See the Most Haunted Places in Kentucky for you to check out this fall!
With the change of season comes the beautiful fall foliage, pumpkin patches and pumpkin spice everything, and most importantly – Halloween! Since spooky season is upon us, we figured we’d share most haunted places that Kentucky has to offer. These destinations all have a unique, and spine chilling story to tell. Although, you may be weary of these “tales”, some may even lure you into becoming a believer. From Kentucky haunted asylums or a haunted hospital in Kentucky, some of the scariest places on Earth are right in your backyard.
Checkout our latest Fall Gear for hoodies, sweatshirts and other apparel and accessories to dress for the occasion on your next legend trips!
Table of Contents
Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Waverly Hills Sanatorium was first opened in 1910 and functioned as a tuberculosis treatment center. During that time, there over 60,000 deaths due to the epidemic via disease, while others committed suicide. These deaths included not only patients, but also doctor and nurses. Being that the disease was so contagious, patients were not allowed to live outside of the sanatorium. It ended up becoming it’s own community with it own water supply, zip code, and post office. Later on, it transformed to become Woodhaven Geriatric Center. At that time it was used primarily for housing patients with Dementia and other mental illnesses. This haunted mental asylum in Kentucky has been featured on “Ghost Hunters”, “Scariest Places on Earth”, “Celebrity Paranormal Project”, “Paranormal Challenge”, “Ghost Adventures”, “Creepy,” and “Most Haunted”.
So why is Waverly Hills Sanatorium haunted?
There were SO many deaths that they had to take bodies through a tunnel known as “The Death Tunnel” or “The Death Chute.” This is a top haunted Kentucky attraction to many tourists and locals. It has been featured on many TV shows. Today, one can take a historical guided tour and a paranormal tour.
Mammoth Cave
If you’ve heard of Mammoth Cave, you most likely know it for it’s beautiful hikes, record breaking cave system, and Floyd Collins. However, Mammoth Cave has a long history, and with it comes haunted stories and the spirits that seem to haunt it.
So why is Mammoth Cave haunted?
The first evidence of exploration dates back to 4,000 years ago when pre-historic Native Americans roamed the earth. They were buried in the caves, and at least 4 bodies have been found since the 1800’s.
Additionally, 400 years ago, the cave was used as a tuberculosis center. It was chosen by Dr. John Croghan, who purchased it for $10,000 where he then welcomed 11 patients to test his theory of fresh cave air, exercise, and good die as being part of the cure.
nps.gov nps.gov
Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave, now part of the National park is said to be haunted by Floyd Collins. Collins was an infamous explorer in the 19th century and spent countless years exploring the Flint Ridge Cave System. He passed away in 1925 due to being stuck in the cave by a rock. The attempt to rescue him became a media sensation. His ghost has been heard calling for help, and objects have been known to be thrown from an unknown source. African American slave apparitions have also been spotted in the caves here.
It is said to be quite haunted, and many visitors of the National Park explain seeing orbs, lights, and feel a ghostly presence.
Sleepy Hollow Road/Devil’s Point
Next up features haunted roads in Kentucky. One drives the haunted road of Sleepy Hollow/Devil’s Point in Prospect, Kentucky with the various passed down legends and stories that are attached to that area. It’s a long stretch of road with trees surrounding both sides. Many describe the drive as extremely uncomfortable.
So why is Sleepy Hollow Road haunted?
Among the legends is Cry Baby Bridge, where it is said a settlement woman would throw unwanted or sick children into the creek. Additionally, there is the story of the black hearse that follows you down the road. Then there’s “Devil’s Point” which was rumored to be an area of satanic rituals. Residents of the area claim that they have heard screams and chants.
Interestingly, there have also been reports of drivers going through this stretch of road and having experienced what they described as time travel. Therefore, beware if you’re traveling along one of the most haunted trails in Kentucky!
The Old Talbott Tavern
The Old Tablott Tavern was built in 1779 and is known as the oldest western stagecoach stop in America. The tavern sits in beautiful historic downtown Bardstown, Kentucky. Importantly, the hotel has never been closed since, and has had infamous guests such as Abe Lincoln, Daniel Boone, King Louis Philippe of France. This could be referred to as either a haunted bar in Kentucky, or one of the most haunted hotels in Kentucky. Technically, it is both for those running down a personal bucket list.
SEE MORE: Who is Daniel Boone? The Story Behind the American Pioneer.
So why the Old Talbott Tavern haunted?
Then there’s outlaw Jesse James, who has created the reputation of The Old Talbott Tavern being one of the most haunted places in Kentucky! The legend says that the bullet holes left behind were from Jesse James himself. Reports say that he had too many drinks in the Pub one evening then went upstairs to sleep it off. He “saw” birds moving in the murals and shot at them, leaving behind the bullet holes we see today.
It is believed that until now, he still visits the inn. If you visit the hotel, you can still see the painting riddled with bullet holes which Jesse James put there himself. There are also reports of a mysterious woman who continues to haunt the hotel. Additionally, some say they have heard footsteps, seen lights flicker, and furniture moving. Book your stay here.
Bobby Mackey’s Music World
If you’re seeking out haunted tours in Kentucky, look no further. Located in Wilder, Kentucky, Bobby Mackey’s Music World has been dubbed as the most haunted nightclub in America. This former slaughterhouse-turned-haunted nightclub has been featured on several ghost hunter-type TV shows, and it’s a popular tourist destination for those seeking a haunted experience.
