A Spooky Travel Guide for Healthcare Pros
Do you ever feel like you’re not alone on a night shift? The loud noise of people rushing around is gone, the halls are hushed and any creak makes you look over your shoulder. From abandoned hospitals with dark histories, to old asylums where spirits still roam, these haunted spots will make you appreciate your quiet night shift a little more. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, some places have stories that are just too chilling to ignore. Are you ready to explore places where the past still lingers?
Let’s jump into the Top 5 Haunted Hospitals you need to visit—if you dare!
1. Waverly Hills Sanatorium | Louisville, Kentucky
In the early 1900s, Jefferson County faced a devastating outbreak of tuberculosis, leading to the construction of Waverly Hills Sanatorium, a facility designed to treat those afflicted and contain the disease. Today, this abandoned hospital stands as a chilling reminder of its past. Here visitors can explore its eerie halls and potentially encounter former patients who are said to still roam the building. Along with its ghostly inhabitants, Waverly Hills offers a chance to dive into its dark history, by touring the infamous “body chute,” a 525-foot tunnel once used to discreetly transport the deceased from the sanatorium.
Paranormal investigations at Waverly Hills Sanatorium have revealed a multitude of eerie phenomena, including unsettling noises, flickering lights, and unexpected encounters with full-bodied apparitions. Among the most notable is the spirit of a compassionate nurse, believed to tend to the lingering souls of former patients – which adds to the site’s haunting atmosphere. This unique blend of history and hauntings makes it an enthralling destination for both history buffs and ghost hunters alike.
2. Rolling Hills Asylum | East Bethany, New York
Originally opened in 1826 as the Genesee County Poorhouse, the Rolling Hills Asylum has a long and unsettling history providing shelter to orphans, impoverished families, and the mentally ill. As time progressed, it expanded into an asylum for those deemed “insane.” The shadows of its dark past still linger today, echoing the struggles of those who once sought refuge within its walls. The asylum’s legacy is scarred by harrowing tales of neglect, mistreatment, and the inhumane conditions many residents endured, creating an atmosphere thick with sorrow, unrest, and the weight of countless untold stories.
As night falls, the haunting presence of ghostly figures becomes palpable, with visitors often reporting encounters with shadow forms that roam the desolate halls. Most notably, Roy, a towering 7-foot-tall shadow figure believed to be a former resident, commands attention. Despite his imposing stature, many who have crossed paths with Roy describe him as one of the more “friendly” spirits haunting Rolling Hills. He is frequently spotted observing those who dare to explore his domain and a curious sense of calm washes over those who feel his presence, as if he is a benevolent guardian of the asylum’s storied past. This mysterious connection adds a layer of warmth to the chilling atmosphere, enhancing the asylum’s haunted reputation while inviting visitors to delve deeper into its mysteries.
3. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum | Weston, West Virginia
Constructed in 1858, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum stands as the largest masonry building in North America. Originally intended to accommodate just 250 patients, it opened its doors in 1864. However, by the 1950s, the facility faced severe overcrowding, resulting in deplorable conditions. The asylum ultimately closed, leaving behind a haunting legacy of neglect, mistreatment, and unimaginable suffering.
Today, the echoes of those who suffered within its walls are said to linger, with numerous reports of ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and chilling encounters. Among its most renowned spirits is Lily, a playful little girl whose presence is often felt in one of the abandoned rooms. With its eerie past, the asylum has garnered a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in the country.
4. Eloise Psychiatric Hospital | Westland, Michigan
Once a sprawling complex dedicated to treating the mentally ill, Eloise Psychiatric Hospital is now an abandoned site with a chilling reputation. Its dark past, marked by overcrowding and patient mistreatment, has quite the legacy. Many believe the spirits of those who suffered within its walls still linger, haunting the empty corridors. Visitors frequently report hearing disembodied voices, spotting ghostly apparitions, and feeling sudden cold drafts in the otherwise vacant halls—all of which contribute to the hospital’s haunted reputation.
The hospital’s haunting reputation has made it a sought-after destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike. Guided tours invite visitors to explore the decaying architecture, leading them through areas like the old patient wards, the morgue, and the infamous “treatment” rooms. As they navigate these chilling spaces, guides share unsettling stories of past patients and their harrowing experiences.
5. St. Albans Sanatorium | Radford, Virginia
Originally a boy’s school in 1892, St. Albans was converted in 1916 into a sanatorium. The school itself was known for harsh discipline and bullying, leading to traumatic events that may have imprinted the building. Once converted to a mental institution, aggressive treatments like electroshock therapy, insulin therapy, and lobotomies were conducted. The combination of the troubled history and actions of others have created a foundation for paranormal activity. Many visitors recall experiencing violent hauntings, such as objects moving on their own, doors slamming shut, and sudden temperature drops.
One of the most well-known spirits at St. Albans is thought to be that of Jacob, a former patient who tragically committed suicide. His presence is often felt near the area where he took his life. Other ghostly apparitions include those of patients and staff members who once worked at the facility, along with strange noises that can be heard echoing through the hallways late at night.
As you consider your next ghostly adventure, don’t forget that a world of healthcare opportunities awaits. Whether you’re drawn to travel contracts in new cities or prefer the stability of local positions, countless roles are ready for you to make a meaningful impact. Apply for a travel or local contract today and embark on a journey in healthcare while uncovering the haunting stories of the past—your next chapter could be just a click away!