Travel Till You Drop Logo

The 5 Most Haunted Houses in the US That Will Give You Chills

Haunted Houses in the US

Unearth the Haunting Mysteries of the US

Alright, my fearless ghost-hunting comrades, get ready to have your spines tingled and your imaginations haunted as we embark on a bone-chilling journey through the most haunted houses in the US. Buckle up, because this gripping guide is about to lead you through the eerie corridors and chilling histories of these infamous dwellings that continue to haunt the brave souls who dare to enter.

If you have an insatiable craving for hair-raising tales, unexplained phenomena, and the thrill of the supernatural, you have arrived at the right place. Prepare for a heart-pounding experience as we unveil our list of the top five haunted houses in the US. We promise it’s going to send shivers down your spine and awaken your inner ghost hunter in no time. So, here, we’ve put together a list of the most Haunted Houses in the US, so strap in and get ready for a fright.

LaLaurie House

If you’re looking for a truly terrifying haunted house experience, then you need to check out the LaLaurie House in New Orleans. This Haunted Houses in the US is said to be one of the most haunted house in the United States, and with good reason. The LaLaurie Mansion was home to Delphine LaLaurie and her husband, Dr. Louis LaLaurie, in the early 1800s.

It was here that Delphine is said to have carried out numerous unspeakable torturous acts on her slaves. These days, people claim to see Delphine’s ghost haunting the house, as well as the ghosts of her victims. If you’re brave enough, then go ahead and check out this house for yourself—but be warned, it’s sure to send chills down your spine. For more history and what you’ll see when you visit, be sure to check this out.

History and Haunting: Talk about a house party gone wrong. The LaLauries made the Kardashians look like amateurs, throwing the most extravagant soirees, all while keeping a nasty little secret tucked away. In 1834, after a fire broke out, the true horror lurking in the attic was revealed – a DIY torture chamber for enslaved people. Yeah, Delphine LaLaurie was basically the original “hostess with the mostest”… mostest horrific hobbies, that is. She fled the scene faster than a Tinder date gone bad, leaving behind a legacy of screams and hauntings that could fill a season of “Ghost Hunters.”

Haunting Phenomena: The LaLaurie Mansion is Netflix binge-worthy material, with ghostly screams that don’t need any surround sound and apparitions that refuse to acknowledge their check-out time. Visitors have reported everything from cold spots (and not the good kind that keep your drink chilled) to full-on spectral sightings of the victims and Madame LaLaurie herself. Because apparently, the afterlife is also not ready to cancel her show.

Present Day: Despite its hair-raising history, the mansion is still standing tall, flipping through owners like pages of a spooky bedtime story. Some say it’s haunted, others believe it’s just old pipes and creaky floors. But let’s be real, it’s the ghoulish charm that keeps the tourists flocking, hoping for a cameo on their ghost tour. Whether you’re a skeptic or a paranormal enthusiast, the LaLaurie House is like the Disneyland of the damned.

Cultural Impact: The LaLaurie House, with its blend of history and horror, became the muse for “American Horror Story: Coven,” where Kathy Bates took on the role of the nightmarish Delphine. Let’s just say, she didn’t have to dig too deep to find the character’s darkness. The house’s sinister past serves as a grim reminder of the horrors that were committed, and it continues to bewitch those who are drawn to the shadowy corners of history.

LaLaurie House

Lizzie Borden House

If you’re looking for another truly spine-tingling experience, you need to check out the Lizzie Borden House. Haunted Houses in the US: This house is famous for being the scene of one of the most famous unsolved murders in American history. Lizzie Borden was accused of killing her father and stepmother with an ax, but she was never convicted. Today, the house is a popular tourist attraction, and it’s said to be haunted by the ghosts of Lizzie Borden and her victims. Visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures, hearing strange noises, and feeling cold spots. If you’re brave enough, head on over to Fall River, Massachusetts, and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

History and Haunting: Flashback to 1892, when the Borden house was the O.G. crime scene that had everyone gossiping. Lizzie Borden, the infamous daddy’s girl, supposedly took “getting ahead in life” a little too literally. After the trial that had more twists than a contortionist at a circus, Lizzie walked out scot-free, leaving the world to murmur and side-eye forevermore.

Haunting Phenomena: Now, the old Borden house is spicing up travel itineraries as a charming (read: chilling) B&B. Feel like a slumber party in the murder room? You rebel, you. Guests have reported everything from creepy footsteps (no, it’s not just the cat) to full spectral fashion shows from the Bordens. Doors with minds of their own, disembodied chitchats, and cold drafts perfect for preserving your youthful complexion? This place has it all!


