Virginia may be full of charming towns and scenic mountains, but it also has a darker side that history lovers, thrill-seekers, and ghost hunters will find fascinating.
From haunted mansions to mysterious caves and eerie graveyards, the state has no shortage of creepy spots to explore. If you’re drawn to the macabre, here are 11 spine-chilling places in Virginia you won’t want to miss.
1. St. Albans Sanatorium – Radford
Once a boys’ school and later a psychiatric hospital, this decaying building is now known for ghost tours, paranormal investigations, and a history filled with tragedy. Visitors have reported everything from shadow figures to unexplained sounds.
2. Hollywood Cemetery – Richmond
Not just a resting place for presidents and Confederate generals, this historic cemetery is also known for its ghost stories. One famous tale is about the “Richmond Vampire” — said to live in a mausoleum beneath the earth.
3. The Exchange Hotel – Gordonsville
Used as a Civil War hospital, this old inn is now a museum — but many believe the spirits of soldiers and patients still walk the halls. It’s a popular site for paranormal tours and ghost hunts.
4. Bunnyman Bridge – Fairfax County
This urban legend centers around a man in a rabbit costume said to haunt a secluded bridge. While the tale might sound silly, locals swear by strange happenings in the area — especially around Halloween.
5. Colonial Williamsburg’s Ghost Walk – Williamsburg
Take a guided tour through this historic town by lantern light and hear chilling stories of restless spirits, unexplained footsteps, and haunted colonial buildings. The town’s rich and often violent history makes it a ghostly hotspot.
6. Bacon’s Castle – Surry
Dating back to the 1600s, Bacon’s Castle is one of the oldest buildings in Virginia — and it’s said to be filled with ghostly voices and shadowy figures. The house was even featured on Ghost Hunters.
7. Western State Hospital Ruins – Staunton
Now partially converted into apartments, this former insane asylum’s abandoned parts are still creepy enough to send chills down your spine. Its long, tragic history makes it a must-see for fans of the eerie.
8. Meems Bottom Covered Bridge – Mount Jackson
This peaceful-looking bridge has a dark tale behind it — including stories of hangings and ghostly sightings. At night, many say they’ve heard footsteps or seen figures that vanish without a trace.
9. Natural Bridge’s Haunted History Tours – Natural Bridge
The area around Natural Bridge isn’t just beautiful — it’s deeply haunted. Local guides offer tours that explore Native American history, mysterious deaths, and eerie sightings along the trails and riverbanks.
10. Cold Harbor Battlefield – Mechanicsville
This Civil War battlefield saw some of the war’s most brutal fighting. Visitors often report ghostly apparitions of soldiers, sudden cold spots, and distant sounds of gunfire echoing across the field.
11. Patsy Cline’s Haunted House – Winchester
The childhood home of the famous country singer is now a museum — but visitors and staff have experienced flickering lights, strange sounds, and even sightings of a woman in vintage clothing.
Virginia’s past is full of war, tragedy, and ghost stories — all of which leave behind traces that you can still feel today. If you enjoy the thrill of creepy legends and mysterious sights, these 11 places will give you plenty of goosebumps and unforgettable memories.
SOURCES
- (https://www.virginia.org/blog/post/virginias-haunted-sites/)
- (https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/virginia)
- (https://southsidedaily.com/abandoned-places-in-virginia/)
