23 Real World Haunted Locations

Haunted locations and ghosts seem to be one thing a lot of people are fascinated by. It certainly doesn't help when there are programs on TV dedicated to ghost hunting groups investigating haunted locales. These programs include Ghost Hunters, Ghost Asylum, Ghost Adventures, Portals to H--- (I have to blur out the last part because it's a swear word. Hopefully that's okay. It's a show featuring Jack Osbourne investigating paranormal locations). etc. According to MSN.com page Ultimate Travel Advice, here are what they consider to be 23 of the world's creepiest ghost locations

I love reading about haunted locations. Learning not only the history of the place, but also the reason why there is ghostly / paranormal activity is also fascinating

1. Pripyat

-Better known as Chernobyl, this Ukrainian nuclear power station suffered a devastating meltdown in the late 1980s. It was at least a full day before anyone knew something was suspicious. The entire town was evacuated and has not returned. This town was a bustling town full of grateful and happy power plant employees and their families. Today, the streets remain empty. Those who venture here are taken through the Exclusion Zone and given Geiger meters to measure the invisible danger that still lurks around every corner. It attracts those who are interested in the macabre. It has a rather haunting beauty, because of its abandoned state and tragic history

2. Salem, Massachusetts and its supernatural history

-Those who have taken a history class in school know about the Salem Witch Trials. A period of time when mass hysteria overrode logical thinking. When innocent people were convicted of witchcraft and sentenced to death. Today, this city embraces its witchy past, making a very popular destination to visit, especially around Halloween. Tours and museums educate visitors on the dark past. There are even paranormal tours that take visitors through sites where history was made, leading to witnessing spectral orbs, spirits and more. The best time to see Salem is during the month of October, the month of Halloween, when the macabre and sinister factor are turned up to 100%

3. Aokigahara Forest and its enchanting splendor

-For all of the beauty that the Aokigahara Forest offers, it also offers a dark, sad past. Prior to entering, there are signs warning visitors that people truly do love them and that they are appreciated. These ominous signs are posted because many people have gone deep into the bowels of the Aokigahara Forest to commit suicide. That is what led to this forest being also known as the Suicide Forest. It's known to be one of the most haunted locations in the world. There are reports of yurei, or vengeful spirits lurking about, leading to an uneasy sense of dread. Despite the dark history, it's still a beautiful place to see

4. Poveglia Island and its curse

-This is strictly off limits. This island set in a lagoon near Venice was once the home to a quarantine hospital for victims of various plagues. Later, the building was used as a mental hospital. The resident doctor would hurt his victims, and one day, he jumped off of the bell tower in an attempt to commit suicide, but he didn't die right away. Instead, a mysterious fog rolled in and asphyxiated him to death. The souls of those who died there are said to roam the island. When victims of the various plagues died there, they were simply thrown in one mass grave or they were cremated as a preventative action to keep the disease from spreading. It's said to this day most of the soil on Poveglia Island is made of human remains. Because of its strictly off limits, it's considered the forbidden fruit on scary places

5. Paris Catacombs and it's deathly beauty

-Whoever said death couldn't be rendered beautiful had not seen the Paris Catacombs. The bones of over six million people lie here in eternal rest. It was originally created to address the need for the city's overflowing cemeteries. It's since become a popular destination for those interested in the unusual and macabre. The only sounds heard are that of footsteps and the spirits of those entombed there. It's said it was an artist who decided to make these people part of their art and thus, give these people some dignity. That it was an artist who decided to use the bones of the people there and turn them into something beautiful, to give them some dignity

6. Kolmanskop, a ghost town

-Located in the Namib Desert, this haunting ghost town was once a highly bustling diamond mining community. As the diamonds started to dwindle in the 1950s, the town closed up shop and was abandoned. The desert has slowly reclaimed much of the town, buildings becoming partially buried beneath the shifting sands and interiors of buildings inviting in sand dunes. This town stands as a testament to the endeavors humans are willing to go to make money. It's a haunting, but beautiful place

7. Alcatraz Island and its dark history

-Everyone knows from history class that Alcatraz Island was a prison known for being unescapable. Some have tried to escape and were able to actually make it to freedom. Others have tried and have either been recaptured or died. This building housed some of the most notorious criminals in the days when it operated as a prison. Visitors to San Francisco can take tours of Alcatraz Prison and learn the history, learn who was incarcerated there and more. There are spirits abound here, along with ghostly noises, talking or whispers, all sorts of paranormal activity

8. Beelitz-Heilstatten, a sanatorium that once housed Adolf Hitler

-This forgotten sanatorium lies deep in the woods outside of Berlin, Germany. It's a decaying relic, considered to be one of the most chilling places in the world. Built in the 19th century as a tuberculosis hospital, it was later converted to a military hospital to treat wounded soldiers. One of these young soldiers was a young Adolf Hitler, years before he would be known as the Chancellor of Germany or The Fuhrer of the Nazi Party. The Soviets moved in later on and when they left, the building was left to its own accord. Nature is slowly reclaiming this building. The thing that makes this building unsettling is that medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, still exist there. They've been untouched by humans. Walls are covered in graffiti, medical equipment is rusty from the elements, all adding to a nightmare waiting to happen. It's believed that long-deceased patients still haunt the surgery rooms and patient rooms

