A witch asylum close to me refers to a place that provides shelter, support, and care for witches who may be in need of assistance. Witches, often misunderstood and stigmatized, may face various challenges in society. These challenges can range from discrimination and persecution to difficulties in finding acceptance and understanding. A witch asylum offers a safe and inclusive environment where witches can seek refuge from the judgment and ignorance that they may encounter in the outside world. It serves as a haven, providing not only physical shelter but also emotional and psychological support. Such asylums aim to destigmatize witchcraft and educate the public about the true nature of witches.
Such asylums aim to destigmatize witchcraft and educate the public about the true nature of witches. They promote tolerance and acceptance, working towards bridging the gap between society and those who practice witchcraft. In addition to providing a supportive environment, witch asylums may offer various resources and services to help witches enhance their skills and knowledge.
America’s Most Haunted Asylums & Hospitals
Whilst there are all sorts of haunted houses, hotels, schools, and castles throughout America, none are quite as terrifying as haunted insane asylums and hospitals.
With horrifying histories packed full of abuse, torture, sickness, and death, it’s no wonder that these ten haunted asylums are some of the scariest locations in the world.
If you want to witness a ghost hunt at some of the nations’ most haunted locations then we have started offering overnight ghost hunts!
10. Old Tooele Hospital, Utah
In 1897, Old Tooele Hospital started out as a family house. In 1913 it was transformed into what was known as the Country Poor House, where the elderly and those who had special needs were taken care of. By 1953, the building had changed once again into the Old Tooele Hospital which featured improved accommodation for patients, the added benefit of individual bathrooms and a dedicated morgue. Before it was closed down in 2001, the hospital made its name by being the filming spot for Stephen King’s The Stand.
Over the years, Old Tooele Hospital has been the site of a multitude of hauntings and various reports of paranormal activity. An Alzheimer patient known as Wes is said to haunt the hospital, with his favorite site being the room he was admitted to when he was alive. Many other ghostly characters have been sighted in the hospital, including a young child and Samuel F. Lee himself – the man who originally built the house for him and his family in 1897.
One of the most chilling reports at Old Tooele Hospital is the sound of a child’s voice uttering the words “Daddy, shot, sorry”. This is creepy enough on its own but gets even more alarming when you find out that the Utah Ghost Organisation claims these words come from the ghost of a child who was accidentally shot by his father!
9. Alton Mental Health Hospital, Illinois
Alton Mental Health Hospital is the only facility in this list which remains a functioning hospital to this day. Built in the early 1900s, this hospital is known for the harsh mistreatment of its patients, many of whom were subject to electrode shock therapy, lobotomies, and cold water treatments – all of which were standard everyday practice at this hospital.
Many people today – including staff, patients, and visitors – have reported hearing unusual noises, from doors randomly slamming shut to undecipherable whisperings. One of the creepiest reports comes from a nurse who was on duty and heard someone ask, “Who’s that?” She turned around to respond and discovered that there was no one there and no one had been in the building at the time. Later that day the exact same thing happened in the same place to a second nurse.
Since this facility is still a hospital today, tours are strictly forbidden, but people who have taken photos on site whilst visiting patients have reportedly caught images of orbs with the pained face of a human male on the front.
8. Danvers State Lunatic Asylum, Massachusetts
Often referred to today as “the Witches’ Castle on the Hill”, Danvers State Lunatic Asylum was built in 1878 on a site which was originally in Salem Village – the first actual location of the Salem Witch Trials in 1962. When it started out, Danvers was renowned for its modern treatments and superb patient care, but it wasn’t long before the asylum fell victim to lack of funding, overstaffing and over-population which caused it to deteriorate into something more akin to a concentration camp.
Between 1940 and 1950, the facility housed more than 2,000 patients in a building which was designed to house 600. Patients became haggard and ghostly, often left in complete isolation for days on end. Things were so bad that dead patients would go unnoticed for days, if not weeks. In 1992, Danvers State Lunatic Asylum was closed down, demolished and renovated into the set of apartments it is today.
