The 10 Most Haunted Places In Louisiana

Haunted attractions have been a tourist favorite no matter the time of year. It doesn’t have to be Halloween to experience some paranormal activity. While there are haunted places across the United States, Louisiana is home to several famous spooky spectacles. In this article, we are going to cover the top ten most haunted places in Louisiana. Learn about their history and how you can experience these amazing apparitions and haunted places.

The 10 Most Haunted Places in Louisiana

While there are many haunted places to explore in Louisiana, the top ten most well-known haunted establishments are below. Let’s dive in!

St Louis Cemetery No. 1

The History:

Opening in 1789, the St. Louis Cemetery is New Orleans’s oldest cemetery. Located just one block outside of the French Quarter, this cemetery is home to the graves of several well-known individuals. Probably one of the most well-known, and one of the main reasons it is a popular tourist destination is Marie Laveau. People knew Marie as the “Voodoo Queen,” and they considered her as the go-to woman for those who needed their problems solved. Many mysteries surround Marie’s life, aside from her reputation for working with voodoo. One of which is the disappearance of her two daughters and her husband.

Marie was a hairdresser and rose to her status as the Voodoo Queen by training under others. She would attend gatherings in Congo Square, sell her self-made items, and offer advice and fortune-telling. In addition to her, others who are buried in the cemetery are Bernard de Marigny and Barthelemy Lafon. This location is among the haunted places in Louisiana for its ghost stories and for its ghost sightings.

Visiting Details:

Many guests who visit this cemetery for a tour have claimed to have seen or encountered a ghost. People debate whether it is one of the most popular haunted destinations in Louisiana because they go looking for ghosts or because the spirits of people like Marie Laveau are still walking among us.

If you are interested in experiencing historic tombs and potential ghost sightings, you can find guided tours available at the cemetery. The cemetery is open for tours seven days a week and takes groups of up to 20 people. Tours are available from 9 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. and depart every 15-30 minutes. It is best to call ahead and reserve a spot.

Address: 501 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Website: https://cemeterytourneworleans.com/tour/experience/

Phone Number: (504) 777-3027

Arnaud’s Restaraunt

The History:

A French wine salesman named Arnaud Caseza built this famous restaurant in 1918. The restaurant serves Creole cuisine and is located in the French Quarter. Today, the restaurant still offers public space and private dining rooms but also features a museum on the upper floor.

Besides offering quintessential Creole food, Arnaud’s is known for its many ghost sightings. Employees have reported seeing a gentleman standing by the glass windows. A common theory suggests that Count Arnaud, dressed in a suit, is the gentleman coming in to check on his restaurant. Others have claimed to see a woman in a hat exiting the ladies’ room and disappearing. So many people claimed to have seen that happy haunt that investigators conducted an investigation to determine the original layout of the building. Interestingly, the investigation showed that where that woman walks used to be the location of stairs during the time she was thought to be alive. People speculate that she is the daughter of Arnaud.

Visiting Details:

There have been reports of many known and unknown ghost sightings as well as temperature drops and feelings of other presence by customers and restaurant workers. Many people speculate that the ghosts are Arnaud and his family or those connected to the costumes and items in the museum. If you are interested in experiencing these ghosts and seeing some of their history, you should dine at this restaurant and explore the museum on the second floor.

Address: 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Website: https://www.arnaudsrestaurant.com/

Phone Number: (504) 523-5433

LaLaurie Mansion

The History:

The LaLaurie Mansion is a favorite photo spot for New Orleans tourists. A woman named Madame Delphine LaLaurie used to own the building. She loved throwing large, ornate gatherings in this building. While Madame Delphine and her family’s fame and parties were legendary, they were also well-known for a far less positive reason. Unfortunately, this family was known to have owned slaves and treated them horribly.

There were various stories of her mistreatment of her slaves, such as killing a girl who wrongly brushed her hair and having a slave woman chained to a stove in the kitchen during one of the parties. That same woman who was chained to the stove started a fire that night that set the entire building ablaze. Many people rushed in to try and put out the flames, but they discovered much more than fire damage when they entered the building.

