Top 10 Dark Tourism Destinations USA

October 24, 2023

What is Dark Tourism?

Dark tourism, alternatively termed grief tourism or thanatourism, signifies the act of visiting places and sites connected with death, tragedy, suffering, or dark historical events.

These sites often have a morbid or eerie aspect to them. As a result, they may include locations where significant or gruesome events occurred. Dark tourism can encompass a wide range of destinations and experiences.

However, it is usually driven by a curiosity about the macabre, a thirst for historical knowledge, or an intrigue in understanding the human condition.

Dark tourism statistics show that places specializing in this sub-sector has and estimated market size of about 30 billion dollars! Furthermore, Travel daily news reported that a staggering 82% of people have visited at least one location that could be considered a dark tourism attraction.

Dark Tourism Examples

Some common examples of dark tourism sites and attractions include former prisons and locations tied to infamous events. Visitors to dark tourism sites may seek to understand the historical and cultural context surrounding these places. However, someexperience a sense of fascination, reflection, or even catharsis.

Dark Tourism Documentary

Dark Tourism shot to fame with the 2018 Documentary titled "Dark Tourist" that launched on Netflix. It caught many viewer's attention with Dark Tourist episode 8 titled "Back in the USA" being one of the most popular episodes.

Despite it's popularity, it was not renewed for a second season which means there will be no dark tourist season 2 release date.

Dark tourism is a diverse and often controversial form of tourism. It involves exploring sensitive and somber aspects of human history. Visitors are drawn to these sites for various reasons. While some people may approach them with respect and a desire to learn, others may treat them as mere sources of entertainment. As a result, leading to ethical concerns. Therefore, dark tourism raises questions about the appropriate way to engage with and commemorate such dark and often tragic events.

But without further ado, let's get into the top 10 dark tourism locations in the USA!

1. Alcatraz Island, California

Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco Bay, California, is primarily known for its historical significance as the site of the former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. It gained notoriety as one of the most secure and infamous prisons in American history. Here are some key aspects for which Alcatraz Island is known:

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary: The island served as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963. It housed some of the most notorious criminals in the United States, including Al Capone and "Machine Gun" Kelly. Due to its remote location and difficult-to-escape nature, Alcatraz earned the nickname "The Rock." The prison is known for its harsh conditions and high-security measures.

Escape attempts. Alcatraz is famous for a few daring escape attempts, the most notable being the 1962 escape attempt by three inmates—Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers. They created makeshift rafts and attempted to cross the treacherous waters to the mainland. However, their fate remains a mystery, and the escape attempt is the subject of much speculation and intrigue.

Historical significance. Alcatraz Island has a rich history dating back to the 19th century when it served as a military fort. It also played a role in the American Indian occupation of Alcatraz in the late 1960s. A group of Native American activists occupied the island for over 19 months, advocating for Native American rights and cultural preservation.

Tourist attraction: Today, Alcatraz Island is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors interested in its historical and cultural significance. The former prison has been preserved and is open for tours. Tours allow visitors to explore the prison cells and learn about the lives of both inmates and guards.

Alcatraz Island's history as a federal prison and its associations with famous criminals and escape attempts have cemented its reputation as a symbol of criminal justice and a fascinating piece of American history.

2. Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts is a historic city located on the North Shore of Massachusetts, on the Atlantic coast of the United States. It is renowned for several significant aspects:

Witch Trials: Salem is most famous for the Salem witch trials, a series of events that took place in 1692. During this period, a number of residents, primarily women, were accused of practicing witchcraft. The trials led to several people being executed, and it remains a significant chapter in American colonial history. The city has embraced its witch trial history and has become a hub for witchcraft and paranormal tourism.

Historic Architecture: Salem is known for its well-preserved historic architecture, including a multitude of colonial-era houses and buildings. The city's historic district features cobblestone streets and numerous structures dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Halloween Celebrations. Salem is a popular destination for Halloween enthusiasts, drawing visitors from around the world during the month of October. The city hosts numerous Halloween-themed events, including parades, haunted house tours, and other spooky attractions.

Modern Wiccan Community. Salem has also attracted contemporary Wiccan and pagan communities. Furthermore, it is known for its tolerance and acceptance of various belief systems, including modern witchcraft.

Salem's blend of history, architecture, and unique attractions, particularly its association with the Salem witch trials, makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, culture, and the mystical aspects of the city's past and present.

3. Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg National Military Park is a historic site and national park located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Famous for its association with the Battle of Gettysburg. It is considered one of the most pivotal and significant battles of the American Civil War. The battle took place from July 1 to 3, 1863. The park encompasses a large area and serves as a commemoration of the battle. Additionally, it is an educational and recreational destination.

Battle of Gettysburg: The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the American Civil War. It was a three-day engagement between the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Robert E. Lee, and the Union Army of the Potomac, led by General George G. Meade. The battle resulted in a significant Union victory and is often considered the high-water mark of the Confederate forces. However, over 6000 individuals lost their lives on the battlefield in the siege.

The site of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War, this park has numerous haunted tales and is known for its ghost tours.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana is one of the most famous dark tourism destinations USA. It is cconsidered a dark tourism attraction for several reasons:

History of Tragedy: New Orleans has a history that includes significant episodes of tragedy and suffering. The city is associated with natural disasters, particularly Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The devastation caused by the hurricane, the failure of the levees, and the aftermath led to significant loss of life and suffering, making it a somber chapter in the city's history.
Haunted History: New Orleans is known for its rich history of voodoo, superstitions, and a reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in the United States. Ghost stories and tales of paranormal activity are prevalent, and there are numerous ghost tours and haunted house attractions in the city.
Historic Cemeteries: New Orleans' above-ground cemeteries, known as "cities of the dead," are unique and eerie, with ornate tombs and crypts. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is a particularly famous example and is often visited as part of dark tourism tours.
Criminal History: The city has had its share of criminal history, including famous criminals and mob activities. This history includes figures like Marie Laveau, the "Voodoo Queen" of New Orleans, and famous gangsters like Carlos Marcello.
Voodoo and Witchcraft: New Orleans has long been associated with voodoo and witchcraft practices, and there are several shops, practitioners, and tours that explore these mystical and often dark aspects of the city's culture.

5. The Texas School Book Depository, Dallas, Texas

The Texas School Book Depository in Dallas, Texas is considered a dark tourist attraction primarily because of its association with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. The reasons for its dark tourism status include:

The Kennedy Assassination: The Texas School Book Depository is infamous for being the site from which Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot and killed President John F. Kennedy. The assassination is one of the most significant and tragic events in American history.

Historical Significance: The Kennedy assassination was a watershed moment in U.S. history, leading to profound national and international implications. The site, therefore, holds historical significance and attracts visitors interested in learning about the event and its consequences.

6. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This area is considered a dark tourism location due to several factors:

Historical Significance: Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the oldest and most famous prisons in the United States. It operated from 1829 to 1971 and gained a reputation for its radical and controversial system of solitary confinement, designed to rehabilitate inmates through isolation and reflection. The prison's historical significance is a key draw for dark tourism.

Harsh Conditions: The prison's system of solitary confinement was notorious for its harsh and psychologically damaging conditions. Inmates were kept in small, isolated cells for long periods, often resulting in mental health issues. The grim history of the prison's methods and treatment of inmates adds to its dark tourism appeal.
Ghost stories and paranormal activity are often associated with Eastern State Penitentiary, drawing many visitors to the prison who hope to experience or learn about these supposed hauntings. The prison's dilapidated and decaying state adds to the eerie atmosphere.
Notable Inmates: Over the years, the prison housed several famous and infamous inmates, including Al Capone. Their stories and the history of the prison add to its dark allure.

Eastern State Penitentiary has embraced its dark history. It has become a popular destination for those interested in exploring the macabre aspects of the prison's past. People are facinated by the conditions faced by inmates, and the alleged paranormal activity that lingers within its walls. It raises questions about the ethics of prison systems and the treatment of inmates. Therefore, it is a thought-provoking dark tourism site.

7. USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii:

This memorial marks the resting place of the sunken USS Arizona and the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. Although the USS Arizona Memorial is linked to a tragic event in American history, it doesn't qualify as dark tourism in the same way as some other sites.

Instead, it serves primarily as a place of historical remembrance and education. Therefore, allowing visitors to reflect on the impact of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Additionally, people can reflect onthe sacrifices made during World War II.