9. La Paz and the market of witchcraft

-In La Paz, Bolivia, there is a market dedicated to the dark arts and more. Where you can get everything you need to start dabbling with both good and bad witchcraft. This market is called the Mercado de las Brujasor (Witch Market). The stores here are run by local shamans, called yatiri, who sell everything from love potions to llama fetuses to dried frogs. Outsiders who visit feel as though they have entered a horror movie, encountering items used in both good witchcraft and bad witchcraft. These items are used for rituals and ceremonies, that can be sacred or sinister. The vendors are incredibly friendly and always willing to answer questions to those curious people. But there is always a feeling of curses, whispers, and ancient traditions lurking over the market

10. Eastern State Penitentiary and the whispers within

-Located in Philadelphia, this foreboding structure was once the most highly feared prison in America. It earned its sinister reputation from using solitary confinement as a way to control inmates, but instead the solitary confinement drove them insane. It was built in 1829, with creepy Gothic architecture, long shadowy halls make it look like something out of an Edgar Allan Poe story. When it operated as a prison, Al Capone was once an inmate here. Now operating as a historical museum, visitors can learn the grim history of its heyday. Shadowy figures lurk inside the cells. Whispers are abound throughout the prison. Overall, this is one of America's scariest prisons

11. Oradour-sur-Glane, with their eerie silence

-On June 10, 1944, the Nazis murdered 642 residents of this sleepy French village. It was one of the many brutal events of WWII. Instead of rebuilding, the French government decided it was better to leave the town exactly as it was, a sort of living, breathing history museum. Going through this town, you feel as though you've stepped back in time, back to the days of WWII. Cars are left to rust in the beautiful blue skies and sunshine weather. Buildings are riddled with bullet holes. Homes are scorched from fire. The church, where the innocent 642 victims were brutally killed, stands open, eerily silent, its altar blackened by fire. This stands as a monument to those who perished. While it's not spirits who haunt this French ghost town, it's the weight of history who haunts it. It's chilling, chilling you down to the bone

12. Isla de las Munecas and the dolls that watch you

-Located in Xochomilco, Mexico, the story behind the Isla de las Munecas (Island of the Dolls) is that a man named Don Julian Santana living on the island found a girl who had drowned. To soothe her spirit, he brought her a doll. Her spirit continued to torment him, so he started bringing her more dolls, whether they be fully intact or just pieces. One day, the islands' caretaker was found drowned in those same canals. There are said to be whispers all around

13. Door to H--- and its highly unsettling nature

-In the city of Turkmenistan, is the Karakum Desert. And in this desert, an eerie orange light glows at all hours of the day and night. This eerie orange light is known as the Door to H--- or the Darvaza Crater. This fire has been burning for over 50 years. It was the leftover result of a Soviet oil drilling mishap in 1971. When geologists attempt to prevent the methane gas leaks by setting fire to it, they expected it would burn itself out in a few days. They were wrong with a capital W. The result was that it never stopped burning! It's still burning to this day! The pit is 230 feet wide, and emits an almost underworld feel to it, because of the intense heat. Adding to the eeriness of it is the roaring flames that lick and crack beneath you. It makes you feel as though you're standing on the edge of the world, about to take a tumble into the underworld. This location is one of the most truly bizarre, unsettling and strongly eerie places in the world

14. Kuldhara Rajasthan, a phantom village

-It was not abandoned overnight. Story has it that in the 19th century, the locals fled under mysterious reasons, leaving their homes empty. It's said a curse exists over this land, guaranteeing that no one would ever settle the land again. To this day, no attempts have been made to resettle the land and make it fit for human inhabitation. Eerie noises, shadowy figures, a feeling of being constantly watched ensure that those who visit don't stay for long. It is one of India's most haunted locations

15. Houska Castle and the curse it holds

-Located in an isolated forest, many locals think this castle was built with the express purpose of guarding the entrance to the underworld. Locals make sure to stay far away from this eerie location. One story said that a condemned criminal was lowered by rope into the hole to test the theory about winged demons and terrifying creatures existing within the hole. The person who lowered him heard terrifying screaming. When they brought the man up, his hair had gone white and he'd gone insane. Eerie growls and wails are heard from the inside of this fortress, leading the superstitious locals to believe the portal is still open and active

16. Dargavs, the Russian City of the Dead

-A centuries old city located high in the mountainous Russian region of North Ossetia, this city holds many stone crypts. Local legend states that anyone who dares to enter this city will never return. A heavy silence lays over the village, with the strong feeling of being watched constantly. Only the very brave dare to venture to this mountainous cemetery

17. Bodie, California, a wild west ghost town

-This town is preserved as a living, breathing museum to showcase what life was like during the Wild West days. One of the most popular ghosts here is the Angel of Bodie. The spirit is thought to be a child killed by a miner's pickaxe. People who visit note that the town looks as though it was frozen in time

