Most Haunted Cities to Visit in the U.S.
Curated By
Emily Duke
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Adventure Travel
Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel
Active Travel
USA
Entertainment
Outdoors
Bucket List-Worthy
Curator’s statement
Since I was young, I’ve always found that taking a ghost tour is a fantastic way to become acquainted with a new city. Not only do you learn unique stories of lore and dark history, but it’s a great activity to do early on in the trip to become oriented with the popular spots and neighborhoods that you may want to visit later on. Ghost tours in the autumn months will fill up quickly, so I recommend booking in advance. Many people don’t realize that many older cities offer ghost tours year-round when it’s not Halloween, so this can be a good chance to explore haunted and historic locations outside of the spooky season. A reminder to always be respectful if you are visiting cemeteries or other somber places to learn more about their history. Follow the local rules, do not touch graves or tombstones, leave no trace and do not disturb others if there are active mourners visiting within the vicinity.
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Most haunted cities to visit in the US
Philadelphia
Some spooky spots to look out for: Elfreth's Alley, Betsy Ross House, Fort Mifflin, Independence Hall, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Moshulu, Mütter Museum, Eastern State Penitentiary, Christ Church Burial Ground, First Bank of the U.S. and Washington Square.
Boston
Some spooky spots to look out for: Omni Parker Hotel, King's Chapel Burying Ground, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Granary Burying Ground, Old City Hall, Union Oyster House, Fort Warren, The Majestic Theatre, Boston Common, Old South Meeting House, Alibi Bar & Lounge and The USS Salem (Quincy, MA.)
Chicago
Some spooky spots to look out for: Holy Name Cathedral, Victory Gardens Theater, Lincoln Park, Graceland Cemetery, Glessner House, The Red Lion Pub, Liar's Club, Former Site of the H.H. Holmes Murder Castle, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Resurrection Cemetery (Justice, IL) and Bachelor's Grove Cemetery (Midlothian, IL.)
New Orleans
Some spooky spots to look out for: LaLaurie Mansion, St. Louis Cemetery #1, Lafayette Cemetery, Metairie Cemetery, Muriel's Restaurant, BK Historic House & Gardens, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, Hermann-Grima House, Pirates Alley, Le Petit Theatre, Old Absinthe House, St. Louis Cathedral and Hotel Monteleone.
Need to Know
Looking for more U.S. travel inspo? Check out Fora' guide, Escape to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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Emily Duke
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to the U.S.