It's no secret that people love a good mystery. Why else do crowds flock to haunted houses during October? They want to feel like there's something unknown, something spooky, that can be experienced first-hand. Another way this desire of mystery manifests is through horror movies. As one of the most popular genres, horror is not only immensely enjoyable to many fans but super profitable because of the millions of people who tune in to catch the latest flick.

Although a lot of people like the idea that horror movies and haunted houses aren't real and are just an illusion, there's a whole other crowd that wants to feel that the mystery is in fact a reality. These are the ones that tend to seek out truly "mysterious destinations," where strange events have occurred that just aren't explainable by any reason or logic. It can be surprising to realize how many of these destinations exist within America alone!

While travelers generally seek out resorts and destinations based on the amenities offered, some voyagers go to these mysterious destinations to check out if the claims of hauntings, aliens, and strange sightings are real. Here are the top mysterious destinations in America that you may want to check out!

20 11. Georgia Guidestones, Georgia: The Guide to an Apocalypse

In 1980, a man by the pseudonym of R.C. Christian paid a large sum of money to have a large monument built. The monument, now known as the Georgia Guidestones, held engraved guidelines for re-establishment of the planet and society, in case of an event such as the apocalypse. The guidelines are written in eight different languages and remain a point of controversy today.

Many of the instructions have been followed to a T by those who believe (on any given date) that an apocalypse is coming. Not only is the idea mysterious, but the level of effort put into the instructions is extremely interesting to witness.

19 10. Lake Michigan, Home to the Lake Michigan Monster: Is the Classic Tale True?

Lake Michigan is known for many things: its sandy beaches, fluctuating temperatures, and periodic high waves. There’s also one concerning thing it’s known for: the Lake Michigan Monster. Famous in fiction and apparently in reality, visitors flock to the lake in hopes of catching a glimpse of the elusive monster.

Various photos of the years have shown a monster of sorts, resembling the same breed of the infamous Loch Ness Monster, although the photos are all vaguely different from each other. Nothing has been proven, however, that doesn’t stop the photographic evidence from pouring in of the large mysterious monster that haunts the chilly waters of the huge Lake Michigan.

18 9. The Stanley Hotel, Colorado: The Shining or Other Mysteries?

If you’ve ever seen the movie “The Shining”, you may have heard of this historic hotel. Originally opened in 1909 by F.O and Flora Stanley, the hotel once housed Stephen King, where he wrote his ever-popular book, “The Shining.”

Aside from inspiring the horror novel, the Stanley Hotel holds a record of paranormal activity, the first dating as far back as 1911 when a housekeeper was zapped during a thunderstorm. Reports of invisible children laughing, lights turning on and off throughout the night, music playing on its own, and other many mysterious occurrences can all be found at the Stanley Hotel.

17 20. Mel’s Hole near Ellensburg, Washington: A Paranormal Pit

The legend of Mel’s Hole was originally created by a man named Mel Waters, who claimed there was a hole near his property in Ellensburg, Washington that was at least 80,000 feet deep. He insisted it had paranormal power, including being able to restore life to animals.

However, it was soon verified that there was no such man named Mel Waters who lived anywhere near the vicinity of Ellensburg, Washington. The hole has never been confirmed, but believers still claim its paranormal powers. While it most likely is only a legend, Mel's Hole continues to draw travelers looking to verify the mystery of its origin.

16 19. Roanoke Island, North Carolina: Strange Disappearances

Roanoke Island, located along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, is known for its deep historical connections to the first “trial settlements” sent by Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh. While the first settlement members thought their colony would be a success, just two years later, all 200+ members of the colony suddenly disappeared, leaving nothing behind but the words “Cro” and “Croatan” carved into two trees. To this day, their fate is still unknown.

Roanoke is additionally known for being the very scary setting behind an Am. Horror Story season. Despite its concerning history, Roanoke Island is still known for its beauty and tourism.

15 18. Sattva Sanctuary, Trout Lake, WA: The Home of Aliens

Sattva Sanctuary, located at the base of Mount Adams, is considered a prime location for UFO and extraterrestrial activity. Reports of sightings and sounds are abounding, including supposed contact with the third kind. Sattva Sanctuary accommodates to the public by conducting sky-watching events that give first view of the many unexplained occurrences.

UFO and supposed alien sightings date back over a hundred years. There are too many documented cases to count, although some of these may have simply been told by overexcited travelers who embellished. Regardless, it's a cool place to visit if you're looking for some new age mystery.