18. Hashima Island, Japan, a dangerous island

-Known to many as "Battleship Island", Hashima Island once held dozens of grateful coal workers thriving in the coal industry. It was abandoned in the 1970s, after the coal ran out. The buildings were left to crumble to the elements, the stairwells are rusty, the glass-less windows stand gaping. It looks like something out of a post-apocalyptic movie. The island gained some needed fresh air when the 2012 film Skyfall, one of the films in the highly successful James Bond series, was filmed here. It's one of Japan's more interesting abandoned locations

19. Hotel del Salto, Colombia, a decaying relic

-A once luxurious hotel overlooking a waterfall and cliff near Bogota, this hotel was once a sign of high luxury. Its beautiful glamor turned dark as it became a place where people went to commit suicide. The building is now abandoned, its walls littered with ivy, the windows are shattered, overall it's perfect for those who love eerie, abandoned buildings. It's now a museum, teaching about the past it once held

20. Underground Vaults in Edinburgh, Scotland

-Beneath the bustling city of Edinburgh are a series of vaults, dating back to the 18th century. Initially used for storage, these vaults then became an ideal hiding place for criminals, victims of the various plagues and the poor residents of the city. When visitors trek through these vaults now, they encounter whispers, cold spots, shadowy apparitions in corners. Adding to the eerie nature is the flickering candlelight and damp stone walls

21. Skeleton Church of Sedlec Ossuary in the Czech Republic

-In the Czech Republic, there exists a church made of a most unusual building material-bones. Human bones. Known locally as "The Bone Church", it's both hauntingly beautiful and hauntingly eerie. Consisting of 40,000 bones, they have been arranged into intricate designs. This is a combination of death and beauty, sort of giving dignity and beauty to those whose bones are located here. It's a must see for those who are interested in death, beauty and history

22. Spreepark Berlin, an amusement park frozen in time

-Looking like something out of a post-apocalyptic movie, Spreepark Berlin stands frozen in time. Located in East Berlin, this once popular amusement park was abandoned in 2002 for unknown reasons. Since then, it has fallen victim to Mother Nature and vandals. The rides rust in the elements, graffiti covers most of the buildings, lending it a chilly air that is reminiscent of a zombie film or post-apocalyptic film. Despite being closed to the public, guided tours are offered

23. Bell Witch Cave and the cursed witch

-This is one of the most famous stories of witchcraft in all of the United States. The Bell family was tormented in the 1800s by a frightening, unknown entity. The entity tormented the family by inducing nightmares and causing all around bedlam for the family. The story has inspired books, films and ghost hunts by both local and nationally known investigation groups. The dark caverns beneath the Tennessee hills induce shivering and chills in visitors, who report an overwhelming sense of dread, seeing strange, shadowy apparitions, hearing ghostly whispers

12 of the Scariest Places in the US According to Those Living in the US

While the US is not as old as countries like China, Japan, England or others, there are some places in the US that just give you the "get out while you can" or just overall dangerous vibes. According to the site Have Clothes, Will Travel, here are 12 locations in the US where you get just those vibes.

Sorry about all of the creepy and paranormal stuff. I find it fascinating to read about haunted locations. I enjoy learning about haunted locations and learning the interesting history behind them

1. East St. Louis, Illinois

-A city shrouded in fear

-One person recounts the feeling of constant dread. Even though they walked around with relative ease, they didn't understand until much later on, the incredibly high risks they had undertaken. Staying in a cheap motel, they bore witness to multiple assaults in the parking lot, running into the injured victims. At a nearby Burger King restaurant, there was a robbery and murder and in the motel parking lot was a van that acted as a rolling drug lab. The person was even held at gunpoint during a robbery at a nearby gas station. East St. Louis is the textbook definition of the darker side of urban life

2. Camden, New Jersey

-A city on the brink of danger

-This city has earned its reputation as a dangerous place to be. One observer stated they truly fear this place. The city is a city on the brink of total ruin. The local police force's strike due to low pay resulted in a massive power shift, leaving criminals to run the city. Visitors are strongly advised to leave the area before sunset, further emphasizing this is not a place to be when the sun goes down

3. Utah and their alcohol laws

-The alcohol laws are a sobering reality check

-A formerly Australian citizen now turned US citizen living in Utah states their point of view on the strict alcohol laws in Utah. Comparing it with their native homeland, the person states that the rules and regulations regarding alcohol in Utah would frighten or shock their friends and relatives in their native homeland. "I know a lot of my mates back home would be absolutely terrified if they knew about the alcohol laws here." These laws are radically different than what those who are from Australia are used to. This helps contribute to a strong sense of fear and unfamiliarity for those not used to strict regulations

-The reason for the incredibly strict alcohol laws is that the majority of the population of Utah belongs to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They have strongly held beliefs about alcohol consumption. In a way, the Church of Latter Day Saints rules Utah with an iron fist

4. Colorado City, Arizona

-A major polygamist hub

-This Arizona city is home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which is known for polygamy, or multiple wives. This town was, in fact, founded by the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints Church. A person traveling through this town recalls feeling uneasy, witnessing women and children retreating back into their homes while the men gave unsettling stares. This reclusive city and the unsettling feeling over it creates a totally disturbing feeling for those travelling through it