Legends say that they found the bodies of many mistreated slaves in the building. Citizens found chained and malnourished bodies, and they were furious and demanded justice for those who had been wronged. However, Madame LaLaurie and her husband had fled, so the citizens only got justice by returning to the mansion the next morning and vandalizing it.

Visiting Details:

There have been reports of orbs of light or even faces peering out of the windows of the LaLaurie Mansion, but the owner does not permit tours to go inside. The owner of this privately owned mansion does not want any of the public inside his property. So, if you are interested in this haunted place in Lousianna, you will have to settle for photos from outside.

Address: 1140 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Website: N/A

Phone Number: N/A

Myrtles Plantation

The History:

Many plantations were known in the South, and one of the most famous in Louisiana was the Myrtles Plantation. The plantation, built in 1796, is now famous for its beautiful guest rooms, delicious restaurant, and guided tours of the historic home. However, there are some less sunny aspects of the plantation that also make it a popular destination for those seeking haunted places in Louisiana.

This plantation has earned the name “One of America’s Most Haunted Homes” and offers guided tours through the six downstairs rooms of the main house. Additionally, it offers evening and private mystery tours. Self-guided tours and web-based tours are also available. What makes this place so haunted?

Like many other plantation owners during the time, the owners of this plantation kept slaves. One of the slaves, named Chloe, was routinely a victim of the male owner’s cruelty. She suffered horrible things by his hand and decided to take revenge by poisoning his nine-year-old daughter’s birthday cake. While some people argue that the intention was not to kill the girl but to make her sick, the result of her death was the same. They hung Chloe by her neck, and her body was thrown into the Mississippi River.

Chloe’s death was not the only one that happened at this plantation. Tuberculosis claimed the lives of new owners and their families, while another new owner was shot and killed right in the home. With all the deaths that occurred on the plantation, it is no shock that all those who visit it discuss paranormal encounters. The plantation served as film sets, and residents and guests alike claim to see a ghostly figure in a green turban throughout the property. Many believe this is Chole’s spirit, still moving about the grounds.

Visiting Details:

Many guests stay at the now Myrtles Plantation Bed and Breakfast in hopes of seeing Chole’s spirit or the famous handprint and children in the mirror. The plantation offers day and night historical tours to people who are interested in experiencing this haunted place. Open seven days a week, there is no shortage of opportunities to experience ghost sightings at this location.

Address: 7747 US-61, St Francisville, LA 70775

Website: https://www.themyrtles.com/

Phone Number: (225) 635-6277

Calcasieu Courthouse

The History:

Now a courthouse that serves a variety of needs, the Calcasieu Courthouse was home to some pretty violent crimes in the past. One of the most well-known cases was the case of Toni Jo Henry. Toni had lived a rough life and had finally found love with her husband. Then, the police arrested her husband for murdering a cop. She decided to break him free from the courthouse. In the process of freeing her husband, she murdered a man in the Calcasieu Parish. Due to some loud boasting by parties involved after the event, the police caught Toni.

She underwent three trials for the murder and became the first and only woman to be executed in the electric chair in Louisiana. Many visitors and workers of the courthouse believe that it is her spirit that continues to haunt the place to this very day. There have been electrical malfunctions, and people swear they smell the burning of hair and hear the desperate screams of a woman from the stairs.

Visiting Details:

While many people will visit this destination to view the famous haunted location, it is still an active courthouse today. Tours of the courthouse may be available, although they may not be solely focused on paranormal issues. Tour operators also include the location as a stop on tours that focus on the area’s historical landmarks. When visiting, be sure to follow all courthouse rules and expectations.

