Dover, DE – If you’re fascinated by haunted histories, paranormal sightings, or ghost-filled legends, Delaware offers a surprisingly rich collection of eerie sites that will send shivers down your spine. From Civil War forts to haunted mansions and ghostly lighthouses, these destinations are perfect for the macabre-minded traveler.
Fort Delaware State Park (Pea Patch Island)
Often called Delaware’s most haunted site, this Civil War-era fortress is known for disembodied voices, flickering shadows, and a spirit known as the “blue man.” Ghost tours allow visitors to explore the grounds with EMF detectors and paranormal gear, offering a chilling dive into Delaware’s spectral past.
Rockwood Park & Museum
This 1850s Gothic estate in Wilmington combines architectural beauty with spine-tingling mystery. Guests and staff often experience cold spots, phantom voices, and even ghostly laughter from children. The site has appeared on paranormal TV shows and continues to host regular ghost tours.
Lums Pond State Park
Behind the scenic trails and natural beauty lies the story of a murdered runaway girl from the 1800s. Hikers on the Swamp Forest Trail report piercing screams, apparitions, and sudden chills. The restless spirit of miller John Lum is also rumored to haunt the area.
Frightland in Middletown
Ranked among America’s scariest haunted attractions, Frightland is more than a Halloween staple. Spread across a creepy farm setting, it offers multiple haunted houses, spooky hayrides, and real horror-themed environments guaranteed to raise your heart rate.
Crabby Dick’s in Delaware City
Don’t let the seafood fool you—this restaurant was once the Delaware City Hotel, and it’s allegedly haunted by “Sandy,” a former chambermaid. Reports include flickering lights, unseen whispers, and strong warnings near the fourth floor.
Woodburn (The Governor’s Mansion), Dover
One of Delaware’s most infamous haunted sites, Woodburn is tied to the ghost of a slave raider who died on the property. Strange occurrences include screams, faint footsteps, and shadows moving independently. Even state governors have shared ghost stories from their time here.
The Green in Dover
More than a historical square, The Green is haunted by the angry ghost of an 18th-century judge and others tied to Delaware’s constitutional past. Visitors speak of apparitions among the graves and an oppressive, ghostly atmosphere.
Amstel House & Historic New Castle
During the “Hauntings in History” walking tours, guests can explore cobblestone streets and colonial homes like Amstel House, where the “Lady in Blue” is said to appear in an upstairs window. These tours uncover tales of punishment, execution, and restless spirits from Delaware’s past.
Maggie’s Bridge, Woodland Church Road
The legend of Maggie, a ghostly woman in white, has terrified nighttime visitors for years. Witnesses report phantom screams, scratches, and high EMF readings, while some say they return home with unexplained bruises after visiting the bridge.
The Cannonball House, Lewes
This home still bears the scars of the War of 1812, and with it come tales of mysterious footsteps, cold breezes, and flickering lights. A key stop in haunted Lewes, it stands as a must-visit for ghost story lovers and thrill seekers alike.
Whether you’re chasing shadows, capturing orbs, or simply love a good ghost story, Delaware’s haunted heritage won’t disappoint. Which of these chilling sites will you dare to explore?