5. Oakland, California

-A city gone to seed

-This once booming industrial town boasted an MLB team called the Oakland A's, an NFL team called the Oakland Raiders and is even the home base for successful punk band Green Day. Now that both of those teams have gone to other cities, this particular city is becoming a bad place to go. One person remarked that during a road trip, they found themselves traveling through Oakland. This area is known for a terrifyingly high crime rate. There was a chilling scene where the streets were all but abandoned save for a few ruined cars going down the wrong side of the street. Police cars rushed past without even going after the reckless drivers. Gunshots were a daily sound, leaving a feeling of unease. Multiple police cars with flashing lights passing by, the person suddenly found themselves in a high-end luxury neighborhood, which only adds to the confusion

6. Gloucester City, New Jersey

-Not a safe place for those who are black

-Located near Camden, New Jersey, Gloucester City is is one of the most unsettling areas for those who are black. This scary feeling is attributed to a strong combination of both racism and the mostly Irish-American Catholic population. These characteristics have helped create a hostile feeling, making those who are from the black communities feel unwanted and unwelcome. This deadly shadow of discrimination has cast an ugly light on the city

7. Oniontown, New York

-A city wrapped in mystery

-Located in New York, this city with a strange name is about as mysterious as it's possible to be. There is only a small percentage of information available about this town. An individual who happened to pass through compares the residents to that of vampires, creating an uneasy feeling and a sense of dread about the place. The strong lack of information about this town leaves those who visit thirsting for more information about what the town is hiding

-The actual information about this small town in New York is that it is just that: a small town. Unfortunately, it's incredibly impoverished. As many as 10 people could be living in a house at one time. Illiteracy is rampant. Nosy teens have come here and antagonized the locals, who fight back and protect what they have. The locals prefer to just be left alone. But there is now a stigma over this town, stating that inbred people live here, which is simply not true

8. Centralia, Pennsylvania

-A town abandoned almost overnight

-This town in Colombia County, Pennsylvania is and was known for its coal mining industry. There are massive coal seams running underneath the city. What put this city on the radar of people's knowledge is an underground fire that started in the coal seams. This fire has been burning since 1962, and since then the town has been all but abandoned. Those who went to get gas at the local gas stations report that the gas was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. There would be sinkholes opening in the ground that would be deadly if someone fell in. There are vents all over town letting out the hot air. Once you open the lid to one of these vents, steam comes out and it's well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The fire has been releasing poisonous sulfur and carbon monoxide fumes, making it unsafe for people to live there.

-The exact cause of the fire is from people intentionally burning trash in an abandoned strip mining pit turned landfill. The fire started in an unsealed opening in the trash pit, igniting the carbon-based coal mines underneath. This is most likely due to not having a barrier to prevent spreading. The deadly carbon monoxide and sulfur fumes caused residents to evacuate as soon as possible. Since then, the fires have been burning bright for well over 50 years and it's still going to burn for at least another 250 years until the coal seems fueling the fire run out

9. Galveston, Texas

-The haunted isle

-The terrible hurricane of 1900 took many lives and left death and destruction behind on the island. Many buildings there are associated with the local stories of ghosts and hauntings. Those who visit Galveston remark that there is a spooky feeling throughout the island, resulting in feelings of fear and dread. Beyond the local ghost lore, one person stated "And to top it all off, it has a Biosafety level 4 research center on the island. It houses things like the bubonic plague and other super contagious diseases. Did I mention hurricanes are frequent here?"

10. Stockton, California

-A city wrestling with demons

-This city has earned a bad reputation. One person said that there was strong language used to describe their frustration with the city. This leads to the suspicion that there are major challenges and issues in this city. Some of the demons contributing to the dangerous atmosphere include a terrifyingly high crime rate. There is severely high gang activity here, an estimated 140 gangs. There is easy access to firearms. The socioeconomic factors of poverty, access to education and job opportunities are limited. The nightlife in the city is tied with gang activity. Local police are trying to reduce the crime rate through programs like Neighborhood Watch and Crime Stoppers

11. Opa-Locka Florida

-Beware of the high crime rates

-This city in the Sunshine State is said to have one of the highest crime rates in the country. This is resulting from high drug use on the streets, prostitution being clearly visible on the streets, poverty levels are significant. One visitor stated "The train stop at Opa-Locka almost looks post-apocalyptic." Another visitor remarked "You had to drive through there to get to the old Marlins stadium and it was pretty terrifying."

12. Any Walmart in the country

-Sometimes a sight to behold

-Walmarts don't sound like a scary or dangerous place. If anything, it's more weird and odd than dangerous to life. The things one would see there would blow the mind. There are even calendars devoted to "Walmart People." One store guest reported "Can confirm source. Have seen many things in Walmarts that can't be unseen." While another stated "My 3 year old walked into Walmart the other day and asked me if we were at the zoo. Basically."

