Exploring the country's supernatural side can be an exhilarating adventure for those with a taste for the eerie and mysterious. From historic cities to remote wilderness, the U.S. is home to a variety of ghost tours that cater to all levels of thrill-seekers. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, these American ghost tours offer a unique way to delve into the country's haunted past and explore the unexplained. Here are some spooky options (in no particular order):
1. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has long been known as one of America's most haunted cities. Its scary reputation can be accredited to the city's rich history, including its role in the Civil War, yellow fever outbreaks, and devastating fires. These historical events and the city's atmospheric architecture contribute to its otherworldly allure, making it a popular destination for ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
To make the most of your experience, consider joining one of the many Savannah ghost tours in the city. From riding a hearse or ghost trolley to exploring a foggy cemetery at night, there are plenty of spooky adventures in Savannah. Alternatively, self-guided audio tours are available to download from the App Store. You can't go wrong either way. Each experience provides an eerie and entertaining way to learn about the city's haunted past and the ghostly legends that continue to captivate visitors.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans cemeteries are often called "Cities of the Dead" due to their above-ground mausoleums, crosses, and statues. The city is also steeped in old voodoo traditions, vampire legends, and ghostly tales, creating the perfect conditions for a spine-tingling experience. Many ghost tours in New Orleans are led by knowledgeable guides who commit to their roles as storytellers. They’re dressed in period costumes and equipped with historical knowledge to provide an immersive and engaging experience for ghost hunters.
One regular stop on the New Orleans ghost tour experience is the LaLaurie Mansion, famous for its dark history and alleged hauntings. Another stop is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where the infamous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau is believed to be interred. Then there’s Pirate’s Alley in the French Quarter, a dimly lit corridor full of shadows and mystery. Check out the Adults-Only Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour, boasting 5 out of 5 bubbles on Trip Advisor!
3. Charleston, South Carolina
Founded in 1670, Charleston has survived countless natural disasters and endured two pivotal Civil War battles at Fort Wagner. Given its long and storied history, it’s no surprise Charleston ranks high on the list of the best ghost tours in America. Some tours offer visitors the chance to explore the Unitarian Church graveyard after dark, where there have been reported sightings of apparitions and unexplained phenomena. As you wind your way through the graveyard, you may feel a chill in the air or catch glimpses of shadowy figures out of the corner of your eye, adding an extra layer of mystery and intrigue to the experience.
In addition to graveyards, Charleston ghost tours offer a grim look into the city’s most haunted buildings. Take the Old City Jail, for instance, which is said to be inhabited by the spirits of its former inmates. When exploring the best ghost tours in Charleston, you can visit the jail or join one of many 90-minute walking tours. For a singular experience, consider taking a catamaran ghost cruise of Charleston Harbor or an evening horse-and-carriage ride through dark and cobbled alleyways.
4. Salem, Massachusetts
Salem, Massachusetts, is known for its chilling history of the infamous witch trials that took place in the late 1600s. These trials resulted in the execution of numerous women accused of witchcraft, leaving a haunting legacy that still lingers in the city today. To delve into this macabre past, Salem ghost tours enable visitors to explore the city's dark history. These tours typically take participants to significant locations associated with the witch trials, such as the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and the House of the Seven Gables, providing a fascinating insight into the events that unfolded centuries ago.
Additionally, some tours venture into the city's atmospheric cemetery and other allegedly haunted sites, offering a goosebump-inducing experience for those intrigued by the paranormal. Add another layer of spookiness to your Salem ghost tour by visiting the city around Halloween. The Haunted Happenings Festival, which takes place in October, offers a range of scary events, including psychic fairs, haunted houses, and more.
5. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is synonymous with one of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War. The historic town was the site of the bloody Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, a turning point in the war that resulted in approximately 50,000 casualties. Due to its tumultuous past, the city has become legendary for its ghostly encounters and paranormal activity. Gettysburg ghost tours offer an opportunity to explore the battlefield and learn about the ghostly legends and reports of supernatural phenomena that have persisted for over a century.
