A person in a white dress is seated on a chair in a dilapidated, dimly lit room with stone walls, reminiscent of an old haunted asylum or hospital. Another translucent figure, possibly a ghost, stands by the window.

8 Haunted Asylums & Hospitals in America – Ready To Investigate?

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The United States is home to many haunted asylums and hospitals, each with a dark history and tales of the supernatural. These institutions once aimed to provide care for the mentally ill, but many have since been closed or abandoned. The empty corridors now resonate with tales of suffering and enigma.

This article delves into eight of the most renowned haunted asylums and hospitals in America. Come along as we uncover the narratives of these locations where history lingers and the supernatural feels all too real.

And if you’re a paranormal investigator there’s good news, they’re all open to the public!

A large, historic stone building with a central clock tower under a partly cloudy sky stands in an expansive paved area surrounded by leafless trees, evoking the eerie atmosphere of the haunted Trans-Allegheny Asylum.
Trans-Allegheny Asylum

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, West Virginia

haunted hospital map pointer50 S River Ave, Weston, WV 26452, USA

The Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, situated in Weston, West Virginia holds a history that traces back to the mid 1800s. Construction of the asylum commenced in 1858. Spanned over two decades before welcoming its first patients in 1864.

Originally designed to house a maximum of 250 individuals the asylum aimed to create a tranquil and calming setting for those grappling with health challenges. Throughout its years the facility gained recognition for its compassionate approach towards patients standing out from the harsh and cruel methods prevalent in other institutions of that era. Despite its efforts, overcrowding and deteriorating conditions led to the closure of the asylum in 1994.

Paranormal Evidence

The Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is well known for its spooky past. Many accounts of supernatural events have been recorded by visitors, staff and former patients. People have shared stories of encountering the spirits of past patients, including children, who are believed to wander through the hallways and rooms of the hospital. Commonly reported paranormal occurrences include hearing voices without bodies, mysterious sounds and odd sightings.

One of the most famous spirits is Lily, a playful child believed to have lived her entire life at the asylum. She is often heard laughing and seen playing with toys, with reports of balls rolling on their own near her room. Another well-known apparition is Dean, a patient who was brutally murdered by his roommates. His spirit is said to linger in the room where he met his untimely end. Visitors frequently report seeing dark shadows, hearing disembodied voices and cries, and experiencing objects moving on their own.

You can book a ghost hunt on the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum Official Website.

Sheboygan Asylum, Wisconsin

haunted hospital map pointerN3773 Garden Parkway, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085, USA

The Sheboygan County Asylum, first established in 1876 in Winooski, Wisconsin went through expansions and changes, over time. Originally built to care for individuals with illnesses, the facility quickly required a larger space by 1882 to accommodate the increasing number of residents. By 1911 it covered 80 acres, housing 225 patients.

Throughout its history the institution transformed into the Sheboygan County Comprehensive Health Care Center in 1940 providing services for individuals with health issues, developmental disabilities and elderly care needs. It ceased operations in 2002. Today it remains a place of interest for those intrigued by its past and rumored spooky occurrences.

Paranormal Evidence

Known for its phenomena, the Sheboygan Asylum attracts ghost hunters and curious onlookers. Reported paranormal experiences include hearing voices, seeing figures and feeling unexplained physical sensations like being touched or having ones hair pulled. Of note are stories of a girl humming and several nurses who allegedly took their own lives while working at the asylum. The Fox Valley Ghost Hunters have conducted investigations at the site capturing evidence such as shadowy figures and mysterious sounds. 

Tours and explorations take place from August to November each year allowing participants to visit areas, like tunnels, surgical rooms and the morgue where many claim to have had encounters. You can book a ghost hunt with Fox Valley Ghost Hunters on TicketLeap.

The Rolling Hills Asylum located in New York. A three-story red brick building with an entrance marked by a white columned portico and an American flag bunting. The building, rumored to be a haunted asylum, has a central tower, numerous windows, and a signboard on the right.
Rolling Hills Asylum

Rolling Hills Asylum, New York

haunted hospital map pointer11001 Bethany Center Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054, USA

The Rolling Hills Asylum boasts a long and fascinating history dating back to 1826. Originally named the Genesee County Poor House, its primary purpose was to offer shelter and support for the less fortunate, elderly and those with mental health issues. 

Throughout the years, the asylum underwent various changes, including a rebranding to Rolling Hills Asylum in 1974. Over its operational period, countless individuals were housed there, many grappling with mental illnesses, tuberculosis and other health issues. Despite its intention to provide care, the asylum faced challenges such as overcrowding, understaffing and subpar living conditions. This eventually led to its closure in 1974.

