The Central State Hospital in Indiana is an interesting stop while in Indy – head to the Indiana Medical History Museum in the Old Pathology Building!

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Central State Hospital Indiana

Medical museums are both parts fascinating and terrifying and definitely something to add to your weird bucket list. They usually entail tools I would never let a doctor bring near me, historical information about how medical procedures were done in the past, lots and lots of specimens, and more. This is exactly why the Central State Hospital Indiana Medical History Museum was on my list of things to do in Indy when I found out about it.  

Where is the Central State Hospital Indiana Medical History Museum?

The Indiana Medical History Museum is located on the grounds of the former Central State Hospital on the west side of Indianapolis. The museum building itself, or at least the main part of the museum, is located in the Old Pathology Building. That’s an ominous name in itself, but even more so when you find out that this is the oldest surviving pathology facility in the entire country. 

The Old Pathology Building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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History of the Pathology Building

The Pathological Department was started in 1896 and naturally, it was focused on medical education and research on the physical causes of mental disease. The department was in operation until the 1960s. By the end of the decade, 1969, the Pathological Department was turned into a museum and the interior was left intact so what you’re visiting at the Indiana Medical History Museum looks just like it did when it was in operation 60 years ago. 

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History of Central State Hospital

The Central State Hospital was also known as the “Indiana Hospital for the Insane” – gee, how nice. The hospital opened in 1848, about fifty years before the Pathology Department was enacted. The hospital grounds are quite large and spread out over 160 acres. 

The Central State Hospital has a long history of treating patients with a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, schizophrenia, hysteria, alcoholism, senile dementia, epilepsy, and more. The pathology department then opened to research the causes and treatments for these diseases and disorders.

Despite opening in the mid-1800s, the hospital reached its height around 1950 when there were 2,500 patients at the hospital. After several scandals, new medications, and a shift towards the care of mental health patients, Central State Hospital closed in 1994.

Patients at Central State Hospital [as was common in most hospitals during this time] were often ostracized by their families and society. Mental health patients were often mistreated, isolated, and abused.

Indiana Medical History Museum wants them to be remembered for who they were and not which diagnosis they had.

The Indiana Hospital for the Insane [the original name] was opened with the ideas of Moral Treatment in mind. This moral treatment movement had become popular due to efforts by Quakers and a changing ideal around mental diseases. The hospital was an effort to get mentally ill people out of jails and poor houses. The movement expressed the idea that with more care, beautiful surroundings, structured daily lives, and access to the outdoors, a person’s condition and life could improve. 

While the intent may have been moral, the outcome wasn’t what was planned. The staff was poorly paid, trained and equipped to handle what was an extremely stressful job. The hospital was also understaffed, underfunded, and overcrowded leading to a low level of patient care standards.

It was then that it was agreed that the Pathology department was not only a good idea but necessary. The department was dedicated to studying the causes of mental diseases and finding effective cures. Autopsies were performed on patients and specimens were preserved.

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What to See at the Indiana Medical History Museum

There are several different areas of the museum to explore.

Teaching Amphitheater

Where medical professionals learned about the findings from the pathology department at the Central State Hospital.

Laboratories for Bacteriology, Clinical Chemistry, Histology, and Photography

Where you’ll see all the old bottles, tools, medical slides, and more. 

Library, Reception Room, & Records Room

All of the literature, records, and entrance.

Autopsy Room

This was, by far, the creepiest area of the museum. Looked like something straight up out of a horror movie.

Anatomical Museum

Here you’ll find preserved specimens – mostly brains – organized by pathology.

Medicinal Plant Garden

The Medicinal Plant Garden at the Indiana Medical History Museum is maintained by Purdue Master Gardeners of Marion County. The garden features over 90 different medicinal plants, including trees, shrubs, and vines as well as annuals and herbaceous species. Nearly half of the specimens are Native American medicinal plants. Each plant is accompanied by signage stating its origin, what parts had medicinal uses, and what some of those uses were. 

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Is the Indiana Medical History Museum Haunted?

After the hospital’s closing, police officers, night guars, and others have reported several paranormal sightings including hearing screams and seeing patients running down the hallways. 

Many of the sightings are reported in the basement of the building where people were subjected to treatments to “cure” their illnesses. Even before the hospital, there were paranormal sightings.

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Other Happenings at the Indiana Medical History Museum

The Indiana Medical History Museum regularly offers special events, exhibits, and programs on a range of topics including the history of science and medicine, history of mental health care, forensic science, and current health carries.

The Indiana Medical History Museum is currently planning a continuation of their Voices project, an initiative to gather stories from people with connections to Central State Hospital, including former patients, workers, neighbors, and families.

Essential Tour Information for the Indiana Medical History Museum

You must join a tour, but unless you have a group of six or more, you do not need to make a reservation.

• The tour consists of two floors and there is not an elevator.
• The tour may be unsuitable for young children or those sensitive to topics about mental illness, death, and anatomy. 
• The tour lasts one hour and starts every hour, on the hour. 

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Even if you don’t love the term ‘bucket list’ everyone tends to have a list of things they want to do and accomplish before they die. I, personally, don’t think this is morbid but it is what it is. A lot of these bucket lists have very similar suggestions – some thrilling like skydiving and some a little bit tamer. But, it takes a special kind of person to do be interested in these more crazy bucket list ideas – the kind of ideas for fans of horror, those who perk up when they hear a place is haunted, those who are intrigued by dark tourism destinations, and those just love really strange and unique things to do.

