Venture beyond the usual haunts and dive into the lesser-known, yet equally chilling, corners of America’s mysterious landscapes. From obscure houses with unsettling pasts to eerie public places marked by tragedy and unexplained events, these destinations offer a glimpse into the spooky and the supernatural.
1. Devil’s Kettle, Minnesota
Image Credit: Shutterstock / MS7503
At Judge C.R. Magney State Park, a waterfall splits into two, one side flowing into a river and the other disappearing into a pothole known as Devil’s Kettle. Despite several studies, where the water ends up remains a mystery.
2. Stull Cemetery, Kansas
Image Credit: Pexel / Brett Sayles
Known as one of the “Seven Gates to Hell,” Stull Cemetery is rumored to be so cursed that Pope John Paul II allegedly redirected his flight to avoid flying over it.
3. The Octagon House, Washington D.C.
Image Credit: Shutterstock / 010110010101101
This architectural oddity is renowned for its paranormal activity, including the mysterious footsteps and eerie echoes attributed to its original owner, Colonel John Tayloe III.
4. The Moonville Tunnel, Ohio
Image Credit: Pexel / Adrià Masi
A near-forgotten rail tunnel in Vinton County is haunted by the ghost of a brakeman who died when hit by a train. Only accessible by a hiking trail, its isolation adds to its spooky allure.
5. The Confederate Cemetery, Georgia
Image Credit: Pexel / Brett Sayles
Located in Marietta, this historic cemetery is said to host ghostly figures of Civil War soldiers, seen in the early morning mist among the tombstones.
6. The Shanghai Tunnels, Oregon
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Vladimir Mulder
Portland’s underground passageways, used to smuggle goods and, allegedly, to kidnap or “shanghai” people in the early 19th century, are rumored to be haunted by the trapped spirits of its victims.
7. The Minnie Quay House, Michigan
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Scott Prokop
The home of Minnie Quay, who is said to have taken her own life after her lover’s death at sea, is reputed to be haunted by her restless spirit, often seen walking the shores of Lake Huron.
8. The Witch House of Persia, Iowa
Image Credit: Pexel / Tetyana Kovyrina
This house, once owned by a woman accused of witchcraft in the early 1900s, stands dilapidated but is avoided by locals who believe it still harbors dark energies.
9. The Kehoe House, Georgia
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gestalt Imagery
This majestic Savannah mansion is haunted by the ghosts of children who are said to have died in the house when it was a family home.
10. The Devil’s Tree, New Jersey
Image Credit: Pexel / Eddy Kuni
A solitary oak in Bernard’s Township is surrounded by legends of hangings and satanic rituals. The area around it is said to be unnaturally cold and cursed.
11. The Croke-Patterson Mansion, Colorado
Image Credit: Pexel / Pixabay
In Denver, this mansion built in the 1800s is reputed to be haunted by its original owner, Thomas B. Croke, who only spent one night in the house before fleeing, claiming it was haunted.
12. The Moss Beach Distillery, California
Image Credit: Pexel / Daniel Torobekov
This coastal establishment is haunted by the “Blue Lady,” who met her demise on the nearby beach and now reportedly causes unexplained phenomena in the restaurant.
13. The Screaming Bridge of Maud Hughes Road, Ohio
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pascal_p10
Local lore claims that several tragic accidents and suicides have occurred at this bridge, leading to reports of ghostly screams and apparitions in the night.
14. The Hinsdale House, New York
Image Credit: Pexel / Scott Webb
In the secluded woods of Hinsdale, this house is the site of numerous reported hauntings, exorcisms, and ghostly encounters, often documented by paranormal investigators.
15. The Villisca Axe Murder House, Iowa
Image Credit: Pexel / Mike Bird
Beyond its brutal past, this house draws thrill-seekers who attempt overnight stays to encounter the spirits of the eight murder victims from 1912.
16. The Haunted Railcar of Grytviken, Alaska
Image Credit: Pexel / Jonathan Borba
A decommissioned railcar reportedly carries the spirit of a conductor who refuses to abandon his post, seen looking out from the windows.
17. The Cursed Pillar of Augusta, Georgia
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nurlan Mammadzada
Once a part of a market that burned down in the late 19th century, this solitary pillar is rumored to bring death to anyone who attempts to move it.
18. The Riddle House, Florida
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Suzanne Tucker
An early-20th-century house in West Palm Beach, known for aggressive poltergeist activity, believed to be the spirit of a former employee who hung himself in the attic.
19. The Weeping Woman of the Bragg Road Ghost Light, Texas
Image Credit: Shutterstock / AlexandreBernard
The ghost light seen along this dirt road is attributed to the spirit of a woman who lost her family in a tragic accident and now wanders, eternally searching for them.
20. The Horror of the Eldred House, Illinois
Image Credit: Shutterstock / CreativeAngea
This remote house is notorious for the apparition of a little girl seen staring out from the windows, believed to be one of the original family members who died tragically.
21. The Spanish Military Hospital Museum, Florida
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wangkun Jia
Located in St. Augustine, this museum is home to the spirits of patients who died during surgeries and treatments in the colonial period.
22. The Bone House, Huntsville, Texas
Image Credit: Pexel / Rachel Claire
This infamous house is ornamented with animal bones and rumored to be haunted by spirits drawn to its macabre décor.
23. The Smith-Ely Mansion, New York
Image Credit: Pexel / Dids .
In Joliet, this mansion is purportedly haunted by the ghost of a distraught woman who roams the halls weeping for her lost love.
24. The Phantom Mule of Reece, Kansas
Image Credit: Pexel / Taylor Hunt
Reports claim a ghostly mule still plods the fields where it died after a lifetime of toil, its spectral form sometimes seen by passing motorists.
25. The Haunted Chapel of the Holy Cross, Arizona
Image Credit: Pexel / Ryan Hiebendahl
Built into the buttes of Sedona, this chapel is a site of spiritual significance and mysterious sightings of shadowy figures in its vicinity.
Dare to Scare?
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Antonio Guillem
As you explore these eerie sites, remember, each one has a story rooted in America’s diverse and tumultuous history. Whether driven by fact or fueled by fiction, these legends continue to haunt the landscapes and imaginations of those who dare to visit.
Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Carles Iturbe
Traveling solo as a woman? It’s an adventure with its own set of challenges. From street safety to discrimination, some spots are riskier than others. We’ve used the Women’s Danger Index and other resources to craft a guide that helps you choose your destinations wisely. Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio
Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell
American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nicoleta Ionescu
Canadians often find American customs ranging from amusing to astonishing. From the quirky to the confounding, let’s explore the U.S. through a Canadian lens—maple syrup and poutine in hand. Get ready for a journey that’s both odd and insightful, seen from the Great White North. 20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen
Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
The post American Myths: Top 25 Mysterious Sites and Their Stories republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Scott Prokop.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.