During these tours, visitors are taken to key locations such as Devil's Den, the Peach Orchard, and the infamous Pickett's Charge, where they can hear chilling tales of ghostly apparitions, unexplained sounds, and otherworldly encounters. Whether you're a history buff or a paranormal enthusiast, a ghost tour in Gettysburg provides a unique and haunting perspective on the town's harrowing past.
6. St. Augustine, Florida
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine, Florida, is generally considered the oldest city in the United States. With its centuries-old buildings, cobblestone streets, and a tumultuous past that includes battles, piracy, and epidemics, St. Augustine has become a prime location for ghost hunters. The city's rich history provides a perfect backdrop for mysterious stories that are sure to send shivers down your spine.
Ghost tours in St. Augustine often include visits to haunted lighthouses, the Old Jail, and the historic district, where blood-curdling tales of restless spirits and unexplained phenomena await. Another popular stop along St. Augustine ghost tours is Tolomato Cemetery, rumored to be haunted by several spirits, including that of a 16-year-old girl named Elizabeth Forrester. Trolley tours often stop at the cemetery to share the stories of ghosts wandering among the tombstones. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore abandoned buildings and participate in haunted pub crawls.
7. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has witnessed numerous dark events since its founding over 200 years ago, but perhaps none more gruesome than the mobster era of the 1920s and '30s. This era coincided with Prohibition, when the illegal production and sale of alcohol led to widespread corruption and violence in the city. Notorious gangsters like Al Capone and Lester "Baby Face" Nelson rose to power and ruled Chicago with an iron fist, leaving behind a legacy of crime and terror. Guided Chicago ghost tours are a popular way for locals and tourists to learn about the infamous gangsters, speakeasies, and other landmarks that defined this turbulent era. Former gangster hideouts and haunted sites such as the Congress Hotel, Death Alley, and Palmer House are popular destinations.
When you've finished exploring Chicago's ghost scene on foot, you can hop on a haunted river tour at Navy Pier. The city's history includes the Eastland Disaster, where over 800 people died when a passenger ship capsized in the Chicago River in 1915. The haunted tour enables you to learn more about this tragic event while cruising along the Chicago River. It's also an excellent way to view the city's stunning waterfront architecture, including Willis Tower, Tribune Tower, and the Wrigley Building.
8. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee, has a rich history dating back to the Civil War and beyond, and with history comes ghost stories and legends. From the Civil War battlefields to historic buildings and neighborhoods, Nashville ghost tours offer a spine-tingling journey into the city's sinister past. Professional guides lead visitors through haunted sites such as former president Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage estate and the historic Bell Witch Cave. Visitors can also explore the dark corridors of the Ryman Auditorium, known for ghostly sightings, or delve into the haunted history of the Union Station Hotel.
In addition to these spooky attractions, visitors can learn about the city's rich musical history by visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or strolling down Broadway to soak in the vibrant live music scene. One popular destination with a spooky twist is Printers Alley. Known for its iconic honky tonks and pubs, the historic alley is home to the Southern Turf ghosts that lurk in the shadows after dark.
9. Washington D.C.
Last on our list of the best ghost tours in the U.S. is Washington, D.C. The nation's capital offers a hair-raising journey through the city's haunted streets. The Georgetown ghost tour is particularly terrifying. Here, tour guides lead you through the darkened streets, pointing out the steps from The Exorcist and traipsing through Oak Hill Cemetery after dark. The Old Stone House is yet another iconic destination. As the oldest unchanged building in D.C., it's housed plenty of tragedy and death over the years. At least 11 spirits have been seen or heard inside the home, including a boy named Joey, who can be heard running on the third floor, and a woman in a creaky rocking chair (gulp!).
As you wander through the lantern-lit streets of D.C., you'll also learn about the spirits said to roam the historic buildings and alleyways, adding an extra layer of spookiness to your visit. So, whether you believe in the supernatural or simply enjoy a good scare, D.C. ghost tours promise a memorable and haunting experience.
Packing for Your Creepy Ghost Tour
If you're looking for a truly spooky experience, the best ghost tours on this list don't disappoint. When preparing for these chilling adventures, it's best to pack comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a small flashlight. If you need help preparing, check out our ultimate packing lists and other travel tips on our blog.
Happy ghost hunting! 👻💀🪦⚰️🕯️😱✨
