The Creepiest Abandoned Locations Featured in Scary Movies That You Can Visit

When it comes to horror films, the setting plays a crucial role in establishing the mood and immersing viewers in suspense. Many horror movies feature chilling, abandoned locations that evoke an eerie atmosphere, making them as memorable as the plot itself. What’s particularly intriguing is that many of these spine-tingling sites exist in reality, inviting thrill-seekers and horror aficionados to visit and experience the spookiness firsthand. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the creepiest abandoned locations featured in scary movies that you can visit.

1. The Stanley Hotel, Colorado

Renowned as the inspiration for Stephen King’s classic horror novel, “The Shining,” the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, is a must-visit for fans of horror. The hotel, built in 1909, has a rich history and is known for its haunted reputation. Visitors often report ghostly sightings, mysterious sounds, and strange occurrences throughout the property.

*Film Connection:* The hotel served as the exterior for the Overlook Hotel in the iconic film adaptation of “The Shining” directed by Stanley Kubrick. The movie’s chilling tale of isolation and madness perfectly encapsulates the eerie ambiance of the Stanley Hotel.

*Visiting Tips:* You can book a stay at the hotel, partake in ghost tours, and experience the stunning mountain views that inspired Stephen King’s writing. Just remember to keep an ear out for the sounds of laughter echoing the empty halls.

2. Pripyat, Ukraine

The ghost town of Pripyat was abandoned after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. Once home to thousands of people, the area has gained notoriety as an eerie relic of the past, with overgrown buildings and remnants of a life that once thrived.

*Film Connection:* Pripyat has been featured in various horror and thriller films, including “Chernobyl Diaries,” which depicts a group of friends exploring the abandoned city, only to find themselves in terrifying situations as they encounter sinister forces.

*Visiting Tips:* Tours of Chernobyl and Pripyat are available through licensed guides. Visitors must adhere to strict safety protocols and respect the site’s somber history, ensuring that the impact and memory of the tragic event remain honored.

The Old Joliet Prison, Illinois

With its gothic architecture and unsettling past, the Old Joliet Prison in Illinois is a haunting landmark that movie producers have used in several films and television shows.

*Film Connection:* The prison appeared in films such as “The Blues Brothers” and “Prison Break,” making it a recognizable site for horror and crime drama fans.

*Visiting Tips:* Although the prison is not fully open to the public, guided tours are available, providing visitors an opportunity to explore its grim history and spooky atmosphere. Many visitors claim to experience feelings of unease as they walk through its crumbling walls.

Bodie, California

This ghost town, once a thriving gold-mining community in the late 1800s, is now a preserved State Historic Park. Bodie offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing well-preserved buildings, artifacts, and the stories of a once-bustling mining town.

*Film Connection:* Bodie has served as an inspiration for many films and series focused on the supernatural, capturing the haunting beauty of deserted places steeped in history.

*Visiting Tips:* Access to Bodie is seasonal, and if you plan to visit, aim for the months of spring through fall. Walking through the town feels like stepping into another era, complete with an atmosphere that sends shivers down your spine.

The Winchester Mystery House, California

The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is notorious for its puzzling and labyrinthine architecture. Designed by Sarah Winchester, the widow of firearm magnate William Wirt Winchester, this mansion is said to be haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles.

*Film Connection:* It was featured in the film “Winchester,” where supernatural elements intertwine with the eerie lore surrounding the house.

*Visiting Tips:* The mansion offers guided tours, and many guests report feeling a strange presence while exploring the enigmatic hallways and staircases that lead nowhere. Go during a weekday for a quieter tour, allowing you to soak up the spookiness without distraction.

Rolling Hills Asylum, New York

This former mental institution has been the subject of various paranormal investigations due to its unsettling past, housing thousands of residents throughout its history.

*Film Connection:* Rolling Hills Asylum has been featured on numerous paranormal television shows, including “Ghost Hunters” and “Ghost Adventures,” highlighting its chilling reputation and ghostly legend.

*Visiting Tips:* Guided tours and overnight ghost hunts provide brave visitors the opportunity to explore its darkened halls and uncover the stories hidden within the asylum’s walls. Participants often report unexplained phenomena, making it a thrilling experience.

Conclusion

The creepiness of abandoned locations is heightened in horror films, but these real-life sites offer a unique opportunity to explore the unknown. From the mysterious corridors of the Stanley Hotel to the eerie remains of Pripyat, these haunting places promise chills and thrill for anyone daring enough to visit. Remember to explore with care, respect the history of these sites, and who knows? You might leave with more than just haunting memories.