The Most Haunted Places in New Hampshire (And the Stories Behind Them)
Nestled in the heart of Portsmouth, Strawbery Banke Museum offers a peek into centuries of New England life, but it’s also a hotspot for ghost stories. Located on the southern coast of New Hampshire and just minutes from downtown Portsmouth, this outdoor history museum features restored 17th- to 19th-century buildings that create a vivid village setting. Visitors can wander through the historic neighborhood, stepping inside homes and shops that tell the story of early American settlers. The museum’s enduring charm is amplified by tales of spectral sightings, especially near the historic Wentworth-Gardner House. Many claim to have felt cold spots or glimpsed shadowy figures during evening tours. Strawbery Banke’s combination of authentic architecture and rich local lore makes it a unique destination, particularly atmospheric in the crisp autumn evenings when the fading light adds an eerie glow to the cobblestone paths.
Further inland, the town of Portsmouth itself harbors secrets in the old Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, perched on the rocky edge of the harbor about a mile south of downtown. Though the lighthouse guides sailors safely past dangerous shoals, it is said to be haunted by a former keeper who mysteriously vanished. Visitors who take boat tours around the harbor or explore the nearby Fort Constitution State Historic Site often report strange noises and fleeting shadows near the lighthouse, especially during twilight. The site’s combination of maritime history and panoramic views of the Piscataqua River and its islands offers a hauntingly beautiful experience. Late spring evenings, with their lingering light over calm waters, provide the perfect backdrop for soaking up both history and ghostly ambiance.
In the foothills of the White Mountains, the town of Carroll, about 20 miles north of North Conway, hides the secrets of the historic Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion. This 18th-century estate, once the summer home of New Hampshire’s first governor, stands beside the scenic Great Bay. Its grand rooms and sprawling grounds draw history buffs, but some visitors report unexplained sounds and movements that hint at restless spirits. The mansion’s fine Georgian architecture and original furnishings make it a standout among the state’s historic houses. Exploring its well-preserved interiors and walking the nearby trails overlooking the bay during a crisp fall afternoon can evoke a palpable sense of the past—and the unknown.
Closer to the state capital, Concord’s Eagle Hotel is a Victorian landmark that has hosted presidents and locals alike for over 150 years. Located in downtown Concord, just a short walk from the State House, the hotel features classic 19th-century design with elegant woodwork and ornate details. Guests and staff have long shared stories of ghostly footsteps in the hallways and flickering lights in the old lobby. The hotel’s storied past as a social and political hub sets it apart, inviting guests to imagine the many lives that have passed through its doors. Visiting during the quieter winter months, when the streets are draped in snow and the hotel’s warm interior offers refuge, makes for an especially evocative experience.
Nestled within Franconia Notch State Park, about 30 miles west of Littleton, the historic Profile House Hotel once welcomed visitors seeking respite in the mountains. Though the original hotel no longer stands, its legacy lives on in the area where the Old Man of the Mountain once carved a mysterious profile into the cliffs—a symbol of New Hampshire itself. Nearby, the Flume Gorge offers a rugged hiking trail through a natural granite canyon, where hikers often speak of an uncanny stillness and strange sensations in the shaded, moss-covered rock formations. The park’s dramatic scenery and geological wonders provide an atmospheric setting for those drawn to the paranormal. Early morning visits in late summer, when mist clings to the gorge, are particularly evocative.
In the southern part of the state, the town of Salem is home to the historic Canobie Lake Park, a classic amusement park that opened in the early 20th century. While known for its rides and family fun, the park’s old structures have sparked ghost stories, especially around the vintage carousel and the old trolley station. Located just a few miles east of Nashua, Canobie Lake Park combines the whimsy of a fairground with tales of past visitors who never quite left. Evening visits when the park is lit up but quieter lend an eerie charm, blending childhood nostalgia with the thrill of the unknown.
Heading northeast, the historic town of Lancaster in Coös County offers a glimpse into New Hampshire’s frontier past and is home to the Weeks Memorial Library. About 50 miles north of Littleton, this library is housed in a beautiful Richardsonian Romanesque building constructed in the late 1800s. The building’s unique architecture and its reputation as a place where ghosts of former librarians are said to linger make it a fascinating stop. Visitors can explore the extensive collections or attend local events while soaking in the atmosphere of a library that is more than just books. Winter months, when the quiet snow muffles the town’s sounds, enhance the library’s otherworldly feel.
Finally, the city of Keene, about 40 miles southwest of Concord, is home to the historic Monadnock State Park, centered around Mount Monadnock. This mountain, one of the most climbed in the world, is surrounded by dense forest and has drawn hikers for centuries. Some claim the mountain itself carries spiritual energy and ghostly presences, possibly linked to Native American legends. The park’s trails, including the challenging White Dot Trail which ascends to the 3,165-foot summit, allow visitors to connect deeply with nature and history. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, when the changing seasons flood the landscape with color, and solitary hikers might hear whispers on the wind that hint at the mountain’s mysterious past.
Each of these destinations invites visitors to experience New Hampshire’s layered history through the lens of the supernatural. Whether wandering through a coastal museum at dusk or trekking a mountain trail at dawn, the state offers a rich tapestry of places where the past feels strikingly present.