whaley as well as their infant son can often be seen roaming freely around the property, and lights will frequently switch on and off without explanation by unseen hands.
The McRaven House
The McRaven House in Vicksburg, Mississippi is an iconic historic house that has been featured by National Geographic, Life Magazine and other popular publications. Built over three eras with period antiques to demonstrate life in each era.
The original part of this home was constructed in 1797 by Highwayman Andrew Glass as a hiding place to rob people traveling along Natchez Trace. His spirit can still be found roaming his upstairs room where he counted his loot. Later in 1836 Sheriff Stephen Howard constructed another part of this home – its empire section is known to welcome visitors and play tricks on them!
After being transformed into a Confederate field hospital during the Civil War, this home became owned by Leyland French who made it available as a tour home after it had served many wounded soldiers during nearby battles.
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Over the years, numerous visitors and ghost experts have witnessed ghostly apparitions and mysterious sounds at this infamous asylum. Its past serves as an uncomfortable reminder of inhumane treatments once used for mental health care.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (commonly referred to as Weston State Hospital) provided care and housing for over 100 years, during which thousands of patients lived and died there. Unfortunately, its capacity was inadequately supervised, leaving thousands vulnerable patients subject to shock therapy, solitary confinement, and lobotomies – among many other inhumane practices – which left an everlasting legacy of suffering for those incarcerated there.
Lily, one of the asylum’s most active spirits, can often be heard laughing and playing games with staff members. Her room on the fourth floor is decorated with toys; dolls and balls move independently in her room while there’s also an eerie pink music box which plays its own tune – as has happened with quiet cries from within this same wing as well as hearing quiet screams coming from within it. Hayley heard silent cries before hearing a man screaming in pain from within it herself.
