Travel Weird

If you are in the US, there are many real haunted houses just waiting to invite you in. No matter which part of the country you live in, there are spooky destinations available for a tour or a stay. All of these homes were private residences at one time, have documented activity, and are open to the public in one way or another. These are not derelict homes that have long since been abandoned and are dangerous to enter for other reasons. All of these homes are legally safe to visit, if not emotionally or, in some cases, physically.

Many places say they are haunted, but few actually have the prerequisite ghosts or spiritual activity to warrant such a moniker. A few, though, have paranormal activity and meandering backstories that are guaranteed to raise the hairs on the backs of even the bravest. Scattered all across the Midwest, there are homes that have seen the worst humanity has to offer and are still standing, even if that means standing chock full of undead guests. Most of these homes are even open to the public for tours, meals, or in some cases, to spend a sleepless night or two. Here are the Top 15 Real Haunted Houses In the Midwest.

Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the Lemp Mansion is wildly regarded as one of the most haunted places in America. Whether you want a lower-key experience by visiting for a few hours, want to immerse yourself in a controlled but still harrowing ghost tour, or risk everything and stay the night in this one-of-a-kind place, the Lemp Mansion can accommodate you. Watch out for the Monkey Face Boy, who was forced to live in a Disappointments Room his whole life. The stairway, the attic, and the basement have the most action. Glasses are thrown around, lights flicker, doors lock mysteriously, and doors are kicked. If you are shy, watch out for the women’s restroom as it is said William Lemp Jr. will peek over the stalls at guests. Go visit and see for yourself. You can find more information about their events, menu, and to book a stay here.

The building located on the University of Missouri Kansas City campus had been the private residence of Uriah and Mary Epperson. After their deaths, it became a residence hall, a dormitory for Navel air cadets, and office space for the Conservatory. Everyone reports hearing footsteps, seeing a woman in white floating down the halls, lights turn on in the sealed-off tower and hearing organ music when no organ exists. The activity extends in and out of the house with a chandelier nearing falling on a custodian, and a campus policeman reported feeling his vehicle was rear-ended. Still, when he got out to check, there was no car behind him and no damage to his vehicle. You can’t go inside the building now, but just walking on the grounds is scary enough.

In Atchison, Kansas, about one hour outside of Kansas City, the home was built in the early 1900s to provide office space and a private residence for a physician. It has been haunted from early on. Legend has it a little girl named Sallie died during an appendectomy without anesthesia. It wasn’t until 1993, when a young family moved in, that things turned dangerous. The father experienced attacks, often ranging from rushes of cold air to scratches on his body. The family dog growled at nothing, and equipment malfunctioned. Those that visit today report feeling watched and anxious the moment they enter. The house is available for self-guided tours, ghost hunts, and overnight stays. You can find more information here.

This home, located in Villisca, Iowa, is easily the creepiest place on the list. In 1912 eight people were bludgeoned to death with the blunt end of an ax. Six children and two adults were all brutally killed. Now the home can be toured by day or rented for the night for investigations. Making things even scarier, the killer was never caught. Visitors have reported flashlights turning on and off, footsteps, voices, moving objects, and some even pushed or pinched. This extremely active haunt is available for day tours overnight stays, and there is even a virtual tour for those who aren’t quite brave enough to venture inside. This is easily the scariest real haunted house I have ever been to. Find all the details here.

The mansion in New Albany, Indiana, is both a haunted house in the traditional one and a seasonal haunted house attraction. Each year a new theme is chosen for the Halloween season’s wildest spooky attraction, and the proceeds go towards renovations in the main house. Guests of the historic site and the haunted houses report seeing strange people, having their bodies impact something that isn’t seen and an overall sense of dread. The attraction has taken place in the carriage house since 1987, and the main house is a historic state sight that can be toured during the day. The haunted house is in October, and more information can be found about both the tours and the attractions here.

The house is located in the suburbs of Indianapolis, Indiana. It has one of the most recent stories, with activity starting in 1997. The house was rumored to be a boarding home, a stop on the Underground Railroad, and a private family home. Visitors experience the smell of decaying flesh, walls that drip blood and hear screams of burning people from the basement. A photographer even has a picture of the house, which many people claim shows a young girl in one of the windows when the house was deserted. These days it is available during ghost hunts evenings that can be booked here.