If any of those descriptions pertain to you, then you’ll definitely want to stick around and read these 50 crazy bucket list ideas and see if there’s anything new to add to your own personal bucket list. Definitely let me know if there are any suggestions not listed here in the comments too!

Crazy Bucket List Ideas – Haunted Locations

1. Spend the Night in a Haunted Hotel

Visiting a haunted location is one thing, but would you ever spend the night in a haunted hotel? There is plenty to choose from that’s for sure!

2. Visit the Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel in Colorado is one of the places Stephen King drew inspiration from her his book, The Shining.

3. Visit the most haunted hotel in the US

The most haunted hotel in the United States is said to be the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I haven’t spent the night here but I did visit and took the ghost tour. While I didn’t experience anything supernatural, the tour was fantastic and I definitely felt that the stories were real.

4. Go Ghost Hunting

5. Take a Ghost Tour

Different from ghost hunting, a ghost or haunted tour explores haunted destinations in a city or place while sharing ghost stories. There are amazing ghost tours in the United States and all over the world.

6. Visit Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island is considered one of the most haunted places in America.

7. Hike on a Haunted Trail

If being out in the woods creeps you out enough, then hiking on a haunted trail is probably not a good idea. Otherwise, these haunted hiking trails are sure to be something you should add to your crazy bucket list ideas.

8. Visit the World’s Most Haunted Forest

The Hoia Baciu Forest in Romania is considered the most haunted forest in the world. Hoia Baciu Forest has a reputation for intense paranormal activity and unexplained events. Reports have included, ghost sightings, unexplained apparitions, faces appearing in photographs that were not visible with the naked eye, and in the 1970s, UFO sightings were reported.

9. Go to a “Haunted” House

This may be a more popular thing in the US, but haunted houses are a dime a dozen in almost every city. There are countless haunted houses in Nashville that are fantastic and won’t take long to find one anywhere else from the end of September to the end of October.

10. Visit a Haunted Cave

Ever heard of the Bell Witch? We were actually told this in school when learning about Tennessee history.

11. Visit the Most Haunted Graveyard in the World

Greyfriars Kirkyard in Scotland could possibly be the most haunted cemetery in the world. You’ll have to visit to find out for yourself!

12. Visit a Haunted National Park

National Parks are beautiful and serene but some have some haunted tendencies too!

Horror-Related Crazy Bucket List Ideas

13. Go to a Horror Convention

14. Attend Halloween Horror Nights

You can attend Universal’s infamous Halloween event in Orlando, California, Singapore, and Japan now!

15. Visit Stephen King locations in Maine

Being a native of Maine, Stephen King draws a lot of inspiration from his home state, has one of his homes there, and many of the filming locations for his movies are there. Take your very own Stephen King tour in Bangor, Maine!

16. Spend Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts

Salem is known for its witchy history, Hocus Pocus filming locations, and their amazing Halloween events.

17. Spend Halloween in New Orleans

New Orleans definitely knows how to do Halloween right! There are plenty of things to do for Halloween in New Orleans.

18. Read Every Stephen King book

This is something I’m currently doing – reading every Stephen King book in order of release! I’ve already read several before starting this chronological challenge, but I’m currently in the middle of The Stand – perhaps his longest book and arguably his best.

19. Visit a Horror-Themed Restaurant or Bar

There are several all over the world such as The Lovecraft in Portland, Oregon.

20. Visit Filming Location of Your Favorite Horror Movie or TV Show

It’s always fun to see your favorite movies or TV shows come to life by visiting the filming location – such as the American Horror Story sites in New Orleans.

Creepy Places – Crazy Bucket List Ideas

21. Island of the Dolls in Mexico

The area has thousands of people, but this small island is home to hundreds of terrifying dolls. Their severed limbs, decapitated heads, and blank eyes adorn trees. This along with the Pyramid of the Sun make for perfect day trips from Mexico City.

22. The Gate to Hell in Turkmenistan

The Darvaza gas crater, also known as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell, is a natural gas field that collapsed into a cavern located in Derweze, Turkmenistan. Geologists intentionally set it on fire to prevent the spread of methane gas and it is thought to have been burning continuously since 1971.

23. Visit a Ghost Town

24. Visit an Old Asylum

Such as Wavery Hills Sanatorium in Lousiville, Kentucky – one of the most haunted places in the world.

25. Visit a Medical History Museum

Medical history museums can be quite creepy when you realize exactly how medicine was administered in earlier days.

26. Sleep in Old Jail

There’s actually quite a few old jails and prisons turned into hotels all over the world. I’m planning on checking out this one in Kentucky soon. I’m also really excited to learn that my favorite hostel chain – HI – has a hostel in Ottawa in an old jail.

27. Visit the Deepest Lake in the World

Lake Baikal in Russia is the world’s deepest lake. It is an estimated 5,387 feet deep and its bottom is approximately 3,893 feet below sea level. Imagine swimming in that without knowing what’s swimming below you.

Crazy Bucket List Ideas – Dark Tourism

28. Visit Chernobyl

Chernobyl was on my radar far before the hit HBO show by the same name. Now, tourism is climbing there and sure to climb more. The Chernobyl disaster was a nuclear accident that occurred on Saturday 26 April 1986, at the No. 4 nuclear reactor in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, near the city of Pripyat in the north of the Ukrainian SSR.

