Top 15 Spookiest US States to Visit This Halloween

Spooky season is upon us, and there’s an unnerving chill in the air as Halloween draws nearer. Haunted houses and thrill attractions are popping up throughout the country ready to terrify the intrepid souls who venture inside. 

But, only the brave dare seek out the country’s truly paranormal sites. From horror houses and abandoned towns to unexplained mysteries and supernatural ongoings, there’s a whole world of terror out there just waiting to be discovered. 

Prepare to be scared — here are the top 15 spookiest US states to visit this Halloween.

Methodology

As fans of scary movies and ghost stories, we wanted to push past the best 2-hour thrill to see the creepiest places to visit and in some cases stay overnight. We embarked upon a mission to find the spookiest states in the US to plan a Halloween that pushes far past the normal limits of a movie with jump scares. 

Our goal was to narrow down the top 15 spookiest states by analyzing Google searches across the country. We chose to focus on searches for the keywords, “ghosts, “haunted house,” and “paranormal.” We used Google Keyword Planner to calculate the average monthly searches for each state across these 3 keywords. 

Using the reach provided by Google Keyword Planner, we normalized the data to account for the differences in population in each state by using the formula (keyword) searches/reach*100,000.

Once we had an unbiased count of total searches, we ranked each state by searches per keyword and then averaged the ranking across the 3 keywords. The states with the lowest average rankings, meaning they searched the most for the 3 keywords combined, gave us our top 15 states.

1. Ohio

Did you know: The Ohio State Reformatory was the filming location for The Shawshank Redemption after it ceased operation in 1990 due to “inhumane conditions.”

From haunted establishments to unexplained paranormal activity, Ohio is one of the creepiest states in the US. Pretty much every city has dark tales of things that go bump in the night. Here are two of the most terrifying sites that thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss this Halloween:  

• Ohio State Reformatory – this creepy estate is best known as the filming location of The Shawshank Redemption but it’s also infamous for the horrific conditions inmates faced here. Take a tour to learn about the 200 people who met grizzly ends here. 
• Gore Orphanage – a hellish scene erupted when this orphanage was engulfed by fire and more than 100 children lost their lives. Legend has it that the fire was set by Old Man Gore, the bitter owner who hoped to claim insurance. The souls of the lost children are said to roam the area screaming into the night sky.

2. Indiana

Did you know: Cult leader and mass murderer Jim Jones hailed from Crete, Indiana. He was responsible for more than 900 deaths during the Jonestown Massacre.

The Hoosier state is well-known for its hauntings, and there’s no spookier time to explore Indiana than during Halloween. These are two of the scariest places to visit… if you dare:

• Whispers Estate – this haunted house in Mitchell has been voted the fourth most terrifying place in America and was the scene of several violent deaths. Take a tour for the chance to spot the giggling ghost of Rachael, a ten-year-old girl who died in a raging fire.
• The Willard Library – countless visitors claim to have seen the ghost of Louise Carpenter, the deceased daughter of the former owner of this house-turned-library. Even local police officers have experienced her spooky presence!

3. Oklahoma

Did you know: The Spook Light is a paranormal enigma that’s often spotted on a dirt road in northeast Oklahoma. Despite countless sightings, nobody can explain what the light is!

Oklahoma is your run-of-the-mill flyover state and is skipped by most tourists. However, if paranormal activity excites you, don’t miss a visit to the town of Guthrie where these horror-filled spots await:

• Stone Lion Inn – this working bed & breakfast has one full-time resident: a little girl who died from a cough syrup overdose and now runs through the hallways and jumps on beds. This inn has also served as a funeral parlor in its time!
• Blue Bell – this one-time bordello’s former madame and ‘her girls’ still make their presence known with eerie cold spots, moving objects, and unexplained footsteps. This historic building now stands empty — maybe you can spot its former residents through an upstairs window…

4. Arizona

Did you know: Movie star John Wayne claims to have had a paranormal experience while staying in an Arizona hotel.

Arizona is so much more than the home of the Grand Canyon. A visit to this spooky state may reward you with alien sightings, paranormal activity, and encounters with lost souls:

• Hotel Monte Vista – several guests including John Wayne have reported paranormal activity at this Flagstaff inn. There have been reports of attempted ghostly asphyxiations of sleeping guests, so only the bravest travelers dare stay here. 
• Apache Junction – this mountain range is infamous for its spooky goings-on. Strange figures appear, freak storms ravage the area, and many hikers have gone missing. Khayman Welch is one of Apache Junction’s latest victims who has been missing without a trace since 2020.

