14 Haunted Places In Kentucky That Are Truly Chilling
There are all sorts of haunted places in Kentucky. Here in the Bluegrass State, we all heard scary stories growing up, causing most of us to fear things that went bump in the night. However, in many cases, these frightening tales were just stories. Usually, our elders usually didn’t want to tell us about “real” ghosts, else we’d never sleep in our own beds. Fortunately for you, there are many haunted places in Kentucky that just might push you out of your comfort zone. Some remain skeptical that spirits, ghosts, and other commonplace pieces of lore walk the earth. However, some of these Kentucky places have chalked up some pretty indisputable proof. The following destinations in Kentucky have had so many ghost sightings that it is difficult to ignore the creepy possibilities:
Waverly Hills Sanatorium was opened in 1910 to house the victims of the Tuberculosis epidemic. The building has housed over 63,000 deaths, including patients, doctors, nurses and staff. Some died of the disease, others committed suicide. There were so many deaths they took the dead out through a tunnel deemed "The Death Tunnel", which a low budget film was written about. Ghosts seem to wander every inch of this building and grounds. Waverly has been the focus on several different television specials and ghost hunter series over the years. Creepy is putting it mildly, as the death toll here is compatible with a battlefield. When it comes to haunted places in Kentucky, this one tops the list with locals and tourists alike. You can find it 4400 Paralee Dr, Louisville, KY 40272.
The Waverly Hills Sanatorium, 4400 Paralee Dr, Louisville, KY 40272, USA
Old Louisville was built in the 1870s, and was a thriving Victorian suburb of ladies, gentlemen, smugglers, and sickness. During the Tuberculosis epidemic, many died and homes were burnt to prevent the spread. These are brave ghosts that come out both day and night. Police have been called for break ins where residents watched individuals in Victorian era clothing enter their homes on more then one occasion. Of course, burglary charges are never filed, as the police never find any trespassers.
Don't let the rumors deter you; Old Louisville is one of the most marvelous and well-preserved historic districts in Kentucky... and the country!
Camp Zachary Taylor is now a neighborhood, but in 1917, it began as a military camp for soldier training. Due to Tuberculosis, Malaria and other deadly outbreaks, it soon became a place for dead and dying soldiers to spend their days. The bodies were said to be stacked floor to ceiling high. Residents today often see these soldiers wandering down streets and across their yards, in groups of as many as six. A women in a blonde women in a Blue Victorian dress is also said to wander, giving any who see her an icy glare. You can visit Camp Taylor in Louisville, KY, 40213.
Around 4000 years ago, the Mammoth Cave system was home to natives, who buried their dead there. Since, the caves have been used as a Turburculosis colony, where many patients died and a hide out for fleeing slaves. Visitors to these caves often see unexplained lights, orbs and misty shapes. Many images taken here contain orbs, many think to be spirits. This National Park can be found at 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY, 42259.
The Louisville Palace Theater began as the Lowes Theatre in 1928. Theater goers, actors and staff often see a faceless women, from the 40s, a man from the 30s, and heard a child giggling by one of the powder rooms. A projector worker had a heart attack on the job and never quite clocked out. You never know what you'll encounter when you visit Louisville Palace Theater at 625 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202.
Louisville Palace Theatre, 625 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Originally built in 1903, The Seelbach Hilton is one of Louisville's most luxurious hotels. It is also one of the most haunted places in Kentucky. Guests and employees often find televisions turning on and blaring out at 4 am. Footsteps can also be heard running across wooden floors, when no one is there. You can visit this luxuriously haunted hot spot at 500 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202.
The Seelbach Hilton Louisville, 500 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
The Pope Lick monster, aka Goat man has been luring people into his cloven clutches since as long as residents can remember. He is said to mimic children to lure his victims to their death or disappearance. His earliest appearances were said to be on the Pope Lick Trestle Bridge, and many have actually died on the bridge in pursuit of the monster. If you're planning on searching at any point, keep an eye on the creek... as the bridge area is dangerous to search. Nonetheless, you can spot it near 3098 S Pope Lick Rd, Louisville, KY, 40299. Read more about the legend of the Pope Lick Monster in Kentucky in this article.
Pope Lick Trestle, 3000-3098 S Pope Lick Rd, Louisville, KY 40299, USA
The Old Greensburg Courthouse was built in 1802 and used until 1931. The old barristers, lawmen and criminals still whisper down the corridors, and footsteps can be heard when no one is walking. The entirety of the surrounding historic district is also lovely and full of history... and maybe a few spirits, too, assuming local legend has any truth to it. Visit this spot at 101 N Main St, Greensburg, KY, 42743.
Sherman's Tavern was built in 1812, and was a favored hangout of Native American's, Cattlemen, and soldiers. Local residents swear that soldiers and some of the other visitors still come in for a drink. The house is undergoing renovations and has been for about a decade... could the work be stirring up restless spirits? You can spot this historic spot near 3987 Dixie Hwy, Dry Ridge, KY, 41035.
