Five Haunted Destinations To Visit For Halloween
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there's no denying that some places are just plain creepy. From abandoned hospitals to eerie forests, the United States is full of haunted destinations that are perfect for a spooky vacation. If you're looking for a place to get your scare on this Halloween, check out one of these five haunted destinations in America.
1. The Villisca Axe Murder House - Villisca, Iowa
The Villisca axe murder house is a historic house in Villisca, Iowa where, in 1912, six members of the Moore family and two of their guests were brutally murdered with an axe. The crime has never been solved, and the house has been haunted by the spirits of the victims ever since.
Visitors to the Villisca axe murder house have reported seeing ghosts, hearing strange noises, and feeling a sense of foreboding when they enter the house. Some people have even claimed to see the ghost of one of the victims, a little girl named Ina, peeking out from behind a door.
2. The Winchester Mystery House - San Jose, California
The Winchester Mystery House is a Victorian mansion that was built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun magnate William Winchester. After her husband's death, Sarah became convinced that she was being haunted by the ghosts of those killed by Winchester rifles. In an effort to appease the spirits, she began construction on the house in 1884 and continued work on it 24 hours a day for 38 years. The result is a labyrinth of 160 rooms, 10,000 windows, 2,000 doors, 47 stairways, and miles of secret passages. Visitors can take a tour of the house year-round, but it's especially spooky during Halloween season.
3. The Myrtles Plantation - St. Francisville, Louisiana
The Myrtles Plantation is a historic antebellum plantation that was built in 1796. Over the years, it has been home to many families, but it is most well-known for being one of the most haunted places in America. There are said to be at least 12 ghosts haunting the property, including that of Chloe, a former slave who was murdered on the plantation. Visitors can take a tour of the house and grounds, and some even say they've seen the ghosts themselves.
4. The Stanley Hotel - Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel is a historic hotel that was built in 1909. It is perhaps best known for being the inspiration for Stephen King's novel, The Shining. The hotel is said to be haunted by the ghosts of its former guests, including that of Freida Stanley, the wife of the hotel's founder. Visitors can stay overnight at the hotel or take a tour during the day.
5. The Salem Witch Museum - Salem, Massachusetts
The Salem Witch Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of the Salem witch trials. The museum is located in one of the most historic buildings in Salem, and it features exhibits on the trials as well as on witchcraft in general. Visitors can take a tour of the museum or participate in one of their many events, such as their witch trial reenactment.
If you're looking for a spooky vacation this Halloween, consider one of these five haunted destinations in America. From the Villisca axe murder house to the Salem witch museum, there's sure to be a destination that will give you the scare of a lifetime.