8. Lizzie Borden House, Fall River, Massachusetts:

The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Massachusetts, is considered a dark tourism destination due to its association with the infamous 1892 murders. The victims were Andrew and Abby Borden. Lizzie Borden, the daughter of the victims, was accused but ultimately acquitted. Here are the key reasons why the Lizzie Borden House is regarded as a dark tourism destination:

Murders and Unsolved Mystery: The house is the site of the gruesome axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. The brutality and mystery surrounding the murders, as well as the subsequent trial of Lizzie Borden, have made the case a well-known and enduring mystery in American crime history.

Lizzie Borden Legend: Lizzie Borden herself has become a legendary figure in American folklore, known for the rhyme "Lizzie Borden took an axe, And gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, She gave her father forty-one." The legend has contributed to the dark tourism appeal of the house.

Interest in True Crime: True crime has gained popularity as a genre of entertainment, with many people drawn to stories of murder and mystery. The Lizzie Borden House caters to this interest by providing a glimpse into a historical murder case.

Hauntings and Ghost Stories: Many people often associate the house with ghost stories and paranormal activity, further enhancing its dark tourism appeal. Some visitors find themselves intrigued by the supernatural legends and tales of hauntings linked to the house.

It remains a destination for those fascinated by the mysteries and legends surrounding the Borden murders.

9. The Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana

The Myrtles Plantation, situated in St. Francisville, Louisiana, holds the status of a dark tourist attraction because of its reputation as one of the most haunted and allegedly cursed properties in the United States. Several factors contribute to its dark tourism status:

Tales of Hauntings: The Myrtles Plantation is renowned for its many ghost stories and paranormal encounters. Visitors and residents have reported sightings of apparitions, mysterious sounds, and unexplained occurrences. Some of the most famous ghosts associated with the plantation include the "Chloe" and "Cleomie" apparitions.
Murder Mystery: The most well-known ghost story at the Myrtles is the legend of Chloe, a former slave who allegedly poisoned the family. Chloe's story, as well as other tales of violence and tragedy associated with the property, add to the dark and eerie atmosphere.
Historic Preservation: While the Myrtles Plantation has been maintained as a historical site, the tales of hauntings and tragedies have played a significant role in shaping its reputation and drawing the interest of those who wish to delve into the darker facets of history.

While the Myrtles Plantation is a popular destination for those interested in the supernatural and the paranormal, it is also a historical site with significant cultural and architectural value. Its dark tourism status arises from the melding of history, legend, and the stories of hauntings that have surrounded the property for generations.

10. Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Louisville, Kentucky

Waverly Hills Sanatorium, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is considered a dark tourism site due to its association with a history of suffering and death. Several factors contribute to its dark tourism status:

Harsh Conditions: While in operation, the sanatorium gained notoriety for administering harsh and occasionally experimental treatments, given the absence of a known cure for tuberculosis at the time. Patients endured surgeries, quarantine, and isolation, and many did not survive the disease or its treatments.
High Mortality Rate: Due to the severity of tuberculosis and the experimental treatments, Waverly Hills had a high mortality rate. The exact number of deaths at the sanatorium is a subject of speculation, but it is estimated that thousands of patients died there over the years.
Urban Legends: Over time, the site has become the subject of urban legends and ghost stories, with claims of paranormal activity and hauntings. Visitors are drawn to Waverly Hills for the chance to experience or explore these alleged supernatural phenomena.
Haunted House Attractions: Waverly Hills has hosted haunted house attractions and ghost tours, particularly around Halloween, which cater to people interested in the macabre and supernatural.

Waverly Hills Sanatorium embodies the historical suffering and medical practices associated with tuberculosis, and its reputation as a haunted and eerie place has contributed to its dark tourism appeal. It raises questions about the treatment of the sick in the past and the ethical considerations of using sites with such histories for tourism and entertainment.

A note of caution:

Dark tourism allows us to explore and learn from some of the most somber and historically significant sites. These sitesoften involve tragedy, suffering, or death. While visiting these places can be educational and thought-provoking, it's essential to approach dark tourism with the utmost respect and sensitivity.

Remember that these sites represent real events and lives lost, and their historical significance demands a respectful attitude. When visiting dark tourism destinations you can:

Take time to reflect on the past.
Consider the experiences of those who were affected.
Strive to understand the context and impact of the events.

Show respect for the memories of those who suffered and for the communities and cultures connected to these sites. Avoid sensationalizing or trivializing the experiences of those who lived through these events and prioritize education, remembrance, and empathy. By approaching dark tourism in a respectful way, we can honor the past, learn from history, and ensure that these sites serve as a meaningful platform for reflection and understanding