29. Suicide Forest in Japan

The Aokigahara forest in Japan has the unfortunate distinction of being a destination for people who are contemplating suicide. Since the 1950s, recorded suicides in the forest have been rising at an increasing rate of between 10 and 30 per year. In 2003, a record number of 105 suicide victims were discovered.

30. Killing Fields in Cambodia

The Killing Fields on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia serves to remember the country’s genocide in the 1970s. Over four short years, from 1975 to 1979, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge systematically exterminated up to 3 million people.

31. Auschwitz in Poland

The Auschwitz concentration camp was a complex of over 40 concentration and extermination camps operated by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II and the Holocaust.

32. Pompeii in Italy

Pompeii is a vast archaeological site in southern Italy’s Campania region, near the coast of Naples. Once a thriving and sophisticated Roman city, Pompeii was buried under meters of ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The preserved site features excavated ruins of streets and houses that visitors can explore.

33. The Troubles in Northern Ireland

The Troubles was an ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland during the late 20th century. Also known internationally as the Northern Ireland conflict, it is sometimes described as an “irregular war” or “low-level war”.

34. Culloden Battlefield in Scotland

Visit the powerfully moving site of the final Jacobite Rising – the last and most harrowing pitched battle to be fought on British soil.

35. Ground Zero in New York City

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a memorial and museum in New York City commemorating the September 11, 2001 attacks, which killed 2,977 people, and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, which killed six.

36. Catacombs in Paris

The Catacombs of Paris are underground ossuaries in Paris, France, which hold the remains of more than six million people in a small part of a tunnel network built to consolidate Paris’ ancient stone quarries.

37. Witness Open Cremations at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal

The Pashupatinath Temple is a famous and sacred Hindu temple complex that is located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal. Every day, you may visit to witness open-air cremations.

38. Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima, a modern city on Japan’s Honshu Island, was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Today, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park commemorates the 1945 event. In the park are the ruins of Genbaku Dome, one of the few buildings that were left standing near ground zero.

39. Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was a guarded concrete barrier that physically and ideologically divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989. The Wall cut off West Berlin from surrounding East Germany, including East Berlin.

Crazy Bucket List Ideas – Strange & Unique Things to Do

40. UFO Museum in New Mexico

The International UFO Museum And Research Center is located in Roswell, New Mexico, United States, and is focused largely on the 1947 Roswell Crash and later supposed UFO incidents in the United States and elsewhere.

41. UFO Festival in New Mexico

Ever since the UFO crash in 1947, Roswell has been adorned with spacecraft, aliens, and hosts an annual UFO Festival.

42. Go on a Storm Chasing Trip

Saw Twister and now think you’re the next tornado chaser? Here’s your chance!

43. Travel on the North Yungas Road in Bolivia

Due to abysmal driving conditions, Yungas road in Bolivia has earned the nickname “Death Road.”

Crazy Bucket List Ideas – Cemeteries

44. Visit the Gravesites of Famous People

The list can go on here but a cool one is Edgar Allen Poe’s grave in Maryland.

45. Visit the World’s Largest Cemetery

Wadi al-Salam cemetery in Iraq is the largest cemetery in the world and contains over five million graves.

46. Visit the Oldest Cemetery in the World

The ancient European cemetery known as Gross Fredenwalde in Germany is currently believed to be the oldest cemetery in the world. According to researchers, it is the earliest known instance of a “true cemetery”, in which people purposely and carefully buried the dead together.

47. Dive an Underwater Burial (Neptune Memorial Reef)

People’s cremated ashes (and small tokens of their memory) are mixed with cement to create stately columns that stand in a manmade reef inspired by the lost city of Atlantis located in Key Biscayne, Florida.

48. Take a Cemetery Tour

Some cemeteries require a tour guide such as St. Louis Cemetery No.1 in New Orleans – the site of the Voodoo Queen’s grave and the future tomb of actor Nicholas Cage.

49.Experience Día de los Muertos

50. Visit a Pet Cemetery

If Stephen King’s novel and movie didn’t ruin you for life, take the time to visit a real-life pet cemetery! I used to have one behind my house in Washington and hiked there often.

Crazy Bucket List Ideas Overview

There’s plenty here to keep any person that’s a fan of the weird, unusual, macabre, and dark busy. What other crazy bucket list ideas would you add to the list?

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There are a lot of horrible things that have happened, unfortunately – from murders to witchcraft trials to wars so it’s no surprise that there are stories of ghosts and hauntings all around the country. A lot of cities claim to be some of the most haunted and who knows which one is the most haunted but try these 10 best ghost tours in the US and let me know which one frightened you the most!

Best Ghost Tours in the US

Eureka Springs

It’s possible that many people have not heard of Eureka Springs in Arkansas, but Eureka Springs ghost tours are worth a visit. This little town in the northwest corner of Arkansas is home to ‘America’s Most Haunted Hotel’ and taking the ghost tour at Crescent Hotel is definitely one of the best ghost tours in the US. They run every evening at 8 pm. The tour lasts about 75 minutes and takes you all over the hotel including the basement morgue!