So why is Bobby Mackey’s Music World haunted?
In the 1850’s, the site was a slaughterhouse. Researches say that it was closed during the 1890’s due to satanic activities that took place with animals, and potentially humans. It is said that there were ritualistic slaughters in the building and around the well.
In addition to the slaughters, there’s the story of Pearl Bryan, a 22 year old girl from Greencastle, Indiana that got murdered in 1896. Her corpse was discovered two miles away from the slaughterhouse. She was pregnant, and her boyfriend who happened to be a student at the Ohio College of Dental Surgery came to arrange for an abortion. He decided that him and his roommate would attempt to do the abortion themselves but something went wrong. They covered their tracks by removing her head so she couldn’t be identified, however, luckily, she left her shoes on her feet. Her head was never discovered.
Several other haunted stories have taken place throughout the years, according to the Travel Channel.
In 1978, a young country singer named Bobby Mackey purchased the building and turned it into the music hall and tavern which still stands today. Paranormal phenomena is always present. The hole in the floor is said to be a “portal to Hell.”
The Seelbach Hotel
Next up features haunted hotels in Kentucky. The Seelbach Hilton Hotel in downtown Louisville has been open since1905. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The most famous resident of the hotel, Miss Patricia Wilson “Lady in Blue” is one of the main reasons the hotel is haunted.
So why is the Seelbach Hotel haunted?
She moved to Louisville from Oklahoma in 1936. She had recently separated from her husband of four years. In an effort to work things out with her husband, they both agreed to meet in Seelbach. Her husband never showed up and was killed in a car accident on his way to meet her. Devestated by tthe loss, she was found at the bottom of the service elevator shaft. It has never been made clear if she jumped to her death or if she died by accident.
In 1987, several people have reported seeing “The Lady in Blue” in the Seelbach hotel. All the guests say that she wore a blue dress and had long black hair.
Aside from the Lady in Blue, the hotel is also the home of various other ghosts. A staff of the Otto Café reported seeing a woman in ragged clothes standing behind a mirror. In 2004, a couple who was on their honeymoon booked a room on the 8th floor of the hotel. They awoke to find a man standing by the window and looking out. The room was also strangely cold. Immediately after they turned on the light, the man disappeared. Other guests have reported smelling a faint scent of perfume and hearing disembodied footsteps.
Kentucky State Penitentiary
The Kentucky State Penitentiary was completed in 1886 and still operating today. It is a maximum security prison holding up to 856 inmates at a time. Construction of the penitentiary began in 1884, using big pieces of granite blocks. Italian stonemasons were recruited to erect the original buildings, which is why they resemble a castle.
So why is the Kentucky State Penitentiary haunted?
Undoubtedly, the prison is considered as one of the top haunted places in Kentucky due to it’s long history of prisoners, deaths, abuse, executions, and prison breaks. Guards have even reported footsteps and screams when no one is around. The Haunted Kentucky State Penitentiary is still home to Kentucky’s death row inmates and houses the execution facility.
The Mansion at Griffin Gate
Next on the list features haunted houses in Kentucky. One of the best haunted houses in Kentucky is The Mansion at Griffin Gate which is an old south manor home dating back to 1854. This historical building that was once a private home and today still sits at the Marriott owned resort and has been transformed into a restaurant/venue.
So Why is the Mansion at Griffin Gate haunted?
At one time, a teenager named Gretta lived in the building. It is said that Gretta hung herself after she was rejected by a boy and or was stood up for her date.
The Mansion-Griffin Gate is a historical building that at one time served as a private residence. At one time there was a teenager who lived there by the name of Gretta, and it is her spirit who apparently haunts the building today.
Employees have mentioned spiritual reports especially in the Blue Room (Gretta’s Room) and where she took her life. Lights and/or candles in this room will often flicker. Many say that they will feel a cool breeze as they sit down to eat, even though there are no air vents that would cause this to happen.
Apparently, Gretta still considers this her room. If she gets mad, its been reported that she causes things to move and swing, such as the chandelier.
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Some folks seek for an infamous haunted bar in Kentucky, however the next of our featured haunted attractions in Kentucky is a distillery! As we know, Kentucky is known worldwide for it’s bourbon. There are now double the amount of bourbon barrels than there are people. Buffalo Trace was founded in 1792, and is the oldest operating distillery in America. It is located on an ancient site of a buffalo crossing.
SEE MORE: Add Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream to Your Coffee and You Won’t Be Disappointed.
The distillery tour starts at Stony Point, the home of Buffalo Trace’s former president Colonel Albert B. Blanton. Blanton helped the distillery through Prohibition by selling bourbon for “medicinal purposes.” He died at Stoney Point in 1959, but many say his “spirit” never left.
So why is Buffalo Trace Distillery haunted?
Several staff members and visitors of the distillery have reported hearing noises in Blanton’s meeting room. Security guards have also mentioned flickering lights, spirits in the buildings and warehouses. Investigators have identified the possible presence of Blanton and distillery workers from the past. If interested, one can check out their very own ghost tour here.
*Additional distilleries in Kentucky have also reported ghost sitings.
Be sure to follow our Instagram and ‘Like’ our Facebook page to get all of the latest Kentucky Shirt releases, new gear and other fun stuff.
