Tennessee’s rich history and diverse landscapes are home to numerous sites that intrigue both the curious traveler and the avid paranormal enthusiast. From abandoned penitentiaries to haunted hotels, the Volunteer State offers a plethora of eerie destinations worth exploring. Below, we delve into 16 of the most notable locations that blend history with the strange.​

1. Old Tennessee State Penitentiary, Nashville

Built in 1898, this castle-like prison housed some of Tennessee’s most notorious criminals until its closure in 1992. Known for its Gothic architecture and overcrowded conditions, the penitentiary has been featured in films like “The Green Mile.” While officially closed to the public, its imposing structure continues to fascinate urban explorers and historians alike.​

2. Elkmont Ghost Town, Great Smoky Mountains

Once a thriving logging community and resort town, Elkmont was abandoned in the mid-20th century. Today, decaying cabins and remnants of its past stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era, attracting hikers and history enthusiasts.​

3. Knoxville College, Knoxville

Established in 1875, Knoxville College played a pivotal role in African American education. Due to financial difficulties, the campus was closed in 2015, leaving behind historic buildings that have since fallen into disrepair. Efforts are ongoing to restore and preserve this significant institution.​

4. Western State Mental Hospital, Bolivar

Opened in 1889, this psychiatric hospital was once the largest in the state. Parts of the original complex now lie abandoned, with tales of lingering spirits and unexplained occurrences adding to its mystique.​

5. Ashlar Hall, Memphis

Constructed in 1896, Ashlar Hall is a Gothic Revival mansion that later became known as “Prince Mongo’s Castle” due to its eccentric owner. The building has experienced periods of abandonment, leading to rumors of hauntings and paranormal activity.​pinterest.com+1walterarnold.photoshelter.com+1

6. Pressmen’s Home, Rogersville

Once the headquarters for the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants’ Union of North America, this site featured a sanatorium, trade school, and hotel. Abandoned since the 1960s, the remaining structures offer a glimpse into early 20th-century labor movements.​

7. Bell Witch Cave, Adams

This cave is associated with the legendary Bell Witch haunting of the early 19th century. Visitors have reported eerie experiences, from disembodied voices to sudden cold drafts, making it a focal point for paranormal investigations.

The Bell Witch Cave is intrinsically linked to one of America’s most infamous hauntings. In the early 19th century, the Bell family of Adams, Tennessee, reported relentless disturbances attributed to a malevolent entity known as the Bell Witch. This spirit allegedly tormented the family, with events ranging from unexplained noises to physical assaults. The nearby cave, located on the former Bell property, is believed by many to have been the witch’s dwelling. Visitors to the cave have reported eerie experiences, from disembodied voices to sudden cold drafts, making it a focal point for paranormal investigations.

​Wikipedia

8. Thomas House Hotel, Red Boiling Springs

Built in 1890, the Thomas House Hotel has a storied past that includes serving as a hospital and a residence. Over the years, guests and staff have reported numerous paranormal occurrences, from unexplained footsteps to apparitions. The hotel’s rich history and its reputation as a haunted location have made it a popular destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike.

9. The Read House Hotel, Chattanooga

Established in 1872, The Read House Hotel boasts a rich history intertwined with tales of the supernatural. Room 311, in particular, is reputedly haunted by the spirit of Annalisa Netherly, a guest who allegedly met a tragic end within its walls. Guests have reported unexplained phenomena, from flickering lights to shadowy figures, cementing the hotel’s status as a paranormal hotspot. ​

10. Walking Horse Hotel, Wartrace

Built in 1917, this hotel is part of the Wartrace Historic District and is known for its association with Tennessee Walking Horses. The hotel is reportedly haunted by the ghost of its former owner, Floyd Carothers, and has been featured on paranormal television programs. ​Wikipedia

11. Orpheum Theatre, Memphis

Opened in 1928, the Orpheum Theatre is a historic venue known for its opulent design and performances. It is also reputedly haunted by the spirit of a 12-year-old girl named Mary, with numerous reports of unexplained occurrences over the years. ​Wikipedia

12. Wynnewood State Historic Site, Castalian Springs

Built in 1828, Wynnewood is the largest existing log structure in Tennessee. It has been featured as a haunted location on paranormal television series, adding to its mystique. ​Wikipedia

13. Swingers’ Tiki Palace, Chattanooga

Constructed in the 1970s, this mansion was designed as an exotic getaway featuring a unique indoor pool. Abandoned shortly after its completion, the property has become a subject of fascination for urban explorers and those intrigued by its hedonistic past.

​On September 7, 2017, the Swinger’s Tiki Palace—a mansion featuring a helipad and a Playboy bunny-themed swimming pool—was demolished.  The 5,600-square-foot home had stood for 45 years atop Missionary Ridge in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Over the years, it had become a concern for nearby residents due to its deteriorating condition and history of attracting vandalism. ​

14. Memphis Defense Depot, Memphis

Established in 1942, this military supply depot played a significant role during World War II and the Cold War. Decommissioned in 1997, parts of the facility remain abandoned, offering a glimpse into mid-20th-century military infrastructure.​

15. Joelton Air Force Station, Joelton

Operational from 1956 to 1960, this radar station was part of the Air Defense Command’s network during the Cold War. The site has since been repurposed, but remnants of its original structures remain, attracting history enthusiasts.​

16. Oak Ridge Gatehouses, Oak Ridge

Built around 1948-1949, these gatehouses controlled access to the Atomic Energy Commission’s facilities in Oak Ridge. While no longer in use, they stand as historical markers of the era’s security measures.