New Orleans

When people think of spooky and haunted in the United States, New Orleans often comes up. New Orleans is weird, the perfect destination for Halloween or a great weekend getaway and, of course, there’s a lot of haunted places in New Orleans. New Orleans is often thought of as America’s most haunted city and it is heavily rich in legends, folklore, hauntings, and more. Perhaps you’ll even find vampires, voodoo queens, and more.

There are plenty of haunted and ghost tours in New Orleans and all have some fantastic qualities. Consider taking an American Horror Story: Coven filming location tour which visits the filming sites from the AHS season, but also touches heavily on real-life stories and legends.

Key West

Jenn and Ed of Coleman Concierge

Key West is famous for things that go bump in the night. I hear they have ghosts too. Seriously though, the Key West ghost tour is great fun and fits nicely on a romantic Key West trip between a sunset dinner and a night out on Duval Street.

Did I mention Key West’s ghosts? You’ll see Robert the Doll, the most haunted object in the world – definitely qualifying this as one of the best ghost tours in the US – as well as artifacts from creepy Count Von Cosel, who mummified a patient who died of TB and lived with her for years before the family found out. There’s also the ghost from the wrecking tower a visit to Higg’s Cemetery too. Some say Key West is almost as haunted as Savannah.

Legend has it that ghosts can’t cross water. That’s why there are so many blue porch lights at Key West and so many spirits of those who have passed. No matter if you believe or just like tingling tales, taking the Trolly of the Damned through Key West is well worth the price of admission. Either way, you might find yourself snuggling just a little bit more when you make it back to your room.

Louisville

Anya of Road is Calling

Waverly Hills Sanatorium on the outskirts of Louisville, Kentucky is one of the most spooky places I have ever been to. No wonder why, it is actually one of the most haunted places in America. My husband and I went on an overnight tour to Waverly in the late spring a few years ago but until this day, when remembering the details of our tour, we are still getting goosebumps.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium has a very interesting and rich history. It used to be a small school for girls which later turned into a massive, collegiate, gothic style hospital for people afflicted with tuberculosis. In 1900, Louisville, Kentucky had the highest tuberculosis death rate in America and even with the new advanced tuberculosis sanatorium a lot of people died. More than that, they didn’t die in peace. Most of them left this world in pain and agony from the disease itself and from cruel “treatments”.

Before going on a tour, we personally didn’t put much thought into it. We just went there to get an adrenaline rush from walking at night in a dark somewhat neglected building. None of us believed stories of others that they saw or heard something or that this sanatorium was haunted. And later, after experiencing some very strange things, we learned that Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a place where one can see the unknown and as far as Louisville ghost tours, it’s definitely the best.

If you decide to tour this place, I recommend getting a VIP tour. Recently, owners decided to increase the number of visitors in one group and almost 50 people go together to explore the building during the night. With so many people, it is a tad difficult to explore or hear anything. With a VIP tour, which unfortunately is more expensive, you get more privacy and the ability to get lost.

Philadelphia

Derek of Robe Trotting

Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit and most people are aware of the special role it’s played in American history. Philadelphia is the birthplace of the nation and where The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. With such a long and vibrant history, it’s no surprise that some parts of Philly’s past still haunt the city today. One way to revisit that past is through one of the Philadelphia Ghost Tours. The best way to enjoy a ghost tour in the city is through Grim Philly.

Grim Philly is a fantastic company to book a number of different ghost tours and events in Philadelphia. They have a full calendar of tour options that change seasonally and won’t disappoint. They have ghost tour pub crawls and walking tours with different themes like voodoo, serial killers, witches, and colonial ghost tours. There’s even a ghost tour boat trip on the Delaware River. Grim Philly hosts themed ghost tours for holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day as well. The cost of their tours average $50 USD per person, and they often hold sales and specials through sites like Groupon.

Their creative approach to ghost tours sets them apart in a city where walking tours are a dime a dozen. Their guides are professional and the owner of Grim Philly is a former history professor, which shines through in their tours. There are so many things to do in Philadelphia but when in town, check out a Grim Philly tour – you won’t regret it.

Colonial Williamsburg

Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours

Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum that preserves parts of Virginia’s old capital city the way it would have been during colonial times. And you know what makes history more exciting? Ghosts! That’s why Colonial Williamsburg ghost tours are a great thing to check out. There is a special Haunted Williamsburg ghost tour that will tell you all about the assorted spirits that have haunted the buildings for centuries. (For smaller children, there’s a special Ghost Walk Junior.)

The Haunted Williamsburg tour costs 19 dollars for adults and 12 dollars for children 12 and under. The entire tour is lit by candlelight and actually takes you into the historic homes. You’ll feel like you are traveling through time! There are so many ghost stories associated with Williamsburg because it’s one of the oldest cities in the United States. So you might hear different stories depending on your guide that evening.

Some of the best haunted buildings in Colonial Williamsburg include the Brick House Tavern and the Randolph House. Apparently guests at the Brick House Tavern, which is still a working hotel, claim that ghosts sometimes try to join them in the night. And the Randolph House is often called one of the most haunted houses in America, but you have to take the tour to find out why! Once the tour is over, head back home and try to sleep soundly. Just don’t be surprised if George Washington’s ghost tries to hitch a ride with you!

Salem

Jamie of The Daily Adventures of Me

Salem is a spooky town, even without taking a ghost tour. It has a long, sinister history beginning in the late 1600s when falsified claims led to the deaths of 20 innocent people. Since then the town has drawn many people interested in history, but also witchcraft.

