You can learn a lot about a place from its ghosts. Here are six places lovers of horror and history need to see in Indiana. The long, fascinating past of the Hoosier state shines through in its many urban legends and specter sightings. You may be more likely to learn something new about Indiana than see a ghost in these flesh at these spooky sites, but don’t say we didn’t warn you. When exploring these destinations, visitors are often struck by the sensation that they’re not alone. If you ask us, that’s a good reason to make sure you bring along a buddy.
- Central State Hospital (Indianapolis)
Sarah Stierch / Flickr
Mizoiss / Wikimedia The Central State Hospital was once The Indiana Hospital for the Insane. What happened within its walls back then, in the period before the reform of psychiatric practice, is more haunting than any of the happenings that have transpired in its halls since. Indeed, it is said to be the spirits of those who suffered and died are said to be responsible for the shadowy entities, strange noises, and other manifestations that have plagued the hospital since. Today, the best way to see the hospital’s vast campus, still mostly abandoned, is to visit the Indiana Medical History Museum, which works to preserve the Central State Hospital’s haunting legacy. The Indiana Medical History Museum is located at 3045 W Vermont St, Indianapolis, IN 46222.
- Avon Haunted Bridge (Avon)
Roberto Santiago Rodriguez / Flickr How many haunted bridges can you name? There are actually more in Indiana than you might expect, but Avon’s bridge is so haunted that it’s changed the community’s daily rituals. Legend has it, a woman and her children fell to their deaths from the bridge. Since then, nearby drivers have reported hearing wailing. So, the tradition goes: As you drive the bridge in Avon, you have to honk your car horn to cover their cries. Brave Indiana adventures, however, might approach the bridge quietly and spend some time listening. If you do, report back what you hear! Avon Haunted Bridge is located near Washington Township Park, 115 McClain Pl, Avon, IN 46123.
- 100 Steps Cemetery (Brazil)
John A. Thorpe / Weebly 100 Steps Cemetery goes by many different names. No matter what you call it, this place is going to give you the shivers. Some visitors claim that, as you climb the steps, you feel the presence of a figure pursuing you. Of course, when you turn around, there’s nothing there. Right? 100 Steps Cemetery is located at 7114-7140 N County Rd 675 W, Brazil, IN 47834.
- Willard Library (Evansville)
Nyttend / Wikicommons The Willard Library is worth a visit simply because it’s the state’s oldest library. Of course, one doesn’t live to be over 100-years-old without getting a ghost or two on the way. In this case, that ghost is The Grey Lady. Appearing in the 1930s and last sighted in 2010, you know the Grey Lady is nearby by the smell of her perfume. She moves books around the library, makes strange noises, and is accompanied by a feeling of cold. The Willard Library is located at 21 N First Ave, Evansville, IN 47710.
- Culbertson Mansion (New Albany)
Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site / Official Facebook
Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site / Official Facebook Culbertson Mansion is, to quote the name of its annual event, “Literally, a Haunted House.” Over almost two centuries, workers at the estate have reported figures walking the hallways, strange noises, and experienced extreme dread while tending the mansion. Many people have refused to work in the carriage house because of experiences that they could not explain. The Culbertson Mansion is a rare example of a house that was preserved because it was haunted. It began hosting its annual Haunted House as part of a fundraising effort to save the mansion from being torn down. They succeeded, and the Culbertson Mansion is now a historic site that’s still standing to spook you today. The Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site is located at 914 E Main St, New Albany, IN 47150
If you’re looking to see what’s haunted in the Hoosier state, these five destinations are a great place to start. But don’t go alone. The most important rule of ghost hunting is that it’s best not to face the creepy without company.
Sarah Stierch / Flickr
Mizoiss / Wikimedia
The Central State Hospital was once The Indiana Hospital for the Insane. What happened within its walls back then, in the period before the reform of psychiatric practice, is more haunting than any of the happenings that have transpired in its halls since. Indeed, it is said to be the spirits of those who suffered and died are said to be responsible for the shadowy entities, strange noises, and other manifestations that have plagued the hospital since. Today, the best way to see the hospital’s vast campus, still mostly abandoned, is to visit the Indiana Medical History Museum, which works to preserve the Central State Hospital’s haunting legacy. The Indiana Medical History Museum is located at 3045 W Vermont St, Indianapolis, IN 46222.
Roberto Santiago Rodriguez / Flickr
How many haunted bridges can you name? There are actually more in Indiana than you might expect, but Avon’s bridge is so haunted that it’s changed the community’s daily rituals. Legend has it, a woman and her children fell to their deaths from the bridge. Since then, nearby drivers have reported hearing wailing. So, the tradition goes: As you drive the bridge in Avon, you have to honk your car horn to cover their cries. Brave Indiana adventures, however, might approach the bridge quietly and spend some time listening. If you do, report back what you hear! Avon Haunted Bridge is located near Washington Township Park, 115 McClain Pl, Avon, IN 46123.
John A. Thorpe / Weebly
100 Steps Cemetery goes by many different names. No matter what you call it, this place is going to give you the shivers. Some visitors claim that, as you climb the steps, you feel the presence of a figure pursuing you. Of course, when you turn around, there’s nothing there. Right? 100 Steps Cemetery is located at 7114-7140 N County Rd 675 W, Brazil, IN 47834.
Nyttend / Wikicommons
The Willard Library is worth a visit simply because it’s the state’s oldest library. Of course, one doesn’t live to be over 100-years-old without getting a ghost or two on the way. In this case, that ghost is The Grey Lady. Appearing in the 1930s and last sighted in 2010, you know the Grey Lady is nearby by the smell of her perfume. She moves books around the library, makes strange noises, and is accompanied by a feeling of cold. The Willard Library is located at 21 N First Ave, Evansville, IN 47710.
Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site / Official Facebook
Culbertson Mansion is, to quote the name of its annual event, “Literally, a Haunted House.” Over almost two centuries, workers at the estate have reported figures walking the hallways, strange noises, and experienced extreme dread while tending the mansion. Many people have refused to work in the carriage house because of experiences that they could not explain. The Culbertson Mansion is a rare example of a house that was preserved because it was haunted. It began hosting its annual Haunted House as part of a fundraising effort to save the mansion from being torn down. They succeeded, and the Culbertson Mansion is now a historic site that’s still standing to spook you today. The Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site is located at 914 E Main St, New Albany, IN 47150
What are your favorite spooky destinations in Indiana? We want to see your photos and hear your stories! Get in touch.
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Address: 21 N First Ave, Evansville, IN 47710, USAAddress: 100 Steps Cemetery, 7114-7140 N County Rd 675 W, Brazil, IN 47834, USAAddress: Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, 914 E Main St, New Albany, IN 47150, USAAddress: Indiana Medical History Museum, 3270 Kirkbride Way, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USAAddress: 115 McClain Pl, Avon, IN 46123, USA