Present Day: Strut into the present, and the Lizzie Borden House reinvents “staycation.” Whether you’re into true crime or just need an anecdote that’ll have your coworkers clutching their pearls, it delivers. Each room is decked out like it’s 1892, so channel your inner Victorian lady—minus the corset because, ya know, breathing is nice.

Cultural Impact: Lizzie Borden went viral before going viral was a thing. From books that’ll have you sleeping with the lights on to TV specials that beg the question, “Did she or didn’t she?”, Lizzie’s the gift that keeps on giving. And let’s not forget that nursery rhyme – nothing says bedtime like a jingle about forty whacks.

Empresses of the eerie, if your heart beats for the spooky, don laughing in the face of the spectral, the Lizzie Borden House is your home away from home. True crime, ghostly encounters, and enough ambiance to fill your Instagram feed for days? Check, check, and check. Solo travel isn’t just about finding yourself – sometimes, it’s about finding a good ghost story to tell.

Lizzie Borden House

The Sallie House

Haunted houses are always popular this time of year, and if you’re looking for a scare, the Haunted Houses in the US: Sallie House in Kansas is definitely the place to go. This place is supposedly haunted by the ghost of a little girl who died there. Visitors have reported seeing her ghost walking the hallways, and strange things have been known to happen in the house. If you’re brave enough, the Sallie House is definitely worth a visit. Just be warned—it’s one of the spookiest haunted houses in the United States!

The Legend of Sallie: Picture this: A young girl named Sallie, who allegedly took the term “chilling” too literally after a botched appendectomy around the early 1900s. Now, she’s the headliner of this paranormal drama, with critics suggesting there might be a whole ensemble cast of darker spirits. Because, obviously, one ghost is never enough.

Haunting Phenomena: The Pickmans’ experience reads like a horror movie script: moving objects (because ghostly interior decorating is a thing), Tony getting surprise scratch-o-grams on his body, and eerie voices – because who doesn’t enjoy a little disembodied whispering in their ear? The spectral shenanigans got so intense, physical attacks became part of their daily routine. Meanwhile, Debra played peek-a-boo with apparitions and basked in the house’s ever-so-inviting oppressive ambiance.

Paranormal investigators have since turned the Sallie House into their arena, snagging EVPs, weird snapshots, and videos that make your last party pics look boring. Many have left feeling dizzy, nauseous, or marked by the house’s signature love taps (scratches). Basically, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Present Day: Today, the Sallie House stands as a dare for ghost hunters, thrill-seekers, and anyone who’s ever thought, “Hotel rooms are too mainstream.” Open for tours and overnight challenges, it invites you to come and try on the haunting for size. The décor hasn’t changed much since the Pickmans’ tenure, ensuring that eerie ’90s vibe lingers like the smell of teen spirit (or maybe that’s just Sallie).

Cultural Impact: The Sallie House has gone full Hollywood, starring in countless paranormal shows, documentaries, and books. It’s essentially the Marilyn Monroe of haunted locations, turning heads and dropping jaws long after the initial curtain call. It’s a staple in American haunted lore, making every ghost enthusiast and skeptic wonder, “Do I feel lucky?”

Visitor Experiences: Visitors to the Sallie House have run the gamut of paranormal pleasures, from cold spots perfect for those mid-summer visits to unexpected physical contact that would make even a wrestler blush. Many leave convinced they’ve touched base with something far beyond their comfort zone. It continues to be a prime destination for anyone looking to test their bravery or potentially ruin their sleep patterns for the foreseeable future.

The Sallie House

Molly Brown House

If you’re looking for a truly terrifying haunted house experience, you need to check out the Molly Brown House in Denver, Colorado. This Haunted Houses in the US is seriously spooky. It’s said that Molly herself still haunts the house, and visitors have reported seeing her ghost walking the halls. And if that’s not bad enough, it’s also said that the house is home to a number of other ghosts, including a little girl who was killed in a fire. If you’re brave enough to visit this place, be prepared for some serious chills!

The Legend of Molly Brown: Step aside Kardashians, the real queen of drama here is Molly Brown. Her house? Just as dramatic. With the kind of life story that laughs in the face of reality shows, Molly not only survived the Titanic but decided ghosts were her next fan club. The house, now a spit-shined museum, is reportedly still her fave haunt, along with some bonus spirit friends. Dinner parties are way more interesting with vanishing guests, and Molly knew it!