My teenage son and I have taken ghost tours all over North America, but one of the Salem haunted tours with Ken from Sinister Stories of Salem was by far the best.

On the tour, Ken regals with stories and songs of the trials and hauntings that happen around town. Ken brings his stories to life, in part by the character that he is (or is playing?). He is a soft-spoken Mennonite. The group is small and he speaks directly to you. Unlike most tours I have taken, he isn’t just throwing out tidbits of information, but including you in his stories. Three years later, I am still trying to figure out how much of his character is an act or if it was real. You can read more about this ghost tour and how to spend a day in Salem, Massachusetts.

The Queen Mary

Michelle of That Texas Couple 

Paranormal investigators and ghost hunters, both novice and professional, have flocked to the famous Queen Mary over the years.  This historic vessel, now permanently docked in Long Beach, California is known far and wide as being haunted. These hauntings along with the history of this beautiful ship make it one of the best ghost tours in the U.S. 

The Queen Mary haunted tour is an awesome experience.  Visitors are greeted by their tour guide and immediately escorted through a locked door, allowing them access to parts of the ship not granted to the general public.  During the tour, you are treated to stories of the ship’s famous apparitions. Among the stories are various children that are known to show themselves throughout the boat, the mysterious ‘lady in white’ who has been seen by many people in one of the parlor rooms, and one of the ship’s engineers that still haunts the engine room where he died.  

For those of you feeling really adventurous, the Queen Mary also offers a nighttime tour that includes a séance, a dining with the spirits experience, and paranormal ship walks.  Of course, the tour guide also tells you about all of the fascinating history that goes along with the historic Queen Mary, making this for one great tour!  

Tours are held daily every hour from 11:30 am until 6:30 pm.  Ticket prices vary according to the package purchased.  

Savannah, Georgia

Josh of Peanuts & Pretzels

When we think of ghost tours in the US, most of us think of old cities.  And one of the oldest cities in the U.S. is located on the southern coast of Georgia, Savannah.  Like other old cities, Savannah has a deep history that includes many unpleasant things such as disease and death, politics, pirating, and of course the slave trade.   As a result, Savannah has some stories to tell, and some dark history above and below ground; which make for some great ghost tours.  

There are several different types of ghost tours in Savannah ranging from as low as $8 for self-guided to $30 for a full walking tour.  There are also walking tours specifically designed so you can take your traveling pets with you! During one of our visits we planned to do a candlelight Ghost Tour around the city at night.  Our tour was fascinating and gave us a deeper understanding of the city, as well as the hundreds of years of hauntings in the town.  

As we walked around the city our guide highlighted some important times in history and pointed out specific squares or buildings we passed by. We also had the chance to wander through one of the most famous and oldest cemeteries at night and hear about some famous residents from the past, and even some who still linger as hauntings.  We appreciated the glimpse back into the lives from another time. It made us feel fortunate to live in modern times, but also helped us to realize just how crazy the history of Savannah is.

Door County, Wisconsin

Hannah & Adam of Getting Stamped

One of our favorite weekend destinations is located right in our home state of Wisconsin. Located on the Peninsula stretching out into Lake Michigan sits Door County, boosting tons of activities, with adventure, nature and tons of fun in between.

A unique experience found in Door County is a little spooky – a ghost tour abroad a Door County Trolley! The company has been a local favorite in the area since 2000, when its owner got the inspiration to start his own trolley company after he experienced one on vacation in Savannah, Georgia.

The “Trolley of the Doomed” shares tales of ghostly sunken ships, haunted lighthouses and unexplained happenings from the area. The tour is the perfect combination of scary, fun and informative. We recommend this one of a kind experience if you find yourself in the Door County Area. The cost ranges from $32 per adult and $24 for children 5-16 years old.

Besides this ghost tour, there is also a Haunted Pub Crawl tour that gets you up close and personal with the “spirits” of Door County. The company also offers a variety of other tours as well, ranging from premier wine tours, holiday pub crawls and lighthouse tours.

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Don’t approach zombies or vampires on Halloween in New Orleans. They may just be real.

Voodoo Music + Arts Festival

A festival I keep wanting to get to is Voodoo Festival that takes place every year in October in New Orleans. This year, that happens to be the weekend right before Halloween making it the perfect time to visit a great festival and experience Halloween in New Orleans. The festival has plenty of music, food, arts, and more.

Interested in attending Voodoo Festival?

Cost | starts at $80
2019 Dates | October 25-27, 2019
Website | voodoofestival.com

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Visit a Haunted House

I love visiting haunted houses – both real and fabricated – and Halloween brings that chance to visit lots of haunted attractions. New Orleans has several haunted houses open just for Halloween and the month of October so why not check them out while you’re in town!

The Mortuary

Less than 3 miles from the enchanting French Quarter on the cemetery streetcar line, this magnificent mansion was originally built in 1872 and operated for about 80 years as an actual MORTUARY. The venue operates year-round in three fashions: A spectacular themed special event venue known as Mystere Mansion, an attraction that houses Live Escape Games known as Mystere Escape Rooms, and during the Halloween Season as the Mortuary Haunted Mansion.

Be careful though – I think they’re ready to purge!