5. Utah

Did you know: Ted Bundy, one of the US’s most infamous serial killers, wasn’t born in Utah but he terrorized the state in the mid 1970s, leaving at least four victims in his wake.

Utah is home to an incredible number of paranormal sightings and horrifying hauntings, and only the most courageous ghost hunters make the pilgrimage here during Halloween month:

• Winter Quarters – this true ghost town was a busy mining town until an explosion killed over 200 men working in the mines. In the aftermath, 50 miners quit and 500 went on strike because of the headless miner that often appeared beside them. 
• Skinwalker Ranch – even skeptics can’t ignore the disturbing activity at this spot. From witnessing cattle mutilation and wolflike appearances to crop circles and mysterious lights in the sky, visitors report “feeling” the effects of the ranch long after they leave.  

6. New Mexico

Did you know: Billy the Kid, the infamous outlaw, killed 21 men before being killed himself at the age of 21. He is buried in Fort Sumner, New Mexico.

Welcome to the Wild West, where ghosts and ghouls can seemingly be spotted at every turn. From explosions to aliens, there’s plenty of horror to discover in New Mexico:  

• KiMo Theater – in 1951, a water heater exploded in this Albuquerque theater, killing a six-year-old boy named Bobby. Today, performers at the theater leave treats like donuts to get on Bobby’s good side as he’s renowned for causing havoc during shows. 
• The Zamora Incident – police officer Lonnie Zamora had one of the most credible UFO sightings in US history just outside Socorro, New Mexico. Even the U.S. Air Force’s Project Blue Book listed the case as “unknown”. Why not pay a visit to Socorro to see what (or who) might meet you there?

7. Michigan

Did you know: There have been more than 100 Bigfoot sightings across the state, with some witnesses claiming to have captured video footage of the paranormal beast.

Detroit has a dark past, and those who dare visit will discover countless tales of death, destruction, and maybe even a demon or two. Get your fair share of scares in Michigan:

• South Manitou Island – legend has it that dozens of cholera-stricken sailors were buried alive on South Manitou Island. If that isn’t enough to creep you out, perhaps the island’s forest where voices are often heard will be.
• Detroit Masonic Temple – George Mason, founder of the temple, had all the faces of the gargoyles made to look like his own, so he could keep an eye on it… and all who enter.

8. Texas

Did you know: Even Texas’s animal population is creepy — Texas is home to the largest known bat colony in North America with over 20 million bats calling Bracken Cave home.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre film may be scary, but it has nothing on the real-life horrors that have occurred in this state. From mysterious lights to haunted hotels, paranormal activity hunters will be spoiled for choice during their time in Texas:

• Driskill Hotel – the man who built this Austin hotel allegedly lost everything in a poker game and never got over it. He still roams the corridors to this day, alongside a Texas senator’s daughter who tragically fell to her death on the hotel’s elegant staircase.
• San Fernando Cathedral – when Texas’ oldest church was renovated in the 1930s, workers found bones, nails, and ruined military uniforms by the altar. Come after nightfall if you’ve got the guts.

9. Wisconsin

Did you know: this spooky state was the birthplace of two of the most terrifying serial killers in American history — Ed Gein and Jeffrey Dahmer.

As the home state of not one but TWO prolific murderers, it’ll come as no surprise that Wisconsin is one of the most haunted states in the US. These sites are not for the fainthearted:

• Summerwind Mansion – the original owners fled without their belongings and never came back after the ongoing paranormal activity became too much. The house burned down in the 1980s but many claim that supernatural events continue to happen around its ruins.
• Plainfield Cemetery – infamous killer Ed Gein is buried in this cemetery. This is made extra creepy by the fact that it’s also where he used to dig up the bodies of women who reminded him of his deceased mother.

