Alaska is known for its natural beauty—mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. But there’s another side to the state that’s dark, strange, and even a little scary. If you’re someone who enjoys spooky stories, haunted places, and mysterious legends, Alaska has plenty to offer. From abandoned towns to eerie museums, these places will send chills down your spine. So, if you’re ready to explore Alaska’s creepy and macabre side, here are 11 must-visit spots that are both fascinating and frightening.
Red Onion Saloon – Skagway
This old saloon was once a brothel during the Gold Rush. Today, it’s a museum and restaurant—but many say the ghosts of its past still haunt the place. People have reported footsteps, cold spots, and even sightings of a female ghost. A guided “Ghost Tour” shares all the spooky stories.
Eklutna Cemetery – Anchorage
This unique graveyard is known for its colourful spirit houses—small wooden structures placed over graves. The cemetery combines Russian Orthodox and Native traditions, giving it an eerie but beautiful vibe. It’s peaceful, yet feels like a place where the past is never far away.
Igloo City – Cantwell
Igloo City was once planned to be a fancy hotel shaped like a giant igloo. It was never completed and now stands empty in the middle of nowhere. The hollow concrete shell looks strange and abandoned, perfect for lovers of urban legends and roadside creepiness.
Alaska State Jail – Juneau
This old jail is no longer in use, but its history is chilling. People have claimed to hear unexplained noises and ghostly whispers in the empty cells. Some believe it’s haunted by prisoners who never left. Guided tours give a close look at its dark past.
Kennecott Ghost Town – Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
This abandoned mining town looks like something out of a horror movie. Old buildings, rusty equipment, and silent roads make this place both beautiful and spooky. It was once full of life, but now it feels frozen in time. Guided tours are available during the summer.
Nightmute – The Real Town from “Insomnia”
The small town of Nightmute gained fame from the thriller movie Insomnia. While the movie was fictional, the setting is real—and very isolated. Surrounded by fog, cold, and endless silence, the atmosphere is naturally eerie.
Whittier’s Abandoned Buildings
Whittier is a small town with a strange layout—most people live in one big building. Around it, you’ll find several old, abandoned military buildings from World War II. These crumbling structures are off-limits, but many urban explorers still sneak a peek.
Jesse Lee Home for Children – Seward
This abandoned orphanage has a sad and tragic history. The building was badly damaged during the 1964 earthquake and never repaired. Now, it sits empty, with broken windows and creepy halls. Locals say they’ve seen ghostly figures and heard children’s voices inside.
Chatanika Gold Dredge
This huge, broken-down machine was once used to mine gold. Now it lies rusting in the Alaskan wilderness. The size alone is scary, but the silence and emptiness make it even more haunting. A great spot for ghost-town explorers and photographers.
Motherlode Lodge – Palmer
Once a popular hotel, this building is now abandoned and said to be haunted. Visitors have reported strange sounds, doors opening on their own, and lights flickering. Even without ghosts, the decaying rooms and furniture create a horror-movie vibe.
Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum – Anchorage (Ghost Plane Stories)
This museum holds old planes with big histories. Some pilots believe a few of the planes are haunted, especially those involved in tragic accidents. Museum staff have shared strange experiences, like radios turning on by themselves or unexplained shadows.
Alaska isn’t just about snowy peaks and cute wildlife—it also has a dark, spooky side full of ghost stories, abandoned towns, and mysterious places. These 11 creepy spots offer a mix of history, horror, and adventure. If you love exploring places that make your heart race, Alaska has something special for you. Just remember—some of the scariest places don’t need ghosts, only silence and a little imagination.
SOURCES
[1] https://mosthauntedplacesintheworld.com/most-haunted-places-in-alaska/
[2] https://www.experiencedenali.com/blog/alaskas-most-haunted-places/
[3] https://www.ghostsandgetaways.com/blog-1/7-historic-and-haunted-places-in-alaska
[4] https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-stories/anchorages-top-ten-haunted-locations/
[5] https://traveltriangle.com/blog/haunted-places-in-alaska/