-This chain of supermarkets are a more affordable option than some other major supermarket chains. There are nice locations to go to. As a resident of Cincinnati, OH, I know for a fact that the Walmart locations I prefer are located in either the Ohio neighborhood of Fairfax, which is on the east side of Cincinnati or the Northern Kentucky city of Alexandria

-There are some Walmart locations that are, in fact, genuinely dangerous to visit. One of the more dangerous locations to visit is the Walmart on Ferguson Rd in the Ohio city of Western Hills, a suburb of Cincinnati. This Walmart location is known for the extremely high rate of shoplifting, despite being located near a District 2 Cincinnati Police Department. In fact, standing in the parking lot of the Walmart, you can look straight up the parking lot to see the back of the new District 2 Cincinnati Police Department. They patrol here very regularly. There have also been shootings there over the years. In fact, one year right around the Christmas holidays, a man was robbed at gunpoint and then shot as he was coming out of the store from doing his Christmas shopping for his family. Sadly, the man died on the scene. It's unclear whether the assailant was caught

-As a side note, Cincinnati, Ohio, while a somewhat good city, does have a pretty noticeable crime rate. Many people in the city make a running bet to see how far into the new year the city can make it without the local news outlets running stories about someone getting killed. It sounds macabre, I know. But, it's a sad fact that the city can barely make it into the new year without someone dying from some pointless cause. It's usually either someone shooting someone dead. Someone dying in a car crash from a reckless driver. Someone killing another individual for a pointless cause. It's just sad that petty crime and violent crime has to happen

12 Creepy Locations in the US to Avoid

Sorry about all of the creepy and paranormal stuff. I find it fascinating to read about haunted locations. I enjoy learning about haunted locations and learning the interesting history behind them

The US has some seriously creepy places lurking around and people can make road trips out of going to see them. According to MSN.com, here are 12 creepy locations in the US to avoid at all costs, unless you're into that type of thing

1. Villisca Axe Murder House, Villisca, Iowa

-Sleep in the house where a family was bludgeoned to death by axe

-This house was the site of a grisly, gruesome murder. The Moore family and two guests were brutally bludgeoned to death in 1912 by an unknown assailant. Now this house is open as a bed and breakfast. Visitors report hearing voices and sensing paranormal activity

2. Stull Cemetery, Stull, Kansas

-Look into the rumored "Gateway to the Underworld"

-There are said to be Seven Gateways to the Underworld on the planet and this cemetery in Stull, Kansas is said to be one of them. Satanic rituals occur here on a terrifyingly frequent basis. The church on site is said to feature an opening to the Underworld, specifically a staircase that is only visible on Halloween. The Dark Lord himself, the Devil, is said to traverse this cemetery on two nights a year-Halloween and the spring equinox. The reason being to pay his respects to his dearly departed child. A quote from the local University Daily Kansas reports "This graveyard is one of two places where the devil appears in person twice a year." Those who trespass state they report unsettling occurrences and unexplainable events, despite the cemetery being closed officially

3. The Devil's Tree, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

-A tree that looks demonic

-This mighty oak, scarred by years of axe marks from people trying to chop it down, is said to be the site of frequent KKK meetings and a common site for suicide by hanging. The gnarled appearance only adds to the spooky and sinister vibes oozing from it. Locals warn those who go to visit it that it is cursed and that damaging it in any way will incur a supernatural wrath and vengeance beyond their wildest nightmares

4. Dawson Cemetery, Cimarron, New Mexico

-Learn about the tragic past and see the spirits of miners who met a dark end

-This once thriving mining community now holds a cemetery where the miners who died in events in 1913 and 1923 are buried. Spectral lights are seen, shadow figures are seen, said to be the spirits of the miners who died

5. Elgin, Kansas

-This city is said to be like a city trapped in time. Time here seems to have stopped. Visitors to this spooky ghost town report seeing a woman pushing a baby carriage containing a baby doll, despite the fact this town has been abandoned for years. It's overall unsettling

6. Tonopah, Nevada

-The Clown Motel, home to all things clown-related, sits nearby

-There is an eerie charm to Tonopah. Most notably, the Clown Motel, where over 5,000 figures of clowns exists. Nearby is the Old Tonopah Cemetery. Here, people who visit this location report hearing children's laughter, spooky footsteps, in addition to other paranormal activity

7. Shreveport, Louisiana

-This city is said to be haunted. There are many locations in the city rumored to have paranormal activity. Sights of ghosts suggests there is a history here not to be forgotten. Despite efforts to get the city back up and running, there is an overall uneasy feeling lurking over the city

8. Salton Sea, California

-This location was featured on the TV program Mysteries of the Abandoned

-This once popular vacation destination now stands ruined and abandoned due to environmental issues stemming from pesticides and fertilizer runoff leaking into the water from the nearby farming areas. The city is a literal ghost town. Abandoned houses, structures makes visitors feel as those they entered a post-apocalyptic city. There is an overwhelming sense of unease and isolation, which is further aggravated by the decaying buildings

9. Barstow, California

-This eerie desert town is more than meets the eye

-This city is surrounded by highways, specifically the famed Route 66. The locals seem to be hitchhikers who appear almost out of thin air. The isolation and strange locals make this a town to pass through as quickly as possible