Paranormal Evidence

Renowned for its supernatural occurrences, Rolling Hills Asylum has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted asylums in America. Visitors and researchers have recounted numerous ghostly experiences like disembodied voices, mysterious sounds and ghostly apparitions. One frequently reported sighting involves Roy – a former patient known for his violent behavior during his time at the asylum. Witnesses claim to have seen Roy’s spirit wandering through the corridors with an eerie presence that leaves them unsettled.

There are other eerie occurrences like doors that open and close by themselves, mysterious shadows and objects that seem to move or get tossed around by invisible entities. Additionally, researchers have gathered various audio and video evidence, such as EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) and unusual phenomena captured in photographs.

You can book a ghost hunt on the Rolling Hills Asylum Official Website.

Old St James Hospital, Montana

haunted hospital map pointer225 S Idaho St, Butte, MT 59701, USA

The historical Old St. James Hospital in Butte Montana has a storied past that traces back to 1898. Initially constructed as a facility for miners it was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth with the aim of offering healthcare services to the expanding mining community. Operating for more than seven decades the hospital catered to the local residents until its closure in 1973. 

Throughout its years the institution witnessed various tragedies such as the 1918 influenza outbreak and mining mishaps that resulted in numerous casualties. The legacy of the hospital stands as a tribute, to the commitment of both the Sisters of Charity and the dedicated medical personnel who diligently tended to the needs of Buttes inhabitants.

Paranormal Evidence

The Old St. James Hospital is renowned for its paranormal activity, with numerous reports of ghostly encounters. Visitors and investigators have documented apparitions of former staff and patients, shadow figures, and sudden temperature changes. Disembodied voices and phantom sounds, such as babies crying and footsteps, are frequently reported. Objects are known to move on their own, and light anomalies and electrical disturbances are common. 

One particularly eerie area is the former maternity ward, where batteries in electronic devices often drain unexpectedly. These experiences contribute to the hospital’s reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Butte, making it a prime destination for those interested in haunted asylums and haunted hospitals​.

You can book a ghost hunt with Haunted Rooms America.

A large, old red-brick building with several windows, many of which appear boarded up, stands eerily reminiscent of the haunted Eloise Asylum. The entrance features a small portico with columns, and there are trees and shrubs around the front.
Eloise Asylum

Eloise Asylum, Michigan

haunted hospital map pointer30712 Michigan Ave, Westland, MI 48186, USA

The Eloise Asylum in Michigan has a history that dates back to its establishment in 1839. Initially serving as a poorhouse it grew into a complex housing a psychiatric hospital, general hospital and tuberculosis sanatorium. At its peak Eloise covered over 900 acres and accommodated more than 10,000 patients and staff members.

Named after Eloise Dickerson Davock, the daughter of Detroit’s postmaster, the asylum gained recognition for its approaches to mental health care. Despite its methods Eloise also faced criticism for overcrowding and controversial practices. In the 20th century the facility began downsizing and eventually shut down in 1982.

Paranormal Evidence

Eloise Asylum is often cited among haunted asylums and haunted hospitals due to numerous reports of paranormal activity. Visitors and paranormal investigators have documented various unsettling phenomena. Shadowy figures have been seen moving through the hallways, and disembodied voices are frequently heard, often calling out names or crying. In the psychiatric wing, many have reported hearing the eerie sound of footsteps and screams, even when the building is empty.

The spirit of a nurse, still making her rounds, has been a common sighting, with some witnesses claiming she appears in an old-fashioned uniform. Investigators have captured numerous EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) with inexplicable voices and chilling sounds. Additionally, some visitors have experienced physical sensations such as being touched, pushed, or feeling sudden cold spots. These persistent and unexplained occurrences have made Eloise Asylum a magnet for those interested in the supernatural.

You can book a ghost hunt on the Eloise Asylum Official Website.

You may also like: Michigan’s Most Haunted Prisons: Jackson to Allegan

Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Kentucky

haunted hospital map pointer4400 Paralee Dr, Louisville, KY 40272, USA

Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Kentucky has a long and storied history. Originally opened in 1910 as a tuberculosis hospital, it was designed to treat the many patients suffering from the deadly disease. At its peak, the facility could accommodate up to 500 patients. It employed various treatments that are now considered archaic and painful, such as collapsing lungs and removing ribs.

