New Hampshire, with its stunning landscapes and rich history, also happens to be home to several family-friendly haunted locations. These spots offer just the right amount of spookiness to intrigue and entertain everyone in the family. Get ready to explore some of the Granite State’s most eerie, yet thrilling sites.
1. The Historic Strawbery Banke Museum
Experience the past at Strawbery Banke Museum, a beautiful collection of historic homes with a ghostly reputation. While exploring, families can learn about the people who lived here and the spirits that might still linger in its oldest structures.
The museum is not only an educational resource but a thrilling experience as well. Walk through time as you step inside the meticulously preserved buildings, each echoing with the whispers of history. Some visitors report feeling a chill or catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure peering from the old windows. The annual candlelight stroll during the holiday season adds an extra layer of mystery, as flickering lanterns illuminate the paths walked by many long-forgotten souls.
2. Charming Mount Washington Hotel
Renowned for its breathtaking views and ghostly legend, the Mount Washington Hotel is a must-visit for those seeking a mix of luxury and hauntings. Known for a resident ghost who never checked out, this location is an elegant haunted haven.
Built in 1902, this grand hotel has long been the site of strange happenings. The most famous of these is the sighting of a shadowy figure thought to be Carolyn Stickney, the original owner’s wife. On quiet nights, some say you can hear her footsteps echoing in the corridors or see her presence out of the corner of your eye. For families, this is not just a chance to explore an architecturally stunning hotel, but also to hear engaging tales from the past—perhaps even a spectral one or two.
3. Mysterious Isles of Shoals
Located off the coast of New Hampshire, the Isles of Shoals blend natural beauty with unsettling tales of pirate treasure and mysterious shipwrecks. Perfect for a family looking for a tale of intrigue and adventure.
The islands themselves are a testament to nature’s beauty intertwined with humanity’s storied past. With their rugged coastline and scattered historic ruins, each island tells its own legend of shipwrecks, captain’s secrets, and hidden treasures. Families can take guided tours to learn about these riveting stories, while kids will love letting their imaginations run wild amidst the windswept landscapes. Legend has it, the sound of voices carried by the wind might just be those of pirates of old seeking their long-lost wealth.
4. Enigmatic Edinburgh, New Hampshire
Visit the ghost town of Edinburgh, where whispers of its former residents echo through the remnants of old buildings. This location provides a fascinating glimpse into New Hampshire’s history, enveloped in a chilly aura of the past.
Now an abandoned ruins-like site, Edinburgh invites families to stroll through its deserted streets. Walking through, you can almost picture the bustling life that once filled its now-silent structures. The local legends tell of mysterious lights that appear at night, flickering between the ruins like the fading flames of a forgotten hearth. It’s a wonderful way to teach children about local history in an interactive way, while perhaps catching a glimpse of history’s lingering spirits.
5. Chilling Pine Hill Cemetery
Known locally as ‘Blood Cemetery,’ this graveyard is one of New Hampshire’s most famous haunted sites. Its chilling legends and eerily peaceful landscape make it an exciting yet slightly spooky family outing.
The origin of its macabre nickname is shrouded in urban legend. Families visiting can delve into tales of the cemetery’s spectral lights and mysterious sounds that have been reported by daring explorers over the years. Nathaniel Hale, who is buried here, is said to roam the grounds still searching for peace. This site is an opportunity for families sensitive to both the historical and the spooky, offering a respectful exploration of artistry in tombstone design and legend alike.
6. Whispers of Madame Sherri’s Castle
Explore the enigmatic ruins of Madame Sherri’s Castle, nestled in the forest with a backstory as mysterious as its crumbling walls. This site is ideal for adventurous families intrigued by lore and legend.
Madame Antoinette Sherri was a renowned socialite during the 1920s, whose extravagant activities earned her a place in local legend. The castle itself, a once magnificent French-inspired chateau, is now merely a skeletal shadow. As you traverse the old stone staircases and foundations, you might hear echoes of the grand parties that Madame Sherri famously hosted. Children will delight in imagining the opulence, while parents can appreciate the odd silence of this historically vibrant spot.
7. Echoes of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
Step back in time at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse where tales of phantom lightkeepers and maritime specters abound. This historic lighthouse offers both captivating views and eerie ghost stories perfect for a family adventure.
As one of New Hampshire’s historic beacons, the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse offers more than just seafaring lore. Children and adults alike can marvel at the tales of seafaring spirits that cozy cabins reportedly suggest have never left. Guided tours are available, providing families an inclusive way to learn about the lighthouse’s critical role in early maritime navigation while enticing them with thrilling ghost stories crafted through generations of lightkeeper families.
8. The Bewitching Indian Head Resort
Nestled in the White Mountains, Indian Head Resort combines family-friendly fun with whispers of ghostly guests. With historic charm and beautiful scenery, this resort is perfect for those who enjoy leisure with a hint of the supernatural.
The resort’s unique architecture is steeped in tradition, with many features preserved from its early days of operation. Guests have recounted tales of unsettling yet friendly apparitions appearing in corridors and near the picturesque outdoor pool area. Families visiting the resort can enjoy a blend of restful relaxation and thrilling mystery, as seasonal activities around the resort provide ample opportunities for engaging exploration. Let the allure of rumored apparitions and the stunning outdoor backdrop add a captivating touch to your family retreat.