Despite this haunted insane asylum being torn down and reconstructed as a different property, bizarre activity, and paranormal sightings still abound. Residents and visitors have recorded full body apparitions, flickering lights, the sound of unexplained footsteps and doors opening and closing on their own.
7. ByBerry Mental Hospital, Pennsylvania
No.7 on our list of haunted mental asylums is ByBerry Mental Hospital. ByBerry Mental Hospital first opened its doors to the public in 1907, when it started off as a working farm for the mentally ill before it became a fully-fledged mental hospital in the 1920s. As more and more people were admitted to the hospital, ByBerry’s population significantly expanded which led to severe patient neglect and unbelievable levels of abuse.
Lack of funds left the hospital in a state of disrepair, with patients being forced to survive with no clothing, insufficient food and sewage-filled hallways for bedrooms. Padded cells, solitary confinement, regular beatings, electric shock treatments, restraining devices, and lobotomies were the norm. In 1990, state authorities closed down ByBerry Mental Hospital after a thorough investigation revealed inhumane living conditions, yet its dark past continues on to this day.
A myriad of horror stories surrounds this facility. After it closed, ByBerry Mental Hospital became inundated with vagrants, gangs, thieves, satanic cults and former visitors seeking shelter. One mentally-deranged and the brutally violent patient is said to reside in the miles of catacombs beneath the building, where he lies in wait with a large knife, eager to slit the throats of curious explorers unlucky enough to cross his path.
As well as this chilling legend, the hospital has also been the spot of several paranormal sounds and sightings, including human-like growling and physical scratches appearing on visitors bodies.
6. Rolling Hills Asylum, New York
No.6 on our whirlwind tour of haunted mental institutions is Rolling Hills. Rolling Hills Asylum began life as the Genesee County Poor Farm in 1827 – a dumping ground for the outcasts of society. Here orphans and widows lived alongside the severely mentally handicapped and criminals – all of whom were known as inmates. There are more than 1,700 documented deaths, with hundreds more unclaimed bodies believed to be buried on site. In the 1950s, the poor farm was developed into the Old Country Home & Infirmary before it was transformed into a set of shops and later an antique mall.
What are the reports in this real haunted asylum? One of the strangest occurrences took place in 2007 when the Rolling Hills Case Manager, Suzie Yencer, was working on a public ghost hunt. The group was sat in a circle in the basement and as Suzie began to speak, a glow stick – the only form of light in the room – began to sway back-and-forth, a rocking horse started to move to-and-fro and several people saw a hand suddenly appear and reach for a ball.
The second-floor corridor on the east wing is commonly referred to as Shadow Hallway, due to the staggeringly high number of shadow figure sightings which walk through walls and crawl across the floor. A seven-foot-tall patient with gigantism is also commonly spotted in his room, where he spent most of his life alone.
5. Athens Lunatic Asylum, Ohio
Coming in at no.5 on our journey through the top old haunted insane asylums is The Athens Lunatic Asylum in Ohio. The Asylum opened at the beginning of 1874, specializing in the treatment of mentally and criminally insane patients who were admitted by the court or their own families. The facility originally started out as a calm and pleasant place where patients could relax and get better, but before long it became an overcrowded institution which relied on the cruel practices of electroshock therapies, ice water baths, and ice pick lobotomies.
The story of Margaret Schilling takes place in December 1978 and is just as chilling then as it is today. On this winter day, Margaret – a patient at Athens Lunatic Asylum – was playing hide and seek with the nurses who got distracted and forgot about her. In January 1979, her body was discovered by a maintenance worker. Today an imprint of her body, clothes, and hair are still clearly visible on the floor, even after decades of cleaning.
