6 Spookiest Student Destinations for a Terrific Teen Trip

If your students are craving a little history with a side of goosebumps, these 6 spookiest student destinations deliver just the right mix of eerie legends, educational storytelling, and unforgettable thrills. Here are six of the best haunted experiences that are spooky enough to excite teens—without crossing into nightmare territory.

1. Gettysburg

Gettysburg is more than just a historic battlefield—it’s a spine-tingling classroom where the past lingers in the shadows. For middle and high school students, it offers a unique blend of education and eerie excitement that makes learning unforgettable.

History with a Haunting Twist

The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the bloodiest of the Civil War, and many believe the spirits of fallen soldiers still roam the fields. Locals and visitors have often reported supernatural encounters like hearing battle sounds, seeing Civil War-era soldiers, and electronic malfunctions in places like Devil’s Den and Little Round Top.

The Jennie Wade House is another spot that’s rife with paranormal activity.  Jennie Wade was the only civilian killed during the battle when a bullet pierced her door as she was kneading dough in the kitchen. In fact, there’s still a spot of her blood on the floorboard!

Student-Friendly Ghost Tours

Gettysburg offers a variety of age-appropriate ghost tours designed specifically for student groups. These tours combine storytelling, local legends, and historical facts to keep students engaged even as the hair on their necks stands up!

Fun Fact! Some tours even include ghost-hunting equipment, letting students play paranormal investigator for the night!

Songs and Stories of a Civil War Hospital

Christ Lutheran Church is the oldest building in Gettysburg in continuous use for worship and served as a hospital from the first day of battle and for 5 weeks. It also is home to the Songs and Stories of a Civil War Hospital program. You’ll hear the true stories of both Union and Confederate soldiers, doctors and nurses who worked valiantly to save lives.

Read soldiers’ actual journal entries and a citizen-nurse’s touching diary. Listen to civil war music and the poetry of Walt Whitman.

Fun Fact! Whitman served as a civil war nurse for 3 years!

2. Boston

Boston is a spine-tingling blend of history and hauntings—perfect for curious middle and high school students. With centuries-old graveyards, shadowy crypts beneath the Old North Church, and ghost tours that wind through cobblestone streets by lantern light, the city brings its eerie past to life.

Terrifying Tours

Take a trolley ride hosted by a ghoulish guide past Boston’s most haunted locations. You’ll see spooky spots like Granary Burying Ground, where many famous figures like Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock are buried, and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground with chilling tales of grave robbing.  The Ghosts & Gravestones tour is a must-do for teens!

The Freedom Trail Lantern Tour is a unique way to learn about Boston’s hidden history! Hear spine-tingling tales while walking to sites like Boston Common and the Massachusetts State House.  

Spooky Spots

Built in 1713, the Old State House is reportedly swarming with spirits. You’ll hear countless stories of ghostly figures and unexplained phenomena.  

The Old North Church is a standard stop for student groups. However, what most don’t know is that there’s an ancient crypt in the basement accessible only by special tour. The crypt was used from 1732-1860 and holds more than 1100 souls. Yikes!

Macabre Must-Dos

Can we all just stop for a minute and say “eeeeewww?” The Boston Athenaeum houses a collection of 150,000 rare books. Tucked among them in a locked room is one with a morbid history. Its binding is made from the skin of one James Allen, a criminal who spent most of his life in and out of jail.

Continuing with the macabre theme which seems to have emerged, our next point of interest is Edgar Allan Poe Square at the intersection of Boylston and Charles Streets. Poe was born in the area January 19, 1809, although his home no longer exists. The plaza boasts a statue of Poe with symbols from some of his best-known works.

Pro Tip!  Add a stop in Salem – another reputedly haunted destination and site of the 1692 witch trials.

3. New Orleans

New Orleans is teeming with spirits of all kinds.  It’s considered America’s most haunted city – rife with chilling sites and spooky stories of the dearly departed. And with its eclectic history, Nola is both thrilling and educational!

The Frightening French Quarter

The French Quarter is notorious for its otherworldly attractions. It seems that there’s a spooky spot around every corner.

St. Louis Cathedral stands as a symbol of New Orleans’ rich colonial past and spiritual heritage. Originally built in 1724, the cathedral is the oldest continuously active Catholic cathedral in the United States. It’s also believed to be one of the most haunted structures in the French Quarter.

Students will surely want to stop at the St. Louis Cemetery, where Marie Laveau the “Voodoo Queen” rests in an iconic above-ground grave. 

And don’t forget to swing past Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar , one of the oldest buildings in the city and reportedly haunted by two colonial-era ghosts. Note – this one is outdoor viewing only for the under 21 crowd!

