The 6 Most Haunted Places In Indiana

Step into the eerie world of Indiana’s most haunted places, where the line between the living and the departed blurs into a spine-tingling thrill. The Hoosier State, known for its scenic beauty and historic charm, also hides a darker side beneath its picturesque landscapes. Ghostly tales and unexplained phenomena lurk in corners of Indiana, waiting to send shivers down your spine.

Indiana’s haunted sites offer a unique thrill—an adrenaline rush like no other. As the sun sets and shadows lengthen, these places come alive with whispers of ghostly apparitions, creaking floorboards, and ghostly giggles. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, the thrill of the unknown can’t be denied.

In this article, we’ll take you on a chilling journey through some of Indiana’s most notorious haunted locations. From the infamous 100 Step Cemetery, where restless spirits roam among the tombstones, to the eerie corridors of the Allison Mansion, where echoes of the past refuse to fade away, you’ll discover the spine-chilling stories that have made these places infamous.

Allison Mansion (Indianapolis)

Allison Mansion, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a historic landmark with a reputation for being haunted. Built in 1911 by James Allison, a prominent automobile manufacturer, this beautiful mansion has a rich history that contributes to its eerie allure. The mansion is situated within the Marian University campus at 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222. While it serves as a campus building today, it’s important to note that the mansion’s primary function has changed over the years.

The haunting stories associated with Allison Mansion primarily revolve around the spirit of a little girl who allegedly drowned in the basement pool of the building. People have reported hearing mysterious footsteps, doors opening and closing on their own, and feeling cold spots throughout the mansion. Some have even claimed to see apparitions and experience unexplained phenomena, adding to the mansion’s eerie reputation.

Visitors and students at Marian University have the opportunity to experience Allison Mansion, as it is part of the campus. However, whether one will encounter any paranormal activity during their visit is purely a matter of chance. The university does not promote the mansion as a haunted attraction. But those interested in history and the supernatural may find it a captivating place to explore. It’s important to respect the campus’s rules and regulations when visiting.

100 Step Cemetery (Brazil)

Nestled in the quiet town of Brazil, Indiana, 100 Steps Cemetery is a place steeped in chilling legends and ghostly tales. This eerie burial ground has earned a reputation as one of Indiana’s most haunted locations, captivating both thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. The cemetery is located in the 700 block of North Country Road in Brazil near the Cloverland township.

The haunting stories associated with 100 Steps Cemetery are centered around a mysterious phenomenon that occurs when visitors climb the staircase leading to the graveyard. According to local lore, as one ascends, counting the steps, they should reach 100. However, when descending, the count mysteriously drops to 99. Many attribute this spectral alteration to the restless spirit of the cemetery’s original undertaker. Other versions of the story state that if you reach the top of the steps, you’ll see a ghost which will give you a vision of your impending death. But if you walk down the stairs and count 100 steps again, you will not perish as predicted.

Visitors flock to 100 Steps Cemetery in the hopes of experiencing paranormal encounters. Numerous reports describe seeing unexplained apparitions, hearing eerie voices, and feeling an overwhelming sense of foreboding. Some even claim to have captured inexplicable phenomena in photographs and audio recordings, further solidifying the cemetery’s haunted status.

While 100 Steps Cemetery is open to the public, it is essential to approach this site with caution. The cemetery is situated in a remote, wooded area, making navigation challenging, especially after nightfall. No official tours or guides are available. So, visitors have to explore and experience the eerie atmosphere on their own. It’s also worth noting that the cemetery closes from dusk until dawn.

Haunted Bridge (Avon)

The Haunted Bridge in Avon, Indiana, is a local legend steeped in chilling tales and eerie experiences. Located in Hendricks County, this notorious bridge can be found in Washington Township Park.

The haunting stories surrounding the Avon Haunted Bridge primarily revolve around a tragic accident that occurred decades ago. According to local lore, a young couple was driving across the bridge one fateful night. Their car crashed into the water below, leading to their untimely demise. It is believed that the spirits of the ill-fated couple continue to linger at the bridge. Thus, it became a hotspot for paranormal activity.

Visitors come to the Haunted Bridge in hopes of encountering the supernatural. Reports of ghostly encounters abound, including sightings of shadowy figures, mysterious apparitions, and eerie whispers. Many claim to have felt an inexplicable drop in temperature as they cross the bridge, even on warm summer nights, further contributing to its haunted reputation.