Patients who died without any family have buried anonymously at the asylum’s burial site which is reported to be haunted today. Instead of names, these gravestones display numbers, a practice which has resulted in a mass of unknown and unrecorded graves. Those who have been brave enough to explore the cemetery have reported a huge number of ghost sightings and unexplained screaming in the dead of night.
4. Essex Mountain Sanatorium, Essex County
And the next location on our tour of America’s haunted abandoned mental hospitals is the Essex Mountain Sanatorium. The sanatorium began as the Newark City Home in 1873, a facility which was designed to serve as an orphanage, as well as to reform the local badly behaved children. After a devastating fire, the reconstruction of two new buildings and the decline in the number of girls sent to the facility, the dedicated female building was transformed into Essex Mountain Sanatorium in 1906 to care for tuberculosis patients.
Over the years, the hospital grew considerably to cater for the ever-increasing number of patients, until it was no longer in use by the 1970s. The vacant wards were used to take care of the overflow of mental patients from the nearby asylum before the sanatorium finally closed its doors in 1977.
Since it closed, many people have chosen to step foot on the grounds and explore the sanatorium for themselves. Some of the most common experiences include hearing footsteps running along the halls, seeing wheelchairs moving on their own, witnessing ghost-like faces appear at the windows, feeling a presence following you and – possibly the most terrifying of them all – hearing eerie voices shouting, “Get out!”
3. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, West Virginia
Constructed between 1858 and 1881, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is up there with the scariest asylums in the world. It’s also the second largest in the world, originally designed to house up to 250 patients before it reached its peak in the 1950s when more than 2,400 people were crammed into the facility.
As the result of bizarre experimental treatments and severe neglect, thousands of people died here over the years. The physical deterioration of the building coupled with changes in the treatment of mental illness resulted in the closure of the asylum in 1994.
The reasons for being committed to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum were almost never-ending and included trivial things, such as falling from a horse or laziness to ridiculous matters, such as “imaginary female trouble” or desertion by husband up to serious cases, including murders and PSTD. This broad spectrum resulted in all sorts of mismatched patients being cooped up together, all with disastrous consequences.
Two decades since the asylum closed, the staff who work there claim that ghosts continue to roam the halls. The manager states that she once saw 40 doors suddenly slam shut simultaneously, whilst other visitors have witnessed a ghost boy stood in the corner of a room.
As well as sightings, whispers of forgotten patients have also been reported, on top of unusual smells, the sound of squeaking gurneys and screams coming from the electroshock room.
2. Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Kentucky
Waverly Hills Sanatorium comes in at no.2. It started out as Waverly School in the late 1800s and evolved into a hospital in 1908, designed to safely accommodate between 40 and 50 tuberculosis patients. As the disease developed into an epidemic, the hospital was expanded to support at least 400 patients and was considered to be one of the best facilities at the time. In 1961, the hospital was closed down, following the discovery of a tuberculosis-curing antibiotic.
Today, Waverly Hills Sanatorium is known by many as “the most spiritually active place in the world”, with paranormal reports every single day. The terrifying reports surround the story of a nurse who hanged herself by a light bulb wire when she discovered she had become pregnant out of wedlock by the owner of the sanatorium. Many unusual sightings have also been spotted in the area known as the Death Tunnel, where dead bodies were disposed of away from the eyes of the living.
Various paranormal TV shows have spent time recording at Waverly Hills Sanatorium, including the cast of Most Haunted – one of whom had scratches inflicted upon their body during their visit.
1. Pennhurst Asylum, Pennsylvania
And lastly, the most haunted asylum on our list, Pennhurst Asylum in Pennsylvania. With a history riddled with strong accusations of neglect, abuse and torture combined with tales of mental patients being chained to the walls, children kept for years in cribs and even murders, it’s not surprising that Pennhurst Asylum is one of the scariest places in existence. The building was opened in 1908 as a state school for the physically and mentally disabled and covered 120 acres, housing more than 10,000 patients at any given time.
