If you’re drawn to the eerie, haunted, and mysterious, Alabama offers plenty of chilling destinations that are steeped in unsettling history and spine-tingling stories. From ghostly apparitions to dark legends, these 10 places in Alabama will give you a glimpse into the macabre side of the state, perfect for those seeking an adventure with a paranormal twist.
1. Sloss Furnaces (Birmingham)
Once an active iron factory, Sloss Furnaces is notorious for its deadly industrial accidents and has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted sites in Alabama.
Now a National Historic Landmark, it’s a favorite for paranormal investigators, with claims of ghostly figures, disembodied screams, and shadowy movements. It has even appeared on paranormal TV shows, making it a must-see for thrill-seekers and ghost hunters.
2. Dead Children’s Playground (Huntsville)
Adjacent to the eerie Maple Hill Cemetery, Dead Children’s Playground is known for its creepy reputation. The playground is said to be haunted by the spirits of children who died prematurely. Visitors report swings moving on their own and strange, eerie laughter after sunset. For those drawn to ghostly encounters, this unsettling place offers a spooky atmosphere, especially as night falls.
3. The Boyington Oak (Mobile)
This haunting live oak tree is entwined in a dark legend. According to local lore, the tree grew from the grave of Charles Boyington, a man executed for murder. Before his death, Boyington proclaimed that a tree would grow from his grave to prove his innocence. Today, the Boyington Oak stands in the Church Street Cemetery, with many believing the tree is haunted, making it a somber and mysterious place to visit.
4. Old Bryce Hospital (Northport)
Once home to patients with mental health conditions, Old Bryce Hospital is a decaying building now shrouded in ghost stories. Visitors and explorers have reported hearing unexplained sounds, seeing ghostly figures, and feeling an unnerving atmosphere that only intensifies as night falls. The hospital’s eerie and crumbling state adds to its ominous allure, making it a true hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts.
5. Dr. John R. Drish House (Tuscaloosa)
This antebellum mansion in Tuscaloosa is said to be haunted by mysterious fires in its tower and ghostly lights that flicker on and off. The house’s dark history and haunting atmosphere have led to countless ghost stories and urban legends, many centered around Dr. John R. Drish, whose ghost is said to still haunt the property. A visit to this historic mansion is guaranteed to send a chill down your spine.
6. Pratt Hall, Huntingdon College (Montgomery)
Pratt Hall at Huntingdon College is home to the infamous “Red Lady,” a ghostly figure seen by many over the years. The Red Lady is said to haunt the dormitory, and reports describe a mysterious crimson light that appears in the windows at night, along with spectral sightings of a woman in red. This spooky legend has been a part of Montgomery’s history for generations, making Pratt Hall an eerie place to explore.
7. USS Alabama Battleship (Mobile)
The USS Alabama Battleship, a WWII relic, is not only a fascinating piece of history but also a hotspot for paranormal activity. Tourists and crew members alike have reported hearing ghostly footsteps and seeing unexplained phenomena on board. Many believe the spirits of former crew members still linger on the ship, adding a supernatural layer to this historical attraction.
8. Cry Baby Bridge (Saraland, near Mobile)
Cry Baby Bridge is a popular haunted location, steeped in local legend. According to the tale, the cries of a baby can be heard under the bridge, especially on quiet nights. The story goes that a tragic event involving a baby’s death occurred here, and the sound of the baby’s cries still haunts the area. This eerie bridge continues to unsettle visitors who brave the silence of the night.
9. Bear Creek Swamp (Autaugaville)
Bear Creek Swamp is a hotspot for ghost stories and paranormal activity. This eerie swamp is known for its floating orbs, phantom cars, and ghostly apparitions that appear to unsuspecting visitors, especially after dark. Brave souls who explore the swamp may encounter inexplicable sights and sounds, adding to its reputation as one of the creepiest places in Alabama.
10. Bass Cemetery (Birmingham)
Dating back to over 150 years ago, Bass Cemetery is said to be haunted by the spirits of Revolutionary War soldiers, murder victims, and restless souls. Those who visit the cemetery at night often report strange orbs and ghostly figures that seem to chase or follow them. This haunting burial ground is shrouded in mystery and is perfect for anyone interested in a spine-chilling paranormal adventure.
Alabama is a treasure trove of creepy, haunted, and mysterious locations, each offering a glimpse into the state’s unsettling past. Whether it’s the industrial hauntings of Sloss Furnaces or the spectral cries under Cry Baby Bridge, these destinations will leave you with more than just a shiver down your spine. If you’re fascinated by the paranormal or the macabre, these 10 places are sure to make your Alabama adventure one you’ll never forget.
Sources
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/Alabama/comments/srl5vq/any_cool_places_for_a_horror_fan_to_visit/
[2] https://alabamanewscenter.com/2023/10/25/5-spooky-places-to-visit-in-alabama/
[3] https://alabama.travel/article/the-most-haunted-places-in-alabama
[4] https://bienvillebitesfoodtour.com/blog/12-haunted-places-in-mobile-alabama/
[5] https://www.alabamahauntedhouses.com/real-haunts/