Haunting Phenomena: Ghostly party tricks include footsteps strutting down empty halls, doors that have a mind of their own, and a whiff of cigar smoke from dear ol’ J.J., because why quit smoking after death? Rumor has it Molly makes cameos in her vintage threads, probably checking if visitors are dressed appropriately. And those party noises? Molly’s still throwing bangers that could put your best Saturday night to shame. Ever felt chills or like someone’s eyeballing you at a museum? You’re not paranoid; you’re just in Molly’s permanent guest list here.

Present Day: Today, the Molly Brown House Museum serves all the tea about her fab life and the equally fabulous paranormal. Taking a tour? It’s history lesson meets ghost hunt, and they’ve got those special spook-filled tours during Halloween if you really want to double down on your spirit encounters. You’ve never signed a waiver cooler than this.

Cultural Impact: Forget every Hollywood remake; Molly’s og story got the musical treatment in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” celebrating her gusto and ghost-approved survival skills. Her crib draws in crowds globally, proving life, and apparently afterlife, is anything but dull if you’ve lived it like Molly.

Visitor Experiences: Enter as skeptics, leave as believers. Visitors collect chills and tales of ghostly photobombs here faster than likes on a viral post. Feeling a cold spot? Congrats, you’ve probably just walked through someone from the 1900s. Whether it’s the allure of her history or the chance to star in your own ghost story, this house remains Denver’s darling historical haunt.

Molly Brown House

Bell Witch Farm

 Do you dare visit the Bell Witch Farm? This is one of the most haunted house in the us, and for good reason. It’s said that the Bell Witch is responsible for the death of several people, and she’s known for her tricks (like making people levitate). If you’re looking for a truly terrifying experience, this Haunted Houses in the US to go. Just be warned—the Bell Witch is not someone to mess with. 

The Legend of the Bell Witch: 1817, the Bell family’s chilling in their farmhouse, when suddenly, it goes all MTV’s Cribs with a paranormal twist. John Bell starts hearing the 19th-century Spotify playlist of doom—knocking, chains, and whispers that would make ASMR seem like child’s play. Then, the Bell Witch, as she fancied herself called, went full-on poltergeist on them, especially targeting Daddy Bell and his daughter, Betsy. This spirit was not only handsy but had the audacity to voice threats and spill the tea to anyone within earshot. Talk about a ghost with attitude!

Haunting Phenomena: Our ghostly diva wasn’t content with just knock-knock jokes. Oh no, she brought the full circus—haunting John Bell with a mystery illness (probably hadn’t tried essential oils) and physical attacks on Betsy Bell because apparently, she was against happy engagements. Visitors to the farm got their share of 4D experiences too, from flying furniture to spectral peep shows and disembodied voice-overs that made you wish you’d just stayed home and binge-watched Netflix.

Present Day: Now, the OG Bell cabin has left the building, but a replica stands proudly, serving up historical spooks with a side of modern flair. And let’s not forget the Bell Witch Cave, where the underground rave of cold spots, creepy vibes, and auditory hallucinations keeps the legend alive and kicking. It’s like Disneyland for the paranormal enthusiast, without the long lines!

Cultural Impact: The Bell Witch has gone Hollywood, baby! Books, movies, TV shows—you name the medium, she’s haunted it. This leading lady of lore has intrigued everyone, from your average Joe to the hardcore paranormal investigators dusting off old libraries to read up on her antics. The story refuses to die, much like the witch’s alleged spirit.

Visitor Experiences: Tourists flock to the farm and cave, lured by the chance of their very own ghost story. And boy, do they get them! From ghostly photobombs to unexpected chills that no jacket can ward off, visitors leave with more than just souvenirs—they’re now part of the legacy. Camera shy? Not the spirits here. They’re ready for their close-up, making sure the Bell Witch legend doesn’t just live on but thrives.

Bell Witch Farm

Conclusion 

There’s no shortage of Haunted Houses in the US. If you’re looking for a truly terrifying experience, these five haunted houses should definitely be on your radar. Be prepared to be scared witless, because these houses are guaranteed to give you a good fright. So, if you’re feeling brave enough, put on your brave face and get ready to face your fears!  But no matter where you go, always make sure to Travel Till You Drop!

If you’d like to have a less supernatural but more fun silly Halloween experience outside of the US, make sure to check here to learn about some of the top locations in Europe to celebrate Halloween.  

If you’d prefer to learn a bit more about Dark Tourism, definitely check this out.

I’d love to hear about your favorite Haunted House, so drop me a line, as I’m always about hearing about the creepy 😉  

Postage
About Jill

Hi, Jill Here

Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.

Join me to get exclusive travel tips, giveaways and more!

I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.