14 17. The Grave of the Female Stranger, Alexandria, Virginia: An Unknown Woman, and Unknown Illness

Legend states that this grave is home to a young woman who arrived in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband in 1816. She was considerably ill, and her husband hired a local doctor to aid in her relief. There was only one condition: the doctor was not allowed to ask any questions about the couple or their identities.

The young woman passed in October 1816. Her husband buried her with borrowed funds from a local businessman, one who he paid back with a forged check. Their identities have never been confirmed and the eerie tale remains a mystery over 200 years later.

13 16. Ringing Rocks Park in Pennsylvania: Stationary Musical Rocks

In 1890, J.J. Ott performed a concert for the Buckwampum historian society. It was a stunning concert, but for an odd reason: all he used to make music was the rocks themselves.

The rock field, occupying 7 acres of 10-foot deep land, is home to hundreds of rocks that ring when struck. If you visit, be sure to keep the rocks in their home, as they don’t ring outside the mysterious field. This setting is certainly mysterious but has an element of beauty that the others lack. It attracts musicians, artists, and anyone interested in paranormal art across the world.

12 15. Oregon Vortex, Gold Hill, Oregon: Defying Gravity

The Oregon Vortex and its sister phenomenon, “House of Mystery” is one of the oldest documented mystery spot and gravitational hill in the United States. Despite scientific law, gravity seems to be defied when standing in the Oregon Vortex, giving Isaac Newton a run for his money. Primarily, the odd angles create the idea that things are actually moving upwards, although even this is controversial.

The Oregon Vortex is not only a place of mystery but of scientific study, and continues to be included in experiments as scientists try to figure out what is really going on. It's mysterious and interesting to anyone who loves the paranormal and scientific combination!

11 14. Cahokia Mounds, Illinois: A Huge Archeological Site

Known as the largest pre-Columbia settlement north of Mexico, Cahokia Mounds includes 51 various mounds, residential and public areas, and a section of reconstructed palisade that together test the limits and internal symmetry of the settlement. Cahokia Mounds in considered the most complex archaeological site north of Mexico.

The biggest mystery of the mounds is the question of who built them. They're astronomically huge, with over 190 mounds present, and have been used in multiple civilizations, but there is no documentation as to how they originally came into existence. If you're looking for a mysterious destination with a touch of history, the Cahokia Mounds is perfect.

10 13. Racetrack Playa, Death Valley National Park, CA: Leave Your Footprint

Tucked in a remote path in Death Valley, the Racetrack is best known for its moving rocks and the strange phenomenon (literally) behind them.

Located on a dry lake, when the surface is dry, it’s very hard and leaves no footprints when walked on. However, footprints left during the brief periods of rainfall in summer and winter can take years to erase.

When visiting, be sure to plan ahead - it’s an 83-mile drive that requires intense planning and a proper vehicle. Additionally, because the weather is so different during each season, be sure to pack the proper food and drink in case you get stranded.

9 12. Bighorn Medicine Wheel, Wyoming: A Ritualistic Structure

At 10,000 feet above the Bighorn Range in Wyoming lay an arrangement of stones in the shape of an 80-foot wide wheel, known as a “medicine wheel.” Its uses ranged from rituals to astronomical predictions and still holds great value to Natives today.

The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is still an accurate predictor for the summer solstice and is still used for similar predictions. Actually, scientists have even been able to make accurate weather predictions using something simply deemed as ritualistic or mysterious.

8 8. Mount Shasta, Redding, CA: A Mysterious or Worrying Eruption

Reaching up to 14,179 feet high, Mount Shasta is a potentially active volcano in the town of Redding, California. The fifth-highest peak in the state is one of California’s most stunning views - if you dare to climb it. Mount Shasta’s last recorded eruption was in 1786, but if you visit, you might just witness the next one.

For some reason, travelers love the rush of climbing the mountain and avoiding a potential eruption. Scientists note that anyone on the mountain would certainly perish if an eruption was to occur, but that doesn't stop masses of thrill seekers from heading to the area. While it isn't as hauntingly mysterious, the climb is definitely a mystery in that you won't know the outcome.