10. Rulo, Nebraska

-This haunted town was once the site of an infamous cult

-The eerie silence and abandoned buildings give it a ghost town feel. A murderous Christian once called this place home, adding to the sinister vibes. The lingering influence of this cult still makes Rulo a place ruled by fear and mystery

11. Many, Louisiana

-This city is oozing with paranormal activity. From haunted houses to unexplored swamps, it is haunted. The isolated location and potential danger are best to be avoided at all costs unless you are one for a strong adventure

12. Samoa, California

-There is an overwhelming feeling of evil or malevolence lurking over this California city. One person described it as a fever dream directed by horror filmmakers. The eerie feeling and unsettling surroundings make one feel as though they stepped into a living nightmare

28 of the Spookiest Locations in the US

It's no surprise that the US does have haunted locations. Each one with its own unique history and story to tell, these locations have been the star of many ghost hunting programs, from Ghost Hunters to Ghost Adventures to Expedition X and more. In light of the spooky Halloween season, MSN.com has compiled a list of 28 of the spookiest locations in the US.

Spooky also is not always a bad thing. Haunted locations do not always become haunted due to a tragic event. They can also become haunted because it was a place so loved by someone that they can't bear to leave, even in the afterlife

1. RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California

-This location is one of the more popular destinations for spooky location lovers and ghost hunting groups. Once a fully functioning cruise liner, it was commissioned during war time to be a floating hospital and transportation for soldiers. It was painted all battleship grey and referred to as the Grey Ghost. The original colors it dons now were returned after wartime. There are ghosts abound here, from spirits of those who travelled aboard to the spirit of a crew member who died in Stateroom B340. There are said to be spirits of German prisoners of war down in the hold of the ship, where cargo usually was, because these prisoners of war were being brought to the US for interrogation

-This location was visited by paranormal investigator Jack Osbourne and his sister Kelly. A psychic came on and told Kelly that the spirits were drawn to her because of her strong sensitivity to spirits and other paranormal activity

2. LaLaurie Mansion, New Orleans, Louisiana

-This mansion gives people chills, even on the hottest southern summer day. Louisiana is spooky even without this mansion. This city has a deep belief in the practice of voodoo, so it's no surprise to find out spooky is one word to describe this beautiful city. The LaLaurie Mansion was once owned by a socialite named Madame Marie Delphine LaLaurie. Known for her lavish parties, she soon became known for more dark acts. After a house fire in 1834, local police discovered the remains of murdered slaves all throughout the house. LaLaurie would purchase slaves and perform sadistic experiments on them. It's said the spirits of these slaves remains in the house

-This location was featured on an episode of the television program Jack and Ozzy's World Detour

3. Eternal Flame Falls, New York

-This is one of the most mysterious waterfalls in all of New York State. This waterfall, located in Chestnut Ridge Park, tumbles over a small cave where a flame flickers no matter the weather. It's strongly believed methane gas, seeping through cracks in the rock, keeps this flame burning. When it does go out, visitors are quick to relight the fire

4. Marfa, Texas

-This city is home to strange and unusual lights in the sky called the Marfa Lights. No one knows the source of this extra strange illumination. People have tried to debunk these lights for years and some think that it's aliens or reflections of car headlights

5. Cathedral Rock, Arizona

-Sedona is home to red rocks which exude a natural beauty. They have an almost haunting beauty. Locals firmly believe that there is a vortex here, or some form of energy that you can feel almost instantly. This energy is said to have healing qualities. Many who travel here go with the intention of mediation and well being because the electromagnetic energies swirl all around

6. Bodie, California

-Once a thriving mining boomtown, this now sad, decaying relic is relegated to the past. It provides a look into what mining boomtowns looked like in days gone by. It's been transformed into a state park. Locals know that anyone who removes anything from this location is cursed. Park rangers even warn those who visit not to take anything. This location also has ghosts, most notably the Angel of Bodie. This spirit is thought to be the spirit of a little girl killed by a miner's pickaxe

7. Red Onion Saloon, Alaska

-In Skagway, Alaska, there sits the Red Onion Saloon. While it's now a trendy restaurant, in days past, it was a brothel and saloon. It opened in the 19th century as a brothel and saloon for the gold miners looking to strike it rich in the Alaskan wilderness. The former madam, Lydia, is said to hang around still. Her perfume being smelled in the air lets those who visit know Lydia is there

8. Crescent Hotel, Eureka Spring, Arkansas

-In the Ozark Mountains region sits Eureka Springs, Arkansas. And in this lovely city sits the Crescent Hotel. Named for the crescent moon weathervane on top of the building, this building was originally designed as a health retreat because of the mineral-rich springs located nearby. Over the years, it became a conservatory for young women and even a hospital in 1937. The owner of the hospital was a man named Norman Baker. He was a con man who claimed he could cure cancer, which drew hundreds of sick people to his care. Unfortunately, many people died in the hospital. There are spirits of a bearded man in Victorian-era clothing and a five year old girl, who are both believed to have died within the building