10. Idaho

Did you know: Idaho’s Spirit Lake is one of only two lakes in the world with a completely sealed bottom, meaning no water can escape. It’s said the lake traps souls down there, too… 

If you thought all there was to Idaho was potatoes and sapphires: think again! This is one of the spookiest states in the US and lovers of the macabre flock here for the chance to spot a ghostly entity or two. Here’s where to head for the best chances of seeing something truly chilling:

• Old Idaho Penitentiary – more than 10,000 convicts have been held here over the years, and some remain in ghostly forms to this day. Visitors to the penitentiary report hearing disembodied voices and feeling hands on them as they explore the cells. 
• The Idaho State Tuberculosis Hospital – an unknown number of tuberculosis victims died between these four walls. Groups can spend the night here — we recommend sleeping with one eye open! 

11. West Virginia 

Did you know: this state is home to two of the US’s most haunted locations, making it a must-visit for paranormal activity fanatics.

From ghostly Civil War soldiers to unexplained entities, there’s plenty to be frightened of in the Mountain State. Don’t miss these spine-tingling spots in West Virginia:

• Harpers Ferry – this entire town is thought to be haunted, and several organized ghost tours go searching for the spirits of wounded soldiers and old priests. Listen out for the distant drumming of the phantom army performing its haunting drills.
• The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – this Weston institution housed more than 2,400 patients at its peak, despite only being designed for 250 residents. A combination of inhumane conditions and violence led to its closure in the 1990s but the tormented souls of many former residents are said to linger. Take a tour to see for yourself.

12. Kentucky

Did you know: Charles Manson, the infamous cult leader and convicted murderer, once called the Kentucky city of Ashland home.

Louisville is the Bluegrass State’s largest city and is also thought to be one of the most haunted places in the entire country. Why not stay a while and get to know the darker side of the Kentucky:

• Waverly Hills Sanatorium – This infamous former tuberculosis sanatorium in Louisville is widely regarded as one of America’s most haunted sites. Join an overnight investigation if you dare! 
• Octagon Hall – this antebellum mansion is said to be a hotbed of paranormal activity. The house is now a museum — visit to learn about this home’s dark past and pay your respects to the lost souls that remain within its walls.

13. Colorado

Did you know: The creepy hotel from The Shining is located in Colorado and is still open to guests to this day.

Colorado’s creepy side was made famous by the Stanley Kubrick movie, The Shining, but truth is stranger (and scarier) than fiction in the Centennial State. These spots guarantee a fright:

• Central City Masonic Cemetery – visitors who take photos at this picturesque graveyard may get more than they bargained for — snaps often have strange figures and floating orbs in them. Watch out for the young boy who hides among the trees.
• Hotel Colorado – this spectacular hotel was a hospital and crematorium during World War II. Guests have spotted spirits floating through the hallways, so be sure to bolt your door if you stay here.

14. Rhode Island

Did you know: ‘The Conjuring House’ (the house from the movie of the same name) is located in Harrisville, Rhode Island, and is believed to really be haunted.

“Father of Modern Horror” HP Lovecraft hails from Rhode Island, and macabre writer Edgar Allen Poe spent a lot of time here. Is it a coincidence that this state inspired so much horror? Pay it a visit to find out:

• Seaview Terrace (Carey Mansion) – this privately-owned mansion in Newport is widely agreed to be one of the state’s most haunted sites. Many professional ghost hunters have braved the house — would you dare?
• Providence City Hall – it’s said that at least 12 people have lost their lives in this historic building, and government workers report smelling cigar smoke and hearing footsteps late at night.

15. Minnesota

Did you know: The Minnesota city of Anoka is said to be the “Halloween Capital of the World” because it’s believed to be the first US city to host a Halloween parade.

Last but certainly not least is Minnesota: the Halloween capital of the world and a downright creep-fest. This state is known to forever change the minds of non-believers with its spooky sites and unexplainable occurrences:

• Crazy Annie’s Bridge – this Henderson bridge seems entirely normal at first glance, but it’s said to be where a World War I widow ended her life and the lives of her three young children. Listen for piercing screams and faces floating in the darkness.
• The William A. Irvin – this historic vessel carried coal and iron ore across the Great Lakes for 40 years. Now docked in Canal Park, Duluth, this ship operates as a museum and offers spooky tours that guarantee a scare. 

A Trip to Remember this Spooky Season

So there you have it, the top 15 spookiest US states to visit this Halloween. Whether you’re lucky (or unlucky) enough to live in one of these states or planning a paranormal road trip to one, you may well uncover one of the many terrifying entities that lurk in the night. Which haunted horrors will you set out to discover first?

Hero Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com/Alexander Steamaze