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Scout Island Scream Park

Scout Island Scream Park Halloween Festival is a unique, immersive experience that evolves each Fall. This Family Fun Festival opens around lunchtime on the weekends between late September and early November with Festival music, food, entertainment, carnival rides, hayride, and featuring a very unique Kid Zone! And as night falls, Scream Park evolves into a dark carnival of unusual monsters, amazing illusions, stunning special FX, unique and original costumes, makeup, animations and frightening detail created by the artists of The Mortuary Haunted Mansion. Only the courageous will survive the intense encounters with these infamous creatures of the night.

New Orleans Nightmare

The House Of Shock is a seasonal haunted attraction located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Every year, the House Of Shock is opened on weekends in October. The House Of Shock is known for its satanic themes and intensity by New Orleans residents and tourists.

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Attend Voodoo Authentica’s own Voodoofest

Voodoo is often misunderstood. So on Halloween every year, Voodoo Authentica holds their own Voodoofest to explain their beliefs and educated outsiders on the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding voodoo. The event includes talks, lectures, dance performances, drumming workshops, and healing rituals. You’ll likely walk away with a different understanding of Voodoo after this night.

Interested in attending Voodoofest?

Cost | FREE
2019 Dates | October 31, 2019
Website | voodooshop.com

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Attend a Vampire Ball

Have you always wanted to attend a vampire ball? For whatever reason, vampires are completely romanticized and I get it – I’m right there with you! Give me the chance to become one of the immortals? I’m signing up.

New Orleans is unique in the way that you can at least pretend to be a vampire without anyone thinking twice about it. So, make sure you attend the Vampire Ball hosted by The House of Blues.

Interested in attending the Vampire Ball?

Cost | starts at $65
2019 Dates | October 26, 2019
Website | endlessnight.com

Take a Tour of St. Louis Cemetery No.1

Crystal of Wandering Crystal

Spend this Halloween in one of the most haunted cemeteries in the United States — St. Louis Cemetery No 1 in New Orleans. Only accessible on a New Orleans tour, the oldest graveyard in New Orleans is home to above-ground oven crypts and is oozing with countless spooky ghost stories to make your Halloween more terrifying than you could even imagine.

As you pass by the crumbling tombstones, you’ll hear tales of ghosts that currently haunt the cemetery. The most famous spirit resident is the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, Marie Laveau. During her reign, she was the most powerful voodoo practitioner and her legend lives on after her death.

Marie Laveau is said to make her presence known and guests have reported being touched, hearing voices or falling ill after coming into contact with the Voodoo Queen’s tomb.

If you’re wondering why her tombstone is donned with offerings of coins, makeup and hair elastics, it’s for a very specific reason. Often visitors to the graveyard will try to mark her grave with three xs so Marie Laveau will grant them a wish. If their wish comes true, the visitor is obligated to return to her tomb with gifts to say thank you.

A visit to the cemetery is fun, informative and spooky. But be careful because you may not be leaving the graveyard alone.

Interested in visiting St. Louis Cemetery No. 1?

See tours
Cost | varies depending on the tour

American Horror Story: Coven Tour

Taking the [unofficial] tour showcasing all of the filming locations for American Horror Story: Coven (season 3) is a must-do while in New Orleans and even better during Halloween! Even if you’re not a fan of the show, the tour is interesting and fun! I actually took my grandma on it and she really enjoyed all the historical elements and the tour takes you to spots you’ll likely want to visit anyway such as St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (which you can only get access to via a tour).

Interested in taking this tour?

Cost | $35
Website | neworleansfilmtours.com

Find Your Best Look at One of the Costume Shops

Always wanted to go all out for Halloween? New Orleans is the place to be. There’s no such thing as “too much.” Make sure to visit one of the city’s many costume shops to get all the essentials needed for any Halloween costume.

Attend the Long-Running LGBTQ+ Party for a Good Cause

The HNO [Halloween New Orleans] is a 35-year running event that raises money for Project Lazarus in New Orleans which is an HIV/AIDS support organization. The event runs an entire weekend and includes a black-tie ball, an elaborate and vibrant Halloween dance party, an afternoon dance party in the park, and, of course, an infamous New Orleans Second Line through the French Quarter.

Interested in attending HNO?

Cost | starts at $80
2019 Dates | October 25-27, 2019
Website | togetherwenola.com

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I have been dreaming of visiting Salem for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been drawn to the creepy and spooky stories and destinations. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday and fall my favorite season. I couldn’t think of a more perfect place to want to be and considering all the amazing things to do in Salem MA in October or anytime, Salem quickly became one of my favorite places I’ve ever been.

Things to Do in Salem MA in October

So, you’ve decided to visit Salem in October, but what is there to do? The good thing? What isn’t there to do. The things to do in Salem MA in October are never-ending especially for the fans of anything spooky, creepy, Halloween, or horror related.

Visit Hocus Pocus Filming Locations

Most of Hocus Pocus – one of the most iconic Halloween movies ever – was filmed in Salem, Massachusetts.  In fact, Hocus Pocus is the most popular Halloween movie! You’ll need a car to get to many of the locations, but many are located in the middle of the city.

Here’s a full guide to the Hocus Pocus filming locations in Salem.

Visit the Witch Trial Sites

There are a number of things to do in Salem MA in October and no visit would be complete without paying your respects at the witch trial sites all around town. This includes everything from Proctor’s Ledge – the location of the hangings – to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.

