18 haunted houses across the USA that offer tours

This massive 160-room mansion is one of the most famous haunted houses in America, built by Sarah Winchester over decades to appease spirits she believed were haunting her family. With confusing layouts, hidden doors, and staircases leading nowhere, the house was designed to confuse ghosts. Visitors can explore its strange architecture and unsettling atmosphere through guided tours.

Best Season to Visit: September to October

Ideal Visiting Hours: Evening tours

Traveler Tip: Book special Halloween tours for a more immersive experience

Must-Know: The house layout is intentionally confusing stick with guided tours

Known as one of the most haunted homes in the U.S., the Sallie House is infamous for aggressive paranormal activity linked to a young girl who reportedly died during a medical procedure. Visitors have reported scratches, apparitions, and moving objects, making it a hotspot for ghost hunters.

Best Season to Visit: October

Ideal Visiting Hours: Overnight stays

Traveler Tip: Visit with a group if you’re planning an overnight stay

Must-Know: Experiences can be intense this is not for the faint-hearted

This house is the site of the infamous 1892 axe murders and is now open for tours and overnight stays. Guests often report ghostly encounters, strange noises, and unexplained sightings tied to the Borden family and other spirits believed to linger.

Best Season to Visit: August to October

Ideal Visiting Hours: Night tours

Traveler Tip: Book a room early overnight stays fill quickly

Must-Know: The house operates as both a museum and a bed & breakfast

Famous for the legend of the Bell Witch, this property includes a haunted cabin and cave where visitors have reported strange sounds and sightings. The haunting is tied to a centuries-old feud and is one of America’s oldest ghost stories.

Best Season to Visit: May to October

Ideal Visiting Hours: Sunset or night tours

Traveler Tip: Try the lantern tour for a more intense experience

Must-Know: The cave adds an extra layer of fear for visitors

Once owned by a wealthy brewing family, Lemp Mansion is known for tragic suicides and lingering spirits. Today, it operates as a restaurant and inn where guests can dine or stay overnight while exploring its haunted history.

Best Season to Visit: October

Ideal Visiting Hours: Dinner or overnight stay

Traveler Tip: Join a ghost tour after dining

Must-Know: The basement tunnels are among the most haunted areas

Located in New Orleans, this mansion has a dark history tied to cruelty and tragedy. Though not open for interior tours, it remains one of the most infamous haunted houses, with reports of ghostly cries and eerie sightings.

Best Season to Visit: October

Ideal Visiting Hours: Evening walking tours

Traveler Tip: Take a guided ghost tour of the French Quarter

Must-Know: You can only view the house from outside

This historic seaside home inspired a famous novel and is said to be haunted by several spirits, including a child and a mysterious woman. Visitors can explore secret staircases and learn about its long history.

Best Season to Visit: Fall

Ideal Visiting Hours: Late afternoon or evening

Traveler Tip: Attend candlelight tours for a spooky atmosphere

Must-Know: The site also offers cultural and historical programs

Built on Native American land, this plantation is known for multiple ghost sightings, including a woman accused of witchcraft and other spirits tied to tragic events. Paranormal tours are popular here.

Best Season to Visit: October

Ideal Visiting Hours: Evening tours

Traveler Tip: Look for the statue of Grace Sherwood on-site

Must-Know: The property has multiple reported hauntings

This house is the site of an unsolved 1912 murder of an entire family. Visitors can tour or stay overnight, but reports of disturbing paranormal activity make it one of the most intense haunted locations.

Best Season to Visit: Fall

Ideal Visiting Hours: Overnight investigations

Traveler Tip: Bring paranormal equipment if interested

Must-Know: The case remains unsolved to this day

Located in Gettysburg, this historic inn is believed to be haunted by Civil War soldiers. Guests have reported sightings and unexplained occurrences, making it a popular stop for ghost enthusiasts.

Best Season to Visit: October

Ideal Visiting Hours: Night tours

Traveler Tip: Stay overnight for a full experience

Must-Know: The building has visible battle damage

This massive abandoned mansion is rumored to be haunted by its former owners. Though not always open, it attracts visitors interested in its eerie atmosphere and historical significance.

Best Season to Visit: Fall

Ideal Visiting Hours: Daytime events (when available)

Traveler Tip: Follow updates for public access events

Must-Know: Restoration efforts are ongoing

Built as a romantic gift, this unfinished castle became a symbol of tragedy after its owner’s wife died. Visitors report strange lights and ghostly sightings within the castle.

Best Season to Visit: Summer to early fall

Ideal Visiting Hours: Afternoon

Traveler Tip: Use the official app for a guided experience

Must-Know: Accessible by boat only

Built on land connected to the Salem Witch Trials, this mansion is associated with multiple ghost sightings, including figures linked to the trials and unexplained phenomena.

Best Season to Visit: October

Ideal Visiting Hours: Evening

Traveler Tip: Combine visit with Salem attractions

Must-Know: Now operates as a boutique hotel

This Civil War-era home saw heavy conflict and is now believed to be haunted by soldiers and civilians. Visitors often report sightings of a ghostly child and other spirits.

Best Season to Visit: Fall

Ideal Visiting Hours: Night tours

Traveler Tip: Explore nearby Gettysburg sites

Must-Know: The house was used during wartime

A historic inn with colonial roots, the Publick House has reports of ghost sightings, including a figure believed to be its original owner. It combines history with paranormal intrigue.

Best Season to Visit: Fall

Ideal Visiting Hours: Evening stay

Traveler Tip: Visit nearby historic cemetery

Must-Know: It’s still an active inn

Home of Titanic survivor Margaret Brown, this museum is said to have paranormal activity, including moving objects and ghostly sightings linked to the family.

Best Season to Visit: October

Ideal Visiting Hours: Evening tours

Traveler Tip: Attend themed seasonal events

Must-Know: It’s both a museum and historic home

Known as one of the most haunted houses in Ohio, Franklin Castle has a history filled with tragedy and mystery. Visitors report strange noises, ghost sightings, and eerie occurrences.

Best Season to Visit: October

Ideal Visiting Hours: Night tours or overnight stays

Traveler Tip: Visit with a group for safety and fun

Must-Know: Some areas are restricted

This farmhouse turned social club has a long history of spiritualist activity, including séances and reported encounters with numerous spirits. It remains one of the most unusual haunted locations.

Best Season to Visit: Fall

Ideal Visiting Hours: Evening visits

Traveler Tip: Learn the history before visiting

Must-Know: Known for historical paranormal gatherings