Everyone loves a good horror story. Whether it relates to true crimes, paranormal activity, or encounters with demons and evil spirits, there is nothing quite like the fright of a well-told horror story. Unless, of course, you’re living it. Hightailing it terror-stricken through a haunted house is one of the best ways to experience genuine fear without ever being in actual danger. The United States, in particular, has some of the best haunted attractions. Though some are old properties with legendary tales of being cursed, others were the twisted products of a person’s imagination and artistic abilities (refer to #1).
Although several of these locations got converted into new establishments, many are open for tours. Should you want to visit any of the sites on this list, make sure to keep your eyes and ears alert for any ghostly encounters!
10 McKamey Manor – Huntsville, Alabama
Regarded as the most extreme haunted house in America, the McKamey Manor is not your average haunted house at the village fair. Visitors who qualify for admission become subjected to various types of torture. A tour of the manor will feel more like a physical and psychological obstacle course. To visit, potential visitors have to submit a laundry list of requirements such as watching a 2-hour video, signing a 30-page waiver, being of legal age, and a certain level of fitness. Entrance is free, and well-to-do visitors will get paid $20,000—the catch is, no one has completed the course since it first opened.
9 Lemp Mansion – St. Louis, Missouri
The Lemp family owned and ran the Lemp Brewing Company, which produced beer before the Prohibition era. Three members of the Lemp family died inside the mansion, their deaths occurring from 1904 to 1949. Some say that the souls of these family members continue to reside at the estate. The Lemp Mansion now doubles as a restaurant and inn. However, those brave enough can join a ghost tour organized by the owners of the property.
8 Bell Witch Farms – Adams, Tennessee
Famously located on a haunted property is the Bell Witch Festival in Tennessee. Back then, Kate Batts promised to haunt the property after her death due to some misunderstandings about land ownership. While ghost sightings and random noises plague most haunted houses, this house’s residents had to contend with physical violence and strange-looking animals—a dog with a rabbit’s head!
7 Ferry Plantation House – Virginia Beach, Virginia
This beautiful Federal-style property is a tourist attraction because it is one of the oldest plantations in the U.S. Within the same property as the house are a courthouse, a tavern, a post office, and a school. A woman, accused of being a witch, subsequently died in this house and is rumored to haunt these grounds. Visitors can get a feel of what life was like during the mid-1600s when guests visited the plantation.
6 Lizzie Borden House – Fall River, Massachusetts
This haunted house gets its name from the infamous Lizzie Borden, a woman accused of killing her parents in this house back in 1892. The house is said to be inhabited by Lizzie and her parents’ ghosts. Many years later, the haunted house transitioned into a museum and bed and breakfast. In addition, the home itself has been equipped with a ghost cam to capture paranormal activity.
5 House of Death – New York City, New York
Nestled within the beautiful brownstone townhouses in Greenwich Village is the “House of Death.” Visitors will find a plaque commemorating the time when Mark Twain lived in this house. By the time he moved in, the house already had acclaim as a haunted residence! Mark Twain’s ghost is said to be just one of the frequent visitors of this place.
Aside from Mark Twain, the ghosts of at least 20 former residents haunt this townhouse. These days, visitors are not allowed to tour the premises. Visitors should nevertheless stop by if they’re in the area!
4 Winchester House, San Jose, California
The Winchester House gets its name from Sarah Winchester, whose family founded the Winchester rifles. Some have claimed that the ghosts of people killed using Winchester rifles still haunt the house. This Victorian-style mansion is a beautiful sight to behold. The House offers tours for the brave ones who are willing to encounter the ghosts in the place.
3 The Sallie House – Atchison, Texas
There are many TV shows and documentaries on the Sallie House. Legend has it that a little girl named Sallie came to this house for an appendectomy. However, the doctor started the surgery without the full effect of the anesthesia. Unfortunately, Little Sallie died during the operation, feeling everything and believing that the doctor was hurting her. Visitors of the house have said that they would occasionally hear the screams of a little girl.
2 Villisca House – Villisca, Iowa
The Villisca House, also known as the Villisca Axe Murder House, was one of the most haunting unsolved crimes since 1912. On a quiet evening in this small town, the murder of a family occurred. Haunted house enthusiasts can book a stay at this house for about $400.
1 The White House – Washington, District of Columbia
Who would have thought that the President’s residence would qualify as a haunted house? But, as it turns out, several guests and residents of the White House have reported sightings of the ghost of Abraham Lincoln.