The Most Haunted Places in Mississippi (And the Stories Behind Them)
Natchez, perched gracefully on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River about 90 miles southwest of Jackson, is a town steeped in antebellum history and equally rich in ghostly lore. Visitors can wander through the Longwood Mansion, a striking octagonal structure famously unfinished due to the Civil War. Its ornate architecture and unfinished interiors create an eerie atmosphere where many claim to witness apparitions of former residents, including the mansion’s builder. Touring the mansion in the late afternoon as shadows lengthen reveals flickering candle-like lights and cool drafts that seem to whisper secrets from the past, making it a uniquely haunting experience in Mississippi.
Heading east near Vicksburg, about a two-hour drive from Jackson, the Vicksburg National Military Park offers more than historic battlefields. The park is home to old earthworks and monuments commemorating the Civil War siege, and many visitors report strange sensations and sounds amid the silent rows of cannons and markers. One of the park’s eerie highlights is the Graveyard of the Guns, where the sounds of distant artillery seem to echo in the stillness, especially at dusk. Exploring the park’s walking trails offers a tangible connection to history and a chance to feel the lingering unrest said to haunt the site.
In downtown Jackson, the Mississippi State Capitol looms as a symbol of political power and historic drama. This imposing building, constructed in 1903, has witnessed many intense political debates alongside whispered tales of ghostly lawmakers who remain tied to the chambers. Late-night tours often reveal unexplained footsteps and flickering lights in the legislative halls. Its unique blend of Beaux-Arts architecture and the palpable sense of political history make it a compelling place to explore the paranormal side of state governance, especially on cool, quiet evenings.
About 30 minutes north of Meridian, the Dentzel Carousel at Highland Park is a whimsical yet chilling site after hours. This beautifully restored 1916 carousel, famous for its hand-carved horses and intricate details, is said to move on its own at night, with the haunting melody of the calliope drifting through the park. Visiting during the day lets you appreciate the craftsmanship and history of amusement in Mississippi, but returning at twilight to the silent park hints at the carousel’s ghostly riders and echoes of laughter from long ago.
In Holly Springs, roughly 50 miles northeast of Memphis, the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum is a stunning example of Victorian architecture that doubles as a hotspot for paranormal activity. Guided tours highlight the house’s elaborate interiors and its tragic history, including stories of former inhabitants who met untimely ends. Guests often report cold spots, disembodied voices, and fleeting shadows in the grand parlor or upstairs bedrooms. The house’s detailed preservation and intimate setting offer a rare window into the past, especially during autumn evenings when the creeping fog from nearby creeks adds to the spectral ambiance.
On the Gulf Coast near Biloxi, the historic Grand Casino Biloxi site, now repurposed yet still echoing its former life, has a reputation for ghostly encounters tied to its days as a bustling gaming and entertainment hub. Visitors to the nearby Biloxi Lighthouse, about a 10-minute drive from downtown, also share stories of ghost sightings, particularly on stormy nights when the bay winds howl. The lighthouse itself is a beacon of history and survival through many hurricanes, its creaking iron spiral staircase and keeper’s quarters inviting exploration by day and ghost stories by night.
Finally, in the small town of Port Gibson, about 30 miles south of Vicksburg, the Winterville Mounds Archaeological State Park offers a different kind of haunt. This ancient Native American site, with earthwork mounds dating back over a thousand years, carries the spiritual presence of the indigenous peoples who once lived there. Exploring the trails and the museum provides a solemn, reflective experience grounded in deep history and mystery. Visiting during early spring when wildflowers bloom and the weather is mild enhances the sense of stepping back into a time when this place was alive with ritual and community, making it a hauntingly beautiful destination in Mississippi’s rich landscape.