The Avon Haunted Bridge is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its eerie ambiance. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution, particularly when visiting after dark. The bridge is located in a secluded area with limited lighting, which can make navigation challenging. There are no formal tours or guides. Visitors are left to uncover the mysteries of this haunted locale on their own.

University of Notre Dame du Lac (South Bend)

The University of Notre Dame du Lac, situated in pleasant South Bend, Indiana, boasts a rich history dating back to 1842. Known for its exceptional educational programs and renowned sports center, the university also has a ghostly legend associated with it. Countless stories have circulated over the years about a ghost haunting Washington Hall, a prominent building on the campus.

The ghost is believed to be none other than George ‘Gripper’ Gipp, a former football player at the university. Tragically, Gipp contracted a fatal case of pneumonia, which ultimately claimed his life. The legend goes that Gipp spent a night sleeping on the steps of Washington Hall instead of returning to his dorm, a choice that led to his untimely demise.

Numerous eerie occurrences have been reported within Washington Hall, contributing to its haunted reputation. Witnesses have claimed to witness lightbulbs unscrewing themselves, unexplained sounds of footsteps echoing through the hallways, and doors mysteriously slamming shut. Some have even reported hearing haunting melodies, including the haunting notes of a trumpet playing.

Interestingly, the trumpet playing is believed to be attributed to a different spirit, separate from George Gipp. The combination of these supernatural experiences has turned Washington Hall into a hotspot for those interested in the paranormal.

The University of Notre Dame is an active educational institution, welcoming students and visitors alike. While the university does not officially promote the haunting of Washington Hall, curious individuals may visit and explore the campus. Washington Hall, located at the heart of the university at Holy Cross Dr, Notre Dame, IN 46556, remains a place where history, academics, and the supernatural intersect, providing an opportunity for those intrigued by ghostly tales to experience the mysterious ambiance of this legendary campus building.

Willard Library (Evansville)

The Willard Library, established in 1885, stands as a historic landmark in Evansville, Indiana. In 1936, reports of paranormal activity surfaced, causing it to gain a haunted reputation, despite its initial renown for its impressive collection and educational services. The catalyst for these tales was a maintenance worker who abruptly resigned. They allegedly cited an encounter with the enigmatic “Grey Lady” as his reason for departure. He described her as wearing clothing reminiscent of the library’s opening era, leaving her true identity shrouded in mystery.

The Grey Lady’s spectral appearances have been documented on multiple occasions, captured by cameras within the library. These ghostly sightings have only fueled the intrigue surrounding the Willard Library. Witnesses have reported experiencing cold spots in various areas of the library, where the temperature inexplicably drops, despite no logical explanation. Additionally, some visitors have detected the unmistakable scent of perfume wafting through the air, despite no one present wearing it.

The Willard Library, located at 21 First Avenue, Evansville, IN 47710, continues to welcome the public, offering access to its extensive collection of books and resources. While the library does not actively promote its reputation for being haunted, visitors often arrive with a curiosity to experience the mysterious phenomena for themselves. It remains a place where history, literature, and the supernatural converge, providing a unique opportunity for those interested in exploring the unexplained mysteries that surround the Grey Lady and the Willard Library.

The Story Inn (Nashville)

Nestled in the charming town of Story, Indiana, the Story Inn has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1851 by Dr. George Story. Originally a thriving community with various establishments including a schoolhouse, general stores, a sawmill, a post office, a church, and more, Story saw prosperous days until the Great Depression. For decades, the town lay abandoned, until preservationists decided to revive it. While restoring the structures, they aimed to retain the town’s unique and original character.

Today, the inn offers guests a step back in time. The rooms and cottages are intentionally devoid of modern distractions like radios, televisions, and clocks, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the ambiance of the 19th century American Midwest. While the accommodations have some modern amenities such as electricity and running water, the furnishings and décor maintain a rustic, historical charm.

The Story Inn is not only known for its rich history and period-appropriate setting but also for its paranormal activity. Numerous guests and staff members have reported encounters with the “Blue Lady,” believed to be Dr. George Story’s wife. The former Garden Room, now named after the Blue Lady, is a focal point for these encounters. Visitors are told they can summon her by turning on the blue light in the room. Witnesses claim to have seen her, described her as having blue eyes, and even detected the scent of cherry tobacco, believed to be her favorite when she was alive.

The Story Inn welcomes guests to experience its unique blend of history, rustic charm, and ghostly tales. Located at 6404 IN-135, Nashville, IN 47448, it continues to draw those intrigued by the Blue Lady and the rich history of the town of Story, offering a memorable and potentially eerie experience for all who visit.