Historic Sherman Tavern, 3985 Dixie Hwy, Dry Ridge, KY 41035, USA
Two women and a black cat roam the Loudon House. There are often floral scents hanging in the air, and cold spots no where near an air duct. Despite a purportedly haunted atmosphere, this gorgeous structure houses equally gorgeous art exhibits in this modern day and age. Find this pretty building at 209 Castlewood Dr, Lexington, KY, 40505.
Maple Hill Manor was built in 1851 by slaves, but is now a bed and breakfast. Visitors and residents claim unexplained footsteps and door knocks occur nightly. It is said to be haunted by both soldiers and the original owners. You can book a stay if you're brave enough! You'll find this pretty, albeit creepy, hotel in Kentucky at 2941 Perryville Rd, Springfield, KY, 40069.
Maple Hill Manor, 2941 Perryville Rd, Springfield, KY 40069, USA
People that fade in and out, along with glowing objects and eyes have been seen in Lick Creek Cemetery. It's no surprise this Kentucky cemetery ranks among the haunted places in Kentucky! You can visit this purportedly restless final resting place at Lick Creek Rd, Dawson Springs, KY, 42408.
Another haunted Kentucky cemetery, Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville is the largest Victorian era cemetery still in good repair. Established in 1848, it holds both Union and Confederate soldiers on its property. Strange lights, cold winds and whispers are heard during the night on the property. Visit this historic property of 297 acres at 701 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY, 40204.
Cave Hill Cemetery & Arboretum, 701 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204, USA
Bobby Mackey's Music World has been featured on the television series, "Ghost Adventures", and is possibly the most haunted bar in the country. The hole in the floor is said to be a "portal to Hell." Come for the spirits, but plan to stay for a show. This cool spot is a music lover's dream, and it's among the most haunted places in Kentucky. Visit Bobby Mackey's Music World at 44 Licking Pike, Wilder, KY, 41071.
Curious about what to expect when you visit Bobby Mackey's? Check out this video c/o Travel Channel on YouTube:
Bobby Mackey's, 44 Licking Pike, Wilder, KY 41071, USA
Creepy does not even begin to cover any of these haunted places in Kentucky. Death still seems to hang in the air at Waverly Hills and Old Louisville probably has as many ghosts as the average cemetery. If you love to be scared and have your hair stand on end, feel free to check out any of these haunted places in Kentucky. We would love to hear about your own experiences in the comments below!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Haunted Places In Kentucky
February 13, 2023
Sarah M.
What are the creepiest haunted cemeteries in Kentucky?
Some see graveyards as a serene place of quiet and peace and go there to study, relax, and visit their dead. Others don’t necessarily agree with that concept and see cemeteries as a haven for paranormal activity. It could be said that a final resting place may not always be a place of rest, especially if you’ve visited during odd hours. It isn’t unusual to hear tales of strange lights, bumps, and chatter in the night at some supposedly haunted cemeteries in Kentucky. Many a nonbeliever will explain away the possibilities with scientific or illogical explanations. However, not everyone is a skeptic… and not everything can be explained away.
Eastern Cemetery in Louisville has a super spooky history that dates back to the 1840s, and it certainly has an unforgettable atmosphere.
Pikeville Cemetery. Ready for a spine-tingling KY ghost story? On May 2nd, 1891, Octavia Hatcher was pronounced dead after several months of illness. Her husband buried her, but after several other people seemed to recover from a similar illness, they dug Octavia up. The grim discovery was that Octavia had been buried alive and awakened while in the ground. She frantically tried to get out, to no avail, and slowly suffocated. A marble replica of her is above her grave now, but her spirit is said to wander the Pikeville Cemetery on Cemetery Road.
Wynns Cemetery. The locals tell ghost stories of the hanging death of two witches that took place long ago. The trees that the witches were hung from still stand, and their graves were places above ground. People report black apparitions, strange phenomena, and unexplained weather changes on the anniversary of their deaths. The cemetery is located on Jim Wilson Road.
Warfield Cemetery. In Barbourville, this cemetery off Hwy 459 is said to have a very unfriendly spirit within its gates. Visitors have reported feelings of extreme discomfort, and being followed by an unseen, but troubling spirit. Those who find themselves to be in the sights of this disturbing spirit complain of an overwhelming sense of fear. Would you be brave enough to visit this haunted cemetery in Kentucky?
What is the most haunted place in Kentucky?
Without a doubt,Waverly Hills Sanatoriumis easily the most haunted spot in Kentucky. Aiming to treat the "White Plague," something we know today as tuberculosis, this hospital was sadly the end of the road for many sick men, women, and children. The building has been maintained and stabilized to allow visitors to take guided tours, both paranormal and historical. You can even arrange a private investigation and bring along equipment! Read more about this chilling place in Kentucky... if you dare!
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
