It’s the perfect time of year to tap into the paranormal side of the Pelican State, and what better way than a day trip? We’ve compiled the perfect road trip that’ll take you to some of the most haunted spots in the state, and you’re going to love it. Of course, to keep the trip drivable in one day, we’ve centered the trip around New Orleans – perhaps one of the most haunted cities in Louisiana.
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- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Dan Cottrell/Google What better way to start a creepy road trip than at a cemetery? St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans. Dating back to 1789, this hauntingly beautiful cemetery is the final resting place of many notable New Orleanians, including Homer Plessy, Bernard de Marigny, and even the Voodoo Queen, Mary Laveau. The cemetery is believed to be haunted by a few different spirits, including Laveau. You’ll need a licensed tour guide to enter the cemetery, but there are several tour companies that offer daily tours. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, 425 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
Kevin Walters/Google Perhaps the most famous building on Bourbon Street, Lafitte’s has been a local watering hole since it was built in the 1700s. It’s the oldest building being used as a bar in the country, and it might just be the most haunted bar in the nation, too. Not only have several people claimed to have seen the infamous Jean Lafitte standing in the corner, but many patrons have also seen a pair of glowing red eyes emanating from the fireplace, a sign that not all spirits within these walls are benevolent. If you’re enjoying a cocktail or two and you think you see something out of the corner of your eye, don’t be so quick to brush it off—you might catch a glimpse of the notorious pirate checking in on his old stomping grounds.
Learn more about this haunted hot spot in our previous article here. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- The Pharmacy Museum
Anthony Turducken DelRosario/Google Tucked away in the French Quarter, the Pharmacy Museum is a fascinating spot for anyone looking to learn more about the history of medicine. Prior to the 1800s, medicine wasn’t regulated that well, and anyone could apprentice for a few months and then begin selling their own concoctions without any approval or regulations. Of course, this led to many people getting “prescribed” incorrect doses and medications. In 1804, a law was passed requiring that all pharmacists pass a licensing exam, and Louis Dufhilo was the first person to take the test, making him the first licensed pharmacist in the country. His home has been converted into a museum, and it’s a fascinating peep into the medical past.
Unfortunately, Dufhilo moved to France after 30 years of practice, and Dr. James Dupas took over the business. Dupas conducted several unethical and experimental procedures, leaving many victims to die or experience terrible side effects. Many believe that several of his victims are still within the walls, unable to move on… and you might just have a ghostly encounter as you wander around. Pharmacy museum, 516 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Muriel’s Restaurant
Muriel’s Jackson Square/Google This long-standing restaurant doesn’t hide its spiritual side, that’s for sure. This fine-dining eatery sets a table for its resident ghost, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, every evening. You can even reserve the iconic “ghost table” if you’d like to really lean into the folklore. For an extra paranormal experience, wander up to the Seance Room, where many believe Jourdan killed himself after losing a poker bet that cost him his dream home. Learn more about this tragic tale here. Muriel’s Jackson Square, 801 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Myrtles Plantation
Management/Trip Advisor After strolling through historic cemeteries and drinking spirits with spirits, you’re probably a little tired. Our final stop on this spooky road trip takes us up to St. Francisville, where you’ll find The Myrtles Plantation, one of the most haunted plantations in the South. Chloe is the most famous ghost story from the plantation, and many have claimed to have photographed her. The plantation has been converted into a bed & breakfast, so you can rent a room and stay the night if you want to continue the ghostly fun well into the evening. Just be warned: plenty of people have had encounters while staying in one of the rooms, so if you weren’t a believer before, you might become one after a night here! The Myrtles Plantation, 7747 US-61, St Francisville, LA 70775, USA
Have you ever had a paranormal experience? Share it with us in the comments below.
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Dan Cottrell/Google
What better way to start a creepy road trip than at a cemetery? St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans. Dating back to 1789, this hauntingly beautiful cemetery is the final resting place of many notable New Orleanians, including Homer Plessy, Bernard de Marigny, and even the Voodoo Queen, Mary Laveau. The cemetery is believed to be haunted by a few different spirits, including Laveau. You’ll need a licensed tour guide to enter the cemetery, but there are several tour companies that offer daily tours.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, 425 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Kevin Walters/Google
Perhaps the most famous building on Bourbon Street, Lafitte’s has been a local watering hole since it was built in the 1700s. It’s the oldest building being used as a bar in the country, and it might just be the most haunted bar in the nation, too. Not only have several people claimed to have seen the infamous Jean Lafitte standing in the corner, but many patrons have also seen a pair of glowing red eyes emanating from the fireplace, a sign that not all spirits within these walls are benevolent. If you’re enjoying a cocktail or two and you think you see something out of the corner of your eye, don’t be so quick to brush it off—you might catch a glimpse of the notorious pirate checking in on his old stomping grounds.
Learn more about this haunted hot spot in our previous article here.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Anthony Turducken DelRosario/Google
Tucked away in the French Quarter, the Pharmacy Museum is a fascinating spot for anyone looking to learn more about the history of medicine. Prior to the 1800s, medicine wasn’t regulated that well, and anyone could apprentice for a few months and then begin selling their own concoctions without any approval or regulations. Of course, this led to many people getting “prescribed” incorrect doses and medications. In 1804, a law was passed requiring that all pharmacists pass a licensing exam, and Louis Dufhilo was the first person to take the test, making him the first licensed pharmacist in the country. His home has been converted into a museum, and it’s a fascinating peep into the medical past.
Unfortunately, Dufhilo moved to France after 30 years of practice, and Dr. James Dupas took over the business. Dupas conducted several unethical and experimental procedures, leaving many victims to die or experience terrible side effects. Many believe that several of his victims are still within the walls, unable to move on… and you might just have a ghostly encounter as you wander around.
Pharmacy museum, 516 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Muriel’s Jackson Square/Google
This long-standing restaurant doesn’t hide its spiritual side, that’s for sure. This fine-dining eatery sets a table for its resident ghost, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, every evening. You can even reserve the iconic “ghost table” if you’d like to really lean into the folklore. For an extra paranormal experience, wander up to the Seance Room, where many believe Jourdan killed himself after losing a poker bet that cost him his dream home. Learn more about this tragic tale here.
Muriel’s Jackson Square, 801 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Management/Trip Advisor
After strolling through historic cemeteries and drinking spirits with spirits, you’re probably a little tired. Our final stop on this spooky road trip takes us up to St. Francisville, where you’ll find The Myrtles Plantation, one of the most haunted plantations in the South. Chloe is the most famous ghost story from the plantation, and many have claimed to have photographed her. The plantation has been converted into a bed & breakfast, so you can rent a room and stay the night if you want to continue the ghostly fun well into the evening. Just be warned: plenty of people have had encounters while staying in one of the rooms, so if you weren’t a believer before, you might become one after a night here!
The Myrtles Plantation, 7747 US-61, St Francisville, LA 70775, USA
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