Interested in visiting The Salem Witch Trials Memorial?

Address | 24 Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970
Cost | FREE
Website | salemweb.com/memorial

Interested in visiting Proctor’s Ledge?

Address | 7 Pope St, Salem, MA 01970
Cost | Free

Salem Witch Museum

Whether you believe in witchcraft or not, the Salem Witch Museum is quite an interesting place to visit. The museum is very complex with lots of insight and perception of witches. The museum is educational, thought-provoking, and, of course, a bit dark and…witchy.

You’ll learn about the witch trials which left Salem with a sinister history and life in Salem during the time of the trials.

Interested in visiting the Salem Witch Museum?

Address | 19 1/2 N Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970
Cost | $13
Hours | 10am-5pm daily
Website | salemwitchmuseum.com

Take a Bewitched After Dark Walking Tour

Want to get a historical and possibly spooky tour of Salem? Take a Bewitched After Dark walking tour. These tours are led by local historians and you’ll definitely see Salem in a whole new light once you’re done.

You’ll learn all about Salem’s colonial history, the hysteria of 1692 and the Salem witch trials, and witchcraft history in Salem.

Interested in taking a Bewitched After Dark walking tour?

Tickets & Schedule
Cost | $20
Website | bewitchedafterdark.com

Take a Ghost Tour

What else makes more sense when visiting Salem in October than taking a ghost tour? It’s like peanut butter & jelly. There are several ghost tours in Salem as to be expected but why not take one with the longest-running ghost tour in Salem – they’ve been around for 22 years! The Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour is one of Salem’s most haunted attractions.

Like many ghost tours, they combine amazing and enchanting storytelling, dark humor, and great historical knowledge to describe and present Salem’s haunted and witchy history.

The tours are around 90 minutes each and tour guides are led by knowledgeable guides through places with paranormal activity, cemeteries, and more spooky locations.

Interested in taking a tour with Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour?

Tickets & Schedule
Cost | $15
Website | salemhistoricaltours.com

Visit the Old Burying Grounds

Salem’s oldest cemetery, the Charter Street Cemetery, was founded in 1637. The Charter Street Cemetery, or the ‘Old Burying Grounds,’ is the final resting place for at least two members of the Court of Oyer and Terminer – including John Hathorne – the great-great-grandfather of writer Nathaniel Hawthorne.

The Old Burying Grounds is located directly behind the Witch Trials Memorial and is open from dawn to dusk. Please treat the cemetery and graves with respect.

Interested in visiting the Old Burying Grounds?

Address | Charter St, Salem, MA 01970
Hours | dawn til dusk
Cost | Free

Nathaniel Hawthorne Sites

Fan of American literature? There is plenty of history here involving the Hawthorne family and inspiration for Hawthorne’s novels.

House of Seven Gables

The House of Seven Gables was built in the late 1600s – 1668 – and is New England’s oldest wooden mansion. It is, of course, famous due to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s fictional work, The Scarlet Letter.

Whether you’re a fan of classic literature or just a fan of beautiful architecture, the House of Seven Gables is a must-see while looking for things to do in Salem MA in October.  During the month of October, they even run special performances throughout the month. As you’ll soon find out, the whole town really gets into the Halloween spirit.

Interested in visiting the House of Seven Gables?

Address | 115 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970
Hours | 10am to 7pm daily
Cost | $16
Website | https://7gables.org/

Nathaniel Hawthorne Statue

Near the center of the city, you’ll find the statue of Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Interested in visiting the Nathaniel Hawthorne statue?

Address | 20 Hawthorne Blvd, Salem, MA 01970
Cost | Free

Stock Up on Your Witchy Needs

Live in a part of the country where finding an alternative or new age store is near impossible? Have to order all your supplies online? Not in Salem! While in town, make sure to stock up on all of your witchy needs at the countless stores. These are a few of my favorites below!

Crow Haven Corner

Crow Haven Corner is the oldest witch shop in Salem, Massachusetts. You’ll find magical supplies, occult books, herbs, crystals, spell kits, candles, incense, potions, psychic readings, and more.

They also offer Salem Witch Walks in the evenings!

Interested in visiting the Nathaniel Hawthorne statue?

Address | 125 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
Cost | Free
Hours | 10am-9pm daily
Website | crowhavencorner.com

The Coven’s Cottage

I’m not a huge expert yet, but The Coven’s Cottage was the most impressive and authentic witch store I’ve ever been in. They take things seriously too because you’re not allowed to take photographs or video.

The Coven’s Cottage opened in 2014, is family-owned and operated, and is located in historic downtown Salem. They focus on Norse, Germanic, and Celtic based traditions, but offer products for many different pagan paths. You’ll find basic necessities and one-of-a-kind crafted items, original artwork, jewelry, organic herbs, altar tools, and more.

Interested in visiting The Coven’s Cottage?

Address | 190 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
Cost | 11am-6pm Sun-Fri; closed Saturdays
Website | thecovenscottage.com

Artemisia Botanicals

Artemisia Botanicals boasts a variety of natural healing herbs, organic teas, spell candles, and more witchy needs. Artemesia Botanicals was established in 1997 and has been serving the Salem community since with all sorts of quality products.

Interested in visiting Artemisia Botanicals?