9. Racetrack Playa, Death Valley. California

-A dry lakebed in California's Death Valley, here rocks are said to move by themselves. People have been puzzled for years about how rocks can move by themselves across the sandy terrain. In recent years, scientists discovered that when the ground is icy and the winds are high, that is how the rocks move

10. Poinsett Bridge, Greenwell, South Carolina

-It's not surprising to find out a lot of locations in the southern part of the US will be haunted or spooky. The oldest bridge in South Carolina, this bridge was built in 1820 and named in honor of local resident Joel Pointsett. It was believed, according to historians, to be designed by Robert Mills, the same man who designed the Washington Monument. There are spirits said to be hanging around this Gothic bridge, varying in stories, from a man who died in a car accident during the 1950s to a construction worker, who fell in to the concrete during construction and is entombed within

11. Roswell, New Mexico

-UFO believers unite! Here! This city in New Mexico is where UFO believers strongly believe a UFO crashed years ago. 1947 is the year that put this relatively small, inconspicuous New Mexico city on the map due to the story of a ranch worker claiming an alien ship crashed here. Explained away as a crash site for a weather balloon, many didn't believe this nonsense. All things alien-related happen here, even an annual UFO Festival

12. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

-This is one of the most popular destinations for haunted location and spooky lovers. Many ghost hunting groups have travelled here and documented paranormal activity within these walls. This Gothic-inspired prison was opened in 1929, with a wagon wheel design with a guard tower at the center. This unique design was done with the concept of being able to keep a close watch on all of the wings of the prison. This prison was the first to use solitary confinement, with inmates being given windowless cells. They were not allowed to talk. They were provided all the things a prisoner needed, including flush toilets. As time went on, overcrowding became an issue and it closed in 1971. Some of the paranormal activity here includes spirits floating down the halls, hearing loud whispers

13. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois

-When you hear the word "zoo", you don't necessarily think of ghosts or paranormal activity. This Chicago zoo has been officially designated as one of the most haunted locations in Chicago. The main part of the zoo was once a 19th century cemetery, where 35,000 bodies were buried. When the graveyard was moved, not all of the bodies were moved. Paranormal activity here is incredibly high

14. St. Augustine Lighthouse, St. Augustine, Florida

-This whole city seems to have been overtaken by paranormal activity. This lighthouse in particular plays host to otherworldly visitors. One of the lighthouse keepers who lived here was Joseph Juan Camillo Andreu. He fell to his death in 1859 while repainting the tower. In 1873, three girls playing in a wooden cart on the ramp got into an accident. The cart took off down the ramp and flipped over in the water, trapping the three underneath. Unable to lift the cart off of them, they drowned

15. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston, West Virginia

-Opening in 1864 as an asylum to treat mental health patients, it quickly deteriorated. Overcrowding, inhumane conditions, inhumane treatments such as electroshock therapy, hot / cold baths, insulin injections and even lobotomies took place here. Closing in 1994, it reopened as a National Historic Landmark. Hundreds of patients who died here are said to haunt the walls of this crumbling relic

16. Winchester Mystery House, California

-This oddball concoction of a house was designed by Sarah Winchester, the wife of the founder of the Winchester Rifle company. She had purchased the original 8 room farmhouse in 1886. She was told by a psychic that she would be haunted the spirits killed by Winchester rifles unless she kept building onto the house. Now this rambling abode boasts having 160 rooms, two basements, 10,000 windows, 2,000 doors. Sarah Winchester created this labyrinth of a house to keep vengeful spirits confused so they would not bother her

17. Pine Barrens, New Jersey

-In this densely packed pine forest in New Jersey lurks a fearsome creature. This creature is known as the Jersey Devil. The local NHL team even named their team the New Jersey Devils. Back in the day, when there were ironworks, mills, general stores and homes for the iron workers here, there was a woman who had twelve children. When she found herself pregnant for the 13th time, she said something to the effect of "Let this one be a devil!" She got her wish and in 1735, gave birth to a hideous creature with cloven hooves, wings and a goat's head. This fearsome creature has been haunting the Pine Barrens ever since

-This location was featured on an episode of the television show The Sopranos

18. Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff, Arizona

-In the city of Flagstaff, Arizona sits the Hotel Monte Vista. The spirits haunting this hotel include a woman sitting in a rocking chair in room 305, two ladies of the night who were murdered and the famous "Meat Man", a long term resident who had a macabre habit of hanging meat from the chandelier of his room

19. The Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana

-This iconic plantation house located in St. Francisville, Louisiana. It is located on top of a burial ground, which means it's automatically going to have hauntings. Anytime something is built over a burial ground, there's a very high chance that paranormal activity will soon occur. It was built in 1796 and it's not just the spirits of the burial ground residents haunting here. Another well known spirit is Chloe, a slave woman who was taken as a lover by the master of the house. One day, he caught her eavesdropping on a conversation to see if he favored another slave over her. He cut off her ear, which caused her to wear a green turban. One day, with the hope of winning back the man's favor, she decided to mildly poison the food for his wife and kids with deadly oleander and suddenly cure them. This didn't work, as the man's wife and kids died. Fearing backlash from the master, the other slaves hung Chloe in a tree

