Dover, DE — If you’re drawn to the macabre, mysterious, and paranormal, Delaware offers a surprisingly rich collection of haunted sites and spooky legends. From phantom soldiers and ghostly children to angry judges and half-man, half-cat spirits, these eerie spots are sure to send a chill down your spine.
Here are ten creepy places in Delaware that ghost hunters and thrill-seekers should not miss.
1. Fort Delaware – Pea Patch Island
A former Civil War prison, Fort Delaware is considered one of the most haunted locations in the state. Over 2,650 prisoners died here, and visitors have reported cold spots, disembodied voices, and sightings of Confederate soldier apparitions. Daredevils can even book overnight ghost tours.
2. Poplar Hall (John Dickinson Mansion), Dover
This historic mansion was the childhood home of John Dickinson, a founding father. Paranormal visitors claim to hear the scratch of a quill on parchment in the study, along with mysterious orbs, noises, and cold drafts throughout the house.
3. Crabby Dick’s (Old Delaware City Hotel), Delaware City
Once a hotel, now a seafood restaurant, Crabby Dick’s is haunted by a maid named Sandy. Patrons often report flickering lights, footsteps, and unexplained bangs on the fourth floor, which many claim is her domain.
4. Bellevue Hall, Wilmington
Tucked inside Bellevue State Park, this elegant mansion hides dark energy. The second and third floors are closed to the public because of reports of flying chairs, electrical disturbances, and ghostly laughter echoing through the halls.
5. Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes
Near Tower 12, visitors have encountered a phantom soldier who still guards his post. Witnesses say they’ve heard growls, shouts, and seen mysterious faces in photos taken in the area. Enter at your own risk.
6. Rockwood Museum, Wilmington
This Gothic Revival mansion from the 1850s is home to ghostly children, a shadowy male figure, and the unsettling feeling of being watched. It even features a pet cemetery, adding to its haunted atmosphere.
7. The Green, Dover
This historic public square is reportedly haunted by the angry spirit of a judge, who paces among the tombstones and the Constitution-signing grounds. Visitors sometimes hear whispers and see a robed figure after dusk.
Read Also: 10 Creepy Mississippi Sites Every Macabre Enthusiast Should Visit
8. Catman’s Grave – Long Cemetery, Frankford
Legend says the cemetery is haunted by Catman, a part-human, part-feline spirit said to be a former gravekeeper. Disturb his grave and your vehicle may refuse to start, trapping you inside the graveyard.
9. Woodburn (Governor’s Mansion), Dover
Often referred to as Delaware’s most haunted home, Woodburn has had ghost sightings since 1815. Apparitions include its original builder, Charles Hillyard III, and unknown entities that whisper and move objects.
10. Lum’s Pond State Park, Bear
Haunted by the ghost of a murdered runaway girl, this park is infamous for high-pitched screams heard near the Swamp Forest Trail. The ghost of John Lum, who ran a mill nearby, also reportedly roams the area.
Are you brave enough to visit these haunted places? Share your creepiest Delaware encounter—or which location you’d explore first—in the comments below.
