Haunted Louisiana: The Spookiest Places to Visit for a Ghostly Adventure
Louisiana is no stranger to supernatural legends, ghost stories, and eerie encounters. With its deep-rooted history, eclectic mix of cultures, and mysterious swamplands, the state has long been a haven for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. From haunted mansions to cursed plantations, Louisiana offers spine-tingling destinations for those seeking a thrill. Whether you're a believer in the supernatural or just looking for an adventurous scare, this list of haunted hotspots will satisfy your curiosity.
Welcome to the spooky side of Louisiana, where the echoes of the past still linger. In this guide, we’ll explore the spookiest places in Louisiana for a true ghostly adventure. Let’s dive into haunted plantations, ghost-infested mansions, eerie cemeteries, and more.
1. The Myrtles Plantation: A Hotspot for Paranormal Activity
Known as one of America’s most haunted homes, the Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana, is a must-visit for ghost hunters and history buffs alike. Built in 1796, this antebellum mansion has become infamous for its paranormal activity and chilling ghost stories.
Legend has it that the most famous ghost here is Chloe, a former enslaved woman who was involved in a tragic poisoning. Visitors have reported seeing her ghost wandering the grounds, especially near a mirror where apparitions are frequently sighted. The Myrtles Plantation is also home to ghostly children, phantom footsteps, and eerie handprints that mysteriously appear on walls and mirrors.
Visitors can stay overnight in one of the plantation’s historic rooms or take part in the popular ghost tours, which explore the haunted history of the mansion.
Relevant Links:
2. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: The Final Resting Place of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau
New Orleans is renowned for its above-ground cemeteries, and none is more famous—or haunted—than St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Dating back to 1789, this historic cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent figures, including the legendary Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
Laveau's tomb is a major attraction for both locals and tourists, with many people leaving offerings in the hopes of gaining her favor. Paranormal enthusiasts often report eerie feelings, cold spots, and even sightings of Laveau’s ghost wandering the cemetery. It’s said that those who disrespect her tomb may face mysterious misfortunes.
Due to its fragile state and the risk of vandalism, access to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is only available through guided tours, so be sure to book ahead for your ghostly adventure.
Relevant Links:
3. The LaLaurie Mansion: The Most Infamous Haunted House in the French Quarter
The LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans’ French Quarter is often cited as one of the most haunted places in the United States. The house’s disturbing history begins with its owner, Delphine LaLaurie, a socialite who was discovered to have tortured and abused enslaved people in her home in the early 19th century. After a fire exposed her horrific actions, LaLaurie fled, and rumors swirled about the spirits of those who died in the mansion haunting the property.
Today, the LaLaurie Mansion is privately owned, but visitors can take guided ghost tours around the outside of the house and learn about the terrifying tales of ghostly screams, shadowy figures, and sudden cold spots reported by locals and visitors alike.
Relevant Links:
4. The Old State Capitol: Ghosts of Political Past in Baton Rouge
Overlooking the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, the Old State Capitol is an architectural marvel with a gothic design—and it’s also haunted. The building served as the seat of government for Louisiana from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, and its history is marked by political turmoil, Civil War battles, and death.
The most famous ghost here is Pierre Couvillon, a former state legislator whose spirit is said to still roam the halls. Visitors report seeing his apparition in period clothing, and others claim to have heard disembodied voices and footsteps throughout the building. The Old State Capitol now serves as a museum, and there are occasional ghost tours that delve into its haunted past.
Relevant Links:
5. Oak Alley Plantation: Haunted by Tragic Love and War
The Oak Alley Plantation, located along the Mississippi River, is not only one of the most visually stunning plantations in Louisiana but also one of its most haunted. The plantation has a storied past, having witnessed the brutality of slavery and the destruction of the Civil War.
Visitors and staff at Oak Alley often report strange occurrences, including the sighting of Confederate soldiers' apparitions, unexplained noises, and objects moving without explanation. Some say the ghosts of enslaved people still walk the grounds, while others believe the plantation is haunted by a tragic love story from its early days.
Oak Alley offers ghost tours in the evening for those brave enough to explore the eerie history behind this Southern icon.
Relevant Links:
6. The Houmas House: Spirits Among the Southern Grandeur
Another stunning plantation known for its ghostly inhabitants is the Houmas House, located near the town of Darrow. Often called the “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road,” this historic home has seen its fair share of paranormal activity. The Houmas House has been the site of multiple ghost sightings, including that of Dr. Crozat, a former owner who is said to still walk the grounds in his physician’s coat.
Guests who stay in the on-site cottages often experience unexplainable events, from objects moving by themselves to the sound of footsteps in empty hallways. If you're in search of an overnight haunt, Houmas House offers bed-and-breakfast accommodations and nighttime tours with a focus on its supernatural past.
Relevant Links:
7. Magnolia Plantation: The Ghosts of Civil War Soldiers
Magnolia Plantation, located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, is one of the oldest plantations in the state and a hotspot for paranormal activity. Built in the 1830s, Magnolia was the site of a Civil War battle, and many soldiers lost their lives on the property. Visitors have reported seeing the spirits of soldiers wandering the grounds, as well as the ghosts of enslaved people who were tragically killed in a fire.
Ghost tours of Magnolia Plantation are available, offering guests a chilling walk through history and the eerie remnants of the past.
Relevant Links:
8. The Bourbon Orleans Hotel: Haunted Luxury in the French Quarter
For those who prefer to combine luxury with a little haunting, the Bourbon Orleans Hotel offers the perfect mix. This historic hotel, once a ballroom and convent, has a long history of ghostly encounters. Guests report seeing the ghost of a Confederate soldier in the hallways and a mysterious ballerina dancing in the ballroom. Many believe the spirits of former nuns and children who lived here during the yellow fever epidemic also remain.
The hotel embraces its haunted history, offering special packages for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts.
Relevant Links:
9. The Calcasieu Courthouse: The Ghost of Toni Jo
One of the most infamous hauntings in Louisiana centers around the Calcasieu Courthouse in Lake Charles. The courthouse is said to be haunted by the spirit of Toni Jo McQuiston, the only woman to be executed in the electric chair in Louisiana. Convicted of murder in the 1940s, Toni Jo is said to still roam the halls of the courthouse, where she was tried, convicted, and executed.
Witnesses claim to hear the sound of her footsteps and even smell her perfume in the courtroom where her trial took place. Some have reported eerie feelings of being watched, and others have spotted apparitions believed to be Toni Jo’s restless spirit.
Relevant Links:
Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Ghost Hunter in Louisiana!
With its rich and eerie history, Louisiana is a playground for those fascinated by the supernatural. From haunted plantations and ghostly cemeteries to mysterious hotels and courthouses, the state offers no shortage of spooky spots to explore. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just love a good ghost story, Louisiana is the perfect destination for a haunted adventure.
Ready to experience the supernatural? Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more eerie Louisiana tales and other thrilling content. If you’ve ever experienced a ghostly encounter in Louisiana, we’d love to hear your story—so share it in the comments below!
For more adventures, check out our upcoming posts about haunted tours, Louisiana’s historical sites, and other unique destinations.
Subscribe now and never miss out on the latest stories and recommendations for your next Louisiana ghost hunt. Share this post with fellow ghost enthusiasts and plan your next spooky getaway!