Th 11 Most Haunted Places in Nashville

If you’re into all things paranormal, then Nashville—aka Music City—is right up your alley. Why? Well, this city’s been around forever, and with that kind of history, you know there are plenty of ghosts still hanging around, probably jamming out to some old-time tunes.

So, let’s dive into the spookier side of Nashville and check out the most haunted spots in town! You never know who—or what—you might bump into!

If we’re talking about the most haunted spots in Nashville—or even all of Tennessee—Tennessee State Prison takes the cake. This place once housed the state’s electric chair, and rumor has it, you can still hear the blood-curdling screams of the prisoners who met their fate there. Yikes!

Built in 1898, this prison wasn’t just for locking people up—it’s also been a movie star! Yep, it’s been featured in films like The Green Mile and Ernest Goes to Jail. But behind the scenes, the prison was infamous for overcrowding, riots, and a few too many jail breaks.

Since it closed in 1992, spooky reports have rolled in—phantom footsteps, chilling cold spots, creepy apparitions, and doors that slam by themselves. Oh, and as if that wasn’t enough, the building took a hit from a tornado in 2020, adding an extra layer of eerie decay to this already haunted hotspot.

Nashville’s Union Station Hotel might be a fancy place to stay now, but it wasn’t always a hotel. Back when it was built in the late 1890s, it served as—you guessed it—a bustling railroad station.

Fast forward to 1986, and it got a serious glow-up, transforming into one of Nashville’s most iconic hotels. But it’s not just the stunning architecture that draws people in—it’s also one of the city’s most haunted spots.

Since the hotel opened, guests have reported all sorts of poltergeist activity, and it’s rumored to be tied to the spirit of a young woman who tragically lost her love during World War II.

Heartbroken, she took her life by jumping from the building’s balcony, and her ghost has been spotted replaying her final leap time and time again. | Check Availability

The Gaylord Opryland Resort is known for its luxury, opulence, and massive size, but behind all the glamour lurks a spooky side. Locals know it well—the infamous Black Lady haunts the halls, dressed in an Antebellum-style black gown.

While she may sound like something straight out of a nightmare, don’t worry, she’s harmless (if you’re cool with ghostly chaperones).

Staff have reported that she’s often seen quietly standing by, watching over guests as they wander the property.

Sure, she’s not exactly your typical babysitter, but hey, at least she’s not causing any trouble. Just consider her part of the resort’s “unofficial” guest services! | Check Availability

One of the most haunted spots in Nashville? Look no further than the Tennessee State Capitol building. If you stop by, don’t be surprised if you hear some ghostly arguing echoing through the halls.

Why? Well, William Strickland, the building’s architect, and Samuel Morgan, who oversaw its construction, were notorious for butting heads in life—so why stop just because they’re dead?

Apparently, their spirited debates are still going strong, and visitors can sometimes hear their heated exchanges bouncing around the place.

To make things even spookier, both men are buried right there on the property. Seems like they’re just not ready to let bygones be bygones!

Even if you’re not into ghost stories, you’ve probably heard of the Bell Witch! Sure, the infamous Bell Witch Cave is technically in Adams, but it’s close enough to Nashville that we’re counting it as one of the most haunted places in town.

The legend started with a classic neighbor feud between John Bell and Kate Batts, who believed Bell had cheated her in a land deal.

As payback, she supposedly tormented Bell’s daughter, Betsy, for years. On her deathbed, Batts—rumored to be a witch—swore she’d haunt the Bell family forever. Talk about holding a grudge!

Even future president Andrew Jackson had a run-in with the Bell Witch. After a spooky night at the Bell Farm, he famously said, “I had rather face the entire British Army than to spend another night with the Bell Witch.”

The farm was eventually torn down, but visitors to the cave still report hearing chains rattling, strange knocks, and the occasional sighting of bizarre animals. Not exactly your typical day trip!

The Hermitage, once the home of America’s seventh president, Andrew Jackson, is not just a historic landmark—it’s also one of the most haunted spots in Nashville.

Jackson, known for his fiery temper and strong will, wasn’t exactly the type to let go of something as trivial as death. So, it’s no surprise that his spirit might still be hanging around the place he loved.

Visitors to The Hermitage often report seeing an apparition that looks suspiciously like Old Hickory himself, strutting through the halls like he still owns the joint. Apparently, even in the afterlife, Jackson’s not ready to give up his home turf!

