9 Creepy Louisiana Locations, Lore, And Legends To Keep You Entertained And Completely Spooked

The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville has the reputation of being the most haunted plantation in the country. Many believe the plantation-turned-bed-and-breakfast is haunted by the ghost of Chloe, a former slave who was caught eavesdropping and had her eat cut off as punishment. In retaliation, she baked a poisonous cake in an attempt to kill the master of the house, but it backfired and killed his wife and kids. She was hanged and thrown into the river, but many believe she still haunts the Myrtles, lurking in hallways and shadows. Learn more about Louisiana’s most popular ghost here.

Ah, the Rougagou... Louisiana’s Cajun Bigfoot. Legends of this mythical creature have been passed down from generation to generation, so the stories vary slightly depending on who you talk to. While most likely a cautionary tale to keep kids from wandering into the swamps, there are still many who believe this creature lurks in the swamps, waiting for its next victim. Learn more about the Rougarou here.

A spin-off of the Rougarou, this St. Tammany Parish beast has an interesting history. In the early 20th century, a train carrying a traveling circus derailed and several chimpanzees escaped, finding a home in the swamps. Over time, they bred with the alligators in the area creating a crazy hybrid creature that would haunt anyone’s nightmares. Believed to be over seven feet tail with webbed feet and piercing yellow eyes, you certainly wouldn’t want to come to close contact with this frightening monster.

If you’re from the New Orleans area, then you’ve probably heard about the tales about this allegedly haunted French Quarter mansion. Marie Delphine LaLaurie, a Creole socialite who lived in the mansion in the early 1800s may have presented herself as a normal human being, but behind closed doors, she was one of the most sadistic people on the planet, torturing slaves and performing insane experiments on them. After a fire broke out one evening, her secrets were revealed and she was forced to flee to France. Over the years, the building has been just about everything from a high school to a furniture store, but no business ever lasted very long. Several people have reported hearing disembodied screams coming from the building - perhaps the souls of the unfortunate slaves who were forced to endure her cruel punishments. Learn more here.

This beautiful Baton Rouge castle certainly stands out - it’s one of the most incredible gothic-style structures in the state. Completed in 1852, the Old State Capitol has many ghost stories of people hearing doors slam and footsteps in the hallway when no one else is around. Many believe that these spooky sounds are the spirits of Civil War soldiers from when the building was used as both a hospital and a jail.

Located in Alexandria, this former jewelry store is now one of the most visually stunning restaurants in Louisiana, and it might just be one of the most haunted. The building dates back to 1865 and the resident spirit is that of a ghost named Stella, who is seen wearing a fancy dress and has a tendency to move things around when you’re not looking.

There are a few spirits that are believed to haunt this elegant Alexandria hotel, most notably Mr. Joseph Bentley himself. Mr. Bentley had one of the top floors turned into his own personal apartment where he spent most of his time, and ultimately died there. Several employees and guests have reported seeing his spirit and feeling his presence in the area. He’s not the only ghost in the hotel though, and you can read about the other paranormal experiences here.

Dating back to the 1700s, it’s no surprise that people believe this historic building would be haunted. From the friendly to the demonic, there are several ghosts that are believed to haunt this watering hole, include Louisiana’s infamous pirate, Jean Lafitte. Learn more about the paranormal experiences of this bar here.

Sure, old buildings can get the reputation for being haunted, but have you ever heard of haunted oak trees? The Houmas House Plantation has eight grand oak trees that are believed to be haunted by the spirits of 1920s-era construction workers who cut down several oak trees on the property and attempted to make a quick buck by floating them down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, however, the workers died along the way and their bodies were never recovered. Learn more about the Gentlemen here.