The Haunted Road Trip That Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In Kentucky
When it begins to feel like fall in Kentucky, it seems everyone takes a collective breath of fresh air. The leaves change, the air is cooler, and Halloween is rapidly approaching. If you’re looking for a way to get into the Halloween spirit, take this road trip that visits some of the most haunted places in Kentucky. Spend a few days on this trip so you can take plenty of time exploring each stop. We’ve even including some haunted bed and breakfasts and hotels so you have a place to sleep that continues with the theme of the road trip.
Check out the route on Google maps here. The route starts and ends in Louisville, but adjust it as you please.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
This massive graveyard in Louisville is strikingly beautiful and peaceful. You could wander through it for several hours admiring the landscaping, lakes, and unique headstones. Being a cemetery, of course it has stories of being haunted. People have reported seeing hovering green lights and hearing faint whispers, along with many other real Kentucky ghost stories.
Perhaps the most notorious haunted place in Kentucky, and maybe even the country, Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a must-stop location for people interested in ghosts and spirits. This old tuberculosis hospital had thousands of visitors each year, and has been featured on several television shows about haunted places. You can book a tour of one of the creepiest abandoned places in Kentucky, just make sure to do so early.
This long cave system is said to have been the ancient burial ground for Native Americans some 2,000 years ago. Mummies have even been discovered in its subterranean tunnels. More recently in history, people have perished in the cave due to accidents or getting lost and not being able to find their way back out.
Address: 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
For more than 200 years, the building where this bed and breakfast in Bardstown is now located used to be the Nelson County Jail. There are many different ghost stories associated with the Jailer’s Inn, but one of the more common ones is that of a female ghost who is believed to be the spirit of one of the original jailers, though she is said to be friendly. If you’re tired from your first day of ghost hunting, this would be an ideal place to relax and spend the night.
Address: 111 W Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004
This fascinating historical site is said to be haunted by the spirits of Union and Confederate soldiers who died there during the Battle of Perryville in 1862. The Travel Channel show "Ghost Adventures" visited the battlefield, and reported getting a lot of activity specifically in two old houses on the battlefield that served as hospitals for wounded soldiers once the fighting ceased: the John Dye House and the H.P. Bottom House.
Address: 1825 Battlefield Road, Perryville, KY 40468
6. Maple Hill Manor Bed and Breakfast, Springfield
Located about 20 minutes away from Perryville Battlefield, this award-winning bed and breakfast would be another good place to spend the night on this road trip. It’s rumored to be haunted by either the former owners, or soldiers who fought in the Battle of Perryville. Visitors have reported cold spots, disembodied footsteps, knocks on the door when no one is there, and orbs in photographs. However, even if you don’t spot a ghost, this bed and breakfast is located on a serene country road with an alpaca farm.
Address: 2941 Perryville Road, Springfield, KY 40069
This 1850s mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places is said to be haunted by two women and a black cat. People have reported seeing women dressed in Victorian clothing in certain parts of the house, as well as hearing voices and Victorian-style music. It is now a museum that is open to the public and hosts special events.
Address: 209 Castlewood Drive, Lexington, KY 40505
This location was also visited by the Travel Channel’s "Ghost Adventures," where the crew supposedly got in contact with the spirit of a female slave who could have been held captive and murdered in the jail cell in the basement. A lighter ghost story associated with the house is that the spirit of former owner John Armstrong can be seen playing with his dog on the upstairs porch.
Another stop by the "Ghost Adventures" crew was Bobby Mackey’s Music World, "the Most Haunted Night Club in America." This infamous bar is said to even have a "portal to hell." Live music, drinks, and ghosts… sounds like a fun night.
End your journey back in Louisville at the Seelbach Hilton. This old hotel is beautiful, but guests have reported their TVs suddenly turning on at a very loud volume in the middle of the night, as well as hearing footsteps that sounded like they were walking on wood even though the floors are mainly carpeted.
Is anyone brave enough to take this road trip? What other scary places in Kentucky do you think should be added to the list? Let us know in the comments!
What is the most famous ghost story from Kentucky?
With a fascinating history like ours, it is no wonder our state is filled with real Kentucky ghost stories. Ghosts are said to haunt many places throughout the Bluegrass State, including the scary places in Kentucky mentioned above. Another one of the Kentucky ghost stories that is worth mentioning is that of the Gray Lady. She is said to haunt Liberty Hall in Frankfort and you can even take a historic (and potentially spooky) tour to learn all about her. Learn more about this haunted experience here.
What is the most haunted town in Kentucky?
As you may have guessed from the article above, perhaps the most haunted town in Kentucky is Perryville. As the location for such a bloody battle and home to many dead and wounded soldiers, it makes perfect sense that many spirits continue to wander around. You can read more about this haunted town in Kentucky here.
What is the creepiest abandoned place in Kentucky?
There are many abandoned places in Kentucky that are just downright creepy. Buildings, barns, and other structures that have deteriorated over time seem to have an extra scary appearance and are typically filled with ghost stories. Waverly Sanatorium, mentioned above, is definitely the most well known abandoned spot in Kentucky, but another place that many discuss is the USS Sachem in Petersburg. This former ship has quite a story and now sits in ruin in a river. You can see photos and learn more here.
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. I have lived elsewhere twice, but keep coming back. I'm a video editor and freelance writer who enjoys watching people wearing University of Louisville uniforms excel at sports, scaling the faces of large rocks, and hanging out with my border collie/laborador/cattle dog mutt thingy that I have.
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