Utah is not only known for its stunning landscapes and natural wonders but also for an intriguing array of eerie, haunted, and macabre locations that draw thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike. If you’re fascinated by the creepy and mysterious, here are 10 must-see spots in Utah that embody the spooky side of the Beehive State.
1. Skinwalker Ranch
Often dubbed Utah’s spookiest place, Skinwalker Ranch in Uintah County has gained national attention for its unexplained phenomena. Reports of UFO sightings, mysterious creatures, strange lights, cattle mutilations, and eerie voices surround this remote ranch. It’s so notorious that it inspired a TV series and remains under heavy security, making it a legendary destination for those drawn to the paranormal.
2. Old Tooele Hospital (Asylum 49)
Once a family home turned hospital and elderly care home, Old Tooele Hospital is now partially abandoned and operates as a haunted attraction known as Asylum 49. Visitors recount encounters with spirits, including a little girl named Jessica and former patients. The abandoned section is said to harbor a dark malevolent force, offering a chilling experience for haunted tour enthusiasts.
3. Mercur Cemetery
Located in Tooele, Mercur Cemetery is one of Utah’s most haunted cemeteries. It’s infamous for eerie sightings including phantom footsteps, shadowy figures, and a ghostly horseman said to gallop through the graveyard at night. Many spirits reportedly seen here are children, adding to the cemetery’s creepy and mysterious aura.
4. Fear Factory, Salt Lake City
Fear Factory is one of Salt Lake City’s largest haunted attractions, housed in what was once the Portland Cement Company. The factory’s grim history, marked by industrial accidents and tragic deaths, is said to have left restless spirits behind. The multiple buildings and underground tunnels create an immersive and spine-chilling experience, blending history and horror.
5. Moon Lake
Nestled in the High Uintas, Moon Lake is known for several ghost sightings, particularly of a young girl who drowned there. Campers often report seeing this ghostly figure—or feeling her presence—standing at the water’s edge. The lake also has legends of a cryptid serpent-like creature dwelling in its depths, adding to its eerie reputation.
6. Grafton Ghost Town
Within striking distance of Zion National Park, Grafton stands as a hauntingly preserved ghost town. Abandoned in the mid-20th century, the remaining structures, including homes and a cemetery, sit silent against the vivid Utah landscape. The town’s tragic past, including flooding and conflicts with Native inhabitants, lends a somber atmosphere perfect for those who appreciate historic eeriness.
7. Thistle Ghost Town
A ghost town born from disaster, Thistle was destroyed and abandoned after a massive landslide in 1983. Today, remnants of homes and buildings partially buried in mud evoke a bleak, unsettling scene. It’s a fascinating example of nature’s force and human vulnerability, making it a haunting site to explore.
8. Ben Lomond Hotel (Bigelow Hotel), Ogden
This historic hotel has a long list of ghost stories, including reports of a drowned bride who haunts one of the rooms. Visitors have experienced strange sounds, moving elevators, cold spots, and apparitions. Its long history and tragic events create an atmospheric and creepy venue for ghost hunters.
9. Paria Townsite
The abandoned Paria Townsite in southern Utah is famed for its ghost stories and pioneering history. The nearby graveyard, filled with pioneer graves, adds a somber and spooky element. The town’s eerie silence amidst the striking desert landscape amplifies its haunted feel.
10. Saltair Ruins, Great Salt Lake
Once a glamorous lakeside resort, Saltair fell into ruin after fires and floods. The remaining structures and the crumbling pier make for a haunting, atmospheric visit on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. Walking among these ruins evokes the ghosts of past revelers and the mysteries of the lake itself.
These sites offer a compelling mix of haunted history, paranormal tales, and eerie atmospheres that showcase Utah’s darker side. Whether you’re drawn to abandoned ghost towns, haunted hospitals, or places steeped in legend, Utah’s creepy and macabre attractions provide spine-tingling experiences for all who dare to explore them.
Sources
[1] https://www.visitutah.com/articles/get-your-spooky-on
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/SaltLakeCity/comments/xi1ke2/what_are_some_haunted_places_in_utah_to_explore/
[3] https://utahstories.com/2022/10/top-five-haunted-places-in-utah/
[4] https://www.hauntedrooms.com/utah/haunted-places
[5] https://www.deseret.com/lifestyle/2024/10/21/haunted-sites-in-utah-to-visit/
