Have you ever wanted a history tour with a side of ghostly encounters? Whether you believe in the paranormal or enjoy a thrill, these haunted homes in the U.S. will grab your attention. From mysterious footsteps to doors that open on their own, these locations are famous for more than just their architecture. But don’t worry, we’ll keep it light—because who says ghost stories can’t be fun?

Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, CA

If you’ve ever been lost in your own home, spare a thought for Sarah Winchester, who lived in the Winchester Mystery House. This sprawling mansion is legendary for its size—24,000 square feet, 160 rooms, and endless hallways—and its bizarre design, featuring doors and staircases that lead nowhere. Sarah Winchester, widow of the firearm magnate William Wirt Winchester, believed she was cursed by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. Her solution? Never stop building. It’s said that construction lasted 38 years, and visitors today report strange occurrences, from cold spots to the feeling of being watched. Just blame it on the ghosts if you get lost.

LaLaurie Mansion, New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is synonymous with haunted history; no home exemplifies that more than the LaLaurie Mansion. Once home to socialite Madame Delphine LaLaurie, this French Quarter mansion holds dark secrets. After a fire in the early 1830s, investigators found evidence of unspeakable horrors. Today, the mansion stands as one of the most haunted buildings in the U.S., with eerie sightings and unexplained sounds. Even Hollywood has taken notice, with actor Nicolas Cage purchasing the mansion in 2007—though he didn’t stay long, either.

The Amityville Horror House, Amityville, NY

This home’s ghostly reputation inspired books and movies. Located in Long Island, New York, the Amityville Horror House gained infamy after the brutal 1974 murder of six family members. A year later, new homeowners claimed to experience terrifying paranormal activities. Whether the haunting was real or fabricated remains hotly debated, but Amityville still offers classic haunted house vibes. Just avoid the basement.

 

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The Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, LA

Known as one of America’s most haunted homes, Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana is rumored to have been built atop an ancient Native American burial ground. The house is said to be haunted by several restless spirits, the most famous being Chloe, a former slave who allegedly poisoned the plantation owner’s family. Her ghost reportedly roams the property, and visitors have caught her image in photographs. If you’re brave enough, you can stay overnight at this bed and breakfast.

 

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The Lizzie Borden House, Fall River, MA

Lizzie Borden’s haunting is an infamous part of American folklore. Accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in 1892, Lizzie was acquitted, but the mystery lingers. Visitors to the house report ghostly whispers and phantom footsteps, and some claim to see apparitions of Lizzie’s parents. Today, the house operates as a museum, offering guided tours and overnight stays—if you dare.