13 Spooky Places to Visit on Friday the 13th
Since the Middle Ages, people have had a strange fascination with Friday the 13th. This haunted day falls in October this year, making people wild with excitement and fear. With Friday the 13th less than a week away, it’s time to start making plans for this superstitious date. Here’s the scoop on some of the most haunted places in the country, all of which would be a spooky place to stop by this Friday.
The Black Angel of Oakland Cemetery
This 8-foot-tall angel resides in the legendary Oakland Cemetery of Iowa City. According to legend, this bronze angel began to turn black a few years after it was placed over a grave, suggesting that the person buried beneath the statue was evil. Another myth suggests that those who touch the angel are destined to die shortly after. Whether you believe the stories or not, there’s no doubt that visiting this spooky statue will be a fun way to spend your Friday the 13th!
1000 Brown St, Iowa City, IA 52245 // Website
Pittock Mansion
This quirky house is famous not only for its rich history, but for its eccentric architecture. Built in 1914, this French Chateau is said to be haunted by the couple who built it, apparently too connected to the house to let it go when they died. People have claimed to see the ghosts of the previous owners, the Pittocks, wandering around the grounds. You won’t want to pass up checking out this real-life haunted mansion!
3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210 // Website
Fort East Martello Museum
This museum is home to the famous “Robert the Doll”, said to be the inspiration for the classic “Child’s Play” character Chucky. People have reported the doll moving across the room on its own, as well as changing expressions as if he was following a conversation. He was donated to the museum after his previous owner claimed he had been moving around by himself, and since the donation, he has made cameras and electronics malfunction in his presence. This legendary doll is not something you want to miss, so stop by on the 13th!
3501 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040 // Website
Camp Comfort Park
Various urban legends surround this California campground, the most famous of which is the story of “Char Man”. According to legend, this man climbs out from under “Char Man’s Bridge”, revealing his burnt, rancid skin and attacking anyone who gets on his bad side. Other legends about the park include one about a bride murdered on her wedding day and a vampire. If you’re looking for a truly spooky place to spend the night this Friday, Camp Comfort Park will not disappoint.
Ojai, CA 93023 // Website
Villisca Axe Murder House
In 1912, two adults and six children were brutally murdered in their beds in a small town in Iowa. Today, their house has been made a historic landmark to honor their loss, but is reportedly haunted by their ghosts. Day tours, complete with the entire history of the events that took place here, are available daily. Feel free to rent out the house and stay for the night, if you dare!
Hotel Monte Vista
This legendary hotel is home to more than one ghost, all of which have their own fascinating backstories. A bank robber haunting the bar, an old woman in room 305, and the ghost of an elevator attendant are a few of the characters you might meet during your stay. You may notice lightbulbs being removed by reported poltergeists, or get a knock on your door from the phantom bellboy. There’s no way for a hotel at this stay to be boring!
100 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 // Website
Moon River Brewery
This old hotel now functions as a brewery. It is allegedly haunted by the ghost of a local named Stark, who sometimes, in a fit of rage, throws beer bottles against the wall. People are often touched or slapped by the ghosts, but never to the point of harm. If you’re looking for a supernatural experience, or even if you just want a cold beer, make sure to stop by Moon River Brewery.
21 W Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401 // Website
Eastern State Penitentiary
This famous prison was once the biggest penitentiary in the world, but is now nothing more than ruins. Prisoners were treated especially harshly, catching mere glimpses of the outside world and trapped in their cells 23 hours a day. It is haunted by multiple ghosts, all of which seem to be angry inmates. This authentic ghostly experience will have you on the edge of your seat as you adventure through the abandoned jail.
2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130 // Website
Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery
Bachelor’s Grove was a prominent cemetery in the 19th century, but eventually was forgotten until it became a prime spot for vandals. A man and his horse drowned in a pond here, and continue to haunt the cemetery to this day. Another alleged phantom includes a mysterious house, the image of which appears and fades randomly. No matter what you see here. it’s sure to be perfectly chilling for the 13th.
5900 W Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, IL 60445 // Website
Stanley Hotel
This historic hotel is the real-life Overlook Hotel from “The Shining”! Stop by for a tour or stay the night to learn about this creepy hotel and its rich history. From its successful start to its eventual demise in the 70’s, this hotel is sure to have you gasping at every turn. You won’t want to miss out on this cinematic destination!
Pine Barrens
In 1779, a man named Joe Mulliner went on a crime spree, burning houses and robbing locals. After he was caught, he was sentenced to death. His isolated grave is located on a bank in Pine Barrens, New Jersey, in the exact area he had previously terrorized. When visiting his burial site, don’t be surprised when you feel Joe’s presence.
Pine Barrens, NJ 08019 // Website
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
This asylum has been standing since the 1800s, and is home to hundreds of ghosts of previous residents. The asylum offers daytime tours as well as overnight tours from 11:30 pm – 6 am. Expect to see a few ghosts and hear some strange, inexplicable sounds. Ghost hunts are offered in a few of the buildings, and admission is $100.
71 Asylum Dr, Weston, WV 26452 // Website
Moundsville Penitentiary
This haunted prison was once one of the top ten “most violent” prisons in the country, so it is home to the ghosts of some angry inmates. It held prisoners for 119 years, and many of them decided to stay and wreak havoc following their death. Charles Manson once wrote a letter while incarcerated requesting to be moved to this prison. Stop by this legendary location to catch a glimpse into one of the most haunted spots in the country!
818 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041 // Website
Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, these spots are sure to creep you out. We hope this collection of eerie destinations helped inspire a plan for this Friday. Keep an eye out for more fun Halloween ideas! Have a safe and spooky Friday the 13th!