While Massachusetts is so much more than witches and spooky tales from days long ago, there’s no denying that certain specific areas of the state are pure hotbeds for paranormal activity. Salem is one of those hotbeds. This isn’t just an old Massachusetts town with paranormal activity, this is *the* town – the one that is written about in haunted history books across the country. This small coastal town is a hot spot for the supernatural, and learning the fascinating history behind Salem is equally as exciting as explore. Read on to find out why Salem is a beautifully creepy place with incredibly high levels of paranormal activity.

Most people associate Salem with the infamous witch trials, but that’s just the tip of the spooky iceberg.
Flickr/MOTT
This charming coastal town is hiding countless sites that have been supernatural hot spots for years.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
In 1692, the deadliest witch hunt in American history ravaged the town of Salem and claimed the lives of 19 people.
Flickr/Smilla 4
Ever since the town has been thought of as an especially spooky place. Let's start with Burial Point.
Flickr/Ryan Taylor
Also known as Charter Street Cemetery, this burial ground was established in 1637 and houses many of Salem’s most famous figures.
Flickr/George Pankewytch
As if the atmosphere here wasn't spooky enough, reports of ghosts roaming the headstones at night and phantom lights make this a truly eerie spot.
Flickr/Rusty Clark
The Jonathan Corwin House looks like something out of a dark fairytale, and it has a reputation to match.
Flickr/Amy Meredith
Nicknamed "The Witch House," this is the only remaining structure in Salem with direct ties to the infamous witch trials. Judge Jonathan Corwin purchased the house in 1675 and was later one of the judges during the trials. The house is said to be haunted by the spirits of those he condemned to death, as well as the tortured soul of the judge himself The house is now a museum, and open seasonally to the public.

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Gallows Hill was the site of the first execution of the Salem Witch Trials.
Flickr/Boston Public Library
In total, 18 accused witches were murdered here as part of the hysteria. The area is now a large playing field, but there have been countless reports of ghost sightings over the years.
The House of the Seven Gables is so haunted, it inspired one of Nathaniel Hawthorne's greatest novels.
Flickr/smilla4
It’s one of the most visited structures in Salem, and locals call it the Turner -Ingersoll Mansion. Built in 1668, the home was eventually owned by Susan Ingersoll, cousin to the famous author.

Susan’s ghost reportedly haunts the home, and the phantom of a young boy has been spotted playing in the attic. Employees and visitors alike frequently cite strange occurrences such as flickering lights, ghostly laughter, and cold spots as evidence that this famous home is awash in paranormal activity.
The Ropes Mansion is considered one of the most haunted in town.
Flickr/Ropes Mansion
Nathaniel Ropes was a Loyalist judge in the 18th century. He died of smallpox in 1774 while his home house was being pelted with rocks by an angry mob. His wife Abigail burnt to death when her dress ignited from the fireplace in 1839. They're said to have never truly vacated the grounds. Fans of the film Hocus Pocus might recognize this spot as Allison's home.
The Salem Jail was built in 1885 and once housed the town's most heinous criminals.
Flickr/goodharbor
The structure was abandoned for years…and many believe it’s because the old jail is dangerously haunted. The angry ghosts of the former prisoners are said to roam the halls here, rattling their chains and letting out eerie screams in the night.
Salem's Winter Island certainly looks like it could have a few wandering spirits of its own.
Flickr/Kevin Grocki
Of course, if you head to Salem on Halloween, you'll be in for a carnival of spooky fun.
Flickr/Diego Brito
Salem comes alive during the month of October when the town pulls out all the stops to put on a full 31 days of ghoulish fun. There are masquerade balls, ghost tours, street parties, special dining events, and a magnificent town-wide celebration on Halloween evening.
There's no denying that Salem is a spooky town unlike any other in the country.
Flickr/Lisa Donague

If you’re longing for more Massachusetts spine-chilling fun, check out these state hauntings that are said to be true.

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Massachusetts Town With Paranormal Activity

Marisa Roman | April 27, 2021

What are the scariest haunted attractions in Massachusetts?

For anyone looking for a frightening history lesson, there are plenty of haunted places in Massachusetts that will chill you to the bone. Not all Massachusetts history is about hauntings and paranormal activity, of course, but many of the most popular tales are. In addition to the haunted history, there are haunted attractions that you can visit, too! If you're brave enough, check out these seven haunted houses in Massachusetts that will truly terrify you. Also, you can make an entire weekend out of exploring the most haunted places in Massachusetts on this fan-favorite road trip.

Are there any ghost towns in Massachusetts?

What are the best ghost towns in Massachusetts, you ask? Perhaps a trip back in time through Salem, the creepy town in Massachusetts mentioned above wasn’t enough. Have no fear, there are plenty of MA ghost towns worth adventuring through. For example, Dogtown, Massachusetts, is a well-known ghost town that dates all the way back to the 1600s. Meanwhile, Massachusetts also has a ghost town hiding underneath the water at Quabbin Reservoir!

Can I go ghost hunting in Massachusetts?

Looking to level up your next weekend adventure in Massachusetts? Why not test your courage with a nighttime ghost hunt? With all of the hauntings and paranormal history throughout the state, of course, there would be opportunities for visitors to go hunt for actual ghosts. Barnstable Village ghost hunt in Massachusetts is a tour open to the public which allows guests to use actual ghost-hunting equipment! Meanwhile, there is a chilling overnight ghost hunt in Massachusetts where guests can stay up all night looking for spooky stuff in an actual haunted house.

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