Step into the realm of the supernatural and delve into the mysteries of history with my curated collection of the quirkiest and spine-chilling websites out there. Having personally braved a few of these virtual rabbit holes, I couldn’t resist sharing these peculiar and unconventional online destinations.
As an avid storyteller and history enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for intriguing glimpses into the past, and what better way to do so than by experiencing it firsthand, even in the digital realm? But beware, dear reader, for these websites can be both eerie and perilous, demanding caution and a strong heart.
The Villisca Axe Murder House
Join me as we embark on a journey to uncover the most bizarre and unsettling corners of the internet. From haunted tales to esoteric archives, prepare yourself for a wild ride through the shadows of the online world.
But remember, tread lightly and proceed with utmost care, for these sites possess an otherworldly allure that can be as captivating as it is dangerous. Let’s venture forth, armed with curiosity and an insatiable thirst for the enigmatic secrets that lie hidden within the virtual realms.
| Place | Address | Tour Times | Appointments | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Villisca Axe Murder House | 508 E 2nd St, Villisca, IA | Monday-Sunday: 8 AM – 4 PM | Required for groups | info@villiscaiowa.com | $10 per person (adults) |
| and private tours | $5 per person (children) |
Borgvattnet Vicarage (Borgvattnet spökprästgård in Swedish)
The Borgvattnet Vicarage, also known as Borgvattnet spökprästgård in Swedish, was originally constructed in 1876 as a humble abode for holy men. However, in 1927, eerie occurrences started to plague the premises when the local vicar documented peculiar incidents, such as his laundry mysteriously vanishing from the clothesline. As time passed, a multitude of vicars, their families, and even guests would encounter inexplicable phenomena within its walls.
The atmosphere grew increasingly unsettling as screams echoed through the corridors, shadowy figures materialized, and the ancient rocking chair perpetually swayed without any apparent cause. Initially, unsettling tales revolved around mistreated servants and infants secretly interred in the backyard, but now it is the apparitions of former vicars that continue to haunt the house.
| Place | Address | Tour Times | Appointments | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borgvattnet Vicarage (Borgvattnet spökprästgård) | 844 91 Borgvattnet, Sweden | Varies, check website | Recommended | info@borgvattnetspokprastgard.se | Varies, check website |
Waverly Hills Sanatorium
The two-story Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky, hospital, established in 1910, served as a facility dedicated to the care of 40–50 tuberculosis patients.
Today, the hospital welcomes visitors for day and night tours, but its history reveals a haunting past. During the early 1900s, Jefferson County was ravaged by the deadly disease known as TB or the “White Plague.” The impact was devastating, with an alarming 63,000 victims succumbing to the illness within the hospital’s walls.
| Place | Address | Tour Times | Appointments | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waverly Hills Sanatorium | 4400 Paralee Lane, Louisville, KY | Varies, check website | Required for groups | info@waverlyhillstours.com | Varies, check website |
Missouri State Penitentiary, US
Originally opened in 1836 and eventually shuttered in 2004, this place carries a notorious reputation as the holding prison for Missouri’s death row inmates.
Today, the site offers a unique experience, but not without its risks. Prior to entry, visitors are required to sign a waiver, acknowledging the potential for injury while exploring the derelict surroundings.
| Place | Address | Tour Times | Appointments | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri State Penitentiary | 115 Lafayette St, Jefferson City, MO | Varies, check website | Recommended | info@missouripentours.com | Varies, check website |
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, formerly known as the Weston State Hospital, served as a residence for thousands of individuals with mental illness starting from 1864. Tragically, hundreds of people lost their lives within its walls before the facility ultimately ceased operations in 1994.
| Place | Address | Tour Times | Appointments | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum | Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum 71 Asylum Drive Weston WV 26452 | Varies, check website | Recommended | info@talawv.com | Varies, check website |
Hashima Island, Japan
Hashima Island, located in Japan, is also commonly referred to as Battleship Island due to its distinctive shape resembling a battleship. This haunting place was once a thriving community, home to over 5,000 residents. It operated from 1887 until 1974.
After its closure, Hashima Island remained abandoned for 35 years, frozen in time. The remnants of this forgotten settlement reveal a poignant scene, with homes left untouched, their interiors filled with the dust-covered relics of a bygone era. Televisions and telephones, frozen in time, serve as eerie reminders of the lives once lived on the island.
