When Friday the 13th rolls around, thrill-seekers and fans of the supernatural start searching for eerie places to explore. With its rich history and spine-tingling tales, Indiana offers numerous haunted locations perfect for celebrating this superstitious day. Here's a list of 13 haunted places in Indiana where you can experience the chilling side of the Hoosier State.
1. Willard Library - Evansville
Willard Library is renowned for its resident ghost, the Grey Lady. Sightings of this spectral figure date back to the 1930s. She is often seen in the library's basement, wandering through the stacks, and sometimes appearing on the library's ghost cams, which have attracted ghost hunters nationwide.
2. Indiana State Sanatorium - Rockville
The Indiana State Sanatorium operated as Indiana's main tuberculosis hospital from 1908 to 1968. Re-opened as the Lee Alan Bryant Health Care Center in 1976, the site operated as a nursing home and private mental hospital until 2011 when it suddenly closed, leaving behind hundreds of beds and hospital equipment. Several types of tours are offered, including an overnight experience!
3. Whispers Estate - Mitchell
Whispers Estate is one of the most famous haunted houses in Indiana. This Victorian-style home is said to be haunted by numerous spirits, including a little girl who died in a fire and a former doctor who practiced in the house. Guests often hear disembodied voices and footsteps and even feel unseen hands touching them. Check out their website to learn more about their guest experiences.
4. The Slippery Noodle Inn - Indianapolis
The Slippery Noodle Inn is Indiana's oldest bar, and with its age comes plenty of ghost stories. The building was once a brothel, and it is said that the spirits of some former employees never left. Guests and staff report hearing footsteps and voices and even being touched by unseen hands.
5. Elkhart Civic Theatre - Elkhart
This 1897 building started as grounds for Bristol's arts and entertainment. In the early 1960s, it was declining and was to be demolished until the Elkhart Civic Theatre company stepped in, bringing it back to its former glory. On top of offering arts and entertainment to the community, it is said to be haunted by several apparitions. Staff and theater guests have reported things flying off shelves, small objects levitating, and other incidences. It's believed that the ghost of Percy, aka Percival Hilbert, resides here. He lived in the basement with his family after being evicted during the Depression. Some also believe apparitions of his little girls exist here.
6. French Lick Springs Hotel - French Lick
This historic hotel is known for its luxurious amenities and its resident ghost, a former owner named Thomas Taggart. Guests have reported seeing Taggart riding the service elevator and even smelling his cigar smoke in the hallways. The hotel's haunted history adds an extra thrill to a stay here.
7. Culbertson Mansion - New Albany
This 19th-century mansion is said to be haunted by the spirits of its original owners, the Culbertson family. Visitors to the mansion have reported cold spots, disembodied voices, and seeing shadowy figures moving through the grand hallways.
8. The Story Inn - Nashville
The Story Inn, located in the tiny village of Story, Indiana, is known for its ghost, the "Blue Lady." The spirit is believed to be that of a former innkeeper's wife, and she's often associated with the scent of cherry tobacco. Guests who stay in her room sometimes find blue objects mysteriously moved or see her reflection in mirrors.
9. Hannah House - Indianapolis
Built in the 1800s, Hannah House was part of the Underground Railroad and is rumored to be haunted by the souls of those who died in a tragic fire in the basement. This historic Indianapolis home, located at 3801 Madison Ave., is not for the faint of heart. With a history of real-life hauntings, our attraction is sure to leave even the bravest souls trembling. You can join guided ghost tours or paranormal investigations to experience the eerie occurrences for yourself.
10. Historic Roads Hotel - Atlanta
This small-town hotel has become a hotbed for paranormal investigators, with sightings of shadowy figures, unexplained noises, and mysterious movements. You can book overnight stays to conduct your own investigation or join public ghost hunts.
11. Randolph County Asylum/Infirmary – Winchester
Located in Winchester, Indiana in Randolph County, the Asylum / Infirmary is well known in the paranormal community as a hotbed of activity that never fails to wow visitors. Whether your love is for architecture, history, or all the spooky stuff, you will love the Asylum. The building’s halls and rooms are filled with spirits and a plethora of paranormal activity. Many of the residents of this historical building, young and old, continue to make their presence known both day and night.
Photo by Grey A Sommer via Randolph County Asylum
12. Adams Mill - Cutler
Built in 1845-46, Adams Mill was a grist mill producing assorted grades of flour for more than 100 years. On select days throughout October, you can take a tour of all three floors of the historic mill, learn about its history and enjoy several other Halloween themed activities!
13. Avon Haunted Bridge – Avon
The Avon Bridge has a ghostly legend attached to it: a mother and child died while crossing, and now their cries can be heard at night. Though the bridge is still in use, many thrill-seekers visit, hoping to hear the chilling sounds or see ghostly figures along the tracks.
These haunted locations in Indiana offer a unique blend of history, mystery, and the chance for a brush with the unknown. Whether you’re seeking a bone-chilling overnight stay, a guided ghost tour, or a heart-pounding Halloween event, the Hoosier State has plenty to offer. Many of these locations require advance bookings, especially during the fall season, so make sure to check their websites for availability.
