Are you ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime this Halloween season? New England, with its rich history and legendary folklore, is home to some of the most spine-chilling haunted houses in the country. Whether you're a seasoned ghost hunter or just looking for a fun scare, our curated list of the best haunted houses to tour in New England will not disappoint.
1. Lizzie Borden House – Fall River, Massachusetts
Step into the infamous Lizzie Borden House, where the gruesome 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden took place. Now a bed-and-breakfast and museum, this eerie house offers ghost tours that delve into the chilling details of the crime and the paranormal activity reported by visitors and staff alike.
2. The Mark Twain House – Hartford, Connecticut
While Mark Twain’s literary genius is world-renowned, few know about the haunted history of his former home in Hartford. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions of Twain's daughter, Susy, who tragically died in the house. The beautifully preserved Victorian mansion offers ghost tours that explore the spectral sightings and eerie occurrences experienced over the years.
3. Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Observatory – Prospect, Maine
This 19th-century military fort is not just a historical landmark but also a hotspot for ghostly encounters. Fort Knox offers guided ghost tours where you can explore dark passageways and hear tales of haunted happenings. For an added thrill, visit the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, where paranormal activity has also been reported.
4. The House of the Seven Gables – Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is synonymous with witch trials and supernatural lore, and the House of the Seven Gables is at the heart of it all. This colonial mansion inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous novel and is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of those who once lived and died within its walls. Ghost tours offer a fascinating mix of history and hauntings, perfect for the brave at heart.
5. The Mount – Lenox, Massachusetts
Once the home of renowned author Edith Wharton, The Mount is known for its elegant architecture and haunting past. Visitors and staff have reported strange noises, cold spots, and even sightings of apparitions. Ghost tours of the mansion and its beautiful grounds provide a glimpse into the life and afterlife of this historic estate.
6. Belcourt Castle – Newport, Rhode Island
This opulent mansion, built in the late 19th century, is not only a stunning example of Gilded Age architecture but also a site of unexplained paranormal activity. Belcourt Castle’s ghost tours reveal eerie stories of haunted objects, spectral sightings, and the mysterious happenings that continue to baffle visitors.
Prepare to be spooked and thrilled as you explore these haunted houses, each with its unique history and ghostly tales.