The facility was often accused of dehumanization and was reported to provide no help for the mentally challenged before finally being shut down in 1986, following several allegations of abuse by residents. When Pennhurst was closed, the buildings were abandoned as they were with patients’ belongings strewn about and medical equipment left to rot.
There are plenty haunted asylum stories emanating from this foreboding building. Several reputable ghost hunter groups have visited Pennhurst Asylum, where they documented spooky audio recordings, sudden changes in temperature and the unexplained movement of objects throughout the grounds. Spine-chilling recordings of voices exclaiming: “Go away!”, “I’ll kill you!” and “Why won’t you leave?” seem tame when compared to other reports which include various objects being hurled across the room, visitors being physically pushed and multiple EVPs.
The 1716 Barnstable House is said to be the most haunted place on Cape Cod. Nicknamed the “House of 11 Ghosts” this property that was once an Inn and restaurant has seen a lot of activity. Currently, the building houses a number of small businesses and is no longer being used as an Inn and tavern. The spirit of a former owner who lost all he had during the Revolutionary War and hung himself can be seen on the property as well as Captain Grey who is described as a grumpy presence will express his unhappiness by slamming doors and can be seen sulking around the cellar. When the tavern was open, an almost solid figure carrying trays of drinks dressed in colonial wear would occasionally be seen carrying drinks to their tables. A little girl named Lucy tries to interact with the living, she is very social and loves to play catch. Although these spirits originate from this dwelling, some of the 11 ghosts have been known to travel to surrounding establishments.
This can include access to libraries, workshops, and training programs in various areas of witchcraft. Furthermore, witch asylums may also function as community centers, hosting gatherings, festivals, and events where witches can come together to celebrate their practices and support each other. These spaces can be vital for fostering a sense of belonging and connection among witches who may often feel isolated and ostracized. The availability of witch asylums varies depending on the region and community. Some areas may have dedicated facilities, while in other cases, witches may need to rely on informal networks and support systems. Overall, witch asylums offer a valuable refuge for witches seeking understanding, support, and community. By providing a safe space, resources, and an environment free from judgment, these asylums help empower witches and promote acceptance of their beliefs and practices..
Reviews for "Secrets of the witch asylum: tales of witchcraft and madness"
1. John - 1 star - This "witch asylum close to me" was a complete waste of my time and money. The whole experience was nothing but a cheesy and underwhelming display of witchcraft. The so-called witches were not convincing at all, and it was clear that they were just actors trying to scare people. The atmosphere was more comical than creepy, and the fake props and cheap special effects only added to the disappointment. I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a genuine and thrilling witch asylum experience.
2. Mary - 2 stars - I was expecting a terrifying and immersive experience at the "witch asylum close to me," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The acting was subpar, and the storyline was predictable and lacking creativity. It felt more like a tourist trap than an authentic asylum. The scares were minimal, and the overall atmosphere was not spooky enough. For the price I paid, I expected much more, and I left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied. I would advise others to look for better alternatives for a true witch asylum experience.
3. Sarah - 2.5 stars - While the "witch asylum close to me" had potential, it ultimately missed the mark. The actors did their best to portray eerie and menacing witches, but it came across as more funny than frightening. The lack of attention to detail in set design and props was noticeable, making it difficult to fully immerse yourself in the experience. The scares were predictable, and the whole attraction felt more like a Halloween theme park than an authentic asylum. I walked away feeling underwhelmed and like I had wasted my money on a mediocre experience. There are definitely better options out there for true horror enthusiasts.
4. Tom - 1.5 stars - I had high hopes for the "witch asylum close to me," but it failed to deliver. The whole experience felt staged and forced, with poorly executed scare tactics and unconvincing performances. The atmosphere lacked the eerie and unsettling feel that should accompany a witch asylum, and the visit felt more like being in a poorly made horror movie. The uninspired storytelling and lack of creativity left me uninterested and unaffected by the experience. I would recommend seeking out a more authentic and well-executed witch asylum if you're looking for genuine scares and thrills.