Top 5 Most Haunted Places in Massachusetts

Granary Burying Ground is one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States and remains one of the most haunted places in Massachusetts. Established in 1660, it is the final resting place for several key figures from American history, including Paul Revere, John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Located along Boston’s Freedom Trail®, the cemetery draws thousands of visitors each year for its deep historical roots and the ghost stories that continue to circulate.

Many visitors describe strange experiences while walking through the grounds. Some hear whispers that seem to come from nowhere or the sound of footsteps crunching gravel when no one else is around. Sudden cold breezes are often felt, even on warm days. One commonly reported spirit is a woman dressed in Colonial clothing who appears to glide silently among the headstones before vanishing near the tomb of James Otis.

Granary Burying Ground sits near the area where public executions once took place on Boston Common. Some believe that history contributes to the energy felt around the cemetery. Photographs taken here often include unexplained mists, glowing orbs or streaks of light. Paranormal investigators have documented unusual readings, mysterious audio recordings, and unexpected equipment failures during their visits.

Even in daylight, many guests describe a sense of unease, especially near the Revere family plot. While it is a place of honor and remembrance, the atmosphere at Granary Burying Ground suggests there may still be stories left unfinished. Its combination of historical significance and frequent unexplained activity continues to earn it a spot among the most haunted places in Massachusetts.

The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River is known for one of the most infamous and unsettling crimes in American history. In 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were murdered with a hatchet inside their home. Their daughter, Lizzie, was accused of the crime and later acquitted, but public fascination with the case never faded. Today, the house is a functioning bed-and-breakfast and museum, allowing guests to step directly into the scene of the mystery.

Visitors who stay overnight or take a tour often report eerie activity. Footsteps are frequently heard on the stairs when no one is around, and doors have been known to open and close on their own. In the guest bedroom where Abby Borden was killed, guests sometimes feel a sudden weight press down beside them on the bed. The parlor, where Andrew was found, is known for cold spots and unexplained flickering lights, even when electrical systems have been inspected and cleared.

Paranormal investigators have documented fluctuations in temperature and electromagnetic fields throughout the home. The basement, in particular, is a focus of unusual readings. Staff members have shared personal accounts of hearing whispers, seeing shadows move across rooms, and walking into areas that suddenly feel ice cold.

The Lizzie Borden House has become one of the most haunted places in Massachusetts and continues to attract travelers from around the country. It appeals to those drawn to true crime, the paranormal or a deeper understanding of the past. With its preserved interiors and long history of reported encounters, the house offers an unforgettable look into a story that still raises questions more than a century later.

Old Burying Point Cemetery, also known as Charter Street Cemetery, is one of the oldest cemeteries in Massachusetts and an essential stop for anyone exploring the most haunted places in Massachusetts. Established in 1637, it holds deep ties to the Salem witch trials and is the final resting place of several prominent figures from that era, including Judge John Hathorne. Hathorne was one of the lead magistrates during the trials and is known for never showing regret for his role in the tragic events.

Visitors frequently report strange activity while walking through the cemetery. Some have seen shadowy figures among the gravestones, while others experience sudden cold gusts of air despite calm weather. Emotional changes, like a feeling of sadness or unease, often come on without warning. Many guests describe technical difficulties with cameras and cell phones, and some photographs have captured unexplained blurs or glowing shapes. A commonly told story involves a cloaked figure walking slowly along the rear wall of the cemetery before vanishing into the trees.

The cemetery sits beside the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, adding to the emotional weight of the location. It is a frequent stop on haunted walking tours, where guides share accounts of personal experiences and retell historical moments tied to the site. Though centuries have passed since the witch trials, the energy in this space continues to feel active and heavy.

Old Burying Point Cemetery remains one of the most haunted places in Massachusetts because of its direct connection to one of the darkest chapters in the state’s history. Its continued activity and significance draw in thousands of curious travelers every year, many of whom leave with stories of their own.

The Witch House is one of the most historically significant and most haunted places in Massachusetts. It is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 witch trials. The home once belonged to Judge Jonathan Corwin, who played a central role in the accusations and decisions that shaped that tragic chapter in Colonial history.

Visitors stepping inside today often describe a heavy, almost oppressive feeling in the air. Even in the summer months, cold spots are reported throughout the house. Many guests have said they felt as if someone was watching them while they walked through the rooms. The artifacts and furnishings from the 17th century create an authentic setting that can feel uncomfortably real for some.