The sanatorium operated until 1961 when the development of effective antibiotics significantly reduced the need for such specialized tuberculosis hospitals. After its closure, the building was used for various purposes, including a nursing home, until it was eventually abandoned​.

Paranormal Evidence

Today, Waverly Hills Sanatorium is known as one of the most haunted asylums and hospitals in the United States. The site has become a popular destination for paranormal investigations and ghost tours. Visitors and investigators frequently report eerie phenomena such as disembodied screams, shadowy figures, and unexplained footsteps.

One of the most famous hauntings is that of a little boy named Timmy, who is said to interact with visitors by moving toy balls. Another notable haunting is Room 502, where a nurse allegedly took her own life (others say she was murdered). The “Death Tunnel” or “Body Chute,” used to discreetly transport the deceased out of the hospital, is also a hotspot for paranormal activity, with many reporting hearing voices and footsteps echoing through the tunnel​.

You can book a ghost hunt on the Waverly Hills Sanatorium Official Website.

A stately brick building with a central dome, once the Williamsburg Public Hospital Museum, stands at the end of a red brick walkway, surrounded by a green lawn under a clear blue sky. Some say it's now a haunted hospital.
Williamsburg Public Hospital Museum

Williamsburg Public Hospital Museum, Virginia

haunted hospital map pointer325 Francis St W, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

The Williamsburg Public Hospital Museum, situated in Williamsburg, Virginia, holds a fascinating history dating back to 1773. Originally named the Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds, it stood as the pioneering mental health facility in the United States. 

Operating for over two centuries with various expansions and updates, the hospital ceased operations in 1976. Throughout its existence, the hospital witnessed numerous patients passing through its doors and endured tragic incidents like patient fatalities, fires and overcrowding. These occurrences have contributed to its reputation as one of the most haunted asylums nationwide.

Paranormal Evidence

The Williamsburg Public Hospital Museum is well known for its reputation as one of the most haunted asylums in the United States. Visitors and staff alike have shared accounts of various paranormal occurrences, like mysterious sounds, ghostly figures and odd odors. 

Some claim to have sighted the apparition of a former patient named Evelyn lingering on the hospital’s second floor. Others speak of encountering the spirit of a past doctor linked to the institution’s dark past. Witness reports describe doors unexpectedly slamming shut, whispers heard echoing in corridors and unexplained touches or gentle pushes. With its chilling history and numerous documented hauntings, the Williamsburg Public Hospital Museum beckons those intrigued by the mysteries of haunted medical facilities.

You can book a ghost hunt with Colonial Ghosts.

Peoria State Hospital, Illinois

haunted hospital map pointer4400 Industry Rd, Bartonville, IL 61607, USA

Peoria State Hospital, located in Bartonville, Illinois, opened in 1902 as the Illinois Asylum for the Incurable Insane under the direction of Dr. George A. Zeller. Zeller was renowned for his progressive approach to mental health care, implementing the “cottage plan” which housed patients in small, home-like cottages instead of large, impersonal wards. 

This facility emphasized humane treatment, avoiding physical restraints and focusing on therapeutic activities. The hospital was a pioneering institution in mental health care until its closure in 1973 due to declining patient numbers and funding issues​.

Paranormal Evidence

The Peoria State Hospital is also famous for its numerous paranormal stories. One of the most notable hauntings is related to a patient named A. Bookbinder, affectionately known as “Old Book.” Bookbinder was part of the hospital’s burial detail and mourned deeply for each deceased patient. After his death, Dr. Zeller and 400 witnesses reported seeing Old Book’s ghost crying at his own funeral. Additionally, the elm tree where Bookbinder often mourned reportedly began to wither and die, emitting sounds of weeping when attempts were made to remove it​​. 

Other reported phenomena include disembodied voices, apparitions, and unexplained noises in various buildings. This making the Peoria State Hospital a significant site for paranormal investigations.

You can book a ghost hunt on the Peoria State Hospital Official Website.

Final Thoughts

The haunted asylums and hospitals we’ve explored reveal the dark and eerie sides of America’s medical history. These locations, once centers of care, now serve as reminders of past tragedies and mysteries. The stories of apparitions, unexplained noises, and ghostly encounters continue to captivate and terrify. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the haunted histories of these sites are undeniably intriguing.

Today all eight of these haunted hospitals and asylums are available for paranormal investigations and ghost tours, offering unique opportunities to experience the supernatural firsthand. So get in touch using the links provided and support your local ghost hunting community. Happy Ghost Hunting!

Picture of Article by Haunt Scout
Article by Haunt Scout

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