The Isaac Franklin Plantation, also known as Fairvue, is one of the most notorious spots in Gallatin, Tennessee, with a dark history tied to the brutal legacy of slavery.

Built in 1832 by Isaac Franklin, a wealthy and ruthless slave trader, the plantation saw countless horrors, and some say those tragic events have left a permanent mark on the land.

Visitors and locals alike report seeing eerie blue lights racing across the property, hearing strange noises, and spotting the ghostly figure of Franklin’s daughter, Victoria, who died as a child.

There are also sightings of a restless Union soldier and paranormal disturbances in the neighborhoods built on the former slave quarters. With such a cruel past, it’s no wonder the spirits of those who suffered under Franklin’s rule still seem to linger, chained to the plantation even in death.

In 1970, a group of developers decided to bulldoze a section of land along the Harpeth River to make way for a new housing estate. No big deal, right? Except they also bulldozed the Pegram Family Cemetery—and then sold off the dirt, which was spread across Davidson and Cheatham Counties. Classy move.

A few years later, karma came knocking when the river flooded and homes in the new development were submerged. Oh, and did we mention the coffins that floated up during the flood? Yeah, they missed a few of those.

Since then, the area’s been hit by flood after flood, and the town’s had some serious bad luck, leading many to believe the desecrated land is cursed. The local fire department has even reported fires that reignite on their own, and residents have spotted tombstones popping up in their yards.

Even folks just passing through say there’s an eerie, vengeful vibe in the air—like the disturbed spirits are sticking around for some payback.

If you’re looking for a haunted venue with a side of Southern charm, Two Rivers Mansion in Nashville might just be the place for you. Originally built in 1859, this antebellum beauty has seen more than its fair share of history—and spirits.

Staff who lock up for the night report lights flickering, strange orbs floating around, and eerie laughter filling the empty rooms. And if that doesn’t give you the chills, there’s always the Lady in Black, who loves a good stroll around the property and even across the golf course.

Whether she’s a cursed spirit or Mrs. McGavock herself, she’s sure to make you think twice before teeing off.

The mansion might be gorgeous, but beneath its glitzy surface lies a dark history. Built on land that was once a Native American burial ground and used to bury Civil War soldiers, it’s no wonder the ghosts refuse to leave.

Even the golf course can’t escape the paranormal, with visitors reporting disembodied footsteps and voices in broad daylight. So, if you’re planning a visit, just remember: it’s not all fun and games when the dead still have a say.

Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium, or the “Mother Church of Country Music,” isn’t just famous for its legendary performances – it’s also got its fair share of ghostly groupies!

Originally built as a place of worship, the venue quickly shifted gears to host some of the biggest names in entertainment, much to the dismay of its founder, Captain Thomas Ryman, who now apparently haunts the place.

The poor guy can’t seem to rest easy, especially when performances get too scandalous for his spiritual standards. He’s known to stomp around, making a ruckus loud enough to disrupt shows—legend has it, he threw quite the tantrum during Carmen because, well, gypsy temptresses are a big no-no for Captain Ryman.

But he’s not alone. The Ryman has seen its fair share of spooky celebs, from the mysterious “Lady in Black” (possibly Patsy Cline?) to Hank Williams Sr., whose tunes can still be heard echoing from the stage.

And let’s not forget the infamous “Opry Curse” that allegedly took the lives of numerous country stars who performed here. So, if you visit the Ryman, you’ll get more than just a musical history lesson – you might just catch a ghostly encore!

If you’re in Nashville and looking for a haunted experience with a side of luxury, The Hermitage Hotel might just be your cup of paranormal tea. This swanky, early 20th-century hotel has hosted its fair share of Nashville’s elite – from Johnny Cash to JFK – but it’s not just the living who check in.

Legend has it, Room 912 is home to the eerie sounds of a crying baby, rumored to have met a tragic end after falling from a window. Of course, there’s no hard evidence, but hey, who needs facts when you’ve got a ghostly lullaby at 3 a.m.?

Then there’s the mysterious Lady in White, said to be an Edwardian guest who just can’t leave the building. She’s been blamed for everything from malfunctioning elevators to drinks flying off the bar.

And, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a mirror cracking right before your eyes – only for it to magically repair itself moments later. All this while you sip your tea under glittering chandeliers, feeling like you’re in a haunted version of Downton Abbey. | Check Availability