Island of the Dolls – Xochimilco, Mexico
The Island of the Dolls, located in Xochimilco, Mexico, is infamous for its alleged haunting by the spirit of a girl who tragically drowned many years ago. The haunting story dates back to the 1950s when Julian Santana Barrera discovered a child drowning in the canals.
After the incident, Julian encountered a floating doll near the canals and decided to place it on a tree as a way to honor the girl’s spirit. As time went on, Julian continued to hang more dolls on the island, believing it would appease the ghost of the girl. However, after fifty years of adorning the island with dolls, Julian himself met a tragic fate, drowning in the same area where the girl had lost her life.
This eerie tale has turned the Island of the Dolls into a haunting place, where the presence of the girl’s spirit and the multitude of hanging dolls create an unsettling atmosphere.
| Place | Address | Tour Times | Appointments | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Island of the Dolls | Xochimilco, Mexico | Varies, check website | Not required | info@islandofthedolls.com | Varies, check website |
Monte Cristo Homestead – New South Wales, Australia
The Monte Cristo Homestead in New South Wales, Australia, has a dark history dating back to 1885, filled with numerous tragedies. The Crawley family resided in the homestead from its inception until 1948, during which they experienced a series of haunting deaths.
Among the grim incidents were the untimely demise of a youngster who tragically fell down the stairs. Additionally, a family maid met a tragic end by falling from the balcony, while a stable lad suffered a horrific fate, burning to death on the premises. These harrowing events have left an indelible mark on the history of the Monte Cristo Homestead.
| Place | Address | Tour Times | Appointments | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monte Cristo Homestead | 1 Homestead Ln, Junee NSW | 10:00am to 4:00pm (Weekends Only – Closed Christmas Day) | Recommended | info@montecristo.com.au | Varies, check website |
Mary King’s Close – Edinburgh, Scotland
Mary King’s Close, located in Edinburgh, Scotland, holds a chilling history tied to the devastating plague outbreak that occurred in 1645. As a result of the plague’s grip on the city, tradesmen in Edinburgh were forced to abandon the close. The area became a site for quarantining infected individuals, representing a haunting reminder of the tragic times.
It is worth noting that Mary King’s Close is situated approximately 2 miles from the current location. The close stands as a somber testament to the hardships and struggles endured during the plague era, offering a glimpse into the past and the lingering presence of those dark times.
| Place | Address | Tour Times | Appointments | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mary King’s Close | 2 Warriston’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, Scotland | n/a | Not required | info@realmarykingsclose.com | n/a |
Old Changi Hospital – Changi, Singapore
The Old Changi Hospital, located in Changi, Singapore, was originally constructed in 1935 as part of the Changi military facility. However, during the period of Japanese occupation, the Japanese Kempeitai repurposed the facility as a prison and torture camp, adding a dark chapter to its history.
After the war, from 1945 to 1997, the building transitioned into a functioning hospital, serving the medical needs of the community. Throughout its existence, the Old Changi Hospital has witnessed significant transformations and experienced the extremes of human suffering, leaving an indelible mark on its walls.
| Place | Address | Tour Times | Appointments | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Changi Hospital | 24 Hendon Road, Singapore | Varies, check website | Not required | info@oldchangihospital.com.sg | Varies, check website |
Kolmanskop Namibia
Kolmanskop, located in Namibia, gained prominence in the early 1900s when desert diamonds were discovered in the area. This led to an influx of hundreds of German families who relocated there in hopes of finding wealth and success. However, after approximately 40 years, the town was eventually abandoned.
Visiting Kolmanskop can evoke strong emotions, as you have experienced during your two visits. The remnants of family homes, bars, and hospitals engulfed by sand, along with abandoned furniture, create an eerie atmosphere. The sight of a table left behind, slowly becoming a home for sand, adds to the strangeness and sense of time frozen in this abandoned diamond town. The juxtaposition of human artifacts slowly being consumed by nature leaves a lasting impression and a sense of the passage of time.
| Place | Address | Tour Times | Appointments | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolmanskop | Luderitz, Namibia | Varies, check website | Not required | info@kolmanskop.net | Varies, check website |
In conclusion, exploring the stranger side of history and the paranormal can be an exciting and enlightening experience, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved.
While these websites may offer a glimpse into the unknown and the inexplicable, it’s essential to approach them with a healthy dose of skepticism and caution.
As always, safety should be the top priority when venturing into unfamiliar territory. With that in mind, I hope this list has piqued your curiosity and inspired you to delve deeper into the mysteries of the past.
