These Haunted Homes Will Let You Stay the Night—If You Dare

An old Missouri farmhouse turned sought-after lodge, the Morse Mill Hotel dates back to 1816, housing well-known names like silent film actress, Clara Bow. But it wasn’t all famous celebrities (or mobsters) that came to the property. Bertha Gifford, considered by many to be one of the nation’s first female serial killers, not only lived here but worked on the premises, too. And during that time, she was said to have killed 17 victims with arsenic-infused chocolates. Today, people have documented hearing unknown footsteps and feeling something touch them—even when nothing is there. Overnight stays aren’t available until next spring when renovations are complete, but for the time being, you can start preparing here.

Related: How We Haunt Our Own Homes

Known as Savannah’s premier bed and breakfast, the Foley House Inn was built by Honoria Foley in the 1800s after the previous building went up in flames during the Great Savannah Fire of 1889. Bones were later found inside a wall during construction several years later, leading many to believe that someone was murdered and the killer tried to cover up the crime. There are also tales of a figure decked out in a top hat walking around the premises and unidentified noises that occur in the evening hours. But the rooms are charming and luxurious—so, there’s that. Interested? Check here for availability. 

Related: 10 Most Haunted Places in Savannah  

In June of 1912, J.B. Moore and his wife Sarah along with their four children and two houseguests, the Stillinger sisters, were found murdered inside this Iowa home. It’s called the Villisca Axe Murder House because the killer, who was never found, used a hatchet on each victim. Those brave enough to step foot into the home today have felt cold spots throughout the property; others claim to have made contact with the ghost children in the upstairs bedrooms. Overnight stays are from 4:00 P.M.–9:30 A.M. and reservations are required in advance. Visitors who want to stay on the nights of the actual murders (June 9-10) are entered into a lottery to win access. But remember to bring your sleeping bags, as this isn’t your typical 5-star hotel with full accommodations.

On the outside, Captain Grant’s 1754 in Preston, Connecticut looks like a typical New England nature retreat, surrounded by miles of greenery. But its eerie past lingers. The ghost of Captain Grant’s wife has been known to lurk at the foot of beds, longing for her husband who was lost at sea. If a sad spirit doesn’t frighten when you’re trying to get some shuteye, the Poquetanuck Village’s first cemetery is located right across the street. The floating mist of a young girl out there tends to move its way inside the inn from time to time, too. Set up your reservation here if you dare. 

Related: Do You Want to Own This Haunted House in Texas? 

Another getaway that is nothing like it seems, the Shamrock House in Rocky Bottom, South Carolina is an outdoors lover’s dream. Only thing is that there’s a ghost named Nancy that refuses to leave. Back in the 1920s, Nancy killed herself in a guest room so she wouldn’t have to perform her duties as the “upstairs entertainment.” Many who have stayed since claim to hear her crying while the lights flicker on and off and doors slam shut. If you’re not afraid of things that go bump in the night, call to make a reservation: 843-744-2863. 

Originally an office and the residence of a local doctor, this Atchison home became a frightening torture chamber. The Sallie House is named after the young girl the doctor performed appendix surgery on before her anesthesia kicked in. She died in agony and now the ghost of the dead child can be found throughout the home. Fires erupt out of nowhere and physical harm has been done to some men who stayed here. Work up your nerve for an overnight visit starting with a tour of the house. Call 913-367-2427 to make arrangements. 

Lizzie Borden will be forever linked to the brutal axe murder of her father and stepmother inside their Massachusetts home—even though Lizzie was not convicted of the crime. Now, the infamous Fall River house has been turned into the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, which allows guests to stay in any of the bedrooms. You can even stay in the John Morse room, where Abbey Borden was found bludgeoned to death. Some have experienced sheets snatched from their beds while sleeping and objects moving about on their own. And if that’s not enough, there are ghost cameras located throughout the residence, capturing shadowy figures in the dark. See for yourself by making a reservation here. 

Related: Lizzie Borden's Home Could Now Be Yours ... If You Dare  

Featured photo: Realtor.com; Additional photos: Mysterious Heartland, Alchetron, Jennifer Kirkland / Flickr (CC), Captain Grant's 1754, VRBO, Sallie House 

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