Address: 1000 Ryan Stree Lake Charles, LA 70601

Website: https://www.calcasieuclerk.gov/

Phone Number: 337-437-3550

Loyd Hall Plantation

While this location currently serves as a bed and breakfast, its past was similar in unpleasant nature to that of other plantations. Someone killed the owner of this plantation by hanging him on the property due to his work as a double spy. However, his death was not the only one to occur on the grounds. Later, another Union soldier and a slave nanny were found dead. Many believe the poor souls who met their ends on the grounds never truly left.

Guests of this bed and breakfast have told many stories of haunting happenings occurring. People share stories of strange sounds and objects moving on their own. Additionally, there is a stubborn stain that never seems to disappear. Some people even claim to hear a violin being played by the soldier killed on the home’s third floor. While those who are employed at the bed and breakfast may be accustomed to these strange occurrences, guests have been frightened and surprised by them. That has helped lead to this location being one of the most haunted places in Louisiana.

Address: 292 Loyd Bridge Rd, Cheneyville, LA 71325

Website: https://www.loydhallplantation.com/

Phone Number: (318)- 776- 5641

Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

The History:

The Shreveport Municipal Auditorium is a very well-known place in Louisiana. People recognize this place as one of Louisiana’s historical landmarks, known for its incredible architecture, performing arts, and Art Deco. It also often houses the town’s cultural and social activities. This incredible five-story building features many offices, a ballroom, and lavish decor. While some updating has occurred, it still retains the original lighting and external features from when it was built.

The town built this auditorium in 1927 to have a place for public and private activities. People used it for business events, graduations, musical performances, and all sorts of activities. It only took a few great performances and some talented artists getting their start here for this building to really kick off. However, the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium is known for more than its many musical guests who got their start here; it is also known for ghostly apparitions.

The Ghostly History:

There are many theories for why this building became haunted. One of the most popular focuses on the basement of the building. Back in the day, the basement of the building was a temporary morgue, and many people believed that those tortured souls who died refused to let go of this earth. Therefore, they still inhabit the area where people last saw their bodies, which would be the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. There are stories of people dying in that basement, such as a pregnant woman trying to give birth.

Other speculations are much happier. Some believe that those who had a love for the performing arts carried that love over into their death. People say that the spirits want to continue to enjoy the music and performances that they loved during their lifetime, so they continue to visit as spirits now. Being right across from a cemetery also offers them easy access to the auditorium. These spirits do not exist in secret and have made themselves known to the guests of this auditorium. Some are unidentifiable as they choose to remain unseen.

The Ghostly History Continued:

The unidentifiable spirits make themselves known by creating forces people can feel, opening and closing doors, and gently touching guests but never allowing themselves to be seen. Other spirits are more well-known, and guests have seen them. One of them is referred to as Sarge. Many guests have seen this apparition and have made claims of him being in the military. Many women have claimed that he has stroked their hair while they have been there.

Another apparition that frequents this establishment is Hank Williams. Staff and tour guides have claimed to see him wandering around the grounds, visiting the place where he got his start. Additionally, people claim to hear the moaning of a woman coming from the bathroom, and many believe that it is from the woman who died down there. The young girl in a blue dress is also a common apparition people see when visiting. Apparently, she enjoys playing peek-a-boo and running around.

Visiting Details:

If you would like to visit the haunts that live in the auditorium, there is a 90-minute tour available — The Haunted Municipal Tour — during the month of October. This location is definitely one of the most haunted places in Louisiana and has a variety of spirits that like to be seen. Paranormal investigators and popular TV shows have even visited this place and claimed to collect hard evidence that it is still haunted. If you enjoy being spooked, consider adding this haunted location to your Louisiana trip bucket list.

Address: 705 Grand Ave Shreveport, LA 71101

Website: https://shreveportmunicipalauditorium.com/

Phone Number: (318)- 841- 4000

Dauphine Orleans Hotel

The History:

Right around the corner from Bourbon Street, we find another one of the most haunted places in Louisiana. Currently, the Dauphine Orleans Hotel offers a restored carriage house and adorable cottage-style guest rooms for people to enjoy their stays. There are three separate buildings in which you can stay: the main house, the carriage house, and the Herman House guesthouse. Located in the French Quarter, it is a popular place for people to book a stay while in New Orleans.

