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Kentucky is the third most haunted state in the country

There are ghosts afoot.

A large, abandoned sanatorium

Kentucky ranked ninth for the most haunted locations in the country with 412 — Waverly Hills Sanatorium among them.

Photo by @theghoulguide + @ayeitzkinedy

Ghosts, apparitions, poltergeists, phantasms — whatever you call them, Kentucky is home to more than its fair share.

A new ranking of the number of ghost sightings, haunted locations, cemeteries, and paranormal investigators per state found the Bluegrass State is the No. 3 most haunted state in the nation. Here’s some of the key stats that led to the ranking:

  • 45,965 cemeteries
  • 412 haunted locations
  • 1,257 ghost sightings
  • 19 paranormal investigators

Kentucky has the second highest number of cemeteries per capita, behind West Virginia.
Another key factor in securing Kentucky’s No. 3 spot was Waverly Hills Sanatorium. The former tuberculosis sanatorium located in southeast Louisville has even been filming location for local horror movies.

Bonus: That’s not the only location with a ghost story or two in Louisville. The Seelbach Hotel is allegedly home to The Lady in Blue, a ghost known for the scent of her lilac perfume.

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