7 7. Skinwalker Ranch, Oregon: A True Horror Setting

Located in a remote corner of Utah, Skinwalker Ranch is as intimidating as its name. In the 1990’s, a family with the alias of “Sherman” lived on the ranch for two years. Within those 104 weeks, the Shermans recorded several mysterious incidents, such as animal mutilation, UFO sightings, and unexplainable lights. People in the area claim the ranch is home to evil creatures known as “Skinwalkers” who are the source of the strange phenomenon.

Only the bravest folk stay the night, although some even choose to stay over a week. Whatever you believe, you’re sure to find something strange at Skinwalker Ranch.

6 6. The Winchester House, California: Renovations to Deter Spirits

In 1886, a woman by the name of Sarah Winchester, widow of gun-maker William Winchester, bought a small farmhouse in San Jose, California. With no outward reason, Sarah began a renovation that lasted 36 years and used $5.5 million dollars, which only halted as a result of her passing in 1922.

There are many stories as to the reason why Sarah Winchester began a never-ending renovation, but the most prevalent one claims that she was being spooked by the spirits associated with the Winchester rifle. She consulted a psychic who told her that avoiding the spirits would consist of renovating her home non-stop, as a way to confuse them in the giant house.

Today, the house serves as nothing more than a tour house - one that you could get lost in, literally.

5 5. Horseshoe Canyon, Canyonlands National Park: Depictions of Humans and Forms

Just west of the northern tip of Canyonlands National Park, Horseshoe Canyon houses many well-known rock art sites, especially its most famous “Great Gallery”. Painted in the gallery are approximately 20 life-sized human-inspired images. Hovering next to these drawn humans are a handful of eerie shapeless figures, sometimes known as the “holy ghosts.”

The origin of the gallery is mysterious, although there are many rumors, ranging from Natives drawing their ghost tales to ghosts themselves being the artists of the drawings. If you're even somewhat interested in mystery and art at the same time, Horseshoe Canyon is a prime spot.

4 4. Coral Castle, Homestead, FL: Supernatural Building Powers

Coral Castle, located in Homestead, Florida, is home to an intricate limestone structure, created by Edward Leedskalnin. These limestone and coral stones weigh several tons each and are rumored to have been built single-handedly by Leedskalnin himself. It’s said that he used reverse magnetism and supernatural abilities to move and carve these heavy stones, but no one knows for sure, as he refused to let anyone watch him work.

There may be some truth to the mystery as there is actually no record of any other workers being involved. If you're interested in learning more about the history and apparent magic behind the structure, there's an adjacent museum that can tell you more on your visit.

3 3. Eternal Flame Falls, New York: The Fire That Never Goes Out

Housed in Chestnut Ridge County Park, the Eternal Flame Falls is easily guessed by its name: at the heart of the waterfall, there is a natural gas pocket that aids in the constant flickering flame behind the flow of water. The flame defies all scientific explanation, as its burn continues despite the massive amounts of water around it and the lack of heat in the area.

That's not to say that the flame wouldn't eventually go out: it’s lit continuously by hikers that pass by its home as the flame begins to dim. The real mystery is that it can go on for over a day without being re-lit despite the very damp surroundings. Some consider it a religious sign or miracle, while others see it as haunting.

2 2. Magnetic Hill, Moncton, New Brunswick: Reversing the Laws of Nature

We're hopping over the border to Canada now. Okay, so the Magnetic Hill in New Brunswick isn't actually haunted or even along those spooky lines, but it does manage to defy the laws of science. If you drive right to the bottom (like the car furthest away in the picture), sit flat, and take your foot off the break, your car somehow begins to roll uphill. If you stick with it, you can move up to 20 miles per hour! Apparently, according to experts, you don't actually roll up the hill but simply experience an optical illusion that makes you think you are. Whatever the reason, it's definitely mysterious!

1 1. The Devil's Tower, Wyoming: Hauntings or Alien Visits?

Located in Wyoming, The Devil's Tower is a huge mix of different types of rocks that stick out of the ground, hundreds of feet into the air, for apparently no reason. Hundreds of years ago, it was sacred to tribes and was believed to have been made by the gods. More recently, theories have been thrown around that it was the site of an alien landing and is the only evidence that aliens have been in the area.

Most likely, it formed from molten rock that was pushed through the ground (almost 50 million years ago!) but the rumors and the fact that it's America's very first National Monument make it a worthy destination to check out.

References: Travelandleisure, Smarttravel.tips, Grunge, TheActiveTimes, Travel.USNews, DreamPlango, TripAdvisor