The hotel had an interesting history. Shuffling between the hands of many owners, the land once housed a hospital. The May Bailey’s Bar was a brothel in the French Quarter District. Apparently, thievery and violence were both common in the area as well. Sometimes, some of the men who visited even wound up dead.

Visiting Details:

Besides beautiful decor, many people claim to have seen specific ghosts in this hotel as well. One is known as Millie. According to legend, she worked at the bar in the hotel, and her groom was shot and killed over a gambling argument on the day of their wedding. She would wear her wedding dress around after his death, and recent guests claim they have still seen her, in her gown, around the Dauphine, searching for her dead groom. In addition to Millie, other guests have spotted a young woman dancing in the ballroom. This apparition is known as Jewel, and she appears to be friendly because many accounts of her claim that she helps those who have had a bit too much to drink find their way back to their guestrooms.

If you want to have a chance of seeing either of these ghosts, then you should book a stay at the hotel. You can visit their website and make a reservation to stay on your next visit to New Orleans. It is recommended that you book your room months in advance because of this hotel’s increased popularity for its location and haunts.

Address: 415 Dauphine Street New Orelans, LA 70112

Website: https://www.dauphineorleans.com/hotel

Phone Number: (504)- 586- 1800

The Mortuary

The History:

The Mortuary is one of Louisiana’s most popular haunted houses. If you are visiting during the month of October, you will have to make a stop here. It has even made appearances on the Best Haunted Houses Attractions lists by Discovery Channel. Why is this place considered one of the most haunted places in Louisiana? Perhaps because it was not always a haunted house but was originally a funeral home.

Being a funeral home means it saw its fair share of death, and it is believed that some of those souls still linger around today. Before its time as a funeral home, the home was bought by immigrants and restored. However, after seeing how graves and cemeteries surrounded it, the decision to turn it into a funeral home seemed simple.

While ghosts were more often spotted when the Mortuary offered ghost hunts, visitors of this place still claim to see spirits. Some of the most popular or most seen spirits include a crying, well-dressed woman at the top of the neoclassical building. A man in a suit and a hat that appears if you disrespect the cemetery, and two young children who appear to play pranks on the living guests.

Visiting Details:

There is some sad news if you are interested in doing a ghost tour. This property is no longer offering its ghost tours or ghost hunts. If you are looking for a spooky encounter, you can visit during the Halloween season, where it is seen as a spooky attraction. If you are interested in going inside, they do offer escape rooms, and you may be lucky and have a paranormal experience while inside.

Address: 4800 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Website: https://themortuary.net/

Phone Number: (504)- 483-2350

The Hanging Jail

The History:

While the majority of the most haunted places in Louisiana are in New Orleans, some of them do exist elsewhere. This jail is located in DeRidder, Louisiana, and is another popular place for haunted adventures and ghost sightings. This jail looked more like a gothic mansion rather than a jailhouse, and it was said to have nice amenities for a jail at the time, such as separate bathrooms and skylights.

The three-floored building has the jailor’s office and quarters, short-term cells, and cells for the inmates who would be staying for an extended period of time. Despite some of its sunny amenities — like the skylights — it coined its nickname, The Hanging Jail, from a darker past. Two of the inmates at the jail were hanged for killing a taxicab driver. They were hanged inside the jail and have been spotted by many visitors.

Visiting Details:

If you are a thrill seeker and are looking for a chance to catch a glimpse of these spirits and possibly others who perished in the jail as well, day tours are offered. Additionally, there is a special Gothic Jail After Dark Experience during Halloween time that is not recommended for the faint of heart!

Address: 205 W 1st St, DeRidder, LA 70634

Website: N/A

Phone: (337) 463-5534

Summary of the 10 Most Haunted Places in Louisiana

Here is a quick summary of the 10 most haunted places in Louisiana.