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The Very Best Spooky Destinations

This Halloween take some time out of your busy schedule to visit at least one spooky destination to enjoy all of the festivities of the holiday. Perhaps you know of a spooky cemetery, or a haunted house, even a Halloween tour, make some time to visit one of these destinations to feel a bit scared and enjoy Halloween celebrations.

If you have time you can travel to one of these notoriously spooky destinations, and if you are lucky enough to live nearby, be sure to stop by to partake in a spooky tour.

St. Louis Cemetery, LA
New Orleans has three cemeteries with the name of St. Louis. St. Louis #1 is the oldest and most famous cemetery in New Orleans. The cemetery was opened in 1789 is mostly above ground vaults. Visitors can take tours of the cemetery to see its many vaults and visit the grave-sites of many important New Orleans residents. Tours of the cemetery also provide a significant window into the history and culture of the city. St. Louis Cemetery #1 is also considered to be an extremely haunted site and many visitors stop by the burial place of the Maria Laveau, the voodoo queen.

Salem, MA
The city of Salem, Massachusetts has a notorious past, and now has a reputation for being a very haunted destination. Each year the city has a great Halloween celebration. Throughout the city there are many spooky, haunted and family friendly attractions. Visitors can attend shows that recreate a witch trail, each show is live and unique. The Salem Witch Museum, which details the history of the witch hysteria that took place in 1692. Salem has many different shows, museums, and attractions that allow visitors to experience the history and continued spookiness of the city.

Winchester Mystery House, CA
This house was built by Sarah Winchester with the legacy of the Winchester rifle. After the deaths of her child and husband Sarah Winchester started adding all manner of unique architectural features to her home. Some speculate that she created the house to ward of ghosts. Visitors will see twisting hallways, secret passageways, and even doors that lead to nowhere. Today, it is said that the house is haunted by Sarah Winchester herself. Visitors looking for a spooky tour can purchase tickets ahead for the flashlight tours of the house. These tours take place at night with only the light of a flashlight, on Friday the Thirteenth and on Halloween. Be sure to purchase tickets well in advance as these flashlight tours are very popular.

Pennhurst Asylum, PA
This spooky destination was once an institution for the mentally ill. Today this location is open as a haunted attraction. The institutions were opened in the 1900s, and was closed in the 1980s. When the institution was closed one of the reasons given was poor treatment and abuse of the residents. Visitors to the Asylum are led on tours and taken to the underground tunnels that connect the buildings.

Eastern State Penitentiary, PA
Eastern State Penitentiary opened in 1829 and closed in 1971 due to overcrowding. The penitentiary was re-opened as a tourist attraction, but it was kept in its current condition. Visitors can take guided tours or simply walk through to explore the exhibits and art installations at the penitentiary. Visitors looking for a more spooky tour can take the "After Dark VIP Tour," which includes a guided flashlight tour for visitors to see the cell blocks and underground isolation cells.

Lemp Mansion and Brewery, MO
The Lemp Mansion is the family home of the Lemp family, which immigrated to the United States from Germany in the 1830s and later started a brewery. The brewery became extremely successful. The Lemp family later suffered many losses, as did the family business after the start of Prohibition. One son died from mysterious circumstances, followed by suicides of many members of the family. Throughout these tragedies the family held on to the mansion, which is now open for tours.

Alcatraz Island, CA
Alcatraz Island has been many things in its long history, it was a military reservation, it was occubied by American Indians for 18 months in 1964 and 1969. Most famously it was a penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. Today it is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Visitors to the Bay Area can take a variety of tours to the Island. The site is said to be haunted. Visitors can take day tours, or choose an evening tour. On these tours visitors have the chance to learn about the history of the island and tour the former penitentiary.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium, KY
Waverly Hills Sanatorium, located in Louisville, was once a tuberculosis hospital. Many people died at this location and it is considered to be an extremely haunted location. Visitors who are looking for a spooky experience can take tours of the Sanatorium. There are a variety of tour options, including a few hours, or overnight tours. Throughout these tours visitors can learn all about the history and haunting of the location. These tours are very popular, so planning ahead is advised.