Guides have shared their own strange experiences, such as soft tapping on windows or doors when no one else is around. Lights have flickered without cause, and whispers have been heard in otherwise empty rooms. Guests frequently mention a sense of sadness or unease that sets in as they move through the space, especially near the courtroom area where judgments would have been made.

Now operating as a public museum, the Witch House continues to attract visitors who want to understand Salem’s past beyond what is written in textbooks. For many, it is more than just a building with historical value. It is a place where the weight of injustice can still be felt. As one of the most haunted places in Massachusetts, the Witch House offers a chilling and unforgettable glimpse into the lasting echoes of one of the country’s darkest moments.

The Bridgewater Triangle is one of the most haunted places in Massachusetts. Covering approximately 200 square miles in the southeastern part of the state, this area includes the towns of Rehoboth, Freetown and Taunton. For decades, it has been known for its wide range of unexplained activity. Ghost sightings, strange creatures, unidentified flying objects and unusual lights in the sky have all been reported here.

At the heart of the Triangle is Hockomock Swamp, a place the Wampanoag people considered sacred. Many believe that this area holds strong spiritual energy, which may help explain the frequency and variety of paranormal encounters. Visitors have reported glowing figures moving through the woods and the sound of distant drumbeats that fade as quickly as they begin. Wildlife in the region is also known to behave strangely, with some animals appearing startled or refusing to enter certain areas.

Another focal point is the Freetown-Fall River State Forest. It has been the setting for disturbing stories, including tales of cult activity, missing persons and creatures moving unnaturally through the trees. Even seasoned hikers have spoken of sudden disorientation or the distinct feeling of being watched. Reports from the forest often include equipment failure, unexplained noises and sightings of shadowy figures that disappear into the brush.

The Bridgewater Triangle remains one of the most studied and discussed paranormal regions in the country. Because of its sheer size and the diverse types of activity reported, it continues to attract researchers and thrill seekers alike. For those interested in the supernatural side of the state, it is undeniably one of the most haunted places in Massachusetts. Each visit holds the potential for a new experience, and each story adds to the growing mystery of this strange and compelling part of New England.

• Access and hours vary. Some of the most haunted places in Massachusetts are open to the public daily, while others have seasonal hours, limited access, or require advance reservations. Museums and historical homes may close for private events, renovations, or holidays, so it’s always best to check the official website or call ahead before your visit.
• Many sites are active businesses. Several haunted hotels and inns on this list continue to host overnight guests. If you’re visiting a location that operates as a hotel, be respectful of guests, staff and posted guidelines. While some allow walk-in visits or daytime tours, others may limit access to preserve the comfort and privacy of those staying on the property.
• Public locations still deserve privacy. Cemeteries, public parks, and memorial sites are places of reflection and remembrance. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially when visiting at night or during self-guided ghost walks. Stay on designated paths, avoid touching grave markers and always follow local rules and regulations.
• Ghost tours enhance the experience. Booking a professional ghost tour can provide valuable historical context, insider knowledge and access to locations not typically open to the public. Ghosts & Gravestones® offers immersive storytelling and guided access to some of the most haunted places in Massachusetts, including exclusive after-dark visits that heighten the atmosphere and uncover stories not told during the day.

• Bring your camera and an open mind. Paranormal activity is unpredictable, but many guests leave with strange photos, unexplainable sounds on recordings or simply a story they never expected to tell. Keep your phone or camera ready, especially in areas known for visual anomalies. Just remember, experiencing the unknown often means staying curious and respectful of what you may not fully understand.

The most haunted places in Massachusetts reveal a side of the state that goes beyond museum exhibits and classroom history. These locations continue to draw visitors not just for their rich past, but for the eerie sense that something unexplained still lingers. From the streets of Salem to the rooms of Boston’s oldest hotels, the stories and sightings have become part of the state’s legacy.

Massachusetts does not shy away from its haunted history. Instead, it embraces it. These places are carefully preserved, researched and explored, inviting curious travelers to witness a past that still makes its presence known. Whether you are a believer, a skeptic or simply fascinated by history, these sites offer more than a quick thrill. They offer a chance to stand in the places where history and mystery come together.

For a deeper look into the most haunted places in Massachusetts, consider booking a tour with Ghosts & Gravestones®. With knowledgeable guides and access to some of the region’s most active paranormal hot spots, these tours bring the state’s haunted history to life in unforgettable ways. Every story shared, every creaking floorboard and every unexplained chill adds to the experience. And for many, it is an experience they will never forget.