If you’re looking for the most haunted places in Kentucky, we have some infamous locations near Springfield, KY, including historic buildings in Bardstown and Civil War battlefields. While some may save these spooky stories for fall and Halloween, there’s no special time on the calendar to seek out chills and thrills. With such a rich and compelling history, including significant Civil War battles, there is a long list of haunted places in Kentucky to explore.
One of the most popular stops on a haunted tour of Kentucky is the Battle of Perryville Civil War battlefield. Among all the Civil War battlefields in Kentucky, the one in Perryville is considered the most destructive. This battle is recognized as the South’s last major attempt to capture the state, resulting in over 7,600 soldiers being wounded, killed, or reported missing. A comprehensive museum at the Perryville site narrates the story of this pivotal battle, and you can learn more about this landmark, which is designated as one of the most haunted places in Kentucky.
The Perryville Battle State Historic Site is just around 20 minutes from our Bed and Breakfast in Kentucky, which is one of the unique places to stay—especially for those who crave the possibility of witnessing a paranormal experience first-hand. While all of the mysterious events at our B&B have been non-threatening, we have encountered strange noises and knocking in the night, unexplained voices, and a few sightings of a lady dressed in white. Join us at the Historic Maple Hill Manor and book your lodging today!
Haunted Places in Kentucky: Battlefields, B&Bs, and More
If you’ve started researching haunted places in Kentucky, you’ve likely already seen that the Bluegrass State is quite a hotspot for paranormal sightings and unexplained events. As a guest at our bed and breakfast near Bardstown, you’ll be in an excellent location to explore these landmarks and businesses.
Here are a few of the most haunted places in Kentucky near our B&B in Bardstown:
- My Old Kentucky Home State Park: This iconic state park, also known as Federal Hill, has a reputation for hauntings. The estate has witnessed several tragedies, including a cholera epidemic in 1833, and visitors have reported ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena over the years. The “Shadows of Federal Hill” is a popular annual event at My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown, Kentucky, offering guests a ghost tour of the historic mansion.
- The Jailer’s Inn: This unique lodging establishment once served as the Nelson County Jail from 1797 to 1987. The front building, constructed in 1819, and the back jail, added in 1874, are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The inn has garnered a reputation for paranormal activity, with reports of eerie footsteps and whispers, leading the Travel Channel to name it one of the most haunted places in Kentucky.
- Old Talbot Tavern: Established in 1779, this tavern is renowned for its rich history and numerous ghostly tales. Notably, the infamous outlaw Jesse James is said to haunt the premises; legend has it that during a stay, he fired shots into the walls, leaving bullet holes that remain visible today. Guests and staff have reported sightings of a “lady in white” apparition, unexplained movements of objects, mysterious orbs of light,
- Battle of Perryville: This historic battlefield was the site of a significant Civil War clash in Kentucky in 1862. Today, many visitors find it fascinating for its historical importance and the reports of mysterious activity. Guests have shared experiences of seeing ghostly figures resembling soldiers, some even on horseback, and curious glowing lights around the field.
A few of Kentucky’s most notoriously haunted places are in Louisville, about an hour or so from our bed and breakfast.
- Waverly Hills Sanitorium: Established in 1910 in Louisville, this landmark originally served as a tuberculosis hospital and is now recognized for its distinctive Tudor Gothic architecture and hauntings. Today, it attracts numerous visitors as one of the most haunted places in Kentucky, who are interested in its rich history, architectural significance, and reports of paranormal activity.
- Camp Taylor: This military camp experienced a severe influenza outbreak between 1917 and 1918, leading to numerous soldier fatalities. Today, the area is considered one of the most haunted places in Kentucky, with reports of ghostly apparitions.
- Cave Hill Cemetery: Established in 1848, this historic cemetery is the resting place for soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies who fought in the Civil War. Visitors have shared stories of seeing gentle glowing lights, feeling cool breezes, and hearing whispers, creating an intriguing experience for the whole family.
Unique Places to Stay in Kentucky: Historic Maple Hill Manor
Our historic Greek Revival plantation home was built in 1851 by Thomas Irvine McElroy as a wedding gift for his bride, Sarah Jane Maxwell. The nearly 7,000-square-foot manor features Italianate details, 14-foot ceilings, 12-foot doorways, 9-foot windows, and a grand cherry floating spiral staircase. It has served various roles throughout its history, including an antebellum plantation, a Confederate encampment and Union field hospital during the Civil War, and a foster home for over 300 children.
This rich history has perhaps added to the possible paranormal incidences we and our select guests have encountered over the years. One of the more recent mysteries occurred two different times when guests stayed in the Harriet Beecher Stowe Room (pictured above). In the middle of the night, both of these guests heard a strong rap at the door, but no one was there when they looked in the hall. They told us about it, and we checked the hallway camera, and no one was on the video either. It remains a mystery we hope to have solved when a group of ghost enthusiasts come to film and see if they catch anything unusual.
We offer seven guest rooms and ample space to spread out and relax. In the morning, join us for a delicious breakfast before heading out on your adventure, and otherwise, get ready to enjoy some classic Kentucky hospitality. Our Bed and Breakfast in Kentucky is a fantastic respite for couples looking to get away, take a break, and have a little fun together. Fun can come in all forms, and for some that means exploring the most haunted places in Kentucky! Book your room today.