The castle located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is listed as one of the top haunted places in Michigan and was built in 1895. The spirits of a young girl, a dog, the original owners, and a soldier all call Henderson Castle their final resting place. Investigators are in agreement that this house is active. They report EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomenon), the name Clare being spelled in dust and touching. A report was tapped on the arm by a spirit and told to “go away.” None of the guests report feeling scared despite all the activity, so for those wanting to experience something a little less intense, this is the place for you. The castle is now a Bed and Breakfast with a spa, steakhouse, end event space that can be rented for weddings and other larger events. You can book a stay here.

The working winery and inn located in Liberty, Missouri, is gorgeous. But, just because it is haunted doesn’t mean it isn’t stunning. The space is a fully functional winery and offers wine tastings seven days a week in addition to event space and overnight stays. The sprawling property features an old orphanage, cemetery, hospital, and nursing home. They have paranormal events throughout the year, including two-day-long investigations that include seminars, bottles of wine, murder mystery dinners, and hours of first-hand experience you won’t find anywhere else. The winery is open to the public, but the most haunted spaces have been untouched by time and are only available to experience during one of these events. They offer events all year long, have eight rooms available in the inn, and the winery is always open. Find more information here.

In Claremore, Oklahoma, the mansion was started in 1902 by John M. Bayless. Bayless died before its completion, but his wife and children oversaw the construction in 1907. They lived in the house for many years until it was sold and became apartments. Guests report seeing Bayless and his wife as well as the ghost of a woman who committed suicide in the apartments in 1940. Reports commonly suggest that all spirits like to speak with and touch their guests, and someone flushes the toilet late at night. There are tours offered, a restaurant, and is available for event rental. You can get more information here.

Sometimes referred to as the Hannes Tiedemann House, the Franklin Castle owes its shadowy reputation to its owner. When his mother and wife both died, suspicions were raised. Historians, however, think this rumor is unfounded and point towards the multitude of people who have owned the property since his death. Bootleggers, Hollywood celebrities, and socialites all lived here. There are accounts of arsons and wild parties culminating in the home’s destruction. This home is not open to the public, but tours are offered sometimes as part of the Halloween Ghost Tour in October. This real haunted house is a little harder to explore but worth it. More information can be found here.

General Custer’s House located on Fort Abraham Lincoln in Mandan, North Dakota, may be a bit of a haul for some, but it is worth it for history buffs and spooky lovers alike. According to guests and tour guides, the home, which was reconstructed in its current resting place, is haunted. Experts argue Custer returned here because his traumatic death trapped him on our earthly plane, and he clung to his home, where he felt most at peace. Visitors can expect to be tapped on the shoulder, see objects move, and hear whispers. None of it is particularly frightening, but it is fascinating. You can take a self-guided tour. Click here to find more information on the fort and the historic site.

Atchison, Kansas, is one of the most haunted cities in America, and the second home on the list deserves mention. The house has seen at least nine deaths, including one suicide. The McInteer Villa offers a bounty of ghostly activity, including moving objects, lights that turn on in areas of the house where there is no electricity, a rocking chair gently rocks with no one in it, footsteps are heard, and doorknobs creak. These are just a few of the things guests have claimed, with the second floor being the most prone to activity. It is available for tours and overnight ghost hunts. To book a stay and find more information, click here.

Located in Winchester, Indiana, the building once was home to hundreds of poor souls. Unfortunately, many of them have never left. Too many people died here to count, and this place has an oppressive feeling the moment you park. Investigators were so terrified they fled the building leaving their equipment behind. You can take tours, mini hunts, and book overnight stays at the bare-bones structure but beware it is not for the faint of heart. This is a real haunted house. Find all the details here.

The once-grand home in Alton, Illinois, has seen better days. After decades of neglect, the current owners are slowly restoring the home to its former glory. The ghosts don’t seem to care either way, though. Mediums have reported feeling the presence of who they believe to be McPike’s, and it is not uncommon to see orbs and strange shadows and pictures that will show figures unseen to the naked eye. The cellar is a particular hotbed of activity. Tours and overnight stays are available day and night, and there is even a virtual tour for those not brave enough to attend in person. The cool thing about Alton is there are lots of haunted places in the town you could make an entire trip of it. Find all their information here.

Two lighthouses in Michigan must be seen. Both have more than their fair share of supernatural activity and are available for tours or overnight stays. Visitors should beware, though, as many claims to have seen floating heads, heard otherwordly voices, and even have been pushed down the stairs. In Gulliver, Michigan, the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse means ironically no choice. The second lighthouse in Paradise, Michigan, the Whitefish Point Lighthouse and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, is the tragic resting place for many sea vessels. You can visit the museum seasonally. Find all the details about Whitefish or Seul Choix Point here.

Find all our real haunted house recommendations across the country here.