Address | 3 Hawthorne Blvd, Salem, MA 01970
Cost | Free
Hours | 10am-6pm daily
Website | artemisiabotanicals.com

Visit The Witch House

The Jonathan Corwin House in Salem, Massachusetts, known as The Witch House, was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin and is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692, thought to be built between 1620 and 1642.

Interested in visiting The Witch House?

Address | 310 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
Cost | $8.25
Hours | 10am-5pm daily
Website | thewitchhouse.org

Where to Stay in Salem MA

There are plenty of great areas and accommodation so deciding where to stay in Salem can be a challenge. Here are a few places to start depending on your budget!

MID-RANGE

The Hotel Salem

The boutique Salem hotel offers stylish Salem MA hotel accommodations in the heart of Witch City.

See Reviews Here | Book Here (free cancellation!)

LUXURY

Hawthorne Hotel

Established in 1925, the historic Hawthorne Hotel is situated in the heart of Salem, and a proud member of the Historic Hotels of America.

See Reviews Here | Book Here (free cancellation!)

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I used to be deathly afraid of clowns and I’ll never forget the time a clown chased me from the haunted house to my car. And, yet, I keep on going back in for more. I’m no longer as afraid (I used to not be able to even look at one) but they still get my blood racing when I stumble on one in a haunted house.

Haunted Houses in Nashville Map

Haunted Houses in Nashville

Haunted Hell Nashville

Haunted Hell consists of 22,000 square feet and 35 live actors filled with special effects, artistic detail, and gruesome and graphic landscapes. Haunted Hell is set amongst an old plantation home and you’ll follow along a creek bed in your attempt to escape.

Nashville Nightmare Haunted Houses

This is the largest and longest indoor haunted attraction in Tennessee! Nashville Nightmare Haunted House is TN’s biggest and best Halloween Destination. Nashville Nightmare was ranked #1 Haunted House in America by USA Today for the 2016 Halloween season! There are four different Haunted Houses consisting of highly detailed scenes, state of the art animations and special effects, with very intense actors, make up the Nashville Nightmare property! 

Devil’s Dungeon

Located in Downtown Nashville, Devil’s Dungeon is by far one of the most frightening and intense haunted houses in Nashville you will experience. With over 20,000 square feet of haunted house to explore, finding your way through the dark and dismal corridors to escape from the clutches of the undead will have you wondering whether or not these horrifying scenes are truly real or simply fiction.

Slaughterhouse Nashville Haunted House

The Slaughterhouse is Nashville’s longest-running haunted attraction and the one I’ve been to the most. The Slaughterhouse winds you on a self-guided tour through five theaters of the old Courtyard Theater that once was abandoned for 13 years.

Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods

At Millers Thrillers, there are several activities to take part in: the Haunted Woods, a Zombie Paintball Hayride, and an Entertainment Zone.

The Haunted Woods is a stroll through the trail that you will never forget. Enter the intense hour-long trek through the twisted groves and gnarled oaks. We have found an old mining trail that leads into the darkness. The swamps and hundreds of acres of farmland are looking to swallow you up.

This is your chance to “open fire” and protect our city. Millers Thrillers has quarantined a horde of infected zombies. They are growing stronger and are planning their evacuation routes to attack our whole city. Their intent is surviving and creating more of their kind.

Creep Hollow Haunted Woods

If you are looking for some Haunted Fun that doesn’t focus on blood and gore, look at Creepy Hollow Haunted Woods. .Nashville Scene Magazine has rated this attraction as the most customer interactive in the area. Creepy Hollow offers storytelling, hayrides, bonfires, and the haunted woods, of course.

Beast House – The Money-Back Haunted House

The Beast House is set in the still-standing portion of the original Isaac Kechem Mansion. Kechem’s Family was found brutally murdered within these walls before committing suicide in 1897. This building sat vacant thereafter. In 1951, the dilapidated Kechem home was revitalized and used commercially for the first time, as it was transformed into a Dinner and Nightclub (Starlite Club) – ultimately closing in 2014.

This house is considered to actually be haunted so enter at your own risk.

The Beast Challenge is what makes Beast House the most controversial Haunted House. Nationally recognized as the Money-Back Haunted House®, you’ve heard of the haunted house where if you can make it through everything, you get your money back? You’ve found it. This is the Beast Challenge. Participation is purely optional and restricted to only those 18+. You must sign a waiver and complete 3 rounds/ tasks. Eat Something, Drink Something or Do Something.

Dead Land Scream Park

Dead Land Scream Park includes four attractions. The Portal and The Curse trails walk you along the dark woods with many scares along the way. The new Crypt attraction takes you through the gravesites and it’s residents. Also new are Freak Out Escape games designed to twist your mind challenging you to puzzle your way to freedom.

Other Haunted Attractions in Nashville

Haunted Bell Witch Cave and Farm

A few years ago, I visited the bell witch cave during October all alone because no one would go with me. This is not a haunted attraction like the listed ones above – this is a legit haunted home and cave. While nothing happened on my tour, there have been many reported sightings and happenings. You can read all about my visit to the Bell Witch Farm.

Haunted Canoe the Caney

Ever wanted to take a haunted nighttime canoe ride down the Caney Fork River? Sure you do! You’ll paddle over the original location of the 1800s sunken cemetery that is just 15 feet below the surface. It is believed the spirits are trapped just below the water’s surface.

What do you think? Are you brave enough to visit any of these haunted houses in Nashville?

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