-This location was investigated by paranormal investigator Jack Osbourne and is also featured in the book National Geographic Guide to the World's Supernatural Places by Sarah Bartlett

20. New Amsterdam Theatre, New York

-This Broadway theatre was home to the Ziegfield Follies, who put on extremely lavish shows. It's said that one of the dancers never left. Olive Thomas was described as "The Most Beautiful Girl in New York City" at only 16 years of age. She had a rather short life, as she died in 1920 at the age of 25 after accidentally swallowing a mercury solution made for topical uses. She's often seen floating across the stage, blowing kisses to the audience she once entertained

21. Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia

-It's no secret that Savannah, Georgia is one of the top MOST HAUNTED cities in the US. Paranormal investigators report such terrifyingly high levels of paranormal activity here that it's a treasure trove for all things paranormal. The oldest cemetery in the city is Colonial Park Cemetery. Built and opened in 1750, it's a stop on all ghost tours offered in the city. It's thought that more than 10,000 souls were buried here, despite there being less than 1,000 grave markers visible. Visitors on the ghost tour state they have seen shadowy figures lurking around, including a seven foot tall woman hanging from a nearby tree

22. Seguin Island Light Station, Maine

-This is the first offshore lighthouse station and the second oldest lighthouse. It was built in 1796 and is named after the island it's located on near the mouth of the Kennebec River. The ghosts hanging here are of those who lived at this location for years. One story that is frequent involves a lighthouse keeper who, in the mid-1800s, killed his wife and then committed suicide after being driven to madness by his wife's incessant piano playing. Visitors state they hear ghostly piano music being played

23. Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

-You can't have a talk of ghostly locations without mentioning this iconic hotel. This hotel is what inspired horror master Stephen King to write The Shining. This hotel sits at the beginning of the Rocky Mountains. Guests who have stayed here have stated they hear piano music in their rooms, said to be Mrs. Stanley, the wife of the original owner, playing the piano. Others state they hear children's laughter in the hallways

24. Area 51, Nevada

-First and foremost, this place does not give tours. It's a still operational US Air Force base in Nevada. There's even a special flight for those who work there to take to get to work. The airline is called JANET (Just Another Normal Everyday Trip). This place drew massive attention to itself during the Cold War, when it began testing alternative ways of travel. From rumors of sinister experiments to staging the moon landing to being involved with aliens, UFO and conspiracy theorists unite in their belief that this location is more than meets the eye. There is, luckily and thankfully, a nearby Alien Research Center, where tourists can go safely. It satisfies the curiosity of those who believe in aliens while the other parts of the site are strictly off limits. In fact, around the prohibited parts, there are military police trained in sharpshooting sitting in cars on the hill, keeping a close eye on all things passing by. There are also signs warning that the location is heavily patrolled and they will shoot on sight. And if these military police catch trespassers, they will not hesitate to follow you until you get off the property and they won't be kind at all about it

25. Shanghai Tunnels, Portland, Oregon

-These tunnels, running underneath the main business district of Portland, are practically unknown to those who live in the area. Only a select few Portland residents here and there know about their existence. Portland is a city known for craft beer and hipster-type people, but in years past, it was a hub of illicit activity. One of those illicit activities was "shanghaiing". This act involved getting men drunk and dropping them into the tunnels beneath the saloon they were drinking in. They would then be forced into servitude on ships, most if not all of them heading to the Far East for trade. Women were shanghaiied as well, forced into prostitution. The tunnels are said to be haunted by the spirits of men who died there and women who died there as well

-This location was investigated by paranormal investigator Jack Osbourne

26. The Conner House, Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois

-This city has been around for three decades, giving it plenty of time to work up a ghost story or two. And one of those ghost stories involves this house. There was a number of tragic deaths which occurred within the walls of the home. The spirit of a lady in white is said to traverse the stairs. It's believed she is Constance Conner, the wife of the original owner. She was thought to have lost three children to death in the house while a handmaiden, suffering from depression, is said to haunt one of the second floor rooms. The house now operates as a hotel, for lovers of all things spooky and haunted

27. Rolling Hills Asylum, East Bethany, New York

-This building goes back to the 1800s, when knowledge of how to treat mental health didn't extend to much. Back during the 1800s, treatments for mental illness included hot / cold baths, insulin injections, lobotomies, electric shock therapy, being strapped to chairs until the person's blood pressure lowered, being spun in circles and other treatments. This building is known for its extremely high paranormal activity. The spirits roaming this building are said to be former patients who died within the walls. Spectral nurses and patients are seen on the second floor, in various rooms, doors slam, strange music and disembodied voices are heard in the basement. Flashlight tours and ghost tours visit this location pretty frequently 

28. Hornet Spooklight, Missouri

-Part of Route 66, on a stretch of road nicknamed The Devil's Promenade, there is a mysterious orb of light mostly seen on the Missouri side of Route 66. For more than 100 years, people have been baffled by the source. Theories about its origin include a ghostly spirit, a combination of car headlights, a change in air density. The Army Corp of Engineers described it as "a mysterious light of unknown origin"