7 Terrifying Reasons Indiana Just Might Be The Most Haunted State In America
By Elizabeth Crozier|Updated on September 21, 2023(Originally published August 18, 2022)
×
Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Living in Indiana is pretty wonderful. We have gorgeous scenery, small-town charm, delicious restaurants, and natural wonders to impress anyone. Yet there’s another side to this great state of ours, and it’s pretty sinister. Indiana has its fair share of haunted spots that are brimming with paranormal activity. In fact, you may not want to live in the Hoosier State once you learn more about the following seven haunted spots. From cemeteries to historic old buildings, here’s a list of the most haunted places in Indiana.
1. Highland Lawn Cemetery
Highland Lawn Cemetery, 4420 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803, USA
Our list of some of the most haunted places in Indiana begins with Highland Lawn Cemetery. This 140-acre graveyard is known for a ghost story that concerns a phantom dog known as Stiffy Green. The faithful canine so loved his owner that he remained by the man's tomb long after he passed, living off food and water left there by residents of the town. The dog eventually died in the cemetery and his body was stuffed and placed in the casket, and ever since, barks have been heard coming from within. Learn more about this Indiana ghost story...if you dare!
Built in the late 1800s, this house was used to help people escape from slavery through the Underground Railroad. One night, one of the escapees knocked over a lamp and set fire to all the men and women in the basement. The owner of the house buried the bodies beneath the home to hide the evidence, and it is believed that this trapped the spirits inside. Today, this place is open for visitors who wish to learn more about its history. Of course, you may just encounter something otherworldly when you visit this historic and haunted Indiana landmark.
Within the Morgan-Monroe State Forest in Martinsville is a path to this creepy graveyard where many feel an eerie presence. Rumor says the ghost of a mother comes at night and digs up the bones of her dead baby and cradles them before reburying them. One thing's for sure: this Indiana cemetery is a moving - if not chilling - place to visit.
This haunted jail was in operation between 1879 and 1995 and is rumored to hold the spirits of past residents. Yells, moans, and voices warning you to leave are often heard by those who step foot inside this place. This haunted Indiana prison is brimming with intrigue.
5. Whispers Estate
Whispers Estate, 714 W Warren St, Mitchell, IN 47446, USA
Known as one of the most haunted places in America, this home is haunted by the dead orphans and patients who came to live or seek treatment here. There are individual and mass graves in the backyard as well as a doctor's office inside. Those who have been inside reported feeling watched, weird tremors, and door handles being jiggled. Whispers Estate in Indiana is one place you will not want to visit alone!
This absolutely wonderful, short documentary goes over all the creepy details:
6. Elizabethtown Cemetery
Elizabethtown Cemetery 1839, 5463-5345 W 1275 N Rd, Muncie, IN 47303, USA
Situated in one of the state's ghost towns, this graveyard has been known to be active by paranormal investigators. Strange sounds have been caught on tape, and others claim that whatever lurks here can be felt. Learn more about what makes this abandoned town in Indiana so fascinating.
7. Central State Hospital
Indiana Medical History Museum, 3270 Kirkbride Way, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA
Central State Hospital, formerly known as the Indiana Hospital For The Insane, is a particularly troubling destination. As was often the case with old mental health facilities, this asylum did not treat its patients humanely by today's standards. As a result, many died due to the poor methods used. At this building, bodies were buried in mass graves, unmarked, and it is believed that many of their spirits haunt the place to this day. This haunted Indiana hospital carries an unmistakably haunted energy.
What are your thoughts on this list of the most haunted places in Indiana? How many of these sites have you visited? For more like this, check out the scariest and most haunted places to visit in Indiana.
What other haunted places in Indiana do you try to avoid? Share your favorites with us below in the comments.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Haunted places in Indiana
Beth C. |August 23, 2022
What are some other haunted places in Indiana?
The Hoosier State is filled with spooky spots, from seasonal haunted houses to truly terrifying towns. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you'll agree that some of Indiana's most haunted buildings are undeniably chilling. If you're someone who enjoys seeking out paranormal experiences, you'll be thrilled to hear that we've compiled a list of the scariest places in Indiana. We've even put together a road trip itinerary that will take you to the most haunted places in Indiana. Be sure to bring a flashlight -- and a friend -- as you won't want to visit these places alone!
The first stop is the Willard Library in Evansville, home to the famous "Grey Lady," a figure who has been spotted dozens of times. There are even a few police officers who report seeing this famous Indiana ghost.
Another chilling stop on our haunted Indiana road trip is the Story Inn in Nashville. It's here you may encounter the "Blue Lady," a somewhat mischievous ghost that enjoys leaving behind blue items, such as ribbons or buttons.
Does Indiana have any ghost towns?
There's something so alluring about ghost towns, and Indiana has a handful of such places that will undoubtedly spark your curiosity. Elkinsville is a prime example.
Established in the mid-1800s, Elkinsville was eventually evacuated when Lake Monroe was created in 1964.
Today, Elkinsville is sometimes known as "the town that was." If you visit, you'll see a few remnants of town, such as an old bridge and post office. It's a chilling display of an Indiana ghost town to be sure.
