I have this weird aversion to horror movies, but when it comes to haunted places, I'm all for ghost tours and visiting sites with dark histories. One city brimming with haunts, four centuries worth—dating back to when the first settlers arrived, is Norfolk, Virginia. While I haven't visited the area myself (yet!), I have family nearby, which has led me to look into some of the most haunted sites in this old port city.
Most haunted sites in Norfolk, Virginia
- Norfolk City Jail: Considered the most haunted place in Norfolk, terror lurks within these cell walls. Every prisoner who is assigned to one particular 9’ x 9’ cell is said to have been provoked by a former prisoner who hung himself there. A prisoner reported seeing a distorted figure of a man’s face every time he went to look at his reflection, both incidents occurred within this cell.
- Battleship Wisconsin: The Battleship Wisconsin is an important city landmark but is also said that this vessel is also home to the poor soul of a crew member who lost his life in an air conditioning malfunction during the Korean War.
- Freemason Abbey: Built in 1873 in Norfolk’s Freemason section, this building now serves as a restaurant. Supernatural activity has been documented for years, especially in the kitchen and bar areas where cupboards mysteriously open and objects are moved. Superstitious employees always close the restaurant by saying goodnight to the deceased restaurant owner who still appears to take smoke breaks in the storage room.·
- Gresham Dorms, Old Dominion University: A case goes cold after a couple was brutally murdered by an unknown assailant in the parking lot of this apartment complex. Some say that they have seen a mysterious figure of a bloody woman on the eve of the couple’s wedding anniversary. Maybe she is waiting for her husband to return to her…
And if you're near Coastal Virginia this season and are up for a little spooky fun, there's a host of attractions and events to get you and your family in the spirit for Halloween 😉
- Haunted Ship - BB64: Three Decks of Darkness at Battleship Wisconsin (Oct. 17-19, 24-26) — Put your nerves to the test and see what goes bump in the night aboard the Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus. Trek three dark decks, previously unexplored for years and see if the ghostly legends are true. You never know what may lie around the corner! Admission is $15 per person/ $10 for Nauticus Members.
- The Woman in Black at Wells Theatre (Oct. 22 - Nov. 10) — The talented Virginia Stage Company at the Wells Theatre presents The Woman in Black, one of British theatre’s most haunting hits. An eerie tale of a lawyer who is assigned to settle the affairs of a solitary widow discovers more than he bargained for when he comes into contact with a spirit with a horrific past. This thrilling production will keep you at the edge of your seat and is sure to frighten even the bravest audience members!
- The Haunt for Dead October at Hampton Roads Naval Museum (Oct. 25) — Join the Hampton Roads Naval Museum for a hauntingly great time. Various Halloween crafts and activities are included in this fun-filled night. Admission is free.
- Garden Trick or Treating @ Norfolk Botanical Garden (Oct. 25) — Wear your best Halloween costume for a ghoulishly good time! Explore the Garden at night with the whole family, warm up and toast s’mores around a campfire, listen to jokes and stories, then trick-or-treat your way home! Admission is $16 per child and $10 per adult for non-members.
- Zoo Boo at The Virginia Zoo (Oct. 26) — A wild and “spook”-tacular time for the whole family filled with costume contests, Halloween games, animal pumpkin smashing, candy stations and more! Admission is $11 for non-members (ages 2+) and $6 per person for visitors with membership (ages 2+).
- Pirate, Mermaids & Monsters Halloween Cruise at The Spirit of Norfolk (Oct. 27) — No tricks here, only treats and fun entertainment on the water! Visit with pirates, mermaids and monsters on the water aboard Spirit of Norfolk’s Halloween Lunch Cruise. This two-hour cruise includes kid-friendly buffet options, live entertainment, amazing views of the waterfront, Halloween goodie bags and other prize giveaways, and a special pirate, mermaid, and monster costume parade. Admission is $32.90 per person.
Do you like to visit "haunted" sites?
Roundup courtesy VisitNorfolk — For more information, visit www.visitnorfolktoday.com.
Jennifer @ The Quirky Momma
i would love to visit all of the haunted Virginia sites! That is something I would love to do with my older kiddos!
Penelope (NYC Blogger)
Those are excitingly scary, eek!
HilLesha
I don't believe in ghosts, but that would still be a thrilling experience, nonetheless.
Angela
There is so much spooky stuff in Norfolk! Lots of great history there.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
I use to be into the movies but not anymore...not sure about places..
Kathleen
Such a great list, I am going to have to keep this marked for when we visit the area.
Vanessa: thequeenofswag
I love haunted attractions. I would love to visit.
Marcie W.
If we lived closer my husband would want to attend every event possible! This is all right up his alley.
Colleen
Oh you are so like me. I don't do scary movies but I love the idea of real ghosts, go figure LOL.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins
I wish I lived closer because I LOVE all things scary!
Shell Feis
I'm a pretty big chicken!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids
I'd love to go to the Freemason Abbey and have dinner. How cool that they made a restaurant out of it!
Theresa
This sounds so cool!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes
I've always wanted to try visiting a haunted place .. but I'm too chicken!!!!
Tricia @ Night owl mama
we just did a ghost tour of Chicago last weekend with a big group of us. It was fun
Leilani
Oh I could never visit haunted sites. I am so afraid of ghosts because I actually believe in them. I'm convinced if I ever saw one I would probably die of fright.
Lolo
They have so many scary fun things going on. It would be fun to visit, especially the Zoo Boo!
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie}
I loved stuff like this as a kid, now... no way. I avoid stress.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell
I feel the same way you do about not watching the movies, but being willing to attend the haunted events. I'm not sure I'd stay in a REALLY haunted room but the festivals and activities are FUN!
Toni
So many attractions for those that live nearby!
Mellisa
This is something I would love to do! I love making myself scared especially around Halloween.