Tennessee is known for its whiskey, vibrant music scene and beautiful scenery, but did you know it’s also known as one of the most haunted states in the USA? Get in the Halloween spirit with a look at the 7 spookiest places in Tennessee.
Tennessee State Prison
Nashville, Tennessee
Video credit: TNECD
Tennessee State Penitentiary, a former prison near downtown Nashville, is famous for appearing in the movie The Green Mile and two Eric Church music videos. Built in 1898, this castle-like prison was in operation for nearly 100 years before closing in 1992 due to overcrowding. In use throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the prison housed some of Tennessee’s most dangerous criminals and was known for riots and escapes. Past inmates have reported hearing cell bars clanging, blood-curdling screams, and what appear to be footsteps echoing through the hallways, cementing the Old Tennessee State Penitentiary as one of the scariest places in Tennessee.
Although the Tennessee State Penitentiary is popular among haunted enthusiasts, it is closed to the public due to its dangerous conditions and entry is prohibited.
Loretta Lynn’s Ranch
Hurricane Mills, Tennessee
Video credit: TNECD
Located just west of Nashville, country music star Loretta Lynn’s historic 1800s home has a spooky backstory. The property is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of a deceased Civil War soldier, a young woman grieving the loss of her child, and the property’s former owner. Loretta and her family reported strange occurrences while they lived in the home, including ghostly visitations, strange sightings, and unexplained noises. After investigating, the family discovered that these reports matched up with the history of the property. The ranch sits on the site of a Civil War battle, and more than 18 Confederate soldiers are said to be buried on the property.
Loretta Lynn’s Ranch offers guided tours every day except Mondays and Tuesdays. Visitors can explore multiple museums, a campground and two gift shops. For more information, visit lorettalynnranch.net.
Bell Witch Cave
Adams, Tennessee
Photo credit: Bell Witch Cave
Few paranormal occurrences in American history are as well documented as the Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee. John Bell was a farmer who lived in Robertson County with his wife and children in the 1800s. One day, the family began experiencing paranormal-like phenomena, including strange animals roaming the property and hearing eerie noises in the shed. Eventually, the presence turned out to be the witch of Kate Batts, a former neighbor who believed she had been cheated by John Bell in her land purchase.
Over the next few years, the Bell Witch tormented the family, especially John’s youngest daughter, Betsy, who was beaten unconscious. In 1820, John died of a mysterious illness and his death was blamed on the Bell Witch, making Tennessee the only state to attribute deaths to the supernatural. Strange occurrences continued to occur in and around the town of Adams, and many visitors to the cave claim to have seen or felt the presence of the witch.
Bell Witch Cave is open Friday through Sunday during October with extended hours leading up to Halloween. Special lantern tours are offered by reservation nightly, Sunday through Thursday in October and November 1-5. For up-to-date information on hours and special events, visit bellwitchcave.com.
Orpheum Theatre
Memphis, Tennessee
Photo credit: Orpheum Theatre
Legend has it that in 1921, a 12-year-old girl named Mary died in a car accident in front of Memphis’ Orpheum Theatre, but her spirit remained there. Over the years, guests have claimed to have seen Mary sitting quietly in her favorite seat in the balcony, C5, wearing a 1920s-style white dress, or dancing in the hallway. She was also known to play childish pranks on housekeepers, including slamming doors, flicking lights, and hiding tools.
Tours are available year-round, based on availability, on select Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm. For more information and a schedule of tour dates, visit orpheum-memphis.com.
Shiloh National Military Park
Shiloh, Tennessee
Photo credit: National Park Service
The Battle of Shiloh was one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War. In fact, it was the bloodiest battle in American history at the time, as it resulted in 23,000 casualties. Though the park covers over 5,000 acres, Shiloh National Cemetery is said to be the most haunted. More than 3,500 Civil War soldiers are buried in this cemetery, of which around 2,400 are unidentified and unnamed. If you listen carefully, you might hear the faint sounds of muskets and drums, as well as the voices of soldiers in the distance. A nearby pond is also said to suddenly turn red, an eerie phenomenon caused by the blood of the dead soldiers and horses that once lay in the water.
Shiloh Battlefield and the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center have large exhibit spaces with a variety of displays and films. If you prefer a self-guided tour, the National Park Service has created a 12.7-mile driving route with 22 stops. More information here.
Brushy Mountain State Prison
Petros, Tennessee
Video credit: TNECD
Opened in 1896 and in operation for over 100 years, Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary was Tennessee’s first maximum security prison. No executions have ever been carried out here, but many have died from working in the mines or from violence at the hands of fellow inmates. This allegedly haunted Tennessee prison closed in 2009 and is famously the site of an escape attempt by James Earl Ray, who shot and killed the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1977. Ray and six other escapees were apprehended within an eight-mile perimeter of the prison less than three days later. Even today, the prison remains a spooky destination for paranormal thrill-seekers, with visitors reporting being touched, shoved, scratched, and even groaned at.
Brushy Mountain State Prison is a unique destination with prison tours, a distillery, gift shop, paranormal tours, concerts and other events. Public, private and self-guided prison tours run from April through November, while paranormal tours run from December through March. For more information, visit tourbrushy.com.
Historic Scott County Jail
Huntsville, Tennessee
Photo credit: Historic Scott County Jail
Built in 1904, this former jail housed some of Scott County’s most dangerous inmates. With a history that includes an unsolved sheriff’s murder, the walls of the historic Scott County Jail are packed with stories to tell. Today, the jail is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a three-story crime history and law enforcement appreciation museum and escape game.
The museum is open during daylight hours on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but offers nighttime flashlight tours, guided ghost hunts and private paranormal investigations. For more information, visit historicscottcojail.com.