Hop on one of the French Quarter tours for even more stories of haunted mansions, voodoo, pirates, and ghostly lore.

4. Philadelphia

As the “Birthplace of America” Philadelphia is rich in history and haunts! Of course, the standard student must-dos include Independence Hall, National Constitution Center, Congress Hall, Liberty Bell, Franklin Institute, and Betsy Ross House.

But… we’ve got some really cool and creepy additions for the itinerary!

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary is a historic prison with plenty of paranormal activity. Daytime tours are a bit less scary and offer a fascinating look at prison reform along with its ghost stories.

Fun Fact!  Al Capone called Eastern State home for eight months (1929-30.) Students will love getting a peak at his luxurious living quarters – which contrast sharply with the surrounding cellblocks.

Hair Raising Haunted Ghost Tours

As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., Philly offers centuries of ghost stories tied to real events—from Revolutionary War battles to yellow fever epidemics.

Spine Tingling Spots

Edgar Allen Poe had a Philly address- and you can visit the Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site in the Spring Garden Neighborhood.

Pro Tip! Call ahead for this one – hours are limited.

If the slightly macabre is more your students’ thing, be sure to include a visit to the Mutter Museum on the itinerary. Located in Center City, this museum boasts a collection of medical oddities and implements guaranteed to make you glad you live in the 21st century. Yikes!

5. Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a charming spot on the Virginia Peninsula.  Its nearly 325 years of American history are proudly on display throughout the shell-covered streets and 88 original 18th-century structures that make up Colonial Williamsburg.  The quaint town shops, historic College of William & Mary campus, and outdoor adventures beckon visitors to explore another time and place.

But in a place with such a long history, there are sure to be a few haunts!

A Legacy of School Spirit (and Spirits!)

The College of William & Mary is a great place to start. It’s the second oldest college in the country (Harvard is the oldest.) Founded in 1693, it has a long and distinguished legacy of excellence. It can also claim a history of war, tragedy, and unexplained phenomena.

Be sure to schedule a campus tour with your group – and pay special attention when visiting the Wren Building, Tucker Hall, and the Sunken Garden. 😉

Historic and Haunted Colonial Williamsburg

Experience Colonial Williamsburg by candlelight! There are a number of great ghost tours here. However, Haunted Williamsburg, the official ghost tour of Colonial Williamsburg, is the only one that takes your students inside the buildings where history happened.

You’ll hear authentic 18^th century ghost stories and modern-day terrifying tales as you walk the pebbled streets.

6. St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Florida—America’s oldest city—is practically dripping with ghost stories! These cobblestone streets are filled with historic buildings, shops, and landmarks that reflect Spanish, British, and American influences.

It’s spooky… but still student group friendly👻.

Ancient Architecture

Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. It was built by the Spanish in 1672 to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route. It’s a massive stone fortress that has withstood sieges, colonial wars, and centuries of change.

Today, this national monument gives groups an inside look at more than 450 years of military and cultural history.

A Signal for Specters

The St. Augustine Lighthouse has been a beacon of safety since 1874. It’s also widely believed to be haunted by a host of ghosts!

Explore the lighthouse museum’s exhibits highlighting shipwrecks, WWII history, and maritime archaeology. Then climb the 219 steps to the top for breathtaking views of the coast.

Wrap up your visit with a guided ghost tour during which you’ll hear tales of hauntings and paranormal activity.

Fun Fact! The lighthouse is said to be haunted by a total of 14 spirits – including the young Pittee sisters.

The Historic District

Founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the historic district of St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental U.S.

This walkable area blends Spanish colonial charm with vibrant shops, museums, and cafés. It features iconic landmarks like Flagler College, the Colonial Quarter, Ximenez-Fatio House, Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, and Aviles Street (the oldest street in America.)

Here you’ll also find the Old Jail – one of the most haunted buildings in St.  Augustine. Operating from 1891 – 1953, the jail now offers guided tours of old cells and stories of infamous inmates. It’s a fascinating and frightening look at the past.

Spirited Ghost Tours

In a city as old as St. Augustine, you are sure to find a ghost tour that’s perfect for your student group.

Tours cover everything from creepy tales to historical insights and haunted mansions to spooky cemeteries. A St. Augustine ghost tour is a must do!

6 Spookiest Student Destinations – Who Ya Gonna Call?

When you’re ready to plan your ghoulish getaway, plan with a pro!

Since 1993, Kaleidoscope Adventures has been the conduit for travel experiences that teach, inspire, encourage, and allow students to explore the world around them. Our pro team has countless ideas for a trip that’s just right for you.

We make it SO easy to plan your class trip:

• Expert planning team
• Online registration and payments
• Convenient crowdfunding options
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It’